394
Albums Rated
3.81
Average Rating
36%
Complete
695 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Blues
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
118
5-Star Albums
14
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Grand Tour
George Jones
|
5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
|
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
|
5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
|
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
|
5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
|
BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
|
5 | 2.93 | +2.07 |
|
Ray Of Light
Madonna
|
5 | 2.99 | +2.01 |
|
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Skylarking
XTC
|
5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Amnesiac
Radiohead
|
1 | 3.41 | -2.41 |
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
Kimono My House
Sparks
|
1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
|
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
|
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
|
Tical
Method Man
|
1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
|
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
|
1 | 2.83 | -1.83 |
|
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
|
1 | 2.82 | -1.82 |
|
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
|
1 | 2.68 | -1.68 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Metallica | 4 | 5 |
| U2 | 3 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Marvin Gaye | 3 | 4.67 |
| R.E.M. | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Beach Boys | 2 | 5 |
| Van Halen | 2 | 5 |
| Frank Sinatra | 2 | 5 |
| Madonna | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Willie Nelson | 2 | 5 |
| The Temptations | 2 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 2 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 4, 4, 1 |
| Beatles | 3, 4, 5, 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (118)
View Album Wall
1-Star Albums (14)
All Ratings
Radiohead
2/5
Not my cup of tea.
David Bowie
3/5
The Beach Boys
5/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
Michael Jackson
4/5
Paul Simon
4/5
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Bon Jovi
5/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Common
3/5
Not my cup of tea.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
Iggy Pop
3/5
Living Colour
4/5
Green Day
4/5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Method Man
1/5
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
George Harrison
3/5
With a couple notable exceptions, snooze.
Neil Young
4/5
Orange Juice
2/5
Stan Getz
5/5
The Doors
4/5
Van Halen
5/5
Has to be one of the strongest ever debut albums.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Eagles
5/5
Pretenders
4/5
Another great debut.
Devendra Banhart
1/5
Not my cup of tea at all.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Van Morrison
4/5
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Prince
5/5
A masterpiece by the master.
The Byrds
2/5
David Bowie
3/5
Johnny Cash
5/5
Legend hits it out of the park
Ministry
2/5
meh. not my cup of tea
Japan
2/5
Metallica
5/5
I love when artists try something different and unusual. Doesn't always work well, but this one sure did.
Emmylou Harris
5/5
Hawkwind
1/5
A nonsensical mess.
Justice
3/5
Appreciate the talent and innovation. But not something to just sit and listen to. Better for having on while doing something.
The Icarus Line
4/5
Minutemen
3/5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I get the appeal but I find him to be extremely overrated and dull.
Rush
5/5
The Specials
4/5
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Tina Turner
4/5
Ravi Shankar
2/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Foo Fighters
5/5
Paul McCartney
3/5
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Jane’s Addiction were certainly one of the major players in the emerging alt-rock scene of the early 1990s. Some observers consider Perry Farrell to be the Godfather of alternative rock.1 Others label the band as alt-metal or funk metal. Regardless of whatever subgenre one considers Jane’s this record is great rock music.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-ritual-de-lo-habitual?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Parliament
5/5
The Yardbirds
3/5
Sade
4/5
Violent Femmes
5/5
Oasis
4/5
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Funkadelic
4/5
What really stands out to me now that I completely missed 45+ years ago is how much this album rocks. The guitar work is fantastic.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-one-nation-under-a-groove?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Nirvana
3/5
Janelle Monáe
5/5
The Byrds
3/5
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Midnight Ride has some great songs like “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone” and “Kicks”. I’m just not sure this is a great album in its entirety. There is nothing particularly wrong with it or substandard. It simply does not rise to anything other than well-executed yet fairly pedestrian mid-60s rock/pop.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-midnight-ride-by-paul?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The Smiths
2/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
5/5
This is a stunning album.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-ocean-rain-by-echo-and?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The Avalanches
1/5
White noise.
Deep Purple
4/5
Billy Joel
5/5
Fugazi
4/5
M.I.A.
4/5
The Clash
3/5
Otis Redding
5/5
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
I like the album a lot. No duds among the tracks although a couple songs sound very early 80s and don’t hold up quite so well.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-talk-talk-talk-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Soft Machine
2/5
Boring mess.
Air
2/5
Beatles
3/5
John Coltrane
5/5
Somebody once said that jazz sounds like if someone took a bunch of instruments and threw them down a stairwell. That description does not fit this masterpiece.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Incubus
4/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Peter Tosh
5/5
R.E.M.
