603
Albums Rated
3.35
Average Rating
55%
Complete
486 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
87
5-Star Albums
29
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scott 4
Scott Walker
|
5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
|
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
|
5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
|
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
|
5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
|
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
|
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
|
5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
|
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
|
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
|
The Slider
T. Rex
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Joshua Tree
U2
|
1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
|
Melodrama
Lorde
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
|
1 | 3.25 | -2.25 |
|
Dust
Screaming Trees
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
|
evermore
Taylor Swift
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
|
1 | 2.87 | -1.87 |
|
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
|
1 | 2.79 | -1.79 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 4 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 6 | 4.5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4.6 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.67 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| OutKast | 2 | 5 |
| Steely Dan | 2 | 5 |
| The Band | 2 | 5 |
| Stan Getz | 2 | 5 |
| Amy Winehouse | 2 | 5 |
| The Beach Boys | 2 | 5 |
| Johnny Cash | 2 | 5 |
| The Who | 5 | 4.2 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Public Image Ltd. | 2 | 1.5 |
| U2 | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3, 5, 1 |
5-Star Albums (87)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Kendrick Lamar · 4 likes
5/5
Scathing comments here but I'll provide a medium take. Since GFunk and Gangster Rap has rap ever been clean? I don't think the medium has been used for jovial clean rap unless in small subgenres like De La Soul, and Tribe. Even outkast is "dirty".
Without fellating my man Kendrick too much. This was his Joe DiMaggio/Mickey Mantle era. The one we will always reference as the young blood blossoming into a full blown rapping poet and beacon of hope in the community. Kendrick did reinforce terrible standards in the genre but ultimately crafted tense scenes of southern california, and the trials and tribulations that black americans lives through some 30 years after NWA. Things didn't change positively, nor did the music. This is akin to the woke verses of street poets like Warren G and Tupac.
GKMC was always my favorite in kendrick's run. He has a knack of story telling with crazy clever wordplay and brilliant verses. He has an ability to create tense scenes that inject you right into the crimes and storylines that took place from his childhood. With just enough post conciousness to reflect on it, and show a sense of growth. Growth that wind be extrapolated in 2015 with TPAB.
Brian Eno · 2 likes
3/5
Funky groovy and cool. Thats it.
Its annoying how sparce it is. Its annoying how there is no vocals, just samples from and infinite source. Its annoying that Brian Eno has as many albums on this list that he does. And its annoying that I don't love David Byrne as much as I should. But whatever man.
Aerosmith · 1 likes
2/5
Definitely post hard rock junk. 80's glam infused cheese from such a legendary American Rock band. Hurts to hear, hurts to watch, hurts to recall this might have once been an anticipated release. But, that being said Jaine's Got a Gun is so fucking sick. 2 stars.
The Go-Betweens · 1 likes
3/5
Kinda like if you put the Smiths and The Cure in a blender and then drained out the clinical depression and suicidal thoughts. Meaning less melodrama, less introspection, more outward proclamation and positivity in the song writing. Engaging and exciting melodies, tinges of genre blending in order to robustify the overall arch. Good album in the grand scheme, not a tastemakers selection. I also don't think you *need* to listen to this before you die. But it was fun to hear some less fuckin' emo 80s new wave.
Scott Walker · 1 likes
5/5
Iconic, influential, genre defying, robust, warm, delicate, and any other adjectives you'd use to describe a masterpiece. Insanely good album with complex melodies and amazing songwriting. Think at how this album was made in 1969 with no digital technology. All live, 8 and 16 tracks. Unreal.
1-Star Albums (29)
All Ratings
Motörhead
3/5
Loved: the chaotic, high energy, face melting riffs and shredding. Powerful rhythm section carries the entire album like a locomotive freight train. Its plain to see why this was the basis for early british heavy metal.
Didn't like: Lemmy's fuckin voice. Generic song structure, solos and lead sections are too short. Needs more flair and less edge.
Metallica
2/5
Liked: considerably more epic than anything ever released before. Added instrumentation and score definitely unlocks a different sense of feeling a purpose by this music. Hammetts solos are actually tasteful. Hetfeild's voice was at its peak.
Disliked: Most songs run over 5 minutes, and dilute in essence what Metallica was a hard and fast metal band. Lärs drums suck again, no surprise there. Trujillo is lost completely in the mixing and mastering. And thats about it bud.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Likes: awesome blend of organic instrumentation and samples. Boutique is a great album title, because the beats, melody and flow are so lush and mellow it feels like a luxury good. Beasties also always had this way of using their voices as instruments with certain sonic value which enhance the instrument. Absolutely iconic album, wont accept less than 4 stars.
Dislikes: Uh maybe, the use of the banjo lick in 5 piece chicken dinner. But even that was pretty cool.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Likes: The unique use of sounds as instruments and the artists ability to really envoke a feeling through the music. Also like the reoccurring acoustic guitar melody from Yoshimi pt.1. Very high re-listening value. Feels like a modern release even 20+ years later.
Dislikes: Chaotic at times, over stimulating and over complicated phrases damages enjoyment at times. Too short.
Parliament
5/5
Likes: Timeless blend of funk and soul never gets old. Safe to say also the samples on this album helped shape hip hop culture on the west coast. Bootsy Collins... George Clinton... nuff said. Textures and use of sound as an instrument is always appreciated.
Dislike: Too short.
James Brown
4/5
Okay, hear me out. James Brown is phenomenal, and absolute icon. Visionary performer and entertainer, hell he invented Mick Jagger and got minimal credit. But, 1962 live at the apollo was not his best performance. Frankly, cocaine was a god sent to this man and is art.
Albeit a Motown & RnB purist goldmine for James Brown fans but, I prefer the later coke fueled sex-funk.
David Ackles
3/5
Liked: Ripe with Americana and blues roots. This album is sure to impress a genre connoisseur. It plays like a Billy Joel album with more folk influence. By no stretch is this album a monolithic contributor to modern music nor is it a taste maker album. Its just light and easy listening. Great story telling with theatrical motiffs.
Disliked: Relatively boring, minimalist instrumentation, and goofy song premises.
OutKast
5/5
I believe in stankonia supremacy. That is all.
Lorde
1/5
Meh.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
A very heavy handed and thought provoking album. Very warm melodically, with plenty of open space for each individual instrument help improve emotional response I presume Cohen was going for. This album is incredible, I often never reach for it but this excercise allowed to me reminisce.
Nirvana
3/5
Sometimes good sometimes maybe shit.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
Middle of the road late 70's contemporary. Nothing special, but nothing short of decent music. Bonus points for proto 80's new wave sounds at time. As my good buddy nino says "theres some cool guitar solos in here".
Madonna
3/5
Personifying and originating the idea of a pop star. Madonna is cool, her legacy is iconic. But my mental image is some raggedy ass "cool" aunt not acting her age at the family cookout.
Musically tho, this album is a delicate sweet treat with energy, bubbly teen/young adult themes, and adult naivete. The melody and instrumentation is flawless for the late 80s. And that song "Oh Father" is one hell of a tear jerker.
Marty Robbins
5/5
Energetic and hearfelt renditions of old americana music. Its almost impossible to not appreciate it, even if its not your preferred genre. The instrumentation is soft and poetic, all whilst being captivating. Love this one.
Bonus points for fallout music.
The Cars
4/5
Fun and easy listening, surely this album and band was the genesis of pop rock. Its so fun, uptempo and up beat. I've been a fan of this for years, but never took part in a full listen. I'm very glad for this exercise.
Disliked that some tracks fall flat in comparison to others.
The Police
4/5
Synchronicity is among the less acclaimed Police albums and that is rightfully so. It derives very far from prior releases that were rock albums. This is a musical fantasia ripe with world influence and genre blending to an elite degree.
I like it, but don't love it.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Liked: Very cool instrumentation at time, unique use of sounds and effects to create soundscapes. Very melodious with genre bending at time.
Dislike: Vocals buried in the mix, I cannot distinguish what words are being said and cannot decipher if its in English or another language.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Definitely the most unique spin on the late 90's jazz and hip hop blend. Brilliant blend of instrument and samples combined with electronic instruments. Love the dynamics. Mike Ladd is a total MC with some pretty unique word play and rhyme schemes.
Neil Young
4/5
Simply one of the best examples of folk and pop rock blended into a heartfelt, anthemic album. Neil is a personal favorite of mine and I have strong familiar roots to his music. I'll admit he's not of the best folk artists or pop artist and some of his songs fall flat on this albo. But I still consider it an amazing album.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Wish some of the songs weren't plagiarized because LZ could have been one of the most progressive acts of their time. But nevertheless this album with still be standing like a monolyth for all eternity. So raw, so untamed, so unpolished it can be considered heavy metal of its time. Ripe with blues and boogie and Bob Plant chops and vocal prowess is inconic and nuts.
I've loved this album since I was 11. I will continue to love it until I'm 111.
The Gun Club
4/5
Really awesome example of where punk transformed into first way. This is the first of this band's discography I've experienced. But I loved this album.
I'd give it 5 stars if I knew the genre more.
The Kinks
3/5
Jovial mid 60's album warm melodies with classical flair from the frequent use of harpsichord. Great song writing and use of pop song structure. Most songs don't engage with me as well as they'd like to. But, I genuinely appreciate it still.
Much prefer Lola though.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Vibrant, bright, energetic and really well developed for its time. Great production as well. Eccentric and diverse musical themes coming from a variety of influences.
I don't have anything bad to say with this albo and I'm gonna re listen to it often!
Steely Dan
5/5
A timeless example of premier jazz fusion. Aja is some of the best and proficient instrumentation and song construction known to man. The longevity of these tracks in the new found "dad rock/yahct rock" lore in memes is proof of how much testamanent will come of these few songs. I been a real big fan for steelyn since a young age and will continue to so.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
This album is magnificent, granted my RHCP bias shines bright in favor of it. This album is melodically gorgeous, not a gimmick, and really well put together structurally. However, its compression and volume issue as a result of the "loudness war" of the late 90's has made this album sound beyond fucked up. Even beautiful tunes like Porcelain sounds like udder crap because of this.
Coldplay
4/5
A beautiful listen, simplistic yet symphonic melodies and engaging lyrics. I maintain my position that first 2 Coldplay album are both incredibly divine pieces of music.
Arcade Fire
5/5
Wonderful album, plumb full of world influence and indie pop know how. Influential for a reason.
LL Cool J
2/5
Dated for 1990, an occasional verse or beat will actually peak my interest but not enough to add it to my liked songs
For the most part these verses sound juvenille, with almost no substance. Beats do fall flat, containing an obscure mix of live instrument and synthesized. Hooks are also insufferable. Glad LL pivotted to acting, because his 1990's releases were bottom tier.
Nevertheless as a 1990's rap fan I gave it my best listen but it is not a keynote album. Mudergram and the title track being the most 90's forward rap songs.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Quintessential 90's gfunk album. I loved this as a child and teen. But as an adult, its all very juvenile and dated. However, its worth 4 stars alone because of the influence and affluence it provided to the rap community.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Absolute banger of a soul and contemporary funk album. Stevie Wonder really composed some of the greatest and most timeless melodies known to man for all eternity. Production value on this late 1970's masterpiece is incredibly high. Overall, its very unique yet also contemporary. Stevie struck gold!
Fela Kuti
3/5
Great combo of african rythmn and jazz drumming. But I don't think its anything really noteworthy.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Pretty interesting blend of rootsy and psychedelia. After reading the eclectic history of this band, I'm impressed. The music has tonal qualities in variation of notable favorites from the time period and yet this one falls into obscurity. I like it alot. But, its a complicated taste maker album, be forewarned.
Deee-Lite
2/5
Its like destiny's child meets sugar ray set to the sound of 90's euro house. Kinda of a cool musical experiment with almost no substance. An album best left in 1990 where it broke rules and genres but in 2024 its very niche and dated.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Peak Springsteen. Phenomenal collection of his hits as they were produced in one fail swoop.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Sarah Vaughan is an iconic cabaret/lounge singer that's often forgotten about when the "greats" come to mind. Nevertheless this timeless collection of originals and covers is the basis for any phenomenon vocal performance. Also for 1957 the production on this live album is devine.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
We were deprived of more Janis. Albeit she's blow out her vocal chords by the late 70's at this rate. Lovely live album, lightning in a bottle released before woodstock so you can imagine how epic that show was. 4 stars on principle, better albums came out in 1968 like Beggar's Banquet and Truth.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Zany and energetic, one of the first iterations of alternative rock in its pop structured glory. This album will surprise you if you have an open mind. Not a tastemaker or exceptional example of first wave/new wave but, just fun pop rock with awesome melodies.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Phenomenal album plumb full of Dylan charm. Specifically looking at lyrics and choice of simply melodies to convey complicated feelings. I think the only drawback to this era of bob dylan is the overuse of harmonica. I hate to say it its not even tasteful. It comes on and I have to lower the volume. 🥴
Donald Fagen
2/5
Uninspiring Steely Dan. Lacks the jazz element but retains cool factor and melodic devices used in Steely.
Metallica
3/5
Objectively the intro hard rock and metal album for many individuals. It was mine for a time too. Many of my peers cited this as their foyer in metal.
For me my tastes have grown but subjectively this album is a good started for those who crave more than just rock and roll. It is a blended hard rock/metal album though. Its not the heaviest thing, but sonically and track wise its a good start.
R.E.M.
3/5
Ripe with unique folk influence, and the underlying melodies sounds very traditional. Outstanding example of genre blending, but. Its an album not best suited for my taste, that being said I can appreciate this album and REM much more thanks to this 1001 albo challenge.
Lou Reed
5/5
Retains the robust rock and roll elements of the Velvet Underground and the subtle charm of Reed's simple yet effective lyricism and vocal melodies. This album is a certified classic for all generations to enjoy.
The Smiths
4/5
An 80's brit pop powerhouse of an album. With notably some of the best vocal melodies of its time. Morrissey's lyrics do hold a power of emotion within the bounds of any single track. While the lead section shines you cannot help at oogle at the raw power and prowess of the rythmn section. Any person who appreciates music and has an open mind can find this album pleasant.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Pretty generic uninspiring mid 60's pop music. Excellent use of organ and additional guitars to make more unique sounds and texture. Most choruses do not move me, and the verse lyrics remain hasten with the tempo of the songs. But, in a change of events the final 6 songs actually resonate really well with me. Warm beautiful melodies coupled with the 60's biting rock prowess. Thus I conclude: tons of filler.
The Who
5/5
Mod era Who is always slept on. Truly fantasic collection of their early workings. Ripe with American blues influence and genius pop flair.
Rush
5/5
Awesome classic and progressive rock album. Very hard rock influence, with an ode to progressive nature. Love them or hate them rush were at the top of their game in 1981. This remains my favorite non-concept album by Rush. Notable favorite Red Barchetta is always a fabulous song to listen to.
John Coltrane
5/5
One of Coltrane's most improvised albums, fully composed with an incredible stable yet dynamic back beat. Coltrane was able to take risks and go into some avant movements here.
Genesis
3/5
Mystical, magical, classical, satirical. Progressive at times. Melodromatic at times. Its no surprise genesis and phil collins have reknown recognition and fame. This album is an awesome tastemaker selection or for those looking for exciting and dynamic music. Personally it does not resonate well with me, Its cool but so far much of it is just chaotic, I appreciate it but did not enjoy it much.
Elton John
4/5
One of my favorite Elton albums. Bright and earnest collection of songs, with the most famous of couse being track #1. Instrumentation and vocals all meld together so excellently to make a near perfect elton album.
Talking Heads
4/5
I personally never gave the talking heads a fair shake and this album is reall cool. Think 1977 when this comes out? Holy crap so cutting edge and upbeat all at the same time. This album still sounds fresh almost 50 years later.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Great live album, with a great setlist of super catchy balls 2 the walls rock n roll. Thin Lizzy needs more respect since Kiss basically stole their image with shittier music. But I'll save that for another rant-o-graph.
Hopefully their is footage of this concert around because its a great time capsule for 70s rock energy.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great early iteration or southern and folk rock. John Fogherty is a song writing icon.
Madness
3/5
Okay not great. Some appeal but mostly an 80's brit pop albo.
Air
4/5
Really awesome OST that spans indie, soul, and psychedelic genres of music. Never saw the film and probably wont but the album is a particularly good and easy listen.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Imagine being on the cutting edge of music production and song writing. Zappa and the Mother's drop a heavy hitter album just 5 days after the bluesbreakers album, ripe with blues influence and hard rock inspiration for the future. Zappa would only ascend to a higher creative plane as time moved on from the release of this album. But, this album captures the iconic original essence of the band. I love this album, a certified taste maker selection.
The Band
5/5
My childhood nostalgia biased lies heavily on this album. My father and I both loved the Band dearly and would listen to this album on cassette in an old chevy suburban while I was on my way to summer camp. I didn't know how much it'd mean some 20 years later. But, aside from that sentiment this album has a little bit of culture and americana for everyone. With borrowed elements from many many other genres. Incredibly unique song writing motifs that reference religious literature, fictional literature, current and modern events as well as historical events. There is alot to love about this album. You'll find something that resonates with you for sure.
Dire Straits
3/5
Very good album. Almost every song is a hit. Guitarist Mark Knopfler is dynamic and bold in writing a late 70's pop album with so much outside influence. However, even the hits don't resonate with me all that much. Its good music but I don't get what all the fuss is.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Was told this is a band and an album people really love and one that others really hate. I'm the latter.
Elastica
3/5
High energy girl (pop) punk, really polished and produced well but manages to capture some rawness and energy. Manages to also borrow from other contemporary 90's genres. Really cool album.
Beatles
5/5
An absolute icon of the beatles discography and of music in general. Trailblazers in their time, ahead of their time and specifically on this album create a new and refreshed sound far from the "beatlemania" boy band sound they developed early. This remains in my personal top 3 of beatles and will remain for a lifetime.
Air
3/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Bob Marley is an undisputed musical icon who reinvigorated America's love for reggae. Bob was a wise and humbled man, perfect for the genre he took a hold of. But, in context of his career Natty Dread isn't close to his best collection of his work.
Dion
2/5
I never considered how long a career Dion had until I listened to this album. 100% grade A American 1970s contemporary. All the songs seem really well developed and layered to envoke a somber melancholy, but in a pain-is-beautiful way. This one surpised me in its quality and quantity. However, its relatively boring and drab.
Paul Simon
4/5
Awesome and eclectic assembly of Paul Simon's diverse musical skills and inspirations. The wax and wane between hard acoustic blues melodies and whimsical folk tunes is mighty refreshing. This is a good album for those looking to get into Paul. Much more out there for the devout discography heros in terms of his art but those looking for some pop hits that don't diminish the charm of his song writing style, look no further than the self titled.
D'Angelo
4/5
As a fan of the soulquarian period of R&B and Hip Hop this album really felt right at home for me. You might be able to show me objectively better albums from that era but D-angelo has a special sauce that elevates his work above all others in terms of effort and craft. Brown Sugar is a great album for anyonr in need of a chill soundtrack or baby makin background sound.
Frank Zappa
5/5
Progressive jazz fusion for music connoisseurs. Really fantastic body of work with great melodies and drumming technique combined with quacky song premises. Surely this album isn't for everyone. But its totally worth a listen and I study. Zappa is respected for a reason. I must note, I like the experimental Zappa more than the Mothers of Invention and later rock opera stuff. But its a testament he can do so much.
David Bowie
5/5
Incredible collection of Bowie's amazing song writing skills culminating in a short contemporary rock album for its time. Legendary song Changes still acts as a beacon song for generations! My personal favorite is Queen Bitch, it was one of the great songs from childhood I heard in a video game.
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
Eclectic mix of jazz influence, hard bop and swing and some southern NOLA jazz. Tame tempered and so tender, which shows more about the musicians involved than the actual album. But I digress, phenomenal album to slow dance to and to study if you're a fan of the non- chaotic improvised jazz. Its pretty mellow but takes a lot of risks in the main melody.
James Taylor
4/5
James Taylor is one of the greatest American born song writers. His casual blend of old Americana deep rooted blues and a tinge of Country Western and Swing allows him the dynamic ability to write heartwarming and tender tunes. This album deserves high praise although some might find it boring or bland. Look to Steamroller Blues and Suite for 20g for said dynamcism.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Boring at times, exciting at times. The rhythm and percussion department absolutely shine bright on this album and the lead/vocal melodies are rather soothing and romantic. Chaotic blend of grunge & noise with almost falsetto vocals. Wild mix.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
I said it before and it costs nothing to reiterate. Gangster rap and G Funk aged like milk. Total lightning in a bottle that worked for close to 20 years but has since curdled. But, revisiting Doggystyle leads to nothing but a bouts of enormous laughter. This album is full of childish metaphors and very simplistic analog beats, hilarious skits and it all just feels like shock and awe with very little substance.
That being said, this culturally relevant and iconic chapter of rap birthed the development of rap that we have seen pretty active since the mid 2000's. Doggystyle was on the early end during the golden era of peace before East and West rap warfare began. Snoop Dogg demonstrated his rap capabilities and got his beginnings with Dr. Dre here too. The backstory and future is almost better than the album. But, respect it regardless.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Relly rich and lush fully instrumental album, with very interesting and unconventional pop music themes. Its independent, alternative and pop all at once.
The album also plays like a film, there is clearly is a concept going on and I'm not the smartest to pick it out. I love this album and artist, relatively a new find for me.
The Style Council
3/5
Jovial and energetic blend of new wave and synthwave. Entertaining and engaging and a tastemaker album for sure.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Very distinct middle eastern influence and style. The sound remains dynamic as it incorporates some other wordly genre elements and styles, with the most prominent and forward being R&B and flamenco rhythm. This album is so unique and cool, very much worth listening to for a global music perspective. Big soulquarian vibe on this album.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Generic 1990's action movie music. Pretty cool, but less than desired from an artist that's a famed dj. I much prefer house music from the time, and this album doesn't do house. But it was fun to learn of other dj albums from the time period.
Miles Davis
5/5
Can't think of a better album that captures four feelings of jazz in one album. This album feels like noir at times, up beat and swung, nostalgic, warm and toasty, but stiff and bold.
Miles horn works to paint dynamic landscapes and like the album title tells it makes one feel blue and one feel green at different times. Drums tie and solidify quintessential and historic jazz sound.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
High energy angsty "grunge" on a simple mission to absolutely dismantle the poltical system. Love this album for what it stood for during its time. Zach deLa Roche was an incredible political science revolutionary, and Morello filled a hole in the electric guitar experimentation timeline that hasn't been touched since Eddie Van Halen. That being said... boring album.
k.d. lang
3/5
I had to look into the lore as to why this is a "must listen" album. I have to say, I'll agree it belongs on the list for k.d. lang absolutely demolishing the idea of what is a country star.
