509
Albums Rated
3.29
Average Rating
47%
Complete
580 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
42
5-Star Albums
20
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smash
The Offspring
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
|
5 | 3.48 | +1.52 |
|
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
|
5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
|
Ramones
Ramones
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
Brothers
The Black Keys
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
|
5 | 3.59 | +1.41 |
|
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
|
4 | 2.63 | +1.37 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blue
Joni Mitchell
|
1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
|
Aja
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
|
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
|
1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
|
Gris Gris
Dr. John
|
1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.25 |
| Beatles | 3 | 4.33 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| Metallica | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Joni Mitchell | 3 | 1.33 |
| Steely Dan | 4 | 1.75 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Miles Davis | 4, 1 |
5-Star Albums (42)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Steely Dan
1/5
Steely Dan is the answer to the question: what if we combined jazz and rock and made both worse? And then what if we took that and made it bland AF? And Steely Dan was like, "hold my low calorie beer." Not like this is a BAD album... it simply evokes zero emotion other than feeling like a douche bag while listening. I think of all the albums we've had thus far I would be most embarrassed for my wife to walk in on me listening to this one. Not because it is the worst album of the bunch. But it would be the same as her coming home to me literally watching paint dry or grass grow. Snoooooze.
1.5/5
6 likes
The Smiths
2/5
Just not my bag. Is “meat is murder” a metaphor for something? Last track would imply no…should team up with Moby on a meat is murder collab or something. And I shall pass.
2.5/5
4 likes
Dr. John
1/5
I’m sitting on a DART train after another painful Mavs loss thinking… why do Mavs suck? Why did I listen to a Dr John album today? Why is this album on the Rolling Stone top 500 album list. So many questions, but just one answer… this ain’t good.
2 likes
The The
2/5
I suspect I enjoyed this album more than most others in our group. That said, at the end of the day I view this as an average album at best. I like some synth pop, but this didn’t grab me and I don’t see myself picking it up again. 2.25/5
1 likes
Robert Wyatt
3/5
This mother fucker fell out of a window, broke his back, paralyzed, but kept on making music. PROPS. Not sure I knew what was going on for most of this album, but I generally enjoyed it! Heaps of Sheeps (great song title) and Free Will and Testament are enjoyable songs. This album intrigued me enough to want to check out his other stuff. Here’s to my fellow Broken Back Brother.
3/5
1 likes
1-Star Albums (20)
All Ratings
Elton John
3/5
Average album elevated to above-average by Tiny D and Levon. Holiday Inn is good, but overall…average. 3/5
Supertramp
2/5
Totally fine and average. Not really prog enough or rock enough for my liking. Deserving of a half star based on Crime of the Century track that I enjoyed. 2.5/5
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Good, not great. Above average. I see why The Beatles were fans of Mr. Nilsson. Without You is a certified banger. The entire album is brought to a halt by Coconut, which is an abortion of a song, and then drags for the final three songs. Could have been a 4/5 with a better finish, but ultimately 3/5.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
This album is a vibe. I guess all jazz is a vibe, but this is a vibe I actually enjoy. I could see myself putting this as background music during a sexy/sex party. That may be simultaneously a diss and the highest compliment I can give a jazz album. Jazz always makes me think of that scene in So I Married an Axe Murderer. Woman. WHOOAAA-man. 3.5/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
Sonic Youth has always been a challenge for me. I know they’re beloved and had a massive influence on alternative music. There’s some great stuff on this album, but it jangles and rambles a bit much for my liking. In the words of Kim Gordon… Does this sound simple? Fuck you! 3.75/5
Beatles
4/5
Not much to be said here. Great album. Doesn’t get a 5 simply because I know even better albums are forthcoming (Beatles and other artists). Great tunes for driving around London knocking side mirrors off cars and failing your practical driving test. 4.25/5
Television
3/5
This was an average to slightly above average album to me. I can hear influences in other artist, but just didn’t grab me. 3/5
PJ Harvey
3/5
Put PJ on a long list of acclaimed artist I just don’t get. There’s some stuff here I liked, but overall didn’t grab me. I sound like a broken record, but this is an average to slightly above average album. 2.75/5
Jethro Tull
4/5
TIL I like Jethro Tull! Flute rock! Previously all I knew about this band was Aqualung, “Hey Aqualung!” in Anchorman, and their controversial Grammy win over Metallica (turns out I had the year and albums totally wrong, too). This shit makes me want to skip hand-in-hand with Frodo Baggins through The Shire and then deliver a swift gut punch to that bastard Bilbo while Gandolf looks on with an approving nod and knowing smile. A really pleasant surprise and I shall enjoy listening to it again!