4/5
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Pixies
3/5
Jurassic 5
3/5
5/5
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Neil Young
3/5
Miles Davis
5/5
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
4/5
David Holmes
1/5
Not for me. Don't see the point.
Janis Joplin
4/5
SAULT
1/5
Screaming Trees
3/5
The Black Keys
3/5
Nirvana
4/5
Mariah Carey
4/5
3/5
Sam Cooke
5/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Dennis Wilson
5/5
Eels
3/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
Sabu
4/5
Tim Buckley
4/5
David Bowie
4/5
David Bowie
3/5
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Recognize the influence and innovation, but just not my kind of thing for casual listening.
Grizzly Bear
1/5
Not my cup of tea. I could not relate to this record on any level.
Linkin Park
5/5
Arcade Fire
3/5
Richard Hawley
2/5
Kanye West
3/5
Radiohead
1/5
Bonnie Raitt
5/5
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Keith Jarrett
5/5
Machito
4/5
The Specials
2/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
a-ha
3/5
Fairport Convention
3/5
CHIC
5/5
Beastie Boys
3/5
The Only Ones
3/5
Hole
4/5
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
X-Ray Spex
3/5
The Damned
3/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
The Band
4/5
Randy Newman
3/5
Mudhoney
4/5
Elton John
4/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
1/5
Jack White
4/5
Gorillaz
3/5
Stephen Stills
4/5
The Magnetic Fields
5/5
Metallica
5/5
Basement Jaxx
2/5
4/5
The Blue Nile
3/5
The War On Drugs
4/5
Louis Prima
5/5
Crowded House
4/5
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Primal Scream
4/5
Elvis Presley
4/5
The Stranglers
2/5
Björk
3/5
Sheryl Crow
4/5
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
The Offspring
4/5
Boston
5/5
Madonna
5/5
Chicago
5/5
Hugh Masekela
5/5
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
5/5
The United States Of America
1/5
The Smiths
3/5
Cheap Trick
4/5
Sparks
1/5
Erykah Badu
4/5
Little Richard
5/5
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Joy Division
3/5
R.E.M.
5/5
Genesis
4/5
4/5
Beatles
4/5
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Nico
1/5
Burning Spear
4/5
R.E.M.
5/5
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Fiona Apple
4/5
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Aretha Franklin
5/5
The Stooges
4/5
The Triffids
4/5
OutKast
5/5
Simply Red
2/5
Primal Scream
2/5
The Young Rascals
5/5
Metallica
5/5
The Clash
3/5
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Miles Davis
5/5
Beach House
2/5
James Taylor
4/5
B.B. King
5/5
Joan Armatrading
5/5
Kelela
4/5
Sebadoh
3/5
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Billie Holiday
5/5
Brian Wilson
3/5
Wild Beasts
2/5
Muddy Waters
5/5
Fela Kuti
5/5
James Brown
5/5
Talking Heads
4/5
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Pink Floyd
1/5
Deerhunter
3/5
Soundgarden
5/5
Joe Ely
4/5
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Tears For Fears
5/5
Billy Bragg
5/5
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Elvis Presley
4/5
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
Iggy Pop
3/5
The Who
4/5
Skepta
3/5
Peter Frampton
4/5
Alice Cooper
4/5
Paul Simon
4/5
The Cardigans
3/5
Goldie
3/5
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
4/5
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
Ramones
5/5
4/5
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
Slint
4/5
Suicide
4/5
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Fatboy Slim
3/5
This just isn’t my kind of thing. I found some stuff interesting, but, sadly, I was mostly bored. “Rockafella Stank” and “Praise You” are classic but their brilliance does not elevate “In Heaven”, possibly the dumbest fucking song I’ve ever heard.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-youve-come-a-long-way?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Calexico
4/5
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
Willie Nelson
5/5
Eminem
4/5
AC/DC
5/5
Suzanne Vega
4/5
Dire Straits
4/5
Kanye West
2/5
The Temptations
5/5
The Temptations are an American treasure. One of the all-time great vocal groups of any genre. This album is chock full of great songs and every one of them is top tier.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-all-directions-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Metal Box, for me, was an unpleasant experience. I found it grating, irritating, and mostly very annoying and on the whole kind of boring.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-metal-box-by-public?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Kings of Leon
3/5
All the cool kids seem to love Kings of Leon. I’ve never been into them. No particular reason. I haven’t been avoiding them. I just didn’t make it a point to ever listen to them. Until today. The cool kids were on to something, and I’ve been missing out. This album is fantastic from start to finish. Even if it’s not terribly original.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-youth-and-young-manhood?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Syd Barrett
4/5
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this album. I love Pink Floyd but I find their earliest stuff to be a bit of a challenge. And I’ve heard lots of stories about the eccentricities of Barrett. So, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy this record. There are moments that produced genuine emotional reactions. Most especially “Dark Globe”.