This album is a really rich combination of country western and swing at the beginnings of stadium and pop country in the late 1980's. It sets itself apart from the rest but staying true to the genre while being a bit progressive to incorporate some jazz and rock influences as well.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
Contemporary mid 60's album, lush melodies and vocal layers in all shapes, forms and keys. Really quick listen and most of the songs are similar in structure. Dare I call this album generic? The mamas and the papas get tremendous acclaim for their contributions to pop music and while I agree at some times, I mean the beatles we're kicking ass in 1966 too.
Sebadoh
3/5
Kinda like Superchunk meets Pavement. Definitive 90s alt rock. Nothing short of good music but, lets be fair its not *groundbreaking*. Just a fun new listen.
The Stooges
5/5
Holy shit what an absolutely beast of an album. Cult success proto punk rock album, genre defining, and musical norm defying. Iggy Pop absolutely smashed the vocal performance on this album and the music is just so groovy and HEAVY. I wanna put on record that I listened to the whole 4 disc legacy edition instead of the standard 1973 release, thats how dedicated I am to the fanfare of this powerhouse.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Warm, robust, and charming collection of some of the best Rolling Stones recordings known to man. Including the greatest song ever written; Gimme Shelter.
Production value is high, and with exceptional teachnicality. Especially the Country Honk recording which literally took place in the street. Instrumentation choice and styling remain high caliber too.
Phenomenal album, anything less than 4 stars is criminal.
Guided By Voices
3/5
Grungey, up beat, indie rock with some proto-emo undertones. Nice album to break up the monotony with. Not a tastemakers choice, not an amazing album but definitely interesting and engaging. Think Superchunk.
David Bowie
5/5
Bowie makes great music, this pop disco/funk album from the mid-70s rules and is no exception.
Also, FAAAaaammmeeeee.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Terrific album for sad, somber contemplations of love and loss. Big anthemic themes from Nick Cave with delicate soft instrumentations. When listening bring your kleenex for sure... 😪
Cream
4/5
Clapton in his "God era". Nothing short of great rock and roll music muddled with late 60's hard rock and raw psychedelic energy. Love this albo to bits.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Aged better than gfunk and gangster rap lets be honest. Run DMC provides a multitude of rythmn and flow that fit relatively juvenile rhyme schemes, but you must be forgiving because it was of the earliest pop hip hop albums.
The Fall
2/5
Punk and alternative vibes, teeters on the line of new wave. Of british origin and sounds all together cohesive. Lyrical, and vocal a total miss for me. Not enough grit to be punk, and not enough alternative to be call alternative rock. But, credit due 1979 was early for this type of sound. Counter disco culture album, love that for music in general.
Also the percussive element of this album is all aces. Hell right jazz and progressive drums.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Musically and lyrically iconic, a revolutionary album to come to insane popularity in the thrawls of grunge and g funk. BSSM remains a reminder that within the trendy music good music can be hiding in plain sight. Frusciante, Flea, and the new guy Chad Smith struck the motherload with this album and set the chili peppers up for success (only to be taken away later by the resignation of the same Frusciante).
Now for the bad, sonically this album sounds as clear as a waterlogged earbud from 500 yards away. How on earth was this production green lighted or even let alone praised. Its pre loudness war but so overly compressed the dialetics in Kiedis accent don't even come through. It sounds all slurred and muted. Also, as a certified chili peppers superfan I can tell you not a single person I know considers "The Greeting Song" or "They're Red Hot" as a part of this album. And the deluxe bsides of Little Miss Lover and the Castles Made of Sand cover as true misses by the record company. Still this album charted well and holds up. 4 stars solely based on sonic qualities.
Scott Walker
5/5
Iconic, influential, genre defying, robust, warm, delicate, and any other adjectives you'd use to describe a masterpiece. Insanely good album with complex melodies and amazing songwriting. Think at how this album was made in 1969 with no digital technology. All live, 8 and 16 tracks. Unreal.
The Cure
4/5
Really great deeply introspective album, Robert Smith composes such somber and emotion driven melodies to capture the audience attention. This album serves as a great plunge into the cure's emo/goth sound with such a fitting title.
King Crimson
3/5
Extremely progressive and fantastical, a landmark album. But, travels far from rock at times. Definitely one of the first and most progressive acts of the genre and of all time. But not for everyone.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Interesting and engaging departure from what I can usually expect on the 1001 album list. This album is exciting, every twist and turn contains a different section or new sound I wasn't quite ready for. Heavy punk and soul influence, synthesized with some pop elements.
The Stone Roses
5/5
Phenomenonal debut album, culminating sad post rock of the late 80's with something new and fresh. Straight from the heart of England, most songs offer music resolve and give the listener a sense of hope. Complex layering of intricate musical parts combined to create a wall of alternative sound in which the listener can't help at reach for the next track. I particularly think the drums shine on this album all the way through. Hard rock riffs and bitchin solos peppered throughout, all against this dance pop infused rhythm.
Incubus
3/5
Nu metal with such a coarse punk rock influence. Experimentations in rythmn and soundscapes all combine to make a really unique 1990's staple. Incubus never disappoints.
I can see the arguement that this is a sellout album, and that nu-metal was not good in the first place so what makes progressive nu-metal any better. All i can say to that Incubus takes their work very seriously. Anything that seems off color or unintentional probably came from production opinions.
The Smiths
2/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
Incredibly cohesive Pink Floyd demonstration. I remain a huge Floyd fan, favoring the late 60s and early 70s albums. Pre Dark Side of the moon.
I'd like to call this their magnum opus, but The Wall remains that with mixed fanfare. Thus I refrain and call it the most cohesive work, one song with 12 parts that doesn't even feel broken up by the time it fades in from the second to last track. Anthemic guitar solos, experimental time signatures and the grooves coming from heavy drum and bass cohesion propel this album to the stratosphere.
Last note, the hilarious introspection and satirical inclusion of Have a Cigar on a major record label release shortly after the Wall is my favorite piece of Floyd charisma ever.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Definitely a cash grab from the mid 1980's blues rock and blues revival. This album is a pale comparison of what John Lee Hooker is capable of when it comes to blues music.
That being said its got an all star list of features and the voices of expression on the tracks are definitely there. John Lee's sound acts as a vessel for other influence. And i love that about this album.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Abrasive and chaotic. Albeit intriguing, kind of like an ode to musics earliest iteration of sound creation by banging sonic plates and drums. No defined meter, or beat not even utilizing western music scales. Very semitonal as well.
Its cool on paper, listening was hard, appreciating it is also difficult. But I wont give it the worst rating.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Energetic and dance pop driven. Awesome lyrics and song writing motiffs are all in high caliber on this album. "It's Blitz!" definitely broke from earlier Yeah Yeah Yeahs more punk influence to delve into some of its more unique quasi indie dance pop style that would span the 2010s.
Honestly this album is wonderful, its easy listening all whilst being able to hype me up!
John Lennon
4/5
A very good collection of music from one of the greatest talents of a millennium. John's song writing, musical composition and vocal performance are absolutely iconic on this album. It took a real long time for me to appreciate this album but I'm glad I did.
Sade
3/5
Laid back pop jazz. Really deep and introspective themes with light smooth jazz movements throughout the album. Really easy listening, great for cooking or reading or maybe even baby making. But, not worth deep contemplation.
Also, Smooth Operator a timeless banger became a fuckin' tik tok song and it was hard to enjoy. At least there was 8 other tracks to jam out to.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Some of the best CCR writing and classic rock melody.
2/5
Uninspiring and lackluster r&b, funk and soul. War seems to act as parliament funkadelic in some of the movements on this album and its good music but it lacks something in either genre or category its operating in to make it a mainstay for me. Still, good music.
The Vines
3/5
Razor sharp, high energy aussie rock revival from the 2000's. I like its simplistic and still hard hitting rythmns with sparkly polished vocal and musical melodies that catapult the album into peak 2000's rock.
Some really iconic riffs and chorus movements on this album.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Marvin's anthemic album detailing the subjective plight of the common man, specially the common black man in America is one of my all time favorites. The man started out as a Motown darling who used to be in line with Smoky Robinson and Aretha Franklin became a soulful and socially concious mastermind of modern music at the time of this release.
The logevity of this album holds truth in circumstance of great music. It will withstand the test of time.
Public Enemy
3/5
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Honestly magnificent. 24 hours wasn't enough to appreciate this album. Time to lock in.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Very light hearted pop album with african rythmn, rap, and r&b genre crossovers. Was a fun listen for sure. Not much for me to fixate on, but it was good.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great instrumentation and song writing
Foo Fighters
4/5
Great album that transitioned the grunge into post grunt alternative rock sound. Proto foo fighters, so you can hear the bare bones of their sound that would become one of the biggest acts of all time.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I like it less than what's going on
Ministry
3/5
Laid back and mellow industrial metal, oxymoronic but the stuff I'm used to will blow this shit to smithereens. Neverless, so incredibly evil and sadistic sounding, chaotic splices of samples make this album artistic and appealing for more reasons.
The pacing of the drums is awesome, but god I wish this was produced without a gated snare. Its wound too tight with a ton of reverb. This most tracks could benefit from a looser and wider sound more indicative of grunge. Just an observation and opinion.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Jovial and energetic flamenco and samba inspired album that borrows some elements from funk and african music as well. Really awesome stuff going on in here, plus Willie Colon the legend 👏
Screaming Trees
1/5
Uneventful, generic and boring. I can see some appeal but it left me wanting more. A few songs stand out for progressive instrumentation but still a feign attempt. Some songs even sound like a facsimilie of what else is on the album.
Funkadelic
3/5
Very good funk album. Very bold and brash yet mild to the ear. Melodically pleasing. I much prefer Maggot Brain but this one was sweet.
Miles Davis
4/5
Laid back, mellowed out, straight up cool fuckin' jazz. Perfect for the golden age of post modern classic jazz. The swing tempos and floaty movements borrow from classical music, calm and composed movements of soloing and bridge sections allow the band to show off a big but it isn't quite a risky move sonically. Miles is notable for dictating jazz with a lot of feeling while keeping it cool to the ear. The Birth of Cool is certfiable gold.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Rich guitar and vocal tones with accompanied soft and tender rythmn sections. Lovely album, I've been a fan of this album for years. I do believe despite mixed reviews Neil Young was a better addition to the group in its later years.
Pentangle
2/5
B tier lou reed/velvet underground/nico. Its aight
Deep Purple
3/5
Hard fast and fun rock music. A but classic in nature but contains shreds of progressive music imbedded deep within. Good fun album.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Terrific highs and lows of human emotion in song writing within only one hour runtime of music. Emotional yet bright shiny electric melodies utilized to envoke espescially stronger feelings in the empty space. Chock full of excellent vocals too. Loved listening to this and indulging in a bit of ELO for the day.
The White Stripes
3/5
Very good stripped back grunge-esque album. Notable vocal performance by Meg White and simple yet emotional song writing from Jack White. The White Stripes would propel a young Jack into rock maintream and earn him a spot in line of a guitar God. Mobilizing blues themes and hard rock energy the white stripes were able to craft a really consisted album that has some great notes of longevity.
Otis Redding
3/5
Cool blues seeped pop song collection from Otis, is voice remains so unique and crisp 59 years later. Unmatched ranged and pop prowess from a souldgul dude.
Production and instrumentation keep the value of this album high off the bat. Doesn't sound dated or old in the slightest.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
The Pogues
3/5
Rich irish folk and punk mix. Perfect for eclectic listening and a good energy boost. Stay warry of the Irish accent and unusual instruments, it may shock and stun the listener. I loved it though. Not my favorite Pogues record though.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
I'm not necessarily impressed nor upset I indulged. The faux bad boy from back home is kinda stupid though, not gonna lie. Tom Petty is a better song writer in his later days when I bent to the folk singer songwriter image. Let it be known though, he was no bob dylan but he produced better sounding songs then. Aside from is mid and late 70's hits the other music on this album seems to not strike me as good. Just average. Anyway, he's acclaimed for his hits which were pretty great. American Girl being one of them from this album.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Pretty good, not great. All over the place with crazy sounds and effects as well as key 90's instrumentation such as dj record scratches.
The bulk of the album I found unenjoyable, but I like its attempt at the revinvention of blues rock. Reminds me of a proto version of the Black Keys that would come later in 2002.
3/5
I liked it, didn't love it. I really enjoy its industrial influence and aspects. NIN, Marilyn Manson, and Orgy all coming through. All subsequently less heavy and way more chaotic.
What I didn't like was the pacing, all a little too slow to put on and listen to for activity. These are the type of tunes to put on a zone out to.
Stan Getz
5/5
Incredible. Anything with Stan Getz is full 5/5.
Yes
3/5
Prog music for fans of the beach boys. Meaning its so far pop that its own inate progressive elements are often lost. But, I say that as a prog snob. In general, this ablum is light hearted easy to groove and dance to, and a great sounding classic album.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
I greatly see the appeal in Nanci's songwriting and musicianship. Captivating storylines intertwined with such a soulful sweet and comforting voice. Leaning much on country twang and south texas sound structure, it certainly captures a positive light on the emotional plight of young American woman of the time. Added bonus for a pedal steel guitar and banjo usage.
All that good stuff being said, absence of clear procussion is infuriating. All the instruments play in time to a soft pulse lost in the mix. Production is so entirely focused on this lead section fade in and fade out that even instruments get lost in the panning. Vocals are also extremely saturated in treble, nanc can hit lower notes but production squashes the attempts.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Ugly as a horse but a voice as sweet and soft like spring. Forever forward a closetted Joni fan 🫶
Neu!
2/5
Ambient and cool at times. In general good experimental tunes with great resolutions. All in all not for me. Too experimental for new wave and not enough emotion for first wave. Punky at times which lends to first wave. Not bad but not for me.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Wonderful album with lots of story telling and fantastical scene setting. Tull on the flute really adds a softer and more delicate element to the entire album.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
The Who
3/5
Great album with intense levels of english sarcasm and humor. A bit over my head but musically it strays from typical who music. Good variation from the norm.
Pixies
5/5
Premium example of a no skip late 80's punk rock staple. Seeped deep with southern california influence and edge of the east coast and sun soaked guitar. Cryptic art house references and influence, as well as some pop rock nods to enhance accessibility. Songs like Debabser and Wave of Mutilation captivate early for you to be interested in listening to quiet dynamic songs such as Hey. I love Doolittle and the Pixies in general.
Pixies
4/5
Great album but my 3rd favorite of the 1987-1990 trifecta of Pixies albums. Still a smash hit album with great quacky references and wonderful pop punkish melodies way before the genre would have a name.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Wonderful album of alternative rock and new wave. The nerdy king of cool Elvis Costello rocks my favorite guitar of all time (Fender Jazzmaster). Defying the standards of late 70's cool.
Costello brings back a bit of doo wop swing, blues rock and a simple form of new wave/alternative to the masses. I love this album for how easy it is to listen to, sounds fresh after 40 years and isn't outwardly complicated. Full five stars from me.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Synthwave pre 2018? Unreal. Insanely meditative and introspective. Energetic, fun and light. Incredible to imagine they recorded this on analog synths with analog recording gear. I'm a big 90's euro house and french electronic music so this strikes a sweet chord with me. As proto as the genre can get I mean its pretty enticing.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
I see alot of hate in the comments here on the 1001 generator. And I don't outwardly disagree with it. Is this the best Rolling Stones album? No. Is this a smash hit sensation of rock n'roll classics that the Stones are known for? Also no.
But in no way is this a bad or bland album. Its uniquely authentic to the sounds in which united the great rock group to begin in the first place. American blues, soul and Americana. It is an absolute gem in consideration with the entirety of the Stones catalogue. So raw, and so rare of a band to strip it all back down to just good easy to listen to and emotional songs. There is not much the hate here, so when I say I don't disagree. I'm open to dialogue, but check your anti- mick jagger bias and listen to this album during a mundane day and consider its authenticity in your preamble of hatred.
I might add consider the context, these songs were written when the Stones had toured the world, played almost every day for years, strung out on drugs and whilst dodging tax issues in England. The low value writing and production lend to its overall authentic sound. Good old fashioned blues, soul, and Americana done by a british band deeply inspired by American music at a time where all they had was eachother and music.
Small Faces
3/5
Charming, robust, engaging, eclectic, exciting. What a rare specimen for an album from 1967. Production sounds brand new on this album. Like it came out yesterday.
Negative points for inherent british humor and the weird side bits within the album. Doesn't contribute anything to anyone who isn't up to speed on the bits and culture of the time.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Timeless proto indie album detailing the artists life in the pits of NYC circa 1967. This album is always a treat to listen to anytime and is diversely influential in the production and artistic creation of 60 years worth of music. Love Nico's voice throughout and Lou Reed was one badass mofo.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Warm and bright folk album with lots of charm. But my issue with Cat Steven's contribution to the genre is its usually largely forgettable.
Hole
4/5
Honestly what a banger of an album. Combining 80's and 90's alt rock into a super album. Courtney's voice isn't as bad as I recall and perhaps the music she made wasn't bad either. However, I do think she had something to do with the death of Kurt Cobain. So negative points.
The Roots
4/5
Great album that aged with grace. The Roots built up from the soulquarian movement of the late 1980's and 1990's hip hop, r&b, jazz fusion, and funk became a hyper-amalgom of the soulquarians. With no defined strengths or weakness. Just proficiency in all genres and skill associated to music production. 2002 and this album sounds as current as current can be. I'm nostalgic and impressed at the same time.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
As an avid fan of industrial and electronic music, I tried to embark on a music journey of open mindfulness to it and seemed to have every avenue of it stunted. My desire for rythmn was no satiated, lead segments were underdeveloped probably artistically, the tonality was off putting more often then not and the overall song structures were far too loose and not as refined as I'd like them to be. I don't know the whole attempt at noise punk seem to fall so flat here. I know that there are better examples even if I am not privvy to them.
The White Stripes
3/5
Robust, charming and eclectic. Fully utilizes the dynamic influences of Jack White with razor sharp precesion. Floats somewhere between old blues album and new era blues rock with subtle nods to Americana and country western and swing.
Beatles
5/5
Massive Attack
2/5
Tribal and rythmic, deep and chill. Very ambient, I dig it. But almost wanna call this derivative.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Wonderful album. A cohesive combination of rythmn and blues with 90's pop rock elements. Fundamentally brilliant song writing by a generational talent lost too soon. This album is timeless.
Brian Eno
3/5
Good album. Melodramatic with pop forward melodies. Kinda like the cure meets talking heads.
The Stranglers
3/5
Pretty cool, punkish- new wavish music. I don't really think there is much that sets this album apart from others in its lane.
It does kinda give a really gross aura to it. Like its from the perspective of a rat scrounging around in an alley. Which added some cool points.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Honestly, such a srupendous album with rich and thick guitar tone from 3 loud and powerful guitars, motown boogie on drums, and a smooth southern heritage soaked drawl. Don't fixate on the politics of the south because the music of Lynard Skynard is not predicated on core beliefs but rather a sense of working man blues and dreggs caught up in the fast lane.
I'll add though that this is basic southern rock, once you breach the genre wall there is so much phenomenal music beyond Skynard.
Frank Ocean
5/5
There is far too much hate here for this album. Some claiming this album marked the DOWNFALL of a generation. How stupid are you to miss the plot of this album?
It actively details the degeneration of society as a whole and a young man stuck in the middle of morality and freedom. Perplexed, as to why one must sacrifice parts of themselves to become a productive member of society. Frank has such an eclectic music taste that contributes the overall betterment of the album. Using structure from the Beatles on songs like Fertilizer and then utlilizing ambience as an instrument to convey uncomfortable silences. It becomes a heartfelt nostalgic seperation from childhood dreams to adult realities and problems that come with it.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Okay calling this music generic or uninspiring would be rather crass. Its music for for thee, perhaps not for me. Dusty seems to have a phenomenal voice and song writing style, but landed somewhere amongst the one hit wonders. I don't think many would be mad I said that. Good music, but relatively mundane.
Can
3/5
Nothing completely wrong with this album. An experimental and avant adventure into early 70's psychadelia. Very good, engaging, and melodic dispite the large selection of uncommon instruments. Percussive elements shine on tracks like Mushroom and Peking O.
Aerosmith
2/5
Definitely post hard rock junk. 80's glam infused cheese from such a legendary American Rock band. Hurts to hear, hurts to watch, hurts to recall this might have once been an anticipated release. But, that being said Jaine's Got a Gun is so fucking sick. 2 stars.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I didn't hate it, and I really wanted to hate it. But, early 2000's pop royalty diving deep into a classic big band era style album whilst including a new fresh look. Frankly, to say this album is bad is a lie. But, on the other hand to say this album is a must listen before you die, I doubt it big guy. But whatever floats your boat.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Wonderfully concious and simultaneously light hearted hip hop album. A Day at the Races permanently lives in my head rent free from Tony Hawks Underground 2. My one concerns is the lack of contributions Jurrasic 5 has had to the genre. Always often in the background shrouded in mystery, with like 3 albums in 30 years. One would assume that talent and praise of such a rap super group would have demonstrated more consistent releases. But, fuck do i know.
Beck
4/5
Charming fun little turn of the millenia album. Often overlooked in my usual appreciation of alternative rock. Combines rich and lush vocals in singer songwriter based tracks, deep rythmn and blues influence, and hip hop to come together is this very VERY modern sound for 2005. Beck was always ahead of his time.
Fats Domino
4/5
Charming, energetic and full of soul. One of the many godfathers of rock n roll music Fats Domino really shines here. Super easy to listen to with very simple melodies and musicianship. Fun for the whole family.
Calexico
4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this alternative esque voyage into Southwestern America and Mexican music. So diverse and rich with a lot of exciting parts. Perfect soundscapes at times for a film score as well.
I like the social imagery with the chola skater on the cover coimbedded with classic mariachi instrumentation, and light jazz fusion elements.
Its kinda like I always said, nerdy old white guys know how to make incredible music.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Really cool African music. I liked it but it didn't fall into a catagorey of must listen. Much prefer afro cuban.
1/5
Couldn't, can't, won't.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Reall good psychedelic pop compilation. Often forgotten except by those who know
Public Enemy
3/5
Outdated and notably antiquated. Great use of samples typical of 1990's hip hop. The social concious aspect of this album is present but almost lost in shock and horror aspect, another common trope of 1990s hip hop. The vocals are very high in the mix and in your face. Which takes away from the emphasis of the lyrics.
But one thing I can say that's a positive is that this album listens like a funkadellic album. And isn't all that bad in the chronology of hip hop. I mean without this we don't get Outkast.
Kelela
3/5
I gave it all my interest, time and appreciation but came away with only two songs that really spoke to me. I won't call it derivative, or generic like some others may have. It has deep roots in r&b and electronica with moments of psychedelic genre blending. So not generic, there is the bones of great music here. Needs to continue to be built up.