https://richcain.substack.com/p/project-1001-the-madcap-laughs-by?r=4ztyq
Beck
4/5
If your knowledge of Beck is “Loser”, Sea Change will probably surprise you. It’s full of sad songs and dour misery reflecting the disintegration of Beck’s relationship. I rather liked most of it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-sea-change-by-beck?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
Progressive rock can be tricky. Done poorly, it’s a real mess. Done well, as ELP does with Tarkus, it’s magical and powerful.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-tarkus-by-emerson-lake?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Massive Attack
2/5
The album opens with a cool and sexy vocal reminiscent of Sade. The rest of the album is similarly cool and at times sexy. The vibe I got was a dark lounge with people sitting on low couches at low tables trying to look cool without appearing to be trying to look cool.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-protection-by-massive?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Stevie Wonder
5/5
This album is packed with amazing songs. Stevie Wonder’s voice never sounded better to me. My favorite is "Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away". I think it has such an optimistic viewpoint and is uplifting with a strong statement of faith. Beautiful.
https://tinyurl.com/47btbp65
Bert Jansch
5/5
The Pogues
5/5
The Pogues are an amazing band and this album is incredible. The energy and passion draws you in, slams you around from pillar to post, and never let’s you go. On top of that their version of “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda” will absolutely break your heart.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-rum-sodomy-and-the-lash?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
It’s right there in the name: Rage. These dudes are pissed about everything. I get that to an extent. But while I like a couple of the songs and there is some really interesting music happening, for me it doesn’t produce a pleasant listening experience.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-rage-against-the-machine?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Marvin Gaye
5/5
This might just be the ultimate chill and make out record of all time. Simply put, Let’s Get It On is “a record unparalleled in its sheer sensuality and carnal energy.”
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-lets-get-it-on-by-marvin?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Wilco
4/5
The opening track of Being There, “Misunderstood”, epically rocks you and announces that this album is not your father’s alt-country.
https://tinyurl.com/mr4aevaw
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Even though it’s not my favorite album by Zeppelin, I find it essential. And certainly, anybody interested in tracing the history of hard rock would want to understand the incredible influence this album and this band had on future purveyors of the “dark arts” of heavy metal.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-led-zeppelin-by-led?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
U2
5/5
There is no weak song here. All of them are excellent to great to all-time classic.
Miles Davis
3/5
Even a novice-to-jazz ear like mine recognizes that there is something special happening here. Bitches Brews sounds different to me than other jazz albums I’ve listened too.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-bitches-brew-by-miles?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Haircut 100
3/5
It has a clean sound with pleasant melodies and some fine new wave singing. You could do worse than to pull this record off a shelf and give it a spin.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-pelican-west-by-haircut?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The Waterboys
4/5
t the same time U2 was becoming the world’s biggest band, the Waterboys were creating music in a similar vein, so I am not sure why they didn’t find much of an audience in America. In any event I’ll be adding them to my regular rotation.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-fishermans-blues-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Adele
5/5
I love this album. I’m not sure there’s a better vocal performance on any record of the twenty first century to date.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-21-by-adele?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Nick Drake
4/5
This album is beautifully sung and played by an artist who had a very short life and by many accounts a very troubled life. It’s hard to listen to these wonderful songs without thinking about how the man’s life ended. For me a melancholy record made me quite sad upon initially listening. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed this album, and I hope, if you’ve never heard it, you’ll give it a listen.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-five-leaves-left-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Napalm Death
1/5
This is a hard pass for me. I like a lot of the music, the guitars and drums, etc. I even like the hyper speed. But the singing style, sometimes described as puking into the mic,1 is unenjoyable in the extreme for me. I just can’t get past it. Full kudos for inventing grindcore though.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-scum-by-napalm-death?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
This album is fine and dandy, but I didn’t find it especially appealing. It’s ok. Some good moments of high energy and some good lyrics.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-whatever-people-say?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Cocteau Twins
3/5
There is a certain airy-ness permeating throughout the record. I like that aspect, and I really enjoy the lovely vocals of Elizabeth Fraser. While this is not something I’d go out of my way to spin, I respect the craftsmanship.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-heaven-or-las-vegas?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Ananda Shankar
4/5
And I applaud any artist who tries to do something different and interesting like Shankar is doing here. This is something really wonderful and special.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-ananda-shankar-by-ananda?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Jane Weaver
4/5
This album is impressive.
Lots of cool soundscapes and some really interesting concepts within the songs.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-modern-kosmology-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Kate Bush
4/5
This is a truly exhilarating album even after four decades.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-hounds-of-love-by-kate?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Big Star
4/5
I found it difficult to fully appreciate the uniqueness of this album because I’ve heard all the later artists they ifluenced first. But that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the album. It’s a lot of fun and there are many excellent songs that I think many listeners will find make for pleasurable listening. And there is value in understand what shaped some of our favorite artists.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-1-record-by-big-star?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Public Enemy
5/5
when hip-hop is good, it’s as good as anything else. And Fear of a Black Planet is hip-hop at its finest.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-fear-of-a-black-planet?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
While not a major achievement, this record is a really nice listen if you’re in the mood for some early 70’s rock.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-a-nod-is-as-good-as?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Put this on for a terrific throwback experience to share with your best gal or guy and let the good love vibes flow over you.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-songs-for-swingin-lovers?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The Crusaders
4/5
I am thrilled they popped up in the rotation today because I really enjoyed listening to this album.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-street-life-by-the-crusaders?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Radiohead
3/5
OK Computer is a good album
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-ok-computer-by-radiohead?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Good for hoofing and not much else. Not my cup of tea.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I love this album. There is no filler. All the songs are really good. Some are even excellent! Count me as a fan.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-its-blitz-by-yeah-yeah?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
This live recording is a lot of fun and full of crazed energy. It offers a great sampling of the Jerry Lee Lewis ‘Killer’ experience.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-live-at-the-star-club?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
U2
5/5
What can I say other than Achtung Baby is one of the best albums of the ‘90s?
https://richcain.substack.com/p/project-1001-achtung-baby-by-u2?r=4ztyq
Tito Puente
4/5
If you’re looking for something to spin while you and your dance partner mambo the night away, you’ve come to the right place.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-dance-mania-vol1-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
David Bowie
4/5
I’ve been ambivalent to Bowie all these years, but this album moves me closer to being a fan.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-station-to-station-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The Cure
4/5
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Project 1001: Seventeen Seconds by The Cure
I dig you, you dig me / We dig each other / That's groovy, oh yeah
Rich Cain
Nov 3
READ IN APP
I wonder how many fans of the Cure who came by their fandom via the big hits of the mid-80’s like “Just Like Heaven” or “Friday I’m in Love” have listened to this remarkable album.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-seventeen-seconds-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
this album is terrific. It’s got all you want from a punk rock record: the attitude, the raw guitar riffs, the high energy tempo. And they give you a bonus horn section
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-scream-dracula-scream?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
King Crimson
3/5
Evaluating an album like this presents certain difficulties. It’s been over 50 years since this record’s release. Countless artists and records have been influenced by King Crimson. So, trying to listen to this in a vacuum is impossible. All those subsequent offerings color my perception of this record. So, I don’t want to be too harsh in my evaluation. But I found much of this album to be dull.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-in-the-court-of-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
The Doors
5/5
For my money the Doors may be the most underrated band from the classic rock era. I love this album from start to finish.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-la-woman-by-the-doors?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
MC Solaar
4/5
I ended up enjoying the heck out of this record. Not only is MC Solaar’s flow smooth, but the beats are excessively appealing. They keep you moving and bobbing without pounding you into submission and provides an eminently listenable and pleasant experience.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-qui-seme-le-vent-recolte?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Beatles
5/5
While being familiar with some of the songs, today is the first time I listened to Rubber Soul and it is a delight. A truly excellent album.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-rubber-soul-by-the-beatles?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Beastie Boys
4/5
after listening today for the first time in a few years I can say that it holds up fairly well. It’s definitely dated but it still sounds great.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-license-to-ill-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Kraftwerk
3/5
I do hear a lot of things here that show up in later artists’ work in genres like new wave, hip hop, industrial and even alternative rock. Afrika Bambaata sampled some of the beats here on “Planet Rock” in 1982. It’s good stuff, just not something I’d personally reach for in most cases.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-trans-europe-express?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Femi Kuti
4/5
Another fine example of Afrobeat music.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-femi-kuti-by-femi-kuti?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Alice In Chains
5/5
Regardless of its bleakness, I rank this album right up there with the best of its era.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-dirt-by-alice-in-chains?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The xx
4/5
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-i-see-you-by-the-xx?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
A terrific album that has whetted my appetite for more. I’ll be checking out the rest of their catalogue soon.