XTC
3/5
Enjoyable, digestable, not overwhelmingly 80's or new wave. And also not showboaty, just decently crafted alternative pop tunes.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Absolute timeless rythmn and soul collection by the voice of a generation Stevie Wonder. Anything less than 5 stars is criminal, and I shouldn't have to explain why. I see some comments talk about how sleepy this album is, all I can say is Stevie is practicing massive restraint in just funking out. Thus allowing his music to be more accessible and withstand decades of changing tastes. Not many albums could say that.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Spectacular funk album from the man Mr. Mayfield. This dude embodies cool, calm and collected. He has ghetto swagger combined with high fidelity tastes and standards. All of which is encompassed in the words and music on this here album. I can't even tell you how long I've been a fan of this album. Probably since I was single digits in age, it just always spoke to. He was also ahead of his time in speaking to the masses about the disenfranchised populations of black accross America. Far and wide this album should be hailed. Similar to last weeks Stevie Wonder album, should be understood that Curtis was a funk monster, could out funk anyone in a fight. But, he stays reserved here in crafting soul simple and short melodic backgrounds to his evangelical epitaph.
Kate Bush
4/5
Actually a phenomenal album despite Running Up that Hill being played out so much thanks to Stranger Things and Tik Tok following suit. Orchestral, operatic, telepathic, virtuostic, meloncholy, hopeful and even eclectic. Can't do much more to gas this album up. Sounds fresh even 40 years later.
The National
3/5
Pretty cool, kinda like Bon Iver at times and kinda like Death Cab for Cutie at times. Be prepared to get emotional. Not very engaging and exciting, pretty mundane and dreary sounding albeit the intention. Around this time the "boom stomp clap" genre of indie upbeat folk came about. This album kinda serves as the antithesis to that genre. Monotone uninviting and sad. But, still good music. The National are great at what they do.
Klaxons
3/5
Really cool album. Glad I listened to it, perhaps I don't have the foresight to see this sharing the same list as the likes of Otis Redding and The Beatles. But, I'm not afraid of new music. Certainly not afraid of a new modern classic.
Real upbeat but kinda psychedelic mash of 2 Door Cinnema Club and Surfer Blood. Perfect late 2000's indie rock.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Mmm mmhmm thats some good boom stop clap shit. Mmmhmmm right thurr.
Fleet foxes on shuffle is perfect flannel and moccosins music. Realitively uninspiring, but quintessential "pick me, I'm different" music. But at its core is still really warm and diverse in nature. This is a fine example of that aforementioned boom stomp clap music. I like it a lot but can't rank it too high. Its generic, nothing to write home about.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Call me old or whatever but Neil Young is the iconic American songwriter and active voice of the nation. Sure as time passed on he developed some concerning views but, hey thats just old people for ya.
That being said, his rock n roll oriented music pales in comparison to his folk and songwriter styles. Neil on Harvest moon absolutely butters my biscuit and makes feel at home in a comfy armchair when I'm listening. But this distorted mess is hard to appreciate. If he went riffing in this regard and had a different vocalist that'd be something else. But as a critical listeners, there is alot of substance behind these songs and its not just a gargled mess. So I'll give it 3 stars. Not at all bad just not my cup of tea.
Arrested Development
3/5
I guess this album and act was a massive influence on the 90's backpack and pop hip hop community because of how much influence I can hear on these tracks. I can hear De La Soul a bit, some Tribe Called Quest, some Will Smith and Dj Jazzy Jeff, even a bit of Mary J Blige. Like it had to have had a massive impact on the community. And rightfully so, its really diverse and pocesses a great use of samples and thematic songs. Shame I didn't know about it sooner. But, all that good stuff in mind, I found the album lacking some type of personality. Its jovial and inteospective, but bounces off topic and around quite alot.
Queen
4/5
Queen's legacy goes beyond the hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, You're My Best Friend, and We Are the Champions. In their 3rd album relase Sheer Heart Attack you can hear the differentiation of rock n'roll blitz with operatic and fantastical elements.
This remains on top of my list of Queen albums. Unique, raw, unrefined blues based English rock. So fucking good.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
This is what I was talking about last week. I never considered Neil a performer, but he's an incredibly talented acoustic songwriter. This album phenomenally blends his songwriting chops and composition skills with that perfect amount of distorted guitar crunch. Love love love this one in context of his anthology of work.
Steely Dan
5/5
Such a quintessential and masterfully composed album of timeless tunes. Great grooves, instrumentation, and songwriting through and through. I know the meme exsists that this is certifiable dad rock but, it does fuck so hard.
Al Green
3/5
Really good music here from the golden age of Motown and soul. Can't give Al Green all the gas because there were giants that leaped before him and some that continued long after him. This is not to say Mr. Green is derivative, but he's alot closer to that on this album than he is unique. So I gotta ding him a few stars for that.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Kinda like if you put the Smiths and The Cure in a blender and then drained out the clinical depression and suicidal thoughts. Meaning less melodrama, less introspection, more outward proclamation and positivity in the song writing. Engaging and exciting melodies, tinges of genre blending in order to robustify the overall arch. Good album in the grand scheme, not a tastemakers selection. I also don't think you *need* to listen to this before you die. But it was fun to hear some less fuckin' emo 80s new wave.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Another stupendous soulful, hopeful collection from Stevie. This guy really wrote some of the best songs of all time. Most of the tracks on this album are not that, but definitely a 5 star collection of rythmn and blues for sure.
Boston
4/5
I'll agree with "played out" and I'll agree with classic rock "cheese". But, got damn isn't cheese delicious? Boston's debut is absolute iconic banger adter banger with a timeless sound and guitar tone that has spawned envy and lawsuits for some 40 years. Tom Stolz absolutely rips guitar and vocals on this legendary classic rock album. I'll also admit they blew their wad on this one. The rest of the discography was rushed, but hey one good album is better than one good song.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
What do you get when you combine virtuoustic vocals, positive and hopeful messages with in songwriting, iconic instrumentation, and expansive genre blending? You get Aretha Franklin in Lady Soul, an absolutely dynamite motown rythmn and soul, r&b, and gospel pop album. My momma loved this album, so did my grandma, and I continue 3 generations of musical appreciation for the Lady GOAT!
Eagles
3/5
Stupendous album, rich americana and folk influence, with soft clean guitar melodies and wonderful rythmn and low end sections.
I don't know if its the drugs or the member infighting but a lot of this album is forgettable filler. Despite what I said in the previous paragraph. No one ever talks about "New Kid in Town" from this album. The Eagles are a greatest hits band for sure. Tough pill to swallow. But, I still dug the albo.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
I wont be too coarse. But I don't see the appeal. Rumors was special sure. But, referencing it in the lineage doesn't add much value to the content or conversation.
This is certified Target Mom junk music. There's something to appreciate somewhere within it. But, its mostly simple instruments and non complicated vocals with pretty simple song structures. Like a 8th grader could write something equal.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
I kinda feel the same about this genre about 80's/90's music. Alot of the production shifts the original charm of the sound in more of an electronic sense but it sounds almost too electronic? It washes out alot of the genre I appreciate. But, from a critical listening perspective the album artist and genre would definitely go on to inspire early 2000's latinx pop. Daddy Yankee comes to mind.
Joy Division
2/5
Generic, repetative and monotone. First wave goth stuff is also very hit or miss with me. This is very much a miss. But, as a crtical listener I understand the ground this band broke and the influence of this album had.
Stan Getz
5/5
I've been on a brazillian, cuban, spanish, and other hispanic genres kick for the better part of a decade now. It never ceases to warm the entirety of my soul upon every listen. Stan Getz was of the first I discovered based on his mainstream success in America in the 1960's. His influential sound and contributions to bossa nova have infinitly affected the jazz genre since time. So far into the future that a young man in 2014 would reconnect with the sounds of this album like an ameteur explorer would find himself on a journey in search of anchient riches. This album is a masterpiece, it is timeless, and it is influential beyond words.
Supergrass
3/5
Energetic and exciting. Tinges of genre blending and progressive nature for the genre. Nothint innately special or unique about it. But definitely a good album.
Brian Eno
3/5
I liked it better than the other Eno album we had on the 1001 list. This one is worth saying "you gotta here this before you die".
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
So awesome. Never heard of this album and or group however it rings true to me and my inner angst. I hear a multitude of Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and Sex Pistols in all of the instrumentation and song structure. However its own unique twist on it. Well worth the time to listen to it.
2Pac
4/5
Very good. Not tupacs best but a lovely combination of g funk, hardcore gansta rap and r&b and soul.
The White Stripes
5/5
The White Stripes at the debut is the peak 2000's indie rock. It would change forms a few times after 2000. But its raw, barebones, simple, distorted, authentic. So good.
The Smiths
3/5
Good, not my favorite smiths from the anthology. Less whiny than other albums despite this overarching veganism theme. I like to enjoy this album with a glass of milk and a sirloin steak.
3/5
Pure chaos. A little too avant for my liking but good stuff overall. Not on spotify which is my preferred platform so added challenge of dodging ads listening to it.
The Fall
3/5
Its cool stuff. Post punk, kinda in the same vain as that Rattus Norvegicus album. I like punk more than post punk but there are some unmistakable and brilliant qualities of rythmn section proficiency. Lo Fi production is a part of the genre. Quick stroking your ego calling the singer a drunkard mumbler.
Jane Weaver
5/5
Like pure, ice cold water for my soul today. A marvelous blend of synths, deep rythmns, modern rock influence and pure artistic creativity. Mellow and clear vocals allow all elements of the music to fall into place and build this almost expansive universe of music. There is practically no empty space on this album. Even the down tempo sections groove and move the soul.
I liken this album to mid era pink floyd. Genre blending mastery prior to their anthemic politically conscious music. Just plain good music, with production mastery. And pink was analog, this is digitized.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Lighthearted, entertaining, and engaging new wave. Music for the girlies but also a broader audience of pop rock enjoyers. Not really surprised at simplistic harmonies and melodies, doesn't have to be complicated to be enjoyable.
The Specials
5/5
Fuck yeah 1st wave british ska. 5 stars always. If you hate Ska, I hate you.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Very alternative, very 90's. Crazy blues rock rythmns and psychedelic riffage and leads. Very enjoyable album. Reminds me of Superchunk, Built to Spill, a bit of Oasis. Fun stuff.
David Crosby
3/5
Awesome music. Right up my Southern Rock niche. Never really gave David Crosby the time of day, I fell into Neil Young at an early age but his co-members of CSN&Y I just didn't engage with.
Lovely Southern night vibes with immense singer songwriter vibes. Lush vocal harmonies and tonalities. Shits operatic and melodramatic at other times.
Is it Dad rock/yacht rock/soft rock? Yeah. Does it rule, also yeah.
3/5
Upbeat and energizing music about the complications of love and loss. Not uncommon for 1982, but that SOUND. Shit like this is reserved for only the likes of Phil Collins, Sting and Prince. Loved this one less than those heavy hitters. But what a great example of 80's fusion.
Van Morrison
5/5
Simply a masterpiece. Sometimes great music leaves not much room for commentary. Van Morrison has made several albums like this.
The Allman Brothers Band
5/5
Ahhh, the souths Grateful Dead. I understand if y'all don't like jam oriented bands. But these songs minus the jam sections are some of the greatest rock forward genre blending songs of all time.
Live at the Fillmore East captures the Brothers knee deep in a USA and World tour in 1971 on the curtails of their sophmore releases Idlewild South. Reaping success from being one of the tightest most talented group of musicans to come from the southern states. Its a peak inside the blistering rythmn and lead sections of live ABB shows. They weren't just a novelty. These dudes can play.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Very indie and melodramatic. A bit theatrical at time, good music. Not 100% in my tastes but there's some things to be excited about here. A dynamic blend of pop and shoegaze, with lush soundscapes and really tight grooves.
U2
3/5
Pretty good music. Tight, groovy, unique enough to stand out in a selection of 90's music. I usually spew some devout hatred over U2. But I think I'm just anti-bono. Unimaginative songwriter and lyricist with bold politic and social views that corrupt the value of the music. Growing up, he was always in the news for being outspoken against something and that polluted the art for me. But the band is sick.
Daft Punk
3/5
Not the best example of 90's euro house. But, without Homework you don't get the 2015 Daft Punk masterpiece known as Random Access Memories. I enjoyed Homework quite a bit, repetative I get it. But its music for dancing not really listening intently.
Oasis
4/5
I was the biggest Oasis hater until one day it all just culminated and clicked. These guys aren't just the Wonderwall guys, they're the true definition of bejeweled and chaotic rockstars just absolutely kicking ass and taking names. I love Oasis now and am eager to catch them live when they come to America.
Now speaking musically, its highly energetic, lush, a bit nostalgia, as if a wall of sound is crashing over you. The drums could use a tinge more, and maybe bass tuned up a bit but it was the 90's. Even Oasis a British band was affected by the loundess and compression woes. Liam Gallagher raspy yet melodic voice match with Noel's pretty dynamic instrument stylings pay homage to the old masters of the craft and bring back no bollocks rock and roll to our ears in the 1990's.
Radiohead
4/5
Often imitated, never recreated. In Rainbows is a perfect blend of melodramatic anguish and cutthroat angst.
I'm not the biggest Radiohead fan even going as far as to disrespect their music openly, however the more repetations I put into this band and this album it keeps me understanding why some many speak highly of them and this album.
4/5
Very good prog album. Not nearly my favorite in the sphere, but YES tends to stay in good graces with music enjoyers because it isn't entirely too superficial or superfluous. Its the common-man's prog. And i love that for them.
Lovely mixed meters and tempos as well as unique instrumentations and relative key changes to make everything sound really nice, layered, textured and f u t u r i s t i c.
I'm always surprised when I jump in on a YES album, my allegiance lies with Rush, King Crimson, and newer 21st century prog metal. But, YES was one of the OG's.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
If you wanna talk about motown and soul revival. Ms. Winehouse recaptured the worlds attention to the sound with much neccessary updating on the lyrical emphasis of subject matter. No longer is the subject of soul the heartbreak along; it can be disgust, shame, confusion, failure to see personal faults. She was a trailblazer for that, and a powerful woman who happened to only be stunted by addiction.
This album is the phenomenonal produced follow up to the "Frank" debut. Which captured hearts and minds with its soulful tendancies. This album by metamorphosis EXPLODED with homage to old school R&B and Soul with a mix of jazz and cabaret influence.
I absolutely would die without this album. I got so many fond memories and smoking out my 2006 Volkswagen with my buddy before going into work at starbucks.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Lovely album, one from my childhood repitoire of course. Nothing short of good music, hand crafted with country western and swing undertones with a boogie woogie sound front and center.
It ain't the most stellar music known to man, but its good shit. Quality, passion and appreciation for the common man in a pop rock album.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Probably my favorite if not close second favorite of the grunge era. Vedder's vocals were prominent, and his gargled voice launched the entire subgenre of humor known as "misheard lyrics". But, the passion and energy he puts behind his voice throws its beyond a realm of comprehension.
Musically, robust and great sounding emphatic. Production wise not overly compressed but also not wide open. Guitar tones are crunchy but so clean. And the drums sound HUGE.
George Harrison
5/5
Phenomenonal album. I fear too long though. Its a tough listen, but aside from that its arguably a masterpiece.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Stupendous. Carefully walking the line between acid/avant jazz and afrobeat fusion jazz. Its wildly improvisational without comprimising traditional jazz tonalities and instrument voicing. Similarly, the unique hastness of the rythmn section at times allows this album to really stand in its own lane. Additionally, this album borrows from lots of other jazz influences. I can hear McCoy ,Monk, and Guarladi in particular.
Ramones
3/5
Simple, repetative, energetic and perfectly encapsulates teenage punk energy in a friendly approachable context. I'd argue the beginning of pop punk started with The Ramones. Since other punk acts of the time were so aggressively punk in their ways.
You should listen to this before you die I 100% agree. But, lets be honest its not the greatest album of all time.
The Doors
4/5
Impeccable debut. Still sounding unique 57 years later. Jim Morrison's voice and perspective of counter culture tendancies fuled by delusion and drugs.
I love the soul and psychedelic aspects of the album. Combination of old blues licks and then modern pop melodies interwoven with a counter culture gospel like structure. Songs like "The End" and "Crystal Ship" are incredible examples of these sermon type songs.
Pulp
4/5
Bloody brilliant album. Easy to digest, lovely lush soundscapes and pop rock melodies. A true tastemakers selection and the birth of 2000's britpop/britrock. You don't get arctic monkeys with out Pulp.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Fabulous album. Genre blending in its finest form, gravitating around old soul, jazz and funk disciplines with no clear boundaries to prevent freeform activity. It gets psychedelic at times, introspective at others and incredibly contemplative lyrically.
I like this album alot. As far as modern additions to this 1001 list. I support it.
Doves
3/5
Up beat and hopeful brit pop. Kinda cool, kinda generic too. The song "there goes the fear" is an iconic early 2000's alternative anthem. I've heard it many a time since its realease and I've always wondered who penned it. Doves, here in the flesh. I seem commentary comparing them to Coldplay, I agree but subject matter of the Coldplay songs are much more tender and sensitive where as these guys, Doves are pretty unique in their own way. That of course beings said its not bad music.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Lovely and lively. Alternative approach to artsy and soulful music. I always knew of Fiona but never gave her the time except for her 2020 album "Fetch the Bolt Cutters".
I hear so much influential components here; Emily Haines and Amy Winehouse specifically come to mind immediately but the trail blazing Ms. Apple did on her way up was prominent. She started swiftly with "Tidal". I really enjoyed this one.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Love love love the beach boys. Baroquial and vibrant melodies paired with a phenomenal dancy and light rythmn. Its almost beach jazz. Imagine creating the sound of southern california on analog devices and perfecting the modern pop song. Its incredible. This album encapsulates the pivot from boy band to artist.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Never quite considered the Violent Femmes to be a band of my interest. But this album was a cool one, kinda like Lou Reed and Velvet Underground mixed up with CAKE and Fugazi. Quite an amalgom of alternative and post punk sounds.
Deep Purple
4/5
Behemoths of the sound. Deep Purple propelled psychedelic rock into the stratosphere by making the sounds so dynamic and huge. I feel like I heard somewhere they were the loudest live band of 1972.
Nothing short of good music, but its a bit played out I'd say. Anyone growing up with a guitar knows the Smoke on the Water riff. And those who played rockband know Highway Star is an iconic roadtrip song. Look to "Lazy" and "Maybe I'm a Leo" for unique sounds from this album.
Beck
4/5
Soundgarden
3/5
Not overrated. Properly rated. An incredible blend of anguish and agression in the middle of the decade of depression. Grunge was a hangover from the booze, drugs, and sex filled 1980s. In which music actually began to blend melodramatic themes with agressive rock forward elements. Chris Cornell and Soundgarden remain in my hierarchy for bands to be cognizant of in this time period.
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
Pretty boring. I have an open mind for European music but this wasn't in my q zone.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Wonderful, lush and complex jazz piece. A little disjointed at times, and it feels awfully rehearsed at others. However, all collaborators seem to play off each other's strengths and weakness' really well and Thelonius gives them space to do their own thing.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Warm and cozy cover album from one of the greatest country songwriters of the 20th century. Took Willie 25+ years to be able to play the music he wanted to. And he did a great job doing so.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Very cool. Synthpop and synthwave inspired a multitude of genres I appreciate and love today. But you know the saying "don't meet your heros"? Thats kinda how I feel about this album. Wasn't worth it to me to find what inspired said music i like already in this genre. Worthy of 3 stars for its unique, inspirational and pop tonalities. But, the two extra stars gotta be reserved for music that is undeniably good. This isn't it, just unique.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Look everyone knew it was gonna be an hour and a half of janky, ambiguous jam music. The Dead is a lot like Jazz. All improv, barely any structure and understated melodies with little repitition. Lets not pretend they are or would ever be Mozart here.
But think of what this did for live albums and for music in general for a second. Right in the pits of the counter culture movement. This album and band showed up to destroy and dismantle the notion that music needs structure and rules. Hell no. And thus the Grateful spearheaded the jam revolution.
As for live album relevance and innovation. This album pushed the envelope of what a live album should be, so open and full of space. Admittedly with music that can only be enjoyed while tripping sack. Not just prim and polished live albums. Instead raw, live and unique albums are acceptable.
All that good being said Allman Bros live at filmore east blows this shit out of the water. 2 stars.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
More experimental and psychedelic than the Smiths. A little less whiny with still all the drama. I liked it way more than the smiths but less than the cure.
Middle of the road experience to me, 3 stars.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. Something good to be said about how forward and direct Alanis is with her heartbreak. Instead of hiding behind metaphors and tricky stanzas she's goes right for the throat. Something bad to be said about the dated production, but that doesn't really bother me that much.
At the end of the day its just Alanis, kind of a one it wonder. Her one hit being this album.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
The epitome of cool. The low end theory defines and encapsulates the Jazz & Hip Hop blend so distinctly well, that the artistic movement that came after was defined as the soulquarian movement. Which gave way to Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Questlove, D'angelo and so many more.
Tribe's playful adlibs, rhyme schemes and destinctive voices all add to the "jazz ambiance" of this album. Its seriously good jazz inspired hip hop. Laid back and cool as all hell.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1/5
Generic run of the mill psychedelic rock. Doesn't add much to the conversation.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Way cooler than the Fatboy Slim album but less cool than Post Orgasmic Chill. Nice genre blending and patience in letting the tracks develop. "Heady" as the stoners say, I enjoyed it. But must add, dub reggae goes beyond this and always puts me in a more chill mood.
The Only Ones
3/5
Good blend of punk, new wave and indie sounds. Simplistic song structures allow this album to be digested easily. This album for sure help late 80's alt rock and punk music get some more notariety. The vocals lose me a bit, but all else is really good. I enjoyed it.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Lots of scathing reviews from people here. You don't get 2000s indie pop perfection without first trying to be creative and experimental. Fever to Tell is so outlandishly alternative and independent that it made a big enough splash as a tastemakers selection. I'll admit it has aged and its ambiguity between music and noise definitely sets this apart from coindustry members. But, I love Fever to Tell and Karen O in particular. 4 stars, didn't age well and thats okay.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Arguably the heaviest rock album of all time. Page/LZ haters take a fucking walk. The voice of the Bob is so unique; textured and tonal its almost like he is a God like character speaking from the heavens. The drums are so gritty and groovy in combination with the bass, with crispy and crunchy iconic riffs.
awh wahh is someone sad about a 14 year old girl they never met and how it "tarnishes" the art. Take a walk bozo. Go listen something else. 🤡
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Groovy white boys with soul. Not my favorite but one of my mom's favorite and it radiates nostalgia for a time I've never seen or been to before.
Pavement
3/5
Somewhere in between The Melvins and The Pixies with their own spin on things. Pavement is really good music in a greater scope of 1990's schlop (cough* grunge).
Weird and disturbing enough to spark curiosity, artistic enough to facillitate taste, and the production value added makes it very listenable with pop tonalities making punk pretty digestable.
Spiritualized
3/5
Really cool, genre blending of psychedelic rock, jazz, and r&b sounds also. Widely unique for 1990's music, might not have been discussed frequently. But this is a certified tastemakers selection. Although, it has much to enjoy from those looking for more pop tonalities. This album gets down to the groove pretty quick and uses space to redefine each track. The minimal vocal stylings add a sense of desire to this album, most times you end up thinking "when are the words coming back?" And boom there they are.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Definitely an album built on shock value. Big's flows and rhymes are impeccable, a true microphone renegade and ambassador of 90's east coast flow. The samples too are beyond iconic, and Juicy is one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.