Heaven 17
3/5
This is a strong representation of English synth-pop/new wave from the early 80s.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/penthouse-and-pavement-by-heaven?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Nina Simone
5/5
This is a great album! Nina Simone is one the great American singers ever. “(T)he euphoria pulsing through her voice spoke for itself. Simone could channel every facet of lived experience.”1 What a voice! Do yourself a favor, find this record and listen to it and enjoy it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-wild-is-the-wind-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Marvin Gaye
5/5
In 1971, Marvin Gaye gave the world this beautiful album. The music and the vocals are uniformly amazing.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-whats-going-on-by-marvin?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Sepultura
4/5
Fast, unrelentingly fast. That’s Sepultura on Arise...It all adds up to an amazing album without any weak spots.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-arise-by-sepultura?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
This is a really good album, but I can understand why it wasn’t embraced by the record-buying public three decades ago. It’s solid but rarely reached greatness for me.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-fuzzy-by-grant-lee-buffalo?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Arcade Fire
4/5
Arcade Fire never lit my fire. Nevertheless, they are an excellent band and this is an excellent album.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-suburbs-by-arcade?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Sonic Youth
4/5
Dirty is an apt title for this Sonic Youth album. It sounds like it’s being performed in some filthy back alley you wouldn’t want to be in at night by yourself. That’s not a bad thing.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-dirty-by-sonic-youth?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Donovan
2/5
Other than the title track and “Season of the Witch” I didn’t find much I liked on this record other than a bunch of meh. I’m chalking up my ambivalence to this being one of those albums that you needed to be there at the time to fully appreciate it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-sunshine-superman-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Goldfrapp
3/5
I found Felt Mountain an interesting endeavor but lacking in energy and excitement. That doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It’s very good. Allison Goldfrapp is an excellent singer and a highly capable lyricist. I enjoyed a lot of this record, but it didn’t grab me in any meaningful way.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-felt-mountain-by-goldfrapp?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Every song is very good or excellent with a couple of all-time favorites in “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Up Around the Bend”.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-cosmos-factory-by-creedence?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
All in all, a formidable example of 80s indie rock including an amazing cover of “Just Like Heaven.”
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-youre-living-all-over?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Circle Jerks
3/5
You gottta love an album of fourteen songs clocking in at fifteen minutes, twenty-five seconds.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-group-sex-by-circle?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Has any artist ever produced a better maiden voyage than Jimi Hendrix?
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-are-you-experienced?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
My Bloody Valentine is one of those bands that I’ve always been aware of but to whom I never paid much attention. I would hear about them from time to time and how they were doing something different and interesting.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-loveless-by-my-bloody?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Culture Club
4/5
“Karma Chameleon” is one of the great pop songs of the 1980s, which makes it one of the great pop songs ever. That song anchors a collection of enjoyable albeit light char-friendly New Wave music with a touch of blue-eyed soul from Boy George.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-colour-by-numbers-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Stevie Wonder
5/5
With this beautiful album Stevie Wonder takes us through the highs and lows of his love life as well as some stark political commentary on Richard Nixon’s America. A brilliant masterpiece.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-talking-book-by-stevie?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Arrested Development
4/5
It’s an amazing album. No weaklings pollute this disc. Some of the songs are decidedly excellent including the classic “Tennessee” and “People Everyday”. A middle stretch of tracks I found particularly enticing: “Children Play With Earth”, “Raining Revolution”, “Give a Man a Fish”, and “U”.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-3-years-5-months-and?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Steely Dan
5/5
I remember the hits off this album, but I didn’t appreciate them much at the time. Mainly because I was a kid. I’m not sure children can fully appreciate the music of Steely Dan. As an adult and, I like to think, as a more mature connoisseur of music, I very much appreciate Steely Dan. And this album is a gem.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-aja-by-steely-dan?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Beck
4/5
Beck has always been one of those interesting artists who I never quite fully warmed up to. The talent is obvious, and the music is usually interesting. But something about it never grabbed me. I always thought he was trying too hard to sound like he didn’t care.
Maybe that’s because I never took the time to sit down with an entire album. I like Odelay quite a bit with this listening. I’m not sure I’d ever add Beck into my regular rotation, but I’ll be glad to hear these songs when I run across them again.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-odelay-by-beck?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Ozomatli
4/5
Exciting. Rousing. Passionate. Earnest. These are the first words that come to mind when I think of how to describe this wonderful album.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-street-signs-by-ozomatli?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Van Morrison
5/5
Almost a perfect album
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-moondance-by-van-morrison?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The Beach Boys
5/5
Arguably the greatest party record of the 1960s...