But, the day and age of porno skits and interludes of gunfire are over and really demolish what big built here. I have the same opinions of west coast 90's g funk and hip hop. But, rap and hip hop were only about 20 years old at the release of this behemoth, so I tip my hat to Big for redefining the genre and absolutely demolishing the competition.
The Kinks
4/5
Stellar album which doesn't over embellish the whimsical british humor or way of life. But, it encapsulates all of what makes british music great. Psychedelia, folk ballads, outside European influence, and of course blues mastery. I really enjoy the kinks in totality, but I was a novice. This album is really really good.
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Behemoth of an album, it really found a way into my core. I'm listening to this album on Christmas Eve 2024 and it feels like a solem, hangover where everything comes subtlely into perspective.
Dennis Wilson was an icon in the beach boys, often shadowed by Brian Wilson's songwriting chops and skills. However this album really gives Dennis an avenue to show his contributions to music.
I loved it. Will continue to enjoy this one as I age.
Various Artists
4/5
Really great selection of all time christmas classics with their 1960s modern spin. I don't care if Phil Spector killed someone or raped or whatever. Its music, not a confession. Stop bringing shit into this 1001 albums that doesn't need to be brought in.
A few misses but Darlene Love's version of Christmas and The Crystals version of Santa Claus is coming to town is beyond iconic.
Digital Underground
2/5
I mean it had its moments. But, for all intense and porpoises it was mediocre. Juvenille wordplay, hoorendous production, very uninspired faux jazz undertones. At some point I just realized that De La Soul and Tribe Called quest literally walked so Digital Underground could shit it's pants and fall on the floor foaming at the mouth.
Television
3/5
I won't call it derivative or generic because it had robust influences. I hear a lot of Mark Bolan and T Rex on here, some Genesis and flairs of Talking Heads and other progressive/new wave acts. But, the delivery and end product was overall lackluster. I wanted it to be more than it was.
The Police
5/5
Phenomenal composition and brilliant virtuosic playing. This was one of my most favorite albums from childhood, a special project for me to find on vinyl later in life (which I did 🙂).
Stewart Copland is literally a God in my eyes and Sting ain't half bad either. Because this album is rich and ripe with new wave influence and rock and punk rock flair interwoven. Every instrument is needed to get the sound they have and the production value is so very high. Regatta de Blanc is a top tier 5 star album.
Justin Timberlake
1/5
Not for me. Some interesting notes of cultural influence but it is all used in vain to create generic 2000s pop. Cry me a river is an iconic banger tho.
The Offspring
2/5
Pretty good not entirely for me, very repetative and simplistic. Didn't sound dated, sounds like an often intimidated and influential album. Per that point, music that came after this album or may have been inspired by this album sounds much better to me than this.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
As other listeners noted this HAS to be a parody. Like making a mockery of 1970's theatrical soundtrack type albums. But that being said some of the instrumentation was pretty good, and the lyrics were at times enlightening and at times cringey. Overall 2 or 3 star album, Frog Princess was an iconic and ironic banger.
David Bowie
5/5
I've been a big Bowie fan my whole life. I take his music like medicine when I need it. I try not to abuse it because it loses its value. I can comfortably say, Bowie's been dead about 9 years and I never listened to Black Star. But im really really glad I did.
Bowie has a way of staying sonically relevant no matter what time period he exsists in. Sure his 80's stuff leaned more towards garbage but thats okay, a lot of acts did that. But that being said Black Star leans heavily in to the abstract, avante garde and progressive side of Bowie. Detailing his life's journey into become and a dead "black star". Arguably flawless.
Nick Drake
4/5
Melancholic masterpiece with interwoven hopeful melodies that can make a grown man cry. This album has been on my radar since 2011-2012, but I never really dove in and washed my mind with. What a magnificent album for those interested in Mumford, Abbott bros, Gregory Allan Isakov and all the 2010-2020 folk revival.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
As an enjoyer of both folk and country Emmylou Harris name comes up time and time again. Her 2000's release may be a "return to greatness" but it was a bit lackluster. I mean yesterday we listened to Nick Drake's Masterpiece Pink Moon which literally defines folk music and supercharges it to a melodic high point.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is this is an outlier in both communities folk and country and by no means the incredible album some people think it might be. I don't doubt Emmylou, but this ain't it. This is for sad 90s mom's who think the best times are behind them and need sad music to feel the pain.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Loved this!!!! Laurel Canyon Cowboy shit hell yeah. Unapologetically cool and melodic. I always skirted around Wilco in my indie music absorbing. I always chalked them up to a dave matthews wannabe. But this album sorta changed my perspective.
4/5
Bitchin psychopathic hard rock. Wayne Kramer and MC5 is insane. Really great rythmn and blues here at just a high decible and high energy. Its hard to hate, I get if it ain't your taste but the late 60s early 70s were fun.
Key to note here Iggy pop and the stooges were better at this than MC5 though.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Another album that's been on the radar since I was a kid. Franz Ferdinand was also on Rockband which was my favorite childhood game. So it seeped into my conciousness early in life. I never paid the rest of the album any attention, but it is definitely early 2000's indie/alt rock jams for sure. Particularly liked 40' and This Fire the most.
Keep any of this sound in the pipeline and I'm a happy lad.
Eminem
2/5
Iconic for '99, blasè and outdated for 2025. As for today is just edgey pandering to teenage boys, which loses its charm after about the 5th time Eminem says "I'm gonna kill my ex wife".
Nod to his word play, and unique approach to 1990s hardcore rap. Less gang affiliated violence and more introspective, but Eminem was the first "Kyle" in music.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
Pretty good, not sure if its valid to be on a list of "..before you die". But it was nice post punk/new wave easy listening.
Massive Attack
3/5
Really cool groovy and heady. Still same with the other massive attack album, everything that it influenced became better than it. Idk.
Talk Talk
3/5
Started out pretty good worldly and synthy but fell off after the second or third track. It became realtively simplistic and boring. Repeative and repetative and repetative and REPETATIVE. Ugh.
Some of those synth melodies were really uniquely voiced. Good for the exercise, doesn't belong on the list I think and I also probably wont return for this.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Flawless and phenomenal collection of thematic pieces scaling multiple structures. Pop songs, ballads, interpretative pieces, and engaging and interesting stories with exceptional melodies. This album particularly reminds me that Simon and Garfunkel were so incredible and the schism only really let Art fall into obscurity but he was gifted and talented.
Another album and lubes me up and inserts me deep into a period of nostalgia that I've been a part of.
AC/DC
4/5
Pretenders
4/5
Phenomenal new wave music. Chrissie Hynde became one of my favorite punky ladies recently, like 2019. The jangly offset fender guitar tone, creative and thematic melodies and crisp and clean percussion with bold basslines. This all culminates into some pretty electric new wave post punk shit. This self titled album is a behemoth, I like earlier albums like Learning to Crawl more but I mean Tattooed Love Boys come on.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Some music is commercial and some music is art. Some are both, some are none. And in the Velvet Underground's case it is purely art and authentic tales from the banished and scorned 1960s NYC dingy artististic movement.
Pre summer of love, and political revolutionary era. It is particularly just a testimony of the streets of New York in which one could very well lose their life for self expression. Creatives like Lou Reed, John Cale, Nico et al epitomize cool because they unabashedly express themselves in said fear state unapologetically.
Its boring if you lack context and an artistic mind. But, definitely is an iconic piece of music for the devout historian and listener.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
Execeptional album; complicated, textured and diverse melodies with lush atmospheric tonality. Its like interpretative and engaging exciting, melancholy and any other fancy vocabulary words I can muster.
A fan of this for sure, and I'd like to experience this in high fidelity.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Lovely rich album that certainly showcases the dichotomy of songwriting styles between Simon and Garfunkel. The two of them together are incredibly gifted and wrote songs that will stand the test of time.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Good stuff. A little repetative and boring, but I appreciate the heady Greatful Dead/Folk Rock. If this is something you're interested, I implore you to consider the various other 2010's folk rock revival bands. Shakey Graves, Houndmouth, Lumineers, Mt. Joy, and Dawes.
Kudos tho the War on Drugs was featured on a Greatful Dead tribute album in 2016 called "Day of the Dead" they did a brilliant cover of Touch of Grey.
The Libertines
3/5
Visceral, high energy, low fidelity garage rock. Very very fun album, not the best of the genre or category but a definitive tastemakers selection.
The Coral
3/5
Reminds me in tonality and song structure like a band along a similar timeline as The Devil Makes Three. They lean more bluegrass and folk compared to The Coral who captures an essence of new millenium post punk with other world influences, particularly French music with the use of those melodies utilizing the accordian. I dug it, a deep web tastemakers for sure.
Beck
3/5
I'm certainly enjoying the variety of beck on this 1001 list. But putting the whole blokes discography on the list is a questionable choice.
Guero I understood, Sea Change was an awakening for me. Less songs on this one resonated with me. Except Novacane that shit blew the lid off the mahfucka.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Pretty good Americana inspired album from the dregs of a working man. Over compressed, reverbed, and the gated snare destroys my ears. But in its soul and its essence its Bruce, great songs.
I'm more partial to The River and Born to Run which were 1970's icons.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Arguably one of the best debut albums off all time. Hendrix busted 😏 on the scene with screaming blues licks and a personality like no other. His other albums for sure were more robust, dynamic, refined and better sounding but the debut always gets me. Its that rootsy blues drenched psychedelic maddness sound. 5 star album always.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Cryptic, melancholy, minor key and minor attitude with a lack of aptitude. Mostly this music allows me to harness my internal pain and allow it to flow with the music. But this stripped down out of tune and off tempo depression circle jerk ended up coming off more like an open mic performance. Which I guess is cool if you like that kinda thing. But, if you really wanna get your sadness on try Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson.
The Clash
4/5
I was a clash hater my whole life. But this is great, totally polished and prim punk rock. That almost genre blends into alternative and indie/ new wave.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
Pretty cool, experimental and melancholic new wave. Better than some new wave examples on this list.
Van Halen
5/5
Stupendous, polished, posh and still nasty gritty rock n roll. Van Halen never dissapoints and 1984 might be their most commercially successful album at the absolute peak of the Van Halen mania.
This was a personal favorite of mine from my childhood and certain deserves the accolades this album gets.
B.B. King
5/5
Man B.B. really did it for me as an anxious and depressed overweight teenager. His music holds through, 20 years later for me. So emphatic, energetic, proficient, classy, elegant and a lil misogynistic. But hey its the 60s what are we gonna doooooo?
BB is the king, prim proper and polished 5th Avenue Blues. Straight from the plantation and right into your ears.
The Slits
3/5
Very experimental, cool as an idea but in practice it just did not resonate with me. Shotty musicianship and melodic negligence turned this album into a blended slurry of sounds that made me dizzy. Some aspects of nu-wave and ska additions were nice.
4/5
Another interesting british art exposition in music. Likely some type of play interpolation in music. It is fun, light hearted with some engaging good music.
I liked the varied types of sounds that came through. I heard some Grateful Dead and Van Morrison type sounds on the composition side of things.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Energetic and light hearted r&b soul soaked pop. Its lively and entertaining, but all and all so overtly 2000s cheese that I really cant give this much of a serious listen.
Knowing what little of Cee Lo I do, this side of his music would give him to notoriety and success in order to segue his Gnarls Barkley sound. Which I fully appreciate way more than this.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Undoubtedly great jazz arrangements but, this big band swung sound its very low on my registry of jazz preference. Nevertheless Count Basie was a God amongst men in his era and his contribution and stylings inspired all of pop music for nearly a 2 decade span.
The Atomic arrangements were of an incredibly high quality and clarity with maximum ability to groove.
The Killers
4/5
Another entry into the "i was a hater before i even knew what was on the album" category.
What a phenomenal early 2000s pop punk/indie alternative album. Arguably a masterpiece of its time but I won't give it that much credit.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Noisey, angsty, and rythmic. Driving at times with visceral instrumentation. Blends into hardcore at times which is pretty interesting. Not entirely my speed, I enjoyed thought. Good for the experience. Not sure if you have to listen to it before I die.
Roxy Music
3/5
Interesting. Fun, light hearted and sexy. Good guitar riffs and melody work, fashionable and nice drum work.
Engaging and exciting too, not sure where this album falls on my preference. But hell of a cool one for the exercise.
OutKast
5/5
Man holy shit never did give this a proper listen and OutKast doesn't miss. Its got skits and interlude, heavy funk and hip hop energy from Big Boi and crazy psycho sex funk from Andre 3000. Production is so solid, robust and ripe with unique instrumentations and sounds. Big fan of the discog deeply, now well aquainted with what's beyond Stankonia and Aquemini.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Squeaky clean pop goth. Cool stuff, good music. Not entirely for me.
Some bands ABUSED the gated snare and shitty synth effects of their day and Depeche Mode is amongst the list of those. It sounds so robotic, loses alot of the charm.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Lively, rich and robust song writing chops with really laid back and stripped song writing. Good fun for the whole family.
Another entry in the "i was a hater before this 1001 challenge".
Silver Jews
2/5
Derivative 2000's indie rock unfortunately. There are far better examples of this genre, and perhaps this is not the album that is the one that's meant to showcase the band's abilities but its not very inspiring either.
Nod to a bit of midwest emo in here. Country western themes too allow for a more emphatic and unique indie sounds.
3/5
Live, raw, visceral, and yet abrasive. This is what I spoke about a few days ago, I was a bob dylan hater. Somehow his live performances are so captivating, rich and full of soul but theres almost no ability to relisten.
Beautiful album. A former bob dylan hater but lets not pretend he's a songbird. He's a fog horn on a steamship. However there is alot of beauty in the dichotomy of Bob Dylan's acoustic and electric sound. I dig it.
Miles Davis
5/5
In the calm winter months before the summer of love broke loose, Miles and a crack squad of some incredibly talented musicians got together to reivent cool again. Jazz had a more swung feel in the 50's and 60's and needed some progressive elements to allow it to grow otherwise it would die.
A tremendous emphasis on rythmn and the additions of electronic instruments with unique dissonance allows this album to to really stand on its own (for 1969). Without the contributions of Herbie, Miles, Zawinal, and Chick Corea we may never have lived in a time where Jazz was of this caliber and sound.
In a Silent way was the mold for progression in jazz, and Bitches Brew one year later broke the mold again. This was one of my first albums into jazz I dabbled with. I fell in love so early with this album. Fan for life. P.s. check out the "Complete In A Silent Way Sessions". Shits twice as long with so many little off shoots and melodies where this masterclass of musicianship and improv just went buck wild.
Blur
3/5
It had its moments and its time in the sun for sure but I think the only standout track is Song 2 which is pretty unfortunate. Blur I know has better albums and songs than this one. I wasn't moved.
The Who
4/5
Fantastic production value on this timeless selection of EARLY Who songs. Lotta yippin' and yappin' about The Who in the responses about this album. Remember listening to "The Who Sells Out" and "My Generation" and how goofy that shit sounded? I personally love it but, here it is. Distilled into an injectable vial, pure unfiltered raw rock and roll riffage as like a beacon or lighthouse in a foggy storm. I love Live at Leeds, and frankly you should too.
Gotan Project
2/5
I enjoyed the worldly influence and overall chill atmosphere this soundtrack creates. And maybe its cutting edge for its time. However, I don't really see how this is a must listen before you die. Its okay at best.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I never smashed 5 stars so fast in my life. My Led Zeppelin bias is heavy, but this is an absolute cherry on top of LZ's discography.
In the hangover of the summer of love, a very sober rock album was released with combinations of old blues rock and new era folk acoustic guitars. A fusion LZ was great at, all the instrumentation on this album is virtuosic and written so well, it sounds fresh everytime. And the production value from recording in an old cottage on analog really brings this album together.
Songs like Tangerine and That's the Way speak volumes to me since childhood. Forever ingrained in how I play music and listen to music.
Bee Gees
1/5
As an active and critical listener I liked that it was beatles esque and almost the score to a film. But as a fan of music, theres a reason the bee gees switch to disco when it exploded. Because this shit is boring and un inspiring. Middle of the road contemporary mix of instruments and pacing.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Fantastic piece of historical music, recorded live in a prison. Johnny sings directly to his primary audience with an absolute banger of a setlist. I have nostalgia for this album and enjoyed growing up with appreciation for it. The man in black never disappoints.
Production value is pretty darn high for 1968 too and the mix is quite literally perfect for this style of music and on analog from this era.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Akin to synthwave, lot of melodies interwoven with pretty cool rhythms. Great instrumentation for 1978 but, however relatively boring and limited. Also 6 minutes of "WE ARE THE ROBOTS" over and over and over in the opening track was cool for the sci-fi era but it was so abrasive and frankly annoying.
3 stars on principal, cool groovy proto electronic music. Daft punk had to get inspired by somebody.
Merle Haggard
4/5
Man all the hate in these comments remind me of my youth. When the days were long and free time was abundant. Merle is a legend in is and these are deep, dark yet simple songs about real pain of the mundane life.
I love doing yard work to this era of country music, field songs, work songs, easy listening. Great for a booze session with the fellas or on your own. Roadtrips too, its Americana and in our blood. Merle fucking Haggard rules.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Rich, lively and uniquely deeply bayoufied. Creole dialect and all. A lot to appreciate here but also alot to overlook and write off as noise.
As a blues conscious fan, I have to say this album did not deserve tinny guitars and compression. This album needed a few mics in a room with acoustic instruments slightly out of tune. Would add so much more character.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
I respect the legacy but there is no longevity to this album. It sounds washed up by even 1995's standards.
My favorite song was the one with no vocals and my favorite beats and melodies were the silence between tracks. 2 stars on legacy merit, udder shite in other catagories.
Prince
3/5
Prince is an icon, great musician, composer and all around pop star. Really capture the fun 80's post disco dance sound with fun sexy ideas and a unique childlike wonder approach to building up environments in a song. Celebrating good times in light of the bad.
However, on a less deeper level of listening this shit is 80's pop cheese. Nothing stands out. For that look to Prince's earlier music for true alpha musician prowess.
Radiohead
3/5
Not the biggest Radiohead fan, particularly privvy only to The Bends. But, Thom and the boys seem to capture the mental anguish and deterioration of a person in a semi permenant state of amnesia. Dulcet, confusing, abstract, abrupt, and haunting.
Again as a typical hater of this band, there's not much for me here. But artistically and from a critical listening perspective this album is a good one.
Duran Duran
4/5
Really fun and energetic pop rock from the 80s. Kinda fuses themes from new wave and the darkness of early gothic but still captures disco back beats and really foward and great sounding vocals with some sweet harmonies. Honestly gotta add a nod here, tasteful use of the gated snare. The 80s abused that snare.
Those brits make great music time and time again. Double bonus for writing a great goth pop song the Chaffeur that would later be covered by one of my favorite bands Deftones.
Sister Sledge
4/5
Rich, luscious, and sensual vocal and instrumental mix. Incredible use of vocal harmonies, wonderful tight and squeaky clean grooves. Just reminds me that disco was never bad, it was just a cheesy blip on our cultural radar.
This album is a stand out combo of upbeat dance tracks, empowering and unifying songs, and heart wrenching ballads.
Sister sledge is a standout act for sure and this album is great, but We Are Family is all anyone ever knows about it so its not a tastemakers choice. For that seek Chic.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Gonna write a review before and after I listen because I grew up with this album:
Before:
Modern day alice cooper shock rock jock Marilyn Manson. If it wasn't for his controversial lifestyle he'd be a nobody. His band is sick though. Razor edged punk and metal cut from the same dull knife that birthed nu-metal. I anticipate this to resonate with me during the listen.
After:
I love the raw sadistic and pure punk aggression. Anthemic tunes for misunderstood teenagers of the 90s goth era. The band is still tight, and Manson's vocals aren't half bad and kinda hold up stylistically. Homie was a little ahead of his time vocally.
Final thoughts:
I don't hate it as much as I have been told to hate it. I also don't hate it at all. Its a great album if you like this sound. But I'd again argue, Manson doesn't have a career without being controversial. Plain and simple.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Good album. Love the energy and genre blending of old 1950s doowop elements and 1960's pop and soul. Not nearly as punk forward as Raw Power, but nothing to hate there. Lust for Life is a lovely song.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I mean sure its not Motzart or Bach, but its a beautiful love letter to Suburban roots and the American dream. How difficult it is to press on the face of daily adversity. Advises the listener to take hold of their dreams and flea suburbia before its too late and your free will gets ground into a fine paste.
I was far too naive to understand some of the intricacies of this album when I was 17, but it sure hits homes pretty damn hard. I'm pushin' thirty in my hometown still but with a great job and bright future. I still feel the push of desire and aspiration pulse through my blood. But will I ever break free from the Suburbs?
I dunno, but musically speaking. Fabulous, not a 5 star album but Arcade Fire always had a solid indie sound and set the tone for late 2000's indie and 2010's indie for sure.
Megadeth
2/5
Big four metal only stuck around this long because it was so piviotal, and literally bridged the gap between Sabbath type blues and 90's melodic death metal. Without the contributions of some maniacs from Southern California in the late 70s, and early to mid 80s.
Some of the classic moriffs of metal were built off the backs of big four contributions. But, they definitely don't hold up. Just like jazz. 1919-1929 era jazz is akin to this era of metal. It pushed the envelop so far that music was almost never the same.
But on its own Megadeath's "Peace Sells" is primative and okay at best. But its harmonies are gnarly and possess some really tight grooves in the back.
Coldcut
3/5
Album cover: (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)
Album contents: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Really cool example of likely underground house music. It is definitely dated, and not nearly as engaging and rhythmic as 90's and 2000's house music. But, it is a beautiful step into a historical portal. I live for this stuff in the 1001, historical examples of new popular genres.
That being said its cheesey and quirky but, probably 3 stars at best. But as an example of how early this music goes back, its worth more. Very cool music exercise.
Solomon Burke
4/5
There are two artists from the early blues and soul era I wish I knew about when I got started enjoying the genre almost 2 decades ago. Sister Rosetta Thorpe and Solomon Burke.
Burke on this album is rock and rockabilly rythmns combined with pure gospel and soul up front. His powerful voice has natural distortion that cuts through, and may have been difficult to record but it is so iconic. Monotonous and repetitive sure, but that is what was in style at the time.
This album can heal a broken heart, or allow it to wallow in pitty for quite along time. Big fan.
David Bowie
3/5
On the fence with this one because I don't know this side of Bowie. But I wanted to wait until I was mature enough to see his artistic arch. I'll refrain from a critical analysis and just say the Bowie I know and love is certainly not this album. But this was cool.
Ironically got fired from my job today and "A New Career in a New Town" came on shortly after the meeting and termination. A sign for things to come.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Pretty great attempt at somber songwriting. Not nearly what I expected but also so very good.
Somber melodies with an angellic vocal presence with great musicianship and song writing motiffs.
I won't reach for this album after today, but it gave me lots of nostalgia for early 2000's rainy monday in New York City. The anthesis of indie and alternative. Good tunes for good people.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Good album from a historical perspective. But 60 years removed from the psychedelic era this is just run'o'the'mill psych rock and blues. Cool shit, but 3 million better examples of this.
Machito
4/5
Afro cuban jazz is in my wheel house dogs. This album speaks to me and moves as if it were a story book. I love this era of music from the early 50's pre rock and roll where everything had a latin american feel and flow to it.
Additionally incredible that the westernization of latin america and cuba was bottled up and forgotten by the communism race. Then rereleased in the late 90s and early 2000s. This influence lived two lives and I'm happy to exsist in a timeline where this is in it.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
Kinda cool but campy. Sing songy and almost nursery rhyme like. Can get boring. But all in all some okayish britbop.
ABBA
3/5
I dont know, ABBA is awesome but this whole album was 3 songs and all filler. Disappointed to say the least.
Still enjoyed the harmonies and use of unique synths.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Fabulous collection and recording of the missisipi delta maniac mister muddy waters. He's in my rushmore of blue artists, no one quite did it as well as muddy and with as much class. He fit in at Newport!! Hell yeah.
Jack White
3/5
Not jacks best work but was the best rock albo of 2012 as I recall.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Gorillaz
3/5
Neil Young
3/5
Not neil's best.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Tight grooves and psychedelic flow. I loved this album. My first but not final listen.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
F tier bruce springsteen. He was washed at this point just putting out an album to stay relevant. Moderately good song writing but full of tropes and that old americana theme that bruce can't get over.
Production value is really high, sounds fit for the time. Like a Nickleback legacy album.
Johnny Cash
5/5
I'm a huge Johnny Cash fan. This album is like an encyclopedia into the decay of a weathered man. His voice warbles, is cracked and frayed. His guitar playing in supplemented by studio musicians and high level production. But, its a novel look into an accomplished American icon who lived a life well live. Coming to terms with his mortality. The choice to do all covers of songs that inspired Johnny throughout his time on earth is a special nod to his legendary story.
5/5
Another absolute BANGER. This album has left me speechless since my teenage years. Obviously experimenting with marijuana and alcohol would enhance the attachment I have and now while most days i listen to this album sober, I have explored this album to no further extent. By the time Within You and Without You hits I'm already high that the psychedelic anthem is just par for the course.
Always been particularly floored by McCartney contributions. Fixing a Hole, When I'm 64, and She's Leaving Home have been iconic pieces of musical literature that always enrich my life's perspective. Even after a decade of study I still find new things about this album during a listen. Even just today, I figured out another instrument I hear in the background of a George Harrison groove.
Full 5 stars remains in my Beatles top 3 for life.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Whole heartedly the pinnacle of Fleetwood Mac's career (or at least the one that everyone else knows, I'm much more partial to Peter Green's).
I've actually grown to like this album because of its visonary 80's tonality and semi-disco rock rythmns. Fleetwood seemed to walk a fine line and genre blend on this album and the care they put into it (infighting aside) shows.
Solid 4 star album, a highlight of the discography and a iconic release of the decade.
The Cure
2/5
Uninspiring slow moving and repetitive. The cure albums i like have a melancholic blend with melody and great musicianship. This was too atmospheric and open, stripped back for my taste. Unfortunately I rank it low although I love the cure and Robert Smith.
Neil Young
5/5
One of the best albums Neil ever penned. Phenomenal balance of heartfelt and hopeful folk tunes with gut wrenching and cautionary tales. I love Harvest its a great balance and showcases how good of an artist neil was
Pink Floyd
4/5
Arguably the Pink Floyd magnum opus. Deep textural and layered sounds, backboned with an unstoppable psychedelic blues sound. Phenomenal piece of analog music with a heavy use of overdubs and synths. Married beautifully with deep introspection and highly personal and relatable lyrics (relateable to baby boomers, enjoyable to Gen X and beyond).
The Wall remains number 3 for me behind Dark Side and Meddle because there is just an apparent loss of what made Pink Floyd, Pink Floyd. A lack of psychedelia, and experimental rock to this crazy shift into political commentary. I don't outright hate this album, but the band consensus used to sit on the fringes of society doing their own thing. And this album really launched them into the the stratosphere. And people constantly reference this albums social impact, and the infighting the ensued after. I mean, just take me back to 1971-1975. Pink was on top of the world.
Judas Priest
3/5
Man metal has grown leaps and bounds beyond British Steel. But this album goes so hard. Blistering bombastic drums and groovy basslines with perfectly intonated metal riffs. Coupled with Halford delighful vocals, this album is a hit. Its aged itself into a new genre, that being hard rock/dad rock. But its so damn good.
Don't you ever forget that Rob Halford has homophobic men in the 1980s dressing like gay bikers in assless chaps and bedazzled leather jackets. And in the ultimate trump card he was literally like "If you listen to the lyrics closely i was talking about getting [my back blown out by another dude.]"
Scott Walker
4/5
Seriously good songwriting, epic conposition and equally stupendous production. They do not make music of this caliber in the modern era and it fucking shows.
Scott Walker paints detailed scenes with his words and phrasing that teleport you into the story and allow you to go along for the ride.
I'm a fan of this album and find it so soothing to enjoy a long drive with this as a soundtrack.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Not melodic enough to be pleasant or enjoyable. Not rythmic enough to be enticing, not psychedelic enough to be enlightening or concious. Certainly not experimental and progressive enough to be unique or stand out from the lot of 70s contemporary. Not artistic enough to be avant garde and definitely not good.
A swirling soup of sounds with an occasional shred of talent and genius lost to the scalding broth.
I haven't read a convicing case as to why this album belongs here.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Cooky broad does 80s pop I get it.
Embassador to the 80s femme fatale style, but there is nothing explosive here. Its just good.
Sorry for all those gen x listeners with huge nostalgia around this album, its just okay.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Phenomenal clinic in songwriting. Pleantiful melodies and musical interpretation. Lush with complicated instrumentation and a lot to love. Wings is seriously good music and in no way shape or form a direct competitor to The Beatles discography. Study of both in independent disciplines are neccessary.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Not very excited. Abrasive grateful dead melodies with some punk undertones. 3 stars for creativity.
Saint Etienne
3/5
I very much enjoyed this science experiment of an album. Sixies folksie vibes with house and synthpop tonalities. At times this sounds like a vampire weekend album too which is hella cool.
Ray Charles
5/5
See the thing is Ray has been labeled a genuis since inception and I don't think anyone can disagree. Beautiful arrangements, melodies seeped in dark blue meloncholy, but with enough hope to keep the audience entertained. Another album that makes me nostalgic for a time I've never lived in.
Common
4/5
Damn good old school hip hop. Hits deep with concious lyrics and bold beats. The early Kanye features are here to remind you that he had so much talent back then. But, alas.
I never paid much attention to Common on my upbringing so its nice to finally dig in when i was mature enough. I was although a fan of the dave chappelle show so i know fondly of that performance that was featured on the album. Cheers to the weekend cunts.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Well ah well ah well ah its rick and morty tiiiiimmmmmmeeeee.
Good easy listening. Elvis' debut full length is chock full of great talented song writing and performance. Before the commercialization of him destroyed it.
Tom Tom Club
2/5
Mundane, repetative, and boring to say the least. I expected more from a band that is so highly revered in the new wave scene.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
I got a deep love of classic country. But this was unique and different, not really my taste. But I enjoyed the world music influence of the Mexican themes.
Still in the context of what constitutes "good" country this is poor, kinda stadium country precursor vibes.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
In the context of 1993 Smashing Pumpkins were absolutely elite at crafting grunge music. So much so that Nirvana couldn't even follow up the dynamic vision of this album. Plum full with noise, angsty and HEAVY drums.
I've always appreciated this album because my siblings are 90's kids and I'm a ought's kid so it was so easy to share this music with me.
And though the relevancy of this album has died and more angsty and grunge exsists in other genres, this album is and was special for that time period.
Kanye West
4/5
I tend to talk out out sides of my mouth when i comes to kanye. Overrated narcissistic psychopath. But also visionary, once in a generation talent.
My beautiful dark twisted fantasy is an iconic piece of music. A bookend to the 2000's and unshering in a new era of Ye for the decade, again before the psychopath became manifest. Its a wonderful look into the mind of a successful rap star, rags to riches.
Lovely album if you seperate art from the artist. Dark Fantasy, Power, All of the Lights, Monster, Runaway. All BANGERS.
Dire Straits
3/5
Nice southern rock flair from this old brit. Knoppler sure can play a mean guitar. But damn is the entire album lackluster. Dire Straits remains to me a few hit wonder.
Goldie
2/5
Tapping out early on this one. I left trance music a looooooonnnnnng time ago. In my walkman 2 cd player circa '98 was a trance CD. It was the only one that ever appealed to me and this is no exception.
It doesn't move me, make me wanna dance, or relax me, its not engaging. I usually just check out. Some moments of timeless and the entirety of state of mind were worthy of a nod. But the rest of that robotic fast paced bank heist music and is subpar.
The Who
5/5
Near perfect mix of rock anthems and piano ballads. I've been a Wholigan my whole life. 4th of July 2003 I asked my mom what that "teenage wasteland" song was about. She told me "woodstock", but "more importantly its by the who".
No skip album that served as the basis of my music taste. I love it, Quadrophenia my all time favorite who album but this one is pretty damn great.
Fun fact I own this album in every form of media. Vinyl, CD, MP3, and on Streaming.
Paul Weller
3/5
Intriguing yet not quite compelling. Genre bends enough to meet several criteria for my personal enjoyment but not quite demanding of further praise. Just adequate 90's rock music that blends in with its counterparts quite well. I hear Oasis influence, Blur and Pulp, as well as some southern rock like allman brothers and neil young, and even some googoo dolls type sappy love song rock as well.
I wished this moved me because the albums that inspired this work are far better than the output. A meer 3 stars from me, dawg.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Gil Scott-Heron
5/5
Pretty inspirational, powerful, prolific and well produced. I'm not familiar with Heron's work but the name has come in frame time and time again.
I'm thoroughly impressed by this piece of work and love the occasional flute that adds supreme cool factor. Poet Gil Scott's words to music is so captivating.
Portishead
3/5
Quirky and different. Rythmic and dense. Noisey at times but I like it. Might need more time with this one.
Blue Cheer
3/5
Well made and well produced, but still cut rate led zeppelin. Blues heavy rock n roll with tinges of psychedelia.
Not good enough to be a stand out unless I'm missing somthing. Peter Green's fleetwood mac and the bluesbreakers blow this out of the water.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Oh man. What more can I say. More authentic rootsy, and experimental Rolling Stones. BB is in my top 3 Stones of all time, this album is chock full of interesting and engaging songwriting and instrumentation.
I'd extrapolate but I'm too busy listening to it again. 🎵There's a tramp sittin on my doorstep🎵
Kanye West
3/5
Pretty good. Social commentary on the lack of value of a college education flipped into rapping about drugs, clubs, guns, and money. Hilariously in poor taste for old Kanye. Sure you can make money, but did you know that bipolar disorder can be onset? Youda learn that in school boy.
Anyway, I used to praise old kanye. But Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was far better than this. But the second side including last call are bulletproof. Good albo.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Punk energy with nu wave soundscapes. Kinda like a sharper and angrier version of the buzzcocks. Instrumentation was groovy and fun, lyrics were a whiff and same with the vocal stylings.
I like this, but given the praise this album has recieved I don't quite see it all. Perhaps nostalgia again, but it was alright.
Iggy Pop
2/5
Eh. I love Iggy and the Stooges but maybe his solo work ain't for "mass production". buh dum tss
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Superfluous lyricsl content with much thought and deep story telling. But at the same time so lack luster and boring that I can't even give it a nod.
Just flat out uninspired drawn out verses with the intent of much impact but doesn't even phase me. I recognize Leonards contributions and influence. But this album didn't do much for me.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Pretty good folksy easy listening akin to tracy champman for sure.
Kinda boring but thematically cohesive and upbeat, great instrumentation and melodic ideas on wax for 1976.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Scathing comments here but I'll provide a medium take. Since GFunk and Gangster Rap has rap ever been clean? I don't think the medium has been used for jovial clean rap unless in small subgenres like De La Soul, and Tribe. Even outkast is "dirty".
Without fellating my man Kendrick too much. This was his Joe DiMaggio/Mickey Mantle era. The one we will always reference as the young blood blossoming into a full blown rapping poet and beacon of hope in the community. Kendrick did reinforce terrible standards in the genre but ultimately crafted tense scenes of southern california, and the trials and tribulations that black americans lives through some 30 years after NWA. Things didn't change positively, nor did the music. This is akin to the woke verses of street poets like Warren G and Tupac.
GKMC was always my favorite in kendrick's run. He has a knack of story telling with crazy clever wordplay and brilliant verses. He has an ability to create tense scenes that inject you right into the crimes and storylines that took place from his childhood. With just enough post conciousness to reflect on it, and show a sense of growth. Growth that wind be extrapolated in 2015 with TPAB.
Chicago
4/5
Absolutely excellent debut album. So rhythmic lively and loud. Funky, fresh, and jazzy. Its hard to believe that this band would regroup in the late 70's and go chase a bag with love ballads. This album is a serious contender of most interesting rock album. Blends a few genres like southern rock and r&b, gets experimental and psychedelic in Free Form Guitar. Pop rock in songs like Beginnings? From the jump Chicago was diverse? Wow.
The Young Gods
1/5
Udder shite. I like industrial music as much as the average listener, but this french gargling of syllables came out more like throat singing or duck sounds. Really cool riffs and drum and bass grooves but that guy "singing" needs to change something about his delivery to better suit the melody.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Iconic, unprecedented, unique, robust, diverse, melodic, vibrant, warm, uncanny, and timeless.
The Wilson bros struck gold on the eve of Sgt. Peppers and came up with this Laurel Canyon sunshine washed harrowing piece of music. On the day after we lost Brian Wilson this album especially hits the hardest, knowing what I know about the internal struggles of the band this gem is a surefire standout that has lasted for generations.
There was a comical allure of this album as I was coming up in age but its completely warranted.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Hendrix's first long form soiree into psychedelic blues rock. So much refined studio elegance jammed into this beauty of a concept album. The concept is formless and nameless but the vibe is immaculate. Someone called this psychobable meandering and I think they missed the point. Not a perfect album but a great artistic culminated of American Pschadelic blues and artistic and creative sonic creation. Always a fan.
David Bowie
4/5
Great concept and introspection. Brilliant musicianship and lyrical contents. Happy to have enjoyed this one late in life yet again. Not my favorite Bowie but a great example of his contributions and career trajectory.
Taylor Swift
1/5
Artistic and mysterious intentions but it falls a bit flat in the face of someone who critically examines music. Nothing about evermore or taylor swift i constitute as art. Its just run of the mill pop music.
The The
4/5
Great case of "never judge a book by its cover". Great groovy upbeat and soulful new wave sound. Great vocals, synthwork, drums and even the bass and guitar were on point.
Will come back to this one.
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
Nirvana
4/5
Iconic and classic, but all in all Nirvana makes me wanna blow chunks. Not the best example of 90's alt rock and grunge, but one the does capture the sound. I'm over Nirvana ever since I dove in and gave other bands and albums a listen. Go forth, consume the Melvins, QOTSA, STP, Mud Honey etc.
The Who
4/5
Not the strongest concept album but sure does have a pretty dark and harrowing story of Tommy Walker. Poor dude watched his assumed dad get clapped, copes and develops psychosymatic symptoms. Then gets dosed early in life, then molested. Tries to heal a nation the best he can and is rejected, yet doesn't give up. Just sings his song.
4 star album on precedent. Great album and allowed the who to transcend mod pop songs and create a cohesive universe.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Its ella doing gershwin there isn't much to love. But is a compilation the best representation of her capabilities or that of the music gershwin's were able to produce. I do not agree. This a behemoth to tackle in one day let alone one listen. It all morphs into one sound after a while and it becomes difficult to develop and unique impression for each song.
Tom Waits
5/5
Not much more to say about the twisted and conflicted demon that is Tom Waits. Back-alley Shakespeare takes us on a journey to the darkest depths of NYC nightlife and sleaze, to the score of proficient worldly influence, multigenre demonstrations and really zany instrument choices.
Rain Dogs is peak Tom Waits, not all his albums give off this vibe. But his work on this one remains iconic and prolific.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Meloncholic and somber Americana music. I really enjoyed it. A standout album for 2001 I imagine, but for those listeners who brave the 2007-2019 epidemic of revival. We aren't unkind to music like this. It isn't borning, its cathartic.
But that being said perhaps this is a tastemaker collection, but if I was looking for Americana and revival type music I reach for a long long list of other albums and artists. But this will not be one of them.
Also that Elvis Presley Blues song was like nails on a chalkboard. Awful hook repeated over and over and over and over and over again with no added storytelling from verses.
Supertramp
4/5
The older I get the more I lean in to how much I appreciate Supertramp. There is a lot of levity, super proficient musicianship, theatrical energy and delightful melodies. I wont praise this album too too much because I'm sure there is other albums that better represent the band as a whole. I'll keep at it.
Blur
4/5
Just like last weekend's supertramp album. The more I grow older I realize britpop is so awesome. Cheery, rooted in punk and alternative sounds, bitchin riffs, beautiful melodies. And just enough sarcasm and cheeky direct british influence to make you smirk a bit.
I'm glad also to have listened to both albums from the 1994 britpop battle phenomenon. Because critically examining both have lead me to say. I wouldn't have been able to make a proper assessment and would have caved to whatever my friends said. I lean more oasis, this album was at times lulled by british humor and irony. I can't sometimes deal with it.
In summation britpop yay.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Not the most prolific or iconic piece of psychedelic music surely. But it launched arguably of the longest and best selling runs of a band of all time.
All analog, manually panned and paced the album flows naturally as to match a psychedelic journey. Is the best songwriting or structure of all time? No, but you can really hear the foundation of Pink Floyd being born. Richard Wright, Nick Mason, and Rodger Waters all gel harmoniusly into a soup a psychadelia. Whilst Syd Barrett provides the music and lyrics.
Always and forever a fan, 4 stars on principle. Pink went on to change the world.
Germs
3/5
Ohhhh noooo my hardcore punk is unintelligible, agressive, abrasive and yet all that makes it more punk than what you consider it to be.
Day in and day out this album challenge reminds me that music people are amongst the most intolerable of individuals. Its hardcore punk. Don't like it? Hit that "did not listen button".
All in all this Germs album isn't their finest work but it is polished, proper and uniquely influential to late 80s- 90s hardcore punk. I'm happy I could experience something that confluence one of my favorite bands.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Lemme tell ya something. I AUDIBLY groaned when this showed up today. Overglorified proto classic hard rock. But, I am biting my tongue.
I forgot how tight, groovy, well produced and mixed this album is. Every instrument shines and and vocal performance is warm and comforting. Akin to Cream at the time. The use of the hammond organ is tasteful and not annoying.
I have this on vinyl from my moms old collection, circa 1968. Might have to give it a spin again soon.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Definitely a brilliant album, not a tastemakers selection. Just a robust and angsty British rock album. As good as debut albums come. These blokes were 18-20 when writing, recording, releasing and touring this culturally important album.
I agree with the guy who said this is important to those who were young when it was released. I agree, but finding it late in my life was huge. A return to '06 and my roots in punk.
5/5
My personal Bowie favorite and the one that got me started in discography. The concept and melodic themes of the album are all perfectly married to eachother to develop such an iconic and pivotal album. Seeped in such punk, glam rock, art pop, and pop rock sensibilities. It remains in foundations of many rock n roll subcultures.
It's dramatic irony of a beloved rock star (who may or may not be an alien) falls into a peril of his career and his own life was a dark look into the instances of rock n roll stardom. A warning of sorts for those who were starstuck by the glamour and adornment. Really "meta" for the time and deeply introspective.
John Martyn
3/5
Pretty interesting end result of jazzy and progressive influence combined with blues and folk fusion. I liked it, I don't think I'll go back to it anytime soon. But also production sounds super fresh, and the overall end result sounds modern as heck.
Slipknot
4/5
Its hard to ignore the relevance of this album and this band. Its so filthy, dirty, grimy, angsty and influential. From a band where everyone was supposed to remain anonymous (penis nose ftw) The masks are so iconic and so is the song writing.
You don't understand what these corncob shucking midwest weenies are so pent up about until you travel to the midwest. Its awful.
From the moment I started to gain conciousness this album has been with me. It shaped my taste and allowed me to appreciate heavy deathcore type metal. The self titled has the nu-metal component woven into the DNA.
It might not be your cup of tea but you can't deny the legacy this album has left. Corey Taylor is an incredible lyricist and singer and the band through multiple iterations has been always tight. Mad love and mad respect from me on this album.
Rod Stewart
4/5
As I get older Rod becomes more relatable and enjoyable. He's a grizzled road worn rockstar in a bit of a hangover on this album. Coming down from the highs of glory to write a somber more relaxed album that doesn't shy away from adding some rock n roll boogie to it. I need more time with Rod. 4 stars for now.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Pretty boring and one dimensional frank album. There is so much more to him then this.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Damn good Bob Collection. Good blend of folksy, and electric accompanied by a pure blues back track. Storied lyrics with powerful emotional context.
This album shows Dylan's commitment to his craft. He is due all the respect and praise even as a tiny jacket, cold walk hipster grandfather.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not my favorite stones by a long shot but a great collection of what they do best. Rock hard. Even the ballads and blues numbers have a refined sense of rock attitude. Love it.
The Cure
3/5
Less boring than 17 Seconds. But not quite to my Cure pallate. I'm big on Wish, Disintegration and the debut. But I can see how this album drove the goth aesthetic to new heights. Its got some swing, some melody and pizzaz to it.
Fairport Convention
4/5
I enjoyed this alot actually. Its a pretty unique display of folk music, of course it comes from Britan who tends to break the rules when it comes to genres. This album bends, blends, and even cartwheels in and out of blues, psychedelic, celtic (which I know is actually british heritage I'm hearing), and even spme progressive and jazz elements. But, it often stays true to the folksy style.
I might revisit this one but its hella fun.
Duke Ellington
5/5
Outstanding set late in Duke's career. He's still got that swing, that pizazz, that jazz. Everything that made him the GOAT of this era is capture on this two disc masterclass. Live a Newport is an important standard for all Duke heads and an iconic festival for connoisseurs. Though watered down by 2025 with comedy, pop acts and rock bands. Newport used to be Jazz summer camp, and here we have camp counselor Duke and his All Star troop taking us along for 8 weeks worth of hiking, canoeing, campfires, watersides and zip lining.
If you catch the metaphor, its a long dissemination of his entire career compiled into one set. Ya dig?
The Byrds
3/5
All my life I was told to get hip and pay attention. And I can't even begin to telling you how terminally borning the Byrds are. Like maybe you get diamonds from time and pressure but boy is this derivative, uninspired 60s folk.