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-beach-boys-today?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Appetite for Destruction is one of my all-time favorites. It came rushing out of the Southern California hard rock scene like a speeding Nightrain. For my money it is one of the greatest rock records ever.
https://tinyurl.com/55pbcea7
Sinead O'Connor
5/5
I remember Sinéad O’Connor being a sensation when “Nothing Compares 2 U” came out. I’d never listened to this album, however. O’Connor has a truly wonderfully expressive and beautiful voice.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-i-do-not-want-what-i?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Beatles
5/5
No dogs or filler here. All the songs are excellent.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-revolver-by-the-beatles?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
It’s fair to say that this album helped explode alternative rock into the mainstream of American popular music.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-blood-sugar-sex-magik?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
There is a poignant, desperate quality to this outstanding album...
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-i-am-a-bird-now-by-antony?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Beyoncé
5/5
Beyoncé’s fifth album Beyoncé is a remarkable piece of work in many ways.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-beyonce-by-beyonce?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
The Dictators
4/5
Looking into the Dictators and how much they meant to later acts, I really appreciate what they did. As someone seriously interested in how rock and popular music developed and evolved, I have to respect their place in the development of punk and other genres that followed.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-dictators-go-girl?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Kendrick Lamar isn’t my regular cup of tea, but I have to give it up for Good Kid in M.A.A.D. City. It is a towering classic.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-good-kid-maad-city-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Blur
3/5
I like the album but don’t consider it essential.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-blur-by-blur?r=4ztyq&selection=bbc48d58-a937-40df-be24-7363e117987d&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web
Steve Earle
4/5
This album presaged the coming explosion of alt country and roots rock. Guitar Town is an excellent listen.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-guitar-town-by-steve?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Carole King
5/5
If you are looking for a candidate to carve into your Mt. Rushmore of singer-songwriters, you could do worse than Carole King.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-tapestry-by-carole-king?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Aphex Twin
3/5
I know almost nothing about electronica or ambient electronica. I didn’t think I’d like this album, but I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.
https://x.com/UAPJames/status/1933157104002400752
Dion
3/5
I like the album, but I doubt I’ll return to it much. If you’re a fan of any of his other work, I bet you’ll enjoy this.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-born-to-be-with-you?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Beatles
2/5
Meh. I have to say their cover version of Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” is pretty awful. It lacks energy and spirit. It’s kinda limp quite frankly. I’m shocked it was included on this album.
I fully acknowledge that my lack of love for the Beatles puts me in the minority and may indeed be a character flaw.
https://www.amazon.com/Football-Buck-Crazy-Crazier-Demise/dp/0544454383
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I’m very impressed with Very. I was hoping for something special, and I wasn’t disappointed.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-very-by-pet-shop-boys?r=4ztyq&selection=075b2b10-0749-489f-85b3-0b57a3e77e27&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web&aspectRatio=instagram&textColor=%23ffffff
Pixies
4/5
For me, my favorite song from this set is “Gigantic” which features fantastic vocals from Kim Deal. Kurt Cobain once said, “I wish Kim was allowed to write more because ‘Gigantic’ is their best song.” Another classic is “Where is My Mind?” Both these stand up quite well and I believe will be remembered for as long as recorded music is part of the culture.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-surfer-rosa-by-pixies?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Kraftwerk
3/5
As much as I wanted to get into this album, I was unable to do so. It’s just not my cup of tea for listening pleasure. For some reason I didn’t warm to it and found it kind of dull. I have to acknowledge the importance on later artists so for that reason my rating is 3-stars.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-man-machine-by-kraftwerk?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
I think the main reason why this album is still important and enjoyable is because even though it was a response to the terrorist attacks, the lyrics are not overtly political or even specifically addressing any of the events of the attacks or the aftermath. The songs are about individuals and are spiritual forming a kind of wall between them and the events and politics of the day.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-rising-by-bruce?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
This album is terrific. Loads of topnotch songs that are energetic, danceable, and offer more to think about than just sex and drugs. Every track is strong.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-this-years-model-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
50 Cent
2/5
But I can’t quite get there with Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (a title I like a lot, btw). It just isn’t for me. I recognize 50 Cent’s impact on the culture and on hip hop.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-get-rich-or-die-tryin?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Meat Loaf
5/5
I love this album! I know, I know. It’s schmaltzy. It’s overwrought. It’s bombastic It’s sometimes silly. It’s over-the-top. I agree! And all that plus Meat Loaf’s incredible voice combine to make this one of the all-time greats.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-bat-out-of-hell-by-meat?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Depeche Mode
4/5
Violator has no weak spots, and it holds up really well after so many years, now in its fourth decade. If there were a Mt. Rushmore of synth-pop, this album would be strong candidate for inclusion.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-violator-by-depeche?r=4ztyq&selection=75a8c68a-000c-498b-8bbd-651b2091f79e&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web&aspectRatio=instagram&textColor=%23ffffff
The Band
4/5
A great record that still feels relevant.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-band-by-the-band?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Frank Zappa
4/5
For a lot of people I suspect Frank Zappa provokes a Love him! or Can’t stand him! reaction. I’m neither. Call me Mister Middle. I’m pleased to say I loved the album!