But, I guess thinking critically. Before the Byrds there was no 60s folk rock. And if they truly birthed a half a century of rock music. Then so be it.
Elton John
5/5
Something about geeked up gay british dudes. They just make some of the best music.
Sonically luxurious, harmonically beautiful, it rips it rocks and it rolls. Bonus points for tasteful use of Accoridan and Banjo in some deep cuts. Elton is one of the best composers of a lifetime.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Ozzy and the boys debut is nothing short of greatness in essence. It challenged all anyone knew about rock and roll music at the time. Rode the tail end of the British blues rock wave and blew it up with TNT.
High production value and well crafted rythmn sections lend to this albums added success.
Its simplistic rock excellence and beauty. RIP Ozzy, Tony Iomi inspired a generation of musicians.
Khaled
3/5
This is my first step into bodega/quik mart music. And I have to say, I liked it. Im not sure Ill reach for this anytime soon because as of lately for world music Im fixated on French standards. But, when the time is right Ill delve and explore.
That being said, the imagine cover wasnt that bad. Its the song right before imagine. "C'est la nuit". Totally creepy sex pest vibes. In TWO languages. Yuck.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Shocked, surprised snd thoroughly impressed. Based on the album cover I thought we'd be listening to some 1990s disco infused hip hop pop junk like Dee Lites.
But no, bulletproof, groovy, influential britpop and rock. Blends and encapsulates all the 4 britpop super groups into one amalgam of delightful listening. If listened to critically you can here disco grooves and rythmns of Stone Roses, sonic qualities of Blur, song structures of Pulp, and the vocal stylings of Oasis but 4 years early.
Ill need some more time with this band but its a great listen. Especially on friday, with friday beers in the pipeline later.
Bauhaus
3/5
I dont get all of goth. Aside from some drum and bass grooves there isnt much here for me. I like the Cure and some of Joy Division and some other examples of 1st wave "goth" music. But, its decent. I can see the appeal for some.
John Cale
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this cohesive contemporary album. Lush warm melodies coddle wide ranging vocals and themes. The structures of each song are as solid as european cathedrals, thus timeless. Production value is real high. I know Cale worked with Lou Reed but this couldnt have been further from Reed's body of work. Maybe some melodic styling similarities. But, Cale is real good. This was my first step into his work. I liked it alot.
Fred Neil
3/5
Indifferent on this one. Good music, well made and refined blues/americana. Tinges of Country Western and Swing. But, unless Im missing some context it just comes across as run of the mill for this time period.
But then that 8 minute closing track which is a massive homage to Western movie soundscapes. Simultaneously this closing track sounds like a horse race, cattle drive, bronco breaking, cart robbery scene all in one. Bumped it up a star for sure.
Joy Division
4/5
Although I wish all the songs were written like the opener, its pretty good post punk. Early alternative, goth and new wave composite album. Im glad I finally got the chance to listen to it.
Bonus points for having Skate 3 soundtrack song. Spent many nights up late in adolescence building skate parks and practicing tre flips to Disorder.
Björk
2/5
I wont be as scathing as some of you are here. But aside from the complexity that is making music with voice only, there isnt much inspiration in this album. What makes it good to me is the cohesive ability to take an idea and a concept from brain to physical medium is mostly what makes this enjoyable.
Im sure bjork has other examples of defying the norms. Its something to change up your listening. Plus there are infinitely worse albums on this list. Dont throw a fit over this.
But I do think the attitude aroune bjork's music has always been pompous and considered to be in superior taste but I dont see much here to be ecstatic about.
The Prodigy
2/5
I enjoyed it more than Fat of the Land and Fatboy Slim's albums on this list. But its still not quite my preferred genre of electronic music.
The Black Keys
4/5
I don't know the scathing reviews aren't really warranted in my opinion. This is a fine album, deeply blues rooted but doesnt steal or rip off anything. Black Mud won best instrumental rock song in 2011? So like, it was the best for its time. Do the Black Keys suck ass now, yes of course. But their 2008 Rubber Factory to 2013 Turn Blue run was the stuff of legends. They straight up grabbed the arm of the average American listener and injected it with midwest deep grooves and blues rythmns. In fact I followed this band from Rubber Factory from YouTube videos all the way through their grammy win. They matured well and ilicited one of the best albums of all time Turn Blue. Managed to create a hit everytime without over extending themselves or watering down the sound.
I am deeply disappointed this this bands post 2013 trajectory though. Delta Kream was okay but we're here to talk about Brothers. And its a great rock album, easy to listen and enjoy. Connoisseurs and pop enjoys alike had their time in the sun with it. Those calling this white people blues, listen to Chulahoma and Their Debut to see what they are about. And those calling this aimless filler, consider Turn Blue to see cohesion and concept.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Pretty damn exciting and energetic. Tasteful sax, bitchin' riffs and grooves. Cool multi tracked vocals. I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to spinning some of the live stuff.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
So I'll start this off by saying this is the music Taylor Swift thinks she writes. Actual artistic, Americana ripe with allegory, heartful stories and just b e a utiful melodies and voicings. Ive been quietly following Kasey from about 2017, pre-grammies. And have enjoyed her throughout. My only gripe is this...
While her music had touched the souls of many and have reached those who swore off country forever. Its fallen into the hands of the Coachella/Target/Labubu/Crumbl cookie demographic. Thus forcing actual country western and americana fem fatales into obscurity. The biggest crime about the alt country genre is that for the last 10-15 years its been the only good country to exsist.
Please if ur reading this and like this album go listen to; Christina Vane, Riddy Arman, early Sierra Ferrell, Molly Tuttle, Esther Rose, Noeline Hoffman, and better yet get your ears on the the youtube channel "Western AF".
Laura Nyro
4/5
What is art without some contrasting themes. Dark, intimate and solem album art completely contrasted against a brash, bold, and bright highly Motown derived soul.
Now before anyone goes crying "stolen soul!!!!" its not easy to sound bright and high register like Diana Ross while also throwing her voice dynamics around like Tiny Turner.
This is a really good album. I hear Carole King, Barbara Striesand, some Smokey Robinson from the band. And while overall total end product does not compare to those giants. This one still manages to entertain like those giants.
The Hives
3/5
The Hives are pretty run o the mill garage rock. High energy, low effort end product. Rock and roll attitude thats kind of a facade, but that was garage rock. It was and people forget, a revival movement.
All in all its not a bad compliation but a compilation at that. Just like the many compilations on this list. You cant distill a bands efforts down to a greatest hits catalogue.
Rocket From The Crypt
1/5
This album is like a a one man band skit, doing anything for attention and failing miserably at all of it.
I see the appeal for sleazy 1990's punk forward alt rock but it kinda falls flat here. Rushed songs, absent structure, shite vocals. Other acts did it better at the time. This comes off a B tier Offspring, F tier Foo Fighters, with a dash of ska that makes them kinds bad at 3 genres?!
Don't listen to this before you die. Go find 90's punk staples like the Desendents, Replacements, hell even Listen to Mighty Mighty bosstones and Operation Ivy for ska. And listen to The Colour and Shape by Foo Fighters for pure 90s rock nostalgia.
The Band
5/5
This is it, this is the Band at their finest. High caliber Americana music. Ripe with stories, lessons, emotions, wisdom, entendres and so much healing power. This album is like chicken soup for the soul, or a nostalgic keep sake.
Ive mentioned my Dad and the Band before. He was crucial in getting me to appreciate this band though it took him several tries.
Skillful melodies, a masterclass in musicianship and song writing, each instrument sounds uniquely like the player. No better vocalist in my opinion then Levon Helm, a man of mystery and magic. I can't speak any higher of this album.
Skepta
1/5
I'm sure I'm missing conext and other genre examples. But what I can say is I try often. British Rap does literally nothing to me except cause confusion to me. Because on one hand I hear direct rip offs of American rap culture, all whilst being told that this example is cutting edge or unique to England.
This album is a miss, clunky flow, rapid fire onomatopoeia's about guns, chains, cars, and drugs. Boring one dimensional beats that sound like they were made in garage band by a young producer. Nothing here screams exemplary rap. I might just be an American Rap Elitist.
But I tried it, perhaps this is a stand out in England and I'm missing said context. I'll continue to try my hand at other examples.
Brian Wilson
3/5
Prince
3/5
Prince's body of work sure does perplex me. This dude felt as if he was a creative music God, and yet released a double album hear with the first half being chud. Come at me with the "raw" "stripped down" "acoustic" "rootsy" nonsense. But this man fucking shredded, and was a pop rock icon and disc 1 was his best acoustic writing. 2/10.
The real meat and potatoes here in my opinion is side 2. Perfect prince album, tight, groovy, unique, sexy and fun. Beautifully sounding and produced at an excellent caliber for 1987. But it shows his true intentions to write a pop masterpiece like purple rain. 7/10.
Ill split the difference and give it 3 stars. Because all in all im super partial to his guitar god era in the late 70's.
The La's
4/5
Fabulous album, 1960's love and appreciation in the modern era with modern sounds and influence. Sounds fresh today, production value kinda high. I dig it alot. A friend always told me to listen to the La's. Now I see why.
Fugazi
4/5
Real good and real cool. I like what came after fugazi and before. But I hella respect the contribution to modern music.
The Thrills
2/5
I wont scathe but its just flat out boring and not very memorable. Let alone an album to listen to before you die.
Its got some laurel canyon charm, combined with a southern draw. Perhaps unique for 2003 but this album got 1Upped several times since then.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
I have always been down with Sly since at least like 2010-2011. He always had a unique and refreshing positive spin on communal uplift. The classic image of a family band turned beacons of hope in the summer of love.
Stand is nothing short of great funk music, adds some texture and psychedelic flavor to it. But still manages to create pop music.
We lost Sly this year, I watched the doc and how important he was to his community and his family. Despite substance abuse he was able heal wounds and repair bonds and constantly reminds me that self improvement and healing through music will always exsist.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
7 months after his debut Hendrixed dropped gold. The pinnacle of late 60s psychedelic blues fusion.
Hendrix is blues and rock royalty because of this masterpiece. I need'nt say much more. If you don't know shame on you.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Very lush and clean sounding. Beautiful and dark harmonies with drab meloncholy lyrics. A super fun example in genre blending. Really will never gripe with exciting music.
But that being said its slow, hard to groove with and definitely requires some mind altering drugs to dance too. For me its an introspective sit and listen album.
The Blue Nile
3/5
Super meloncholic but interesting. Not fully goth, not fully new wave, not fully electrowave, it stands on its own. And that clearly makes some music fans afraid.
I won't really revisit this album but it is nice to hear more artistic albums that come from the 80s. Instead of the same 8 highlight reel of albums that Gen X wont shut up about.
Tom Waits
4/5
Another stupendous albo from Tom. By no means is this a Rain Dogs contender. But he still perfectly encapsulates the insansity of solitude in creativity. Its cathartic to hear how hoarse his voices is as he wimpers for love and affection, then absolute goes bonkers in the next track.
True poet and artist. I enjoyed Bone Machine alot.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Guy's the king of pop for a reason. Cover to cover banger. I prefer the hits on this because an MJ deep cut or soft song isn't his specialty. But neither here nor there.
Listening to this Friday morning before labor day weekend. Iconic way to run it.
Erykah Badu
3/5
Ice Cube
2/5
Controversial for a reason. Saying things that needed to be said and made public information. Especially in white America. But, also its juvenille and tiresome. An HOUR of Ice Cubes monotone rap delivery. Early hip hop production takes so much away from this body of work also.
Ice is the 90s gangster rap version of LL Cool J. Kinda lame by todays standards. But, influential and important. Progressive too.
Leftfield
2/5
Its like fine. Okay I guess. Before you die? No. When you need to hack into the mainframe and have unlimited mountain dew delivered to your house in the late 1990's teen comedy movie. Yes.
Holger Czukay
2/5
Its cool, fun, groovy, experimental. I hear some progressive rock and jazz influence, some Zappa too. World influence. Engaging rock parts, operatic at times but all in all its okay. Not something I would use to point someone in the way of progressive or experimental music.
It manages to do enough to be tolerable but not enough to be memorable. So thats that.
Roxy Music
3/5
Interesting at least. Proto new wave in 1972. Good music for someone, just not neccessarily me. I can appreciate its contribution to modern music but, can do without now that things have come after it.
My one big question is who was this music for, or rather who listened to this music? It crosses so many boundaries (which aren't important but just for conversation). Is it goth? Punk? Posh? Experimental? Maybe thats the point. To everything all at once so it comes off as nothing.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Pretty damn cool. Forever indebted to Ry Cooder for he has brought forth world music for my casual consumption.
Surely nothing out of this world ground breaking but it certainly is exciting to hear some well produced African style blues music in such high fidelity.
Supergrass
3/5
Fun, up beat and more aggressive than the debut. Teetering on Garage Rock and turning away from britpop here. I liked it. Worth the listen. But won't come back to it.
Queen
5/5
Made my bones to this Queen album. My first true exposure to the theatrical rock opera genius of Freddie. Hasn't lost any charm. Full 5 stars, no fluff. God damn stellar music. I'm in love with my car isn't even that bad, kinda quirky. I dig that.
The Byrds
4/5
Better than the other Byrds album. Still not what I really want from them given their legacy. I wish it was denser, more robust or different than that generic 60s sound. Mr. Tambourine Man is iconic though. Split the difference and give it 4 stars.
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
Started off super slow, and dark and mysterious for no reason. But then it lift off and took me to space. Robust and rich melodies, choi harmonies, bitchin' riffs and hella catch chorus'. Classic 80s timbre. So polished and shiny.
Fine example of 80's goth tunes but how they kept it crazy cool and maintained a rock n roll attitude. Will come back to this one. I'm on the fence I've given some of its industry and genre mates a 4 star rating before but sometimes this genre is all so new to me it could be shock. This albo feels like 3 stars but sounds like 4.
Rod Stewart
4/5
Love me some Rod in the morning. Perfect hangover lament blues. Such rich themes and beautiful instrumentations.
Paul McCartney
4/5
Phenomenal album. Macca is amazing. You can hear him departing his Beatles era songwriting style in favor of a more robust and well rounded style. Its uniquemess at the time of 1970 was pretty forward thinking. Macca didn't really invent indie music, he laid some groundwork for self produced musical endeavors. But this is quite a deviation from the Beatles while remaining in his own voice.
I'm very partial to Wings, Ram and other Macca albums and projects. But, macca is divine.
The xx
3/5
I wasn't as impressed as other albums in the category but definitely some elite genre blending here. The xx is for those looking experience a myriad of musical influences without going and doing the hard work. And thats okay.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Solid Sly album. But if I recall from the doc this is the album that was the album where poor old sly succumbed to his addictions, became recluse and stopped being a member of the family band and turned this to a solo project.
Insightful, conscious, robust and funky. Love it. Keep Sly in your thoughts for all of 2025. Rest in Power king.
Brian Eno
3/5
Not the type of work i would reference when calling someone a genius. But it does have a tendency of melodic pop highs and tragic avant garde lows. Can be accessible to those who crave that type of destabilization in music. But I'll use metal for that in my life.
I think its fun to try and listen to and enjoy on paper but it is a tough listen in action. Worthy of multiple that I wont give it. Have fun with your brian eno ya nerds.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
What more can I say about Amy. I love her, I've always loved her. My late sister loved her, my best friend loved her and we used to smoke bowls inbetween shifts at Starbucks together and thats when I really connected to the tunes.
She's much more than a small girl with a big ego like someone here said. She's a Teenage girl thrusted into stardom at the hand of a heavily demanding and manipulative father. Albeit supportive his rigorous expectations from age 14 onward lead to a longing to escape through drugs and sex. Frank is her autobiography in going against life's hardest moments at 19 through the lense and stylings of a crooner.
Amy has a certain patoís to her vocal delivery, where it remains crooner esque yet exotic. Her influences are clear when she blends late 90's hip hop and r&b with soulful new life, the reggae melody was robust and charming. I mean people who don't look beyond the surface are missing the whole legacy.
Amy is my Beatles, she can do no wrong. We didn't get enough of her. And that's the worst part.
The Clash
3/5
Again real cool prim and proper almost new wave album. Former clash hater turn appreciator. I still like my punk to be aggressive, angsty, and in your face. But you don't get pop punk with out the clash.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Run o' the mill singer songer writer revival album that stood out of 1997 in the PNW & Seattle grunge haze. Largely forgettable for 2025.
Akin to but not withstanding to Neil Young, Nick Drake, and some Americana songwriters of the late 60's to mid 70's. I'd much rather engage with those standards than this. Aorry Elliot, you're probably a good hang.
Julian Cope
3/5
Not what I expected at all. A hyperamalgom of REM, Bush, Bowie, Grateful Dead, and britpop standards all turned into one surprisingly cohesive album.
Lots of dissonance and irregular resloutions melodically. Can be off putting temporaryily but always comes back sounding pleasant.
I wish it wasn't so long and some of the fluff was paired down. There is some good songs here. Worth a listen, not sure I'll return for this or seek more of it. But its kinda like the Kinks circa 1990's.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
Somewhere between late career Blur and boom stomp clap yeah music. Largely forgettable and boring. Music for someone. Not me.
Nick Drake
4/5
I sure do love Nyck Drayke (sic).
Very witty, wise, robust songwriter and guitarist who released some of his finest works in the warly 70's. In line with Crosby, Still, and Nash but also in good spirits with the Dead melodies and motiffs.
Damn good musician Nick Drake is. This is the type of sound I reach for in Autumn and instead of that Elliot Smith doofus
The Cardigans
3/5
Pleasantly surprised. I love Karen O from YYYs, Emily Haines from Metric, as well as Helena from Arcade Fire. And you don't really get those great 2000's icons without this super powerpuff pop princess.
I'll admit its not the strongest case for 1990s alt pop rock but its neat knowing this was the same decade as Nirvana and Oasis.
2/5
Low fi, low effort, entertaining but not unique enough to stand out. It has rockabilly moments that kinda predate the Brian Setzer 1990s era which was neat. But it doesn't stray far from the norm of post punk new wave. Its all in all good. Just derivative.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Definitely slow, definitely somber, and definitely not for everyone.
The haunting and ethereal vocals took me a bit out of it. But the instrumentation is big sky, long plains, night time twang and that to me is so unique in country music.
Its easy to make a country song sound like your sad in a bar, even easier to make a song sound like your happy at a party. But it is something unique about putting out an album that sounds like a solem night cruise around some farm roads dusk skies. Or even a night hike around an old mining trail.
Won't knock the attempt. Country is a lot like pop, its hard to not sound derivative. This is a fine album for what it was trying to do.
Eminem
2/5
I can't say much more than what I did back when we listened to the other album on this list from Eminem.
Its perfect for the late 90's early 2000's but its so juvenile now and just edgey for the same of pushing buttons.
Not one lyric on this is considered art in my opinion, just a razor sharp brash statements. Sure they are clever but, in the way that is almost trashy. The beats are one dimensional, computerized. The features are lame, the skits are stupid. The ONLY shred of redemption on this album is Stan. Long form allegory about this fan base that he developed. So dark, so raw, so creative.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Loved it. Not the strongest example of that late 50s cowboy folk sound. But boy was it authentic and so emphatic.
Lo fi production always increases my attention. Prim and proper polished late 50s country is hard to appreciate. Need that yee haw.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I liked it. Despite my deep aversion of trance music I think this one as a unique attempt at it. The live Song to Siren was a nice nod to the 1990's rave scene with what I presume to be a full rendition with improve laid on in some respect. Life is Sweet featured Tim Burgess from the Charlatans, great tight groove with light lofty melodies. I liked that one the most.
Despite only my 3 start ranking, this one is a good heady trip through modern love at the hand of trance tunes. Dig it.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
All in all pretty good blues rock. Ripe with influence from 25 years of rock and roll. Some Elvis, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, et al.
I don't wanna step on Mick Jaggers sentiment but Sticky Fingers is so damn good and this doesn't really hold up in comparison. Maybe the guitar tone is a bit more full and the bass well rounded. But, what I can gather is these guys care about their sound. The music comes secondary, given by the number of covers on this album. I can dig a band that puts time into their sound and studio technique.
Mercury Rev
2/5
I appreciate the nods to my homeland of Hudson NY, and musically the album was pretty expressive and artistic. Lyrically and vocally it left me wanting more. But hey, there is a secret song at the end. Always fun when they did that in the 90s.
Ozomatli
2/5
Its kinda cool with all the latin american influence and flair.
But awfully tacky and cliche for '04 with the infusion of hip hop and nu metal aspects.
Surely worth a listen before you die in lifeto round out your world influence. But this is so very 2004, it doesn't hold up 21 years later in the big '25.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Very avande garde and experimental attempt by Joni but the core of this album is as sweet as that of Blue. Despite having such experimentation it doesn't step far from what made her special.
This one would definitely take time to appreciate for a casual. But its a good time.
Paul Simon
3/5
Not really a dud. But not a masterpiece like Graceland. I just kinda wish his 80s efforts were so pop washed. The original demos and recordings after the album moved me so much more than the forward.
But I guess you don't "you can call me al" without some treading water and making okay pop songs.
Aimee Mann
3/5
Good tunes, honest hard working songs. But, production falls a bit flat. Generic 1990s stadium rock sounds with some tinges of sincere songwriter efforts. Its good music.
Not neccessarily a bad album. Just, for what Aimee Mann is praised for its not all there. I did love her vocal features on Time Stands Sill by Rush. Fuck yeah
Beatles
5/5
Absolute magnum opus by one of the most import groups for modern pop music.
The beatles deserve all the praise, and I don't mind critiques but most of your favorite artists exsist and freely create music because of their influence. Whether you wanna agree or not.
Abbey in specific is my first delve into the beatles, in this year 2009. I a young lad with an iPod shuffle and Abbey 2009 on it. My life was never the same.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
Damn good punk album. Short, sweet, poignant, visceral, angsty and for all to enjoy.
Some melody stylings on the album are not as good as others but it gives the DKs a touch of uniqueness.
T. Rex
5/5
Bolan at his best, theatric, bold, brash and bluesy.
This is the sound and styling that he got famous for. It is why he is a mighty giant in the rock and roll lineage and an posthumous icon that inspires generations.
Can't help at dig this sound, it always felt to me as electrific and supercharged rock music meant for the ages.
Neneh Cherry
1/5
Awfully dated, does not embody 80s pop or hip hop all too well. Dreadfully repeative and formulaic.
This is the type of hip hop your nerdy cousin listened to because his parents didn't let them listen to anything of actual poignantcy.
Korn
2/5
The dumpster kids unite over this album. As a critical listener I appreciate what nu metal did for music. But Korn is far from my favorite in the genre.
Thematically the sludgey guitars and demonic vocals make this a unique standout from the genre that definitely imprinted in on music for generations to follow. You don't have to be a fan to appreciate.
Middle of the road album, I don't love or like more than the hit(s) freak on a leash. But still think this was important for metal and music in a whole.
10cc
2/5
Very alright. Soft groovy rock at times and also a slurried mess of progressive and theatrical rock elements. Almost like Queen with poor song structure.
I can get down with it though. I'm not sure where these guys fit in the anthology of rock music. But, it wasn't all bad. Just not as good as it could be.
Steve Winwood
4/5
Some days it is the list and other day its the participants. But this exercise proves to be challenging for mostly those two reason.
Today its the participants. Steve Winwood is a phenomenal Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins adjacent pop song writer. There is so much heart and soul behind these pop tunes, with such phenomenal instrumentation (for its time), brilliant melodies and a relaxed pace that makes this a great album for study, work, or tasks.
I'm impressed, a little slow at times but its short and sweet. Steve's hits are always great but a full album experience eas worth it also.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
Damn not at all what I had in mind for a terminally mundane and chilly Tuesday. Sonically a wall of melody and rich instrumentations, great rythmn section and bright positive vocals. Really cool spin offs into psychedelic tangents. I'm throughly impressed at this.
Very much an album though, gotta sit down and commit to it in order to enjoy it fully. Pick and choosing songs wont get you anywhere. I'm gonna spend some time with this one.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
Actually outstanding. Pure luxury in electronica, crisp and timeless beats interwoven with hypnotic vocals. Remains kind of minimalist in the mix though. Great bass lines.
I like this alot. It falls right in line with my jazz/hiphop/triptronica/beat tape affiliation. Great study music, great research music, great work music and night driving music.
Brian Eno
3/5
Funky groovy and cool. Thats it.
Its annoying how sparce it is. Its annoying how there is no vocals, just samples from and infinite source. Its annoying that Brian Eno has as many albums on this list that he does. And its annoying that I don't love David Byrne as much as I should. But whatever man.
The Bees
2/5
So called music fans when a niche and unique indie alt album is on a list of albums : 😡
In my heart of hearts I appreciate this alot. Its got mellow soundscapes and a level of psychadelia that not only penetrates my ears it soothes my soul. But, even listening critically I can't find much to write home about. The vocals are super muted, percussion is kinda lame, guitars are not all that inspiring. But all culminates into something pretty cool, just not incredible.
Also this sound kinda predates 2010's revival culture. Where everything came with the 60's and 70's flair. Which is pretty neat.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Fun blend of grunge and indie/alt. Like superchunk meets the pixies. A good example of 1990s experimental music within the confines of popular genres.
Tom Waits
3/5
I think in the omnipresent lexicon of music as an art form no other artist creates more poetic tension that never resolves quite like Tom. Part of what I find so unique about his writing is in parts and times of my life he describes a charcter with the exact motivations and thoughts I do, all whilst never quite saying something cathartic enough to make me see where I've gone wrong in my ways.
Nighthawks at the diner is a fine example of this where every song starts off with an intro telling you the motivation behind the piece, followed by the poem which falls into that thematic limbo I described.
For example, Putnam County - my home county. I was eager to reach this point in the song to see if Tom had cracked a nut on my fellow townsfolk and had something to say that would help a young man understand his home. All but to be left with a generic description of small town America and themes of the usual NYC barlife. I was hurt, shocked, ashamed and allbeit befuddled.
But I guess in the sense thats a stylistic choice and not something to really take offense to. But what I'm really trying to say is a lot of songs felt unfinished or unending. Hard to determine when the last ends and next begins. Which is unusal for some of the other Tom albums we have on this list.
I wish I had kinder words. I like Tom's attitude, the story, the music and the overall vibe. But music is art and this felt like a play more than an album.
The Replacements
4/5
Replacements are always fun. Super energetic alternative rock and punk music. The stuff that sat on the fringes while Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and INXS reigned supreme. Not quite goth, or early emo, but counter culture enough to push the norms for the mid 80s.
Thoroughly impressed by the cohesion and dynamics of this album. It sounds fresh in the big '25, almost as if I unearthed a lost album of theirs that NO ONE has heard. But I know this is one of the bigger releases.
Will come back to this.
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
Damn good post hardcore music. I hear tremendous Deftones and shoegaze influence. Combined with a new found apathy and agression that would later distill into emo hardcore. This is a cool album. Its got enough influence that helped create subgenres of hardcore and post hardcore, emo and even post hardcore revival as of the late 2010s. It does all this while strattling the line of metalcore pretty delicately.
I shrugged when I saw this but I believe this was a good one for Wednesday.
Talking Heads
3/5
Cool, zaney, funky, progressive and yet not all that cohesive. Maybe that was the intent to be so far forward pushing that it loses melodic value and compositional skills. But, not all that bad. Fela's riff was super melodic and Once in a life time from this album. But the rest felt like non specific nu wave jam filler. And thats okay, I know im critical but some gen xers really built their lives around it.
Tina Turner
3/5
Powerful voice and nice vocal melodies. Mediocre music and songwriting. The 80's in a nutshell for ya.
I'm no fool though. I know Tina was a hell of a performer and she added soul to pop music.
Production feels dated, and everything is composed with that silly 1980's synth shit.
New Order
3/5
New wave sometimes is great and other times is not so great. I'm split on where this album falls on the scale, but I can say that albeit dated and uniquely new wave it goes pretty hard at times. I found myself a bit taken by the grooves and melodies. Vocals are so over reverved that I wish they weren't even there. But alas, they complimented the sound which I
Sonically pleasant and definitely a wall of sound at times, tinges of psychedelic motifs in the bridges and verses. But it kinda just didn't excite or dazzle me like I wanted it to. New order has that banger "Blue Monday" which I'm sad to not see on this albo.
I'll give it a three. Not a tastemakers choice nor a pop phenomenon, dare I say run of the mill.
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Eh. Nepo baby does ode to father's legacy, poorly. Yawn.
Good use of progressive and fusion elements. But in my heart of hearts this is spitting on the face of bossa nova and trying to adapt it to the 2000s. Good for normies. Not for I.
Gang Starr
4/5
Pretty awesome early 90's hip hop album. I wasn't aware of the cultural importance but I can gather from reading reviews its prominent.
I enjoyed the production and beats the most. Gang starr's flow is definitely iconic and the wordplay was quite groovy. Nothing beats a good 90s duo.
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Groovy, funky, weird, and worth it.
Definitely worth listening to before you die because disco didn't last that long but it affected many genres and sub genres.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Damn good 2nd wave blues rock. I made my bones in my early teens with Muddy and I'll continue to appreciate him until I'm dead and cold.
A particular standout on this is the track is Mannish Boy. I don't know how many versions of this track that I have listen to over the years but it never gets old. This particular version sounds like the one on Muddy's greatest hits album, although the vocal delivery in the intro and first verse sounds different. But alas.
Timeless electrocharged blues rock. Cutting edge for '77 and still relevant in the big '25. As I used to say "bump this til your grandkids are sick of it".
Radiohead
3/5
Oh boy.
Time and time again I'm reminded that I am sometimes an outlier in taste sometimes. Kid A does not do much for me. I appreciate its relevance and Radiohead's contribution to indie music. But I can't front run an album that hasn't spoke to me. Following me my entire life is a lack of appreciation for these mid era RH releases. I've been criticised and have recieved so many convincing arguments. But you can't top The Bends. I'm sorry.
On the bright side the use of contrasting live instruments and synths combined with post rock elements does set this album apart from the rest of the catalogue. And the droning melodramaticism complements Thom's voice. I understand the appeal but I wont lie, this didn't do much to me.
3 stars on principal.
Pixies
4/5
Lovely art punk from the late 80s. Surfer Rosa was always in my early teen rotation although I didn't understand the weight it may have carried as an influential grunge and punk album.
To me this is abrasive, haste, and ultimately unique sounding. Almost to a point of which it sounds brand new, but I am wise because of what age I found this album originally. The pixies always do well.
Queen Latifah
3/5
Distinctly derivative despite being supremely influential on hip hop.
Queen Latifah will forever be an actress in my lifetime and its hard to ever see her as this bastion of hip hop attitude. Just like LL Cool J the beats are simple and lackluster, the wordplay is tolerable and the messages are true to form. I can't seem to find why this album would be worth listening to in this life. But I won't seek much more than surface level exposure. On to the next one.
Kate Bush
3/5
Hounds of Love was so good. But this just wasn't it.
Squeaky mickey mouse chorus parts were harsh and hard to digest. Monotonous melodies against new wave rythmns and pop song structures was a triple threat of boring.
I really wanted to like it because again Hounds was an awesome album. But this kinda stunk.
Big Star
2/5
Yeah I agree with the lot of you. Its good classic rock, different than what gets served to us boys at a young age. But, its not good enough to be memorable.
Dumb fucking song from that insufferable That 70s show. Negative points.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Another album I thought I had figured out but by the end I was thoroughly impressed.
Its wide open folksy arrangments and use of classical music themes is well found in my mind. Vocal melodies are rich and robust that of a trained vocalist. And the songwriting is ACES. That hometown waltz song hits home with me in particular as in my life right now. So bonus points.
Thanks roofy keep it real hopefully there is more of your work on this list.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Goes unexplicably hard at times and monotonous and boring at times. Huge production and instrumentation creates a sonic experience. Akin to a black Steve Winwood.
Unfortunately the 80's pop tropes are high in volume on this album. Theres almost no room to breathe or be creative, just late 80s contemporary. But the musicianship is high so i wont ding it too hard.
Aerosmith
4/5
Balls to the wall, low down, funked up sexual ass rock and roll. Boogie woogie, bootin' scootin', rootin' and tootin', star gazed and neon light dazed.
This album feels like a bender. 3 nights of black out boozin and coming home to the one you truly love. Damn good album.
I do wish the lyrics had some more substance but with Steven's cold bloode rock god swagger its all fair. Perry's sleazy tone and and those Huge drums.
Damn fine Aerosmith albo. A highlight of 70s rock
System Of A Down
4/5
Aggressive, progressive, energetic, conciousness and all out insane. I always appreciate SOAD from afar but as I get into my older ages. I appreciate it so much more.
Highly skillful musicianship in the nu-metal era. There is a lot to appreciate and enjoy. A good example of their sound as opposed to "Steal This Album" or "Toxicity". Definitely will come back to this album in life.
Pantera
2/5
Common
3/5
Real good soulquarian rythmns and rhymes. I'm still learning about common, the other album on this list I liked a bit more. But this was interesting enough to hear what this transition period in 2000 may have sounded like.
I hear inspo for big boy and andre 3000 within this album too. East coast for life.
Orange Juice
3/5
Just a couple of cracked out whiteboys going all sexual style on the reggae nu wave sound.
I love it, the tone of the guitar, roar of the bass and the shuffle beat of the drums. Obviously not as strong as of an affinity with me as the Police but this is a dang good album.
I do also appreciate the indie alternative boundary pushing philosophy in the sound. And all around easy listening. Did it mostly on my commute this morning.
Neil Young
3/5
Okay for a neil album. Not his best and not by far his worst. Just overall okay, rich and warm melodies contrasted with Neil's sharp vocal styling.
Alice In Chains
5/5
One of best 90s albums of all time. So visceral and raw, pure grunge with interwoven hard rock riffs. Huge drums and super groovy bass all topped off with the cherry known as Lane mf Staley. Pure power and virtuosic singing leading the forward melody.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Cool and inspirational for its time. Dreadfully boring for any other time period
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Great album. I gotta ding it a few stars because bossa nova is best when performed by its spanish counter parts. But this made the genre so much more accessible to xenophobic normies in the late 50s and early 60s.
Little Richard
3/5
The Godfather of the formulaic rock n roll song. At least Fats had some characteristics of actually trying to write a different song. But, its great music I'm not a hater, its just every little richard song sounds like the last one. We don't get much of modern rock music without little Richard and for that I'll give his contribution to the genre 4 stars. But in my hear of hearts the 50s rock n roll genre has so much more to offer.
2/5
Lofty, posh, thematic and all somewhat boring and annoying. Feels like a feign attempt a Wings and or thr Beatles. But if you do want to hear a further progression of the genre that Paul McCartney birthed than look no further.
Eric Clapton
3/5
The grandfather of bloated and overrated blues rock guitarists. I think I learned most of Eric's right hand technique by the time I was 13. Would I challenge him to a guitar battle? Hell naw.
He's still one of the greats and I'll give him is due. But, derivative as derivative comes. 461 Ocean Blvd is gotta be his best work since Cream/Blues Breakers. But I stand by my original statement bloated overated blues. Dig deeper and you'll find way more talent than Clapton.
Weather Report
5/5
This is it. The big kahuna, the maui wowie, big bertha, the meal with all the fixings.
Weather Report is a defined supergroup with remenants of Miles' great quartets and the new addition of Jaco.
Its hard to sell this album to those who don't know but if you like powerful, complex, and wonderful jazz fusion. Look no further.
Fully deserves 5 stars. No contest.
Mj Cole
1/5
Yeah not all that. As much a fan of electronic music as I may be this falls quite flat as very dated and unimaginative.
Just sounds like the equivalent of retail music for the genre. The trance elements are there but it does nothing further to excite me or the rest of us here.
Tom Waits
4/5
That last Tom Waits album was relatively a dud. But this one goes right behind through saloon doors and behind the beaded curtains in the back of the local dive bar.
Sleazy, brazen, dark, sharp, cathartic, an anti-hero ballad, a swig of gin to freshen up. Damn this hit me so hard this morning I was ready to go be a degenerate. But I came to work for the benefits and the pay check. Woe as me. Rock on Tom.
Madonna
2/5
So like I understand what she was trying to do but I don't think she did it all that well. I wish I didn't listen to this because now I don't know what to think of mid career era Madonna. I only know her as bubblegum 80s pop and washed up old cringey lady trying to remain relevant.
2 stars because Ray of Light continues to be a bop.
Mudhoney
2/5
I appreciate the raw grunge energy oozing from every pore of this album. But this isn't my speed and I can't quite critically evaluate it. Lets tolerable than Nirvana but way grungier.
a-ha
3/5
Pretty great 80s melodramatic nu wave album. Take on me absolutely iconic. Songs in the middle section show pure emotional intimacy. Leads me to believe this might be a concept album, however those in the 80s took themselves all so seriously that everything was a concept. Not sure I'll return to this one but if i do i might skip the single which is always a good thing.
Suicide
2/5
Abrasive and aggressive nothing really to gain from this aside from that. Some sleazy melodies hidden in the mix but I think if you want to get an aggressive punk sound you can find it elsewhere.
There is some progressive elements like the use of synths and electronic elements. I wish I had other kind things to say but this is how I'm feeling.
Randy Newman
4/5
Are we not critical enough to listen beyond the Disney references? Gimme a break.
This is a high caliber singer, songwriter and piano album. With the occasional full band accompaniment. Certified white boy contemporary sure, mundane sure, a bit slow sure. But holy moly Randy Newman sure can paint a picture and write a tune to really send it home. I like this album alot. If there is more Newman on the list it should be enjoyable.
The Sonics
3/5
Pretty rad. Despite being all covers. It is a high strung, pure adrenaline, balls to the walls uncensored rock n' roll with a ton of attitude. Pure analog recording techniques really enhance the sound of this album.
There isn't much substance here but this is true rn'r. As opposed the onslaught of phonies who caught record deals in this era.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Time and time again I'm reminded that progressive music isn't always good. My ears are not tuned for this and this is not a band I am sonically prepared for.
Any attempt a melody is drowned out with noise. And sort of song writing evaporates in the mix. I hate this upon listen but do appreciate what shoegaze did for metal and rock. Maybe I'd like their later stuff but I recall every album difficult.
The Shamen
1/5
Yeah i don't wanna be a hater but this ain't it. Its fun on its own thinking about the music changing over from 1989 to 1990.
Sabu
4/5
Wonderfully traditional afro cuban album. Very raw and unmixed I like it alot. But not as much as Stan Getz and Buena Vista.
Radiohead
4/5
A rare 4 star radiohead album that is not The Bends. Great blend of indie alternative sound and synth forward melodies. Harsh and bold but well defined.
I for once enjoyed a radiohead album that is not the bends. Its about the little things yall.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
Lovely arrangement of blues and african song writing and rythmns against a late 50s early 1960s pop sound.
I think this album was really worth the slop on this list. I'm not a total hater of the project here but a lot of the time its a junk album or something lackluster. This really made me smile today.
Sepultura
4/5
There was a really weirs transition period in the automobile where mfgs departed from CDs, and tape decks but did not allow for Aux, iPod, and bluetooth to be included. Instead just regular USB drive that allowed you to play Mp3s on the car audio systems.
I got my first car in this limbo time period and although I had spotify and a 10,000 song iTunes library. I couldn't use it on my commute to and from community college. But my brother duplicated and converted a bit torrent USB drive and gave it to me. 5 glorious gigabytes of heavy metal fed straight through my car speakers and into my ears.
Anyways, the starting album was Sepultura and I've always appreciated how different it sounded for 90s metal. Its definitely not the pinnacle of the genre but it blends grunge, nu metal, hardcore and some semblances of world music it a really fun mix. 4 stars always down for this and its genre mates like Motograder, Mudvayne, Coal Chamber etc.
DJ Shadow
3/5
Another lovely arrangement of jazz inspired hip hop beats with an overall low fi sound. Again right in my wheel house albeit somewhat one dimensional and "boring".
I enjoyed all or most of it, I do think some tracks go on a bit long with little to no resolution which adds to the boringness. I gotta ding it a star for that.
KISS
3/5
I have incredibly negative things to say about the Kiss Army, Gene Simmons, and the discography at large. I'll spare you the details.
This album itself is mostly chud. Maybe 2 great songs + 1 good song + 1 okay ballad.
But like the riffs are tight, the drums groove and the rock harmonies aren't too gone for my ears. Love the band's performance on Detroit Rock City. Will always be in the pantheon of rock greatness.
Average out all my negative sentiments and the tolerable music you'll get 3 stars. Fuck you Gene Simmons. RIP Ace Frehley
Simple Minds
1/5
45 minutes of chud from the one hit wonder that brought you "Don't You Forget About Me".
Next.
U2
2/5
I've soften my hatred towards U2 at this point in my life. There's a lot of cool sounds here but it just doesn't quench my rock n roll thirst. Its just plain jane 80's nu wave alt. Which this list has way too much.
Animal Collective
4/5
Oh hell yeah, 2010's era millenial dream pop. Full hope, joy, psychedelia, wanderlust and wonder.
I love this time period of music although animal collective can sometimes be boring and mundane. But I think this music really opens your mind and mindseye at a late teen age while experimenting with drugs. To be fair, thats how I found this album. Taking dry weed hits out of a coke can then falling alseep in the woods.
4 stars, better albums from this era to listen to before you die. But Animal Collective is still worthy of your musical attention when considering 2010's.
Scritti Politti
1/5
Maybe I'm in a bad mood but I'm so sick of the 80's chud on this list. Awfully dated, redundant and forgetful. Occasional shred of melodic prowess but lost to some stupid 80's musical trope.
Incredible Bongo Band
1/5
So gimmicky. Well produced but covers are sacrilege.
Carpenters
4/5
Lovely album. The Carpenters are always a 70s contemporary treat.
Minutemen
3/5
Started strong. Too long and repetitive around track 10 to 12. Poisoned the rest of the album for.
Maybe I'll come back to this again. But who know.
Bad Company
3/5
I was obsessed in my youth by Bad Company in order to diversify my classic rock pallette.
But under 15 years have passed and I can tell you there are some good sounds, riffs and rock themes here but the bulk of it is just blasè classic rock.
Slade
3/5
Unique classic rock hell yeah. Glam-ish, hard rock-ish. Good boogie woogie and swagger.
Sure its not a moonshot important classic rock album that will inspire the ages, but its got hooks, rock riffs and grooves. Fun stuff.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Forward thinking and expansive album for 1989. Great experience for the challenge, but what came after i find to be much better.
Thanks firehose for breaking the nu wave punk mold and allowing some midwest emo and garage rock to gain a foothold in american music.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Revolutionary in '99 derivative in the big '26.
Indie alt folk for the pleasure of zoning out and questioning if you heard this song before or not. Beautiful swells and melodies at times. Awfully daft and mundane at other times.
No relistenability for me. 2 stars. The 2010's were indie alt folk peak. Proto examples like this are missing something.
Ash
3/5
PJ Harvey
3/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Stupendous album that requires a free day to be contemplative and sad. Fortunately I had that freedom. I did some chores drank a bunch of coffee and fell asleep early. Tis a doozy of an album.
The Streets
1/5
Udder shite. English rap always sounds this bad to me.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Interesting, engaging and introspective look into the modern era of romance, dating and of course sex.
A lot of sex talk of this album which usually turns me off of the music because once I get the imagery I can't shake it for anything else.
But the album sounds great, thematic, consistent and robust with a myriad of influence. Primarily RnB. I enjoyed it. Maybe you don't need this particular album before you die but yeah its worth a listen.
Sepultura
3/5
Metal is such a rapidly changing genre from decade to decade, and sometimes even year to year.
The artists who stick it out and evolve are keynote. As a youth I always enjoyed Sepultura as noted in my last review of Roots. But it is really engaging and exciting to listen to this album that predates the grunge nu metal sound and shines a light on the pure unadulterated Thrash metal sound.
A tough listen for those with weak ears. As my buddy mike said "Turn the good shit up. Yerrr".
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Lovely little arrangement of old stones tunes. Right before they slid into their '67-72 Mickey Mantle era.
Old stones really are plumb full of dashing melodies, interesting blues adjacent instrumentation and divine song writing with masterful allegory.
I wont suck their dicks too hard. Old stones keeps me going from time to time. Four stars on merit. The following catalogue really brought em to fame.
Fugees
3/5
Terminally torn on this album for myriad of reasons.
Because on one hand, I don't think any soulquarian album (besides Tribe and the Roots) has as much raw swagger coupled with lethal production value. The highly talented features add so much depth to it and only help enhance the overall end product. Additionally the occasional reggae infused hip hop track is so insanely good.
But on the other hand. Its a loose concept, with dodgey incomplete bars and sloopy flows interupted by god awful ad libs at times. And constantly referring to themselves as "refugees" and the group is called the "fugees" I can't quite forgive that. But maybe thats lore.
Anyway its great, listen to this album before you die. Hell enjoy it, make it your favorite album. Just remember theres one overly crtical, ego maniac who can't get over small stupid shit in albums that are 30 years old.
John Grant
2/5
Its alright. Pretty good but slow paced album. Really doesn't deviate from mid pace and slow tempo.
Little to no relistenability and not much to write home about before you die.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Softer than the mid 70s funk i like to jam on. But still great music.
Motörhead
3/5
One dimensional sleazy rock n roll. This is better than Hammerstein and the early catalog. But its nothing really unique or special. The production value is pretty high on these 80's motorhead albums which makes em more enjoyable.
4 stars for the man. Lemmy 🤘
Lightning Bolt
3/5
I'm all for melodic dissonance to enhance melodies and make them stand out. I'm all IN for a lack of tempo, pacing, or meter. And I am in devout fandom of aggressive and progressive music.