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-hot-rats-by-frank-zappa?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The Streets
4/5
One of my favorite things in music is when an artist embraces their ambition and really goes for it in trying to create something great. That’s what’s going on with A Grand Don’t Come for Free.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-a-grand-dont-come-for?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
David Bowie
4/5
The Next Day is a special album by a special rock/pop talent.
Copy/paste to read more: https://tinyurl.com/aur2usy6
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Thank you, Joni, for the fine cloth that is The Hissing of the Summer Lawns!
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-hissing-of-the-summer?r=4ztyq&selection=0bfef931-94dd-46c8-af56-98f5750bd221&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Mayfield applies his immense songwriting and performing skills to great affect on this amazing album building on themes evoked by the provocative cover. Picking the best song is an impossible task as every track is high-level.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-theres-no-place-like?r=4ztyq&selection=9402aae4-879e-45d8-8173-d73014c42a47&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web&aspectRatio=instagram&textColor=%23ffffff
Fairport Convention
3/5
I’ve listened to it three times and I can’t decide whether or not if I like it. I definitely like parts of it. “Matty Groves” has lots of energy and actually rocks pretty hard.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-liege-and-lief-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
TLC
5/5
CrazySexyCool is one of the sexiest records of all time and one of the very best albums of any genre of the 1990s.
Read more about it:
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-crazysexycool-by-tlc?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Mj Cole
2/5
I found most of the record quite dull. A couple good songs. Just not my cup of tea.
Supergrass
4/5
The energy and good times continue throughout the entire record. I didn’t hear a single dud or filler.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-i-should-coco-by-supergrass?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Maybe you had to be there? Sounds terribly dated, and I didn’t find much here to my liking. But if the likes of Robert Plant, Paul Mccartney, and the Rolling Stones admire something, then it is surely something wonderful and can’t be all that bad.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-hangmans-beautiful?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Love
3/5
Da Capo isn’t really in my wheelhouse, but I always appreciate when an artist tries to stretch the artform and stretch their wings.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-da-capo-by-love?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Willie Nelson
5/5
This album launched Willie Nelson on the path of becoming a national treasure and it is a genuine listening treat.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-red-headed-stranger?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
The Flying Burrito Brothers
5/5
I really enjoyed this album, and I can see myself revisiting it often in the future.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-gilded-palace-of?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Gabriel’s solo debut is a superb first step on his way to later domination with So and beyond.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-peter-gabriel-1-by-peter?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Green Day
5/5
For my money, American Idiot stands as one of the major rock-as-art achievements of all time.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-american-idiot-by-green?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Brian Eno
3/5
I probably won’t revisit My Life in the Bushes, but I appreciate what Eno and Byrne were trying to do.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-my-life-in-the-bush?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
Stand! is an ebullient romp that lifts my spirits.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-stand-by-sly-and-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The Style Council
4/5
I definitely recommend this album. Just skip "A Gospel" and “Strength Of Your Nature” which are complete duds and don't belong on this otherwise sublime record.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-cafe-bleu-by-the-style?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Pantera
4/5
I haven’t listened to this record very much since its release back in ‘92, but I have to admit that I enjoyed this album a lot more than I remembered from 30+ years ago.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-vulgar-display-of-power?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The Killers
4/5
This is a truly excellent album. I remember thinking at the time that rock n’ roll is in good hands if bands like The Killers will pick up the mantle. And I think this record will be remembered fondly by rock fans for a long time
Read my full article at: https://tinyurl.com/5c46rc22
Portishead
4/5
I like it but not enough to buy it. If you had me over for a dinner party and played this I’d be good with that.
To read more copy/paste this: https://tinyurl.com/tvu6t45k
Metallica
5/5
The whole album is full of high-level artistry and thoughtful lyrics and kick ass music. One of Metallica’s towering achievements.
Copy/paste this link to read the whole thing: https://tinyurl.com/2jmuusf4
D'Angelo
5/5
If we’re constructing a Mt. Rushmore of R&B vocalists of the last 50 years, D’Angelo has to be in the discussion. Brown Sugar is one of the great albums of the 1990s.
If you want to read my full article, copy/paste this: https://tinyurl.com/dvj5h7kr
ABBA
5/5
I don’t think ABBA get the respect they deserve for being excellent artists. Yes, a pop group can be considered true artists.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-arrival-by-abba?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Led Zeppelin
5/5
The first time I heard “Whole Lotta Love” I understood what all the fuss was about with Led Zeppelin.
Copy/paste the link if you want to read my whole article.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-led-zeppelin-ii-by-led?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Elastica
4/5
Most of the songs in this exquisite record are slices of the human experience that the band serves up in quick yet satisfying bursts.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-elastica-by-elastica?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Scott Walker
4/5
Deep, thoughtful ideas contained within a pop sensibility.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-scott-2-by-scott-walker?r=4ztyq&selection=eed57597-2c03-43d6-a8ac-c0819f95dfa5&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web
Ian Dury
3/5
The whole album has a fanciful quality to it that I rather liked.
Copy/paste to read more: https://tinyurl.com/572ss2th
Robbie Williams
4/5
Life Thru a Lens is a nice slice of 90s pop if you’re in the mood.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-life-thru-a-lens-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Laibach
3/5
There are some fairly interesting things happening with elements of different genres getting mixed together
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-opus-dei-by-laibach?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Blur
4/5
I didn’t hear much of their music contemporaneously and I’m only tangentially familiar with it. Blur is really good if not great. I can’t say I’m a fan, but I can see why they have a good following. Good but not great.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-blur-by-blur?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Ryan Adams
4/5
Normally when an artist is all over the map mixing numerous styles in one album my reaction is something like, “Pick a lane.” But Ryan Adams make it work somehow when he put songs of many different styles together on Gold.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-gold-by-ryan-williams?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Skunk Anansie
4/5
4/5
Not sure this would ever be any kind of go-to record for me, but if a friend wanted to listen to it on a roadie, that would suit me just fine.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-close-to-the-edge-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
George Jones
5/5
There are probably few examples of country music better than The Grand Tour.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-the-grand-tour-by-george?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Weather Report
4/5
"Weather Report rewrote the rules of jazz with Heavy Weather."
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-heavy-weather-by-weather?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Lightning Bolt
2/5
My first impression of this album was confusion. I had no idea what this band were trying to say. And then it dawned on me. This is a bunch of drunken college kids who recorded themselves throwing their instruments down a very high stairwell. And I began to wonder why this is one of the 1001 albums I must hear before I die.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-wonderful-rainbow-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Springfield’s vocal performances are amazing. Full of a wide range of emotion and beautiful tone. She cements her status as a high-level interpreter of terrific songs.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-dusty-in-memphis-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Julian Cope
4/5
A rather enjoyable romp of rock songs that have earnest thought behind them
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-peggy-suicide-by-julian?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Queen
5/5
For my money, one of the best rock albums of the mid-1970s.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-sheer-heart-attack-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Siamese Dream is a truly special album that is foundational to a fully realized record collection.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-siamese-dream-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
XTC
5/5
I find Skylarking to be a major accomplishment and for someone like me who missed it the first time around an amazing gem I feel thankful for discovering all these years later.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-skylarking-by-xtc?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
The Temptations
5/5
The Temptations are one of the pillars of Motown and one of my favorite groups from the that classic Motown era. They put out so many great songs and this album is absolutely stunning.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-cloud-nine-by-the-temptations?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Bad Company
4/5
Bad Company is a great listen, and I encourage those who have not heard it to give it a spin and for those who do know it, go back to an old friend for a nice afternoon.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-bad-company-by-bad-company?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Lorde
4/5
Overall, a real gem of an album by a young artist living up to the hype. All of it done before her 21st birthday. There are worse hands in which to place the future of music.
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/when-the-supreme-court-ruled-to-allow-american-flag-burning
Madonna
5/5
I loved the album immediately.
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-ray-of-light-by-madonna?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Van Halen
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time.
Copy/paste if you want to read more:
https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-1984-by-van-halen?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false