But, this is definitely a proto example of the genre and its so abrasive. Hard to enjoy and a bit one dimensional. The genre would morph to include great bands like Hella later and thats the era where this music got to me. And i remain partial to that. 3 stars on ingenuity and an attempt at breaking up the buttrocksoup that was 2003.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
As for post punk. Its there, underneath experimental and noisey spoken word passages. But its there.
No precisely my cup of tea when it comes to the genre. Much more enthusiastic over the Buzzcocks and others. But there's at least two inconic songs on here.
De La Soul
5/5
A behemoth of a debut. De La Soul has always been on my rushmore and it is no exception this late in my life. Funky fresh rhymes and unique samples drive the collective postive theme surrounding this album. It still sounds fresh so long after and unique compared to the rap we have nowadays.
I needn't say much more but I'll ding it a half star for the De La Orgee. Gross interlude but its the 90's baby. We were a pro sex society.
R.E.M.
3/5
Great sounding album with lovely production and instrumentation. However, REM always leaves me wanting more.
I liked the new orleans instrumental. That was neat. On to the next one.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Kings of Leon
4/5
Honestly, fuck the haters. Kings of Leon is such a good late oughts rock band. The sound really changed from the early oughts butt rock sound. I'm glad for once a newer album is on this list.
The bright melodies indicative for a historical base in southern rock and tight grooves and deep rythmns akin to motown this band is full of rich and eclectic taste. The lyrics are relatable often revolving around young love and feeling out of touch and out of place. Its real good music.
Before you die album? At least once. Monitor how rock changed through out the decades.
Meat Loaf
4/5
Behemoth of a rock opera. I sure do love this album, even with its juvenile escapades in tragedy and death. And the cliche question of if young love is everlasting.
Its awfully dated. But still sounds great, boisterous and timeless.
The only sin here is Steinmann and Meatloaf blew their wad on the debut. For damn near 40 years these guys tried to make another Bat out of Hell instead of writing new good music. Flash in a pan, lightning in a bottle. Move on fellas. 4 stars.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
I think that we've entering a period of time where if you didn't live during it, or get inspired by it this albums relevancy is starting to slip away. Before Reznor and the Nu Metal era, industrial music remained underground. This album and the era infused it into popular rock music. This album and NiN are inconic and deeply influential. But, the subgenres and music they gave birth to would go on to be what inspired my generation of musicians and music fans.
This album lost a bit of its appeal to me. My ears are not tuned for tinny, panning of electronic feedback combined with a dull migraine vocal melody. Which is why I say the relevancy is tapering off for now.
NiN and Trent get there dues for changing the soundscapes of metal, rock, alternative and pop music. This version of Hurt is incredible.
The Icarus Line
1/5
Not good enough in any of its genreblending to stand out. Little to no relistenability. Passes for rock but might as well be alternative.
Sadly don't listen to this before you die. The White Stripes had better percussive elements, the Hives had better grooves and melodies, the libertines and Strokes had better lofi vocals. On to the next.
Wilco
2/5
The equivalent of boiled chicken and plain white rice music.
Little to nothing of actually substance has struck me yet. And I'm 4 songs in. I have what feels to be and eternity to go of just buttered noodles music.
By the end of disc 1 I can say one positive thing for sure is that the creative use of instruments is not that boring. I don't mind a banjo, lap and pedal steel and harmonica.
By the end of disc 2 with a 10,000 foot view these guys are responsible for Coachella Country and thats unforgivable. 👎
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Look man its really good music. But the stripped down sound and low production value makes it so unenjoyable. Its dark like an old bruise and harden like calloused skin.
Somewhat a metaphor again for how hard life can be. But lukewarm bruce album, badass he dropped this at his peak though.
CHIC
3/5
3 stars. Disco isn't for everyone but I like it. Niles Rodgers is a phenom.
Boring at times sure. But if you like this you can dive a but backwards into parliament, funkadelic, the chi lites, etc.
UB40
4/5
I won't ever gripe against some good ass reggae. My current taste is late 70's Jamaican dancehall and dub reggae for sure. But I dabbled in 3rd and 4th wave white boy reggae for a long period. So I won't rag on UB40 all that hard. They conveniently walked the pop and reggae line well enough to have pop success but cater new blood into an old sound.
Despite its british origin, this is a solid reggae album. Gains a massive plus for the context of its release (late Thatcher era England) and that Lady Day cover of Strange Fruit. 4 stars all around. Pass the dutchie!
The Saints
3/5
Pretty cool collection of punk rock songs. Softer than the punk that would come in the 80's but harder sounding than its genremates.
We love an inbetween genre evolution piece. This shouldn't be a complicated tastemakers album to anyone and if it is they have unique context. Additionally if this is your favorite album of the genre nothing wrong with that but you have some elite knowledge.
My gripe with this album is it seems to try and be a concept album, which doesn't make itself clear enough to the audience. The album is too long for punk and not fancy enough to be a progressive act between genres.
3 stars. Better albums exsist but if you listen to this you should walk away smiling.
Green Day
4/5
Spent the better part of my teens and twenties in denial of this album. Clout chasing the classics like Dookie and Insomniac. But when my 30s came knocking and the pangs of the 9-5 dread, anxiexty surrounding bills, and the permenant sense that nothing will ever get better in this country American Idiot has gained a new place in my mind. It is as good as everyone says and deserves it spot in the pantheon of classic pop punk albums (and great albums of all time).
Truly and openly explores life in the economic hellscape of late stage capitalism through the lense of an '04 punk. Without smartphones or content creators. It's still a cycle of dread and anxiety until you make like Jimmy and blow your fucking brains out. Or die with grace like the rest of us.
It also explores themes of love, loss and growing up against a dynamite oughts pop punk sound. Nothing to be upset about here. Go figure.
Elbow
3/5
This album bored me to tears at times and made me really embrace the beauty of composition at others. When power chords were struck I was electrified and when orchestral swells entered I hung my head in sorrow.
This is a pretty unique and inspirational album. But I simply cannot get over the Radiohead and Coldplay fusion. It's a blend I hadn't quite considered to be good. Long melodrama infused down tempo sections combined with a bright influx of energy.
I gotta at least give this 3 stars. Maybe 4. Sorry guys. Nothing wrong with it.
Robbie Williams
1/5
Anyone who's see opus know that this guy is giving super douche cultist vibes. Okay music. No relistenability and awfully mundane for '97.
N.E.R.D
1/5
I like the ideas but the end product was not for me. Mostly unenjoyable melodically and lyrically.
GZA
4/5
Absolutely nothing wrong with this bulletproof time capsule of 36th Chambers era GZA. But we all know, Wu-Tang solo acts fell into obscurity.
I can't give it 5 stars because Method Man is my favorite Clan member. But GZA really demonstrates that he's a force. Musically, production wise, bar by bar and flow by flow he systematically demonstrates 1000 hours to the craft and a skillful blending of story telling and gangsta rap that only comes with decades of practice (but he was 29 when this came out?).
Morrissey
2/5
It isn't God awful. But as talented a vocalist as Morrisey might be his pompous and cunty attitude surrounding himself and his music definitely can sour an individual's take.
Anyway. Musically at times this album sounds fresh and unique. Lyrically at times it sounds brilliant. But then a song like "All the Lazy Dykes" comes on and I can't take him seriously.
Virtually no relistenability. But a few songs stuck out that I might come back to for sure.
Magazine
3/5
Pleasantly surprised by how engaging and unique this sounded. Seamlessly fusing new wave and punk with a gentle dash of reggae.
I wont call this a tastemakers choice but someone out there definitely likes this album more than most. But even if I fall in that camp I'm glad this expanded my knowledge of the genre.
1/5
Fortunately I'm anonymous here so I can say a slur.
Fred Durst/Limp Bizkit in this era is the ultimate wigger. A combination of backwards sideways fitted caps, baggy pants, skate shoes, graffiti and skate culture infused with a nu metal sound.
Fortunately he's mellowed in recent years and he's just kind of a shrewd business man cashing in on some nostalgia concert runs. But we're here to discuss Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored water.
Its udder shite dude. Spats on the face of nu metal, the art form and hip hop the art form. But it sure does excite the whites. I refuse to accept that this is a credible album to consider before you die. The Wes Borlan riffs are okay but the end product stinks.
The only true saving grace is the Songs "The One" and "Hold On" both sound much like Alice in Chains songs. If they stuck to this sound and let it develop it might have been a superb album.
PJ Harvey
2/5
Damn Nick Cave fucked up the songwriting of this broad.
The first PJ Harvey album had grit and edge and apathy. This sounds like mumford and sons with a female singer.
All and all its okay. Decent melodies and sonic traits. But little to no relistenability. And also to listen to before you die? Maybe stick to the first PJ Harvey for that.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
Bitchin rock riffs but the same song structure 10x.
Neil should stick to acoustic guitars.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Absolutely outstanding. No notes. My first step into peter gabriel and I'm gonna need time to re listen and digest this one.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
I respect Steve Wilson more than most musicians. If he says this is so important that I need to remaster it, then god damn it I gotta give it a fair shake.
Despite it not being 100% in my wheelhouse of electronic music. It satiates a love of ambient, analog sound. Wayyyyyy ahead of its time. Cohesive sci-fi futuristic themes lend beautifully to the imagination. I invision myself meandering the halls of a space station on a foreign planet late at night, after stumbling on a huge secret thats gonna upset central control.
Taking into consideration my bias towards other electronic subgenres I will put this at 3. Worth a listen. Respect Steve Wilson, he's a professional tastemaker and rarely wrong.
Peter Frampton
4/5
Yes, its Dad (grandpa?) rock. Yes, its softer than its decade mates. Yes, its a little boring and one dimensional. But, it is not overated. It is not bad and it is not derivative. This is the peak of a classic rock concert for 1976. Less sloppy and psychedelic than the 60s, no jam segments beyond 10 minutes (except for the closer). The production on this album is still aces and the skills are worth noting for its time.
This album is properly rated and you should give it a nod before you die. Go Frampton. Side note most of the songs on this album were recorded in Long Island about 20 minutes from my home. Neat.
Crowded House
2/5
Nothing outwardly wrong with this album. Its an ode to late 60's and early 70's rock contemporary. I hear the Stones, The Beatles, Paul Simon, the Byrds, and so many other definitive influences. But boy oh boy does this wind up sounding alot like derivative pop contemporary.
I almost thought this might have been a Rob Thomas side project at times. Oh boy how boring this ended up. In 1991 we had such better albums to listen to before you die and this one ended up on here? Odd choice.
The Last Shadow Puppets
5/5
Old school charm, timeless sonic qualities with modern song writing, textures, composition and production. Miles and Alex stuck gold with TLSP.
Every instrument can be heard and absorbed, all neccessary parts to entire integrity and thematic capabilites of the album. I certainly love this album. But in the hiearchy this is my #2 choice. Everything you've come to expect is my #1.
But still a perfect album. Some lackluster songs here but I won't ding it to hard.
The Waterboys
3/5
I'm a casual fan of UK trad rock. The Pogues, Chieftains, Flogging Molly, Dropkick etc.
Music like this tends to be quite timeless. In particular Fisherman's blues is a great example because it was covered by a band called Dawes in 2023 and I thought they wrote the dang song.
Good album. Not uniquely indicates this as Scottish. Gotta ding it a star. But there is great sounds and melodies here.
Talvin Singh
1/5
My fiancé says i can't be mean and call this Indian hiest music. Althought it is.
I don't mind exploring this genre. But it was a tough listen. I wish I had kinder words. But in order to enjoy this genre I need to find something I like so I can explore all genre mates.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Akin to the Eagles. Homegrown laurel canyon ear candy. So pleasant and easy to listen to with a myriadof influences baked in.
I really really enjoy it but I don't know when I'd reach for it again. I truly want to give it 4 stars but with a hard to relisten demerit it remains a 3. Rock on Burrito Bros, great band name.
Mekons
3/5
Some cool sounds and themes here. I enjoyed some but not all. I like the Buzzcocks alot and this reminds me of them. Unusual punk/new wave. Feels good.
I gotta ding it a star for failing to br cohesive. Each track doesn't seem to lend to any greater theme, and I don't mean concept. But it floats around kinda aimlessly. Immediately after on autoplay an incredible song came on not from this album so. They got good tunes, might not be their best album example.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
Some charm. Mostly noise. I can confidently say I won't ever reach for this album every again.
Guitar and bass tones when being melodic were awesome. The album artwork is cool too.
Raekwon
4/5
My 90s hip hop bias definitely is heavy. I find this again outstanding. With rythmnic, funny, robust rhymes a unique delivery and an all star team of features. This is a fun album.
Again Method Man my favorite clan member so I can't give a full five stars but there isn't anything really wrong with it. The concept is clean and full of unuque allegory about gansters history, street struggles and nods to Wu Tang history.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Ah good old historical rap. We have strayed so far from this sound and genre in modern rap that it needs to be examined as a sepertate genre.
This is a great historical piece of music, the high quality production in samples. Clever rhymes and the start of the masses hearing about black plight in song.
I appreciate this for what it is and what it was, Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel became icons and phenoms. Respect.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Yeah the masses here understand what makes Waylon's 1970s run special. It literally birthed the sound, stucture and shape of the genre. Honky Tonk classics interwoven with absolutely aces song writing and musicianship.
Full five from me, but I see the argument of between 3-5 stars. I know its not everybody's cup of tea.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
I like it less than the GZA and the RZA albums on this list. Ghostface is an icon. Again my allegiance lies with Method Man.
This album is great, showcases 2005 rap style and production in excellent fashion. Ghostface demonstrates vernacular and slang in combined, almost educated rhymes and elevates the end product.
I think if you wanted to step back and say "lets look at a list of '05 greatest rap albums'". This one might not be on it. But its reliable and sounds great for '05 standards. But not really a stand out piece. I prolly give it 3 stars for that chief.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
80's chud from a one hit wonder group. I'd give it one star if it didn't have some okay grooves.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Modern day spin on gil scott heron. Well educated piece of music with a popular sound.
Overly concious music like this that lacks subjective input is always a tricky listen for me because I somepoint I take the headphones off and I say "ALRIGHT I GET IT!"
But in addition to my light intolerance that digital underground/public enemy beat and flow is unmistakably annoying also. Bro is trying to hit a word count on the songs instead of letting them breathe.
3 stars for performance 2 stars for production. Average 2.5.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
Rock the fuck on freaky armadillo tank.
ELP is relatively low on my list of progressive rock acts that I key in on. I'm a Rush/YES/ELO/King Crimson type bloke. This was my honest first listen. Besides the hits on classic rock radio.
I loved it will circle back to this in life.
4/5
I was throughly impressed. Been on this new millenium dream pop type nostaligia binge. And this album lives, eats, and breathes that sound.
Its got some samba, some electronic elements, some hip hop, some jazz and some pop. And not a lick of English.
I like the layering, alot of songs start with an annoying sound and then the layering starts to happen and it becomes so imperative how that sound becomes important.
Solid 4 stars. Maybe 5, I'll decide tomorrow.
Wilco
3/5
This allowed me to see a bit more of why people love this group. I enjoyed it, albeit quite boring and "rounded out". Like dull paint. I get it but it didn't excite me.
I have a few thoughts juggling around my big dumb head. First and foremost, there is FAR too much Wilco on this list. Maybe its a balanced amount to show how indie alt music changed from '91-'01. Secondly, why is this band so revered? Probably nostalgia bait for Gen Xers chasing the high of their first concert or festival or first joint. Its just blase buttered noodle music. And last but not least, I HATED the first wilco album on the list but really enjoyed the Billy Bragg one. Not for nothing, that coachella country sound i despised is actually what they do best.
The irony of my personal tastes compiled with some enjoayble melodies on this album allow me to comfortably give it a 3 stars.
The Darkness
4/5
Outstanding debut album. Like stepping on a live wire. Its electric, high energy, clean and polished and in your face with posh british attitude.
Simple music, simple lyrics and all around a timeless album. This a few songs on this will be played at my wedding.
Gimmicky sure, tongue and cheek; whatever that means sure. But its good music at the end of the day, worth a listen before you die.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Som pretty iconic songs on here. Interlaced with repetitive trance shite. Again fatboy is cool for the era but euro house and 2010s EDM is peak.
Listen to this not because its good but because its a testament of where electronic music started and where it was going.
Travis
2/5
My buddy told me this inspired coldplay. I see it. Enjoyable but relatively boring.
The Soft Boys
2/5
Insanely good collection of nu wave songs. But 40 of them? And a 2.5 hour album? A shorter more powerful and poignant album would have carried this better.
I gotta ding it massively for that 2 stars at least. Too much of this sound is so boring. But its essence is really well written and produced songs with cool melodies and sounds. Almost borrows from doo wop melodies at times. I dig it.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
I hate being be so overly critical that the end product is negatively impacted but this ain't it.
Its somber like leonard cohen, yes dissonant and very boring melodies.
Its warm and folky like Neil Young, yet lo fi and overly compressed with no room to let the track breathe.
Occasional rock elements, with little to no imagination and creativity. Odd of 1968.
Far too long and far too boring to have a nod on this list.
Brian Eno
4/5
"Outstanding." - Me.
"Brian Eno's finest work." -Also me.
"A no skip album." - Also me, again.
No truly, I understand the hate surrounding this. Atmospheric and ambient music is always a tough pill to swallow. But through my avid gaming soundtrack consumption and time online with vaporwave this album refreshed my soul.
A wild switch from the artsy stuff he tried to pull off they didn't resonate with me. I'll accept this as one of life's mysteries i may never fully grasp. Cool albo Beno.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Orbital
2/5
Some cool moments. Too trancey for my likeling.
Eagles
3/5
Real good coke infused laurel canyon rock n' roll. The songs are good, joe walsh's writing is excellent. But the end product ends up a little lackluster and almost forced.
This album fairs with me much more than Hotel California which adds back some lost merit.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Yeah this is quite the concept. Renaissance/baroque pop. Wildly medevil. Did I hear a fucking lute?
I won't disparage my fellow man for enjoying music like this. I used to LARP in the woods through my late teens.
But thematically these songs are far too long, far too complicated and wordy to enjoy outright. And even in the right mindset this is a devious ablum to listen to before you die because it really tests you how much high pitched kermit the frog vocals you can handle.
Melodies and instrumentations were cool. But beyond that I don't think this is as important as this list may make it out to be. IMO of course.
Mott The Hoople
3/5
Solid album. I think I listen to some Mott in high school as apart of my casual dabble. I never really went back into after that.
My one true complaint is the slow songs are REALLY slow. Other songs seem overly produced, no room to breathe. I learned this is an early iteration of glam rock. I find that a little startling. The tone of the demo gave straight rock.
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
Its good, like fine good. Not like anything to write home about. Quite tropy at times, but also very heartfelt and honest too.
I love the instrumentations, enjoy thematic concepts, appreciate the story telling, and hate the vocals.
This early oughts southern rock revival comes through as a little daft and uninspiring. But, it is in fact a sober look back on being raised in the south in the 1970s. Looked good in pictures but boy was it problematic. Also this was a bit ambitious, a double album.
I land somewhere between 2 and 3 stars on this. But I gotta round up or down, and I'm rounding down.
Underworld
2/5
Has its moments of greatness but often times it is a bit lackluster. I know this techno/electronic/trance genre well enough to known their doing something artistic here but its not entirely pleasant.
Portishead
5/5
Holy shit. This is epic. Its cinematic. Depth defying. Dense. Artistic. Dark. Well added nuanced sounds in all the right places.
I wasn't incredibly keen on Third (also on this list) but this debut album is like if Parliament Funkadelic and Sade had a baby.
I'm frequently going to come back to this and beefen up my thoughts. But i like this alot. I'm gonna give it 5 stars on one listen and not look back.
Sheryl Crow
1/5
I thought Sheryl was good. Dang this is mid.
Sugar
2/5
It was aight. Probably wont ever come back to it. Kinda sounded like foo fighters at times and other times like some 90's washed out grunge shite. But full album and end product was lackluster.
Van Morrison
4/5
I think all the Van Morrison originals on this album are great. Accompanied by orchestra elements. But what really sticks out in my mind is the blues standards of "I Believe to My Soul" and "I Just Want to Make Love to You".
I'm a big VanFan, his early 70s Laurel Canyon produced albums tend to be ear candy and orgasmical pieces of music. But I never once listen to his live music unless you count The Last Waltz.
This was a really good treat, hot as hell, great sound and production. The blending of audience sounds and of course those blues standards really make this album pop. I reccomend to all those who like this type of music, and if you're looking for a change.
Anyway I was gonna give it 5 stars but I remember, in "Listen to the Lion" Van says sodomy like 30 times. I'm not stupid I know he's saying 'side of me'. But he couldn't do a pick up vocal of him not saying it as sodomy? Its so apparent and I can't let this go without consequence. Unbelievable. 4/5
Björk
3/5
This was much better than the other Björk on the list. Very nice lush, etheral melodies, really unique almost Shakespearian poetry in lyricism.
I think I'd appreciate this more if I were the target demographic. I bit of the "sirens call", icelandic paganism is lost on me. Thus at face value I rank it higher than the last but still in the middle.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
It's like fine. For a english album, has absolutely no bullshit vocal style comes from across the pond, which is a very positive attribute. A very American R&B sounding album with nods to reggae and dancehall sounds.
But without context its largely forgetable, somewhat ignorable. Stylistically bold and executed very well. But in '02 we got an Ashanti and a Missy Elliot release. So this is gonna be a pretty far down the list in female rap/r&b albums.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Nevermind the pedo cousin fuckin'. This shit rocks and it rolls. Sounds absolutely MINT on analog live recording technology.
The Doors
5/5
Chef's kiss. Not my favorite doors album, and not a tastemakers choice but definitely a A+ performance.
Cover to cover jams, including 2 radio hits and classic rock anthems (Roadhouse, Peace Frog), two psychedelic anthems (Indian Summer and Ship of Fools) and a whole heap of great sound blues rock "filler". There is not a bad song here.
N.W.A.
4/5
GFunk royalty. One of the first groups to craft a hardcore and edgey concious message. Mixed inbetween boom bap style late 80s rap with a heavy inspo from 70s disco funk.
A little slow at times with most tracks having one or two many verses. But the hits are important and undeniable
Girls Against Boys
2/5
An amalgamation of various 90s influences. Revolving around punk, grunge and atmospheric. Akin to Queens of the Stone Age. Only less enjoyabke
Iron Maiden
4/5
Definitely dated, a little boring and repetitive but with one swift kick England and Iron Maiden invented 4 new subgenres of metal. Progressive, power/theatrical metal, and thrash metal, all with the release of something that includes a slow ballad.
To think metal before this was simply just being dark and mysterious but playing classic rock and blues licks. Iron Maiden may have not birthed the middle period of metal but they sure did develop it. 4 stars on principle, product, and impact.
Joe Ely
2/5
Not necessarily bad, but a transition piece. Before stadium country and just right after the golden era of honky tonk and the genre blazing cowboy heros.
Thematic, song writing is pretty good and the instrumentation is all there. But it just kinda exists. Doesn't excite, nor contribute to progressing the grenre. This just a standard release.