Nirvana
5/5
It’s been forever since I’ve listened to this album, and frankly not sure I ever listened start to finish. Wow, what a trip down memory lane! Hit me right in the feels. Nirvana’s last album and recorded five months before Cobain’s death. Amazing mix of covers, many of which are clearly better than the original, as well as great renditions of their own songs. Stripped down, but still captures all the vibe of the band. I absolutely love Where Did You Sleep Last Night as the last track. Haunting. Raw energy in Kurt’s vocals. Simply great all around.
2/5
I thought I was going to like this album. I did not like this album. I’m shocked it was the best selling album of 1973 and appeared on the original Rolling Stone 500 best albums of all time list. There’s other albums on the 1001 albums list I don’t like, but get why they’re there (influence on the music landscape, other artists, etc). I don’t get that here. Most songs sound like the theme music of a sitcom. Not a fan of jam bands and 12 minute songs. I did enjoy The Cisco Kid. This is a shrug emoji album to me. 1.75/5
Prince
5/5
Amazing. Listened to it twice back to back. A lot of the lyrics would be corny if sung by another artist. But Prince can pull it off because, well… he’s Prince. Love the story about Tipper Gore walking in on her daughter listening to Darling Nikki and having a proper freak out (leading to the introduction of the parental advisory sticker on albums). Game…blouses. 4.5/5
The The
2/5
I suspect I enjoyed this album more than most others in our group. That said, at the end of the day I view this as an average album at best. I like some synth pop, but this didn’t grab me and I don’t see myself picking it up again. 2.25/5
Dr. John
1/5
I’m sitting on a DART train after another painful Mavs loss thinking… why do Mavs suck? Why did I listen to a Dr John album today? Why is this album on the Rolling Stone top 500 album list. So many questions, but just one answer… this ain’t good.
David Bowie
3/5
Love me some Bowie, but his stuff has always been up and down for me. Same with this album. Really enjoyed some songs (Watch That Man and The Jean Genie) but others not so much, especially the piano in Aladdin Sane. Pretty easy 3* when you rank it against other albums in his catalog. Bowie's in space. Bowie's in spa-a-hace. Whatcha' doin' out there, man? 3.25/5
Alice In Chains
4/5
I’m torn between a 3 or 4 for this album. It has many certified bangers, but I found my self struggling through some of the other tracks. Not sure if that’s a knock on those tracks or a testament to the quality of the songs we know and love. It feels like a stretch to call this a 4 against the pantheon of amazing albums, but against those we’ve heard thus far and giving a bump for nostalgia factor… I’m going 4* but more of a 3.75/4
Michael Jackson
4/5
I didn’t want to like this album, less about the music and more about the man. But damn if this shit ain’t good. Yea, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough is about two minutes too long. And yea, the lyrics can be pretty cringeworthy at times (MJ is the opposite of Prince in this department). But MJ is amazing and I couldn’t resist grooving and having a good time.
4/5
Frank Ocean
4/5
Any album that has a 9+ minute song I actually like deserves high praise. I remember this album being a critical darling when it came out, but for some reason I never listened. I’m glad this exercise forced me to do so cuz I really liked it! We had a family dance party to Pyramids this evening. Plus, there’s a love song to Forrest Gump. Maybe it’s a metaphor or some dumb shit, but I like to think Frank is literally in love with Forrest. Maybe a tad long front to back, but there’s too much good shit for anything less than a 4 in my mind.
4/5
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
It’s JAZZ!!!
2/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
I like Bob Dylan. He has some great songs. But I never listen to his albums start to finish and B on B is a great example why. I think it’s too long and I hate to say his vocal style wore on me (and harmonica). Still a very good album, but I think all the praise it has received is a bit overdone. I pegged it at the 4.25/5 I gave Rubber Soul and added/deducted from there. At the end of the day I simply did not enjoy it nearly as much as RS.
3.5/5
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I think the significant others of the bros in this group are in for a treat this weekend! Just a gaggle of horned up bros looking to GET. IT. ON.
These are my confessions:
1) I didn’t know this album existed. I prob would have said Let’s Get it On was on his What’s Going On album.
2) I thought for sure this would be no less than a 4 star album. But it was kind of one note to me.
3) In the words of Flight of the Conchords:
My rhymes are so potent that in this small segment
I made all of the ladies in the area pregnant
Yeah, sometimes my lyrics are sexist
But you lovely bitches and hoes should know I'm trying to correct this
3.5/5
Duke Ellington
3/5
This album has two things working against it that would typically doom it for me:
1) Jazz
2) Live recording
But to my surprise, the live aspect really elevated the album. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue Is a perfect example where the band is feeding off the audience and the audience is loving it. Doesn’t take it to 4* category, but ended up enjoying more than I expected.
3.25/5
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Yea…I struggled with this one. The odd time signature on every track got to me. Could have been cool if used sparingly, but was grating after awhile. I did enjoy Stillness is the Move, but not enough to save this album from a sub-average rating.
2.25/5
k.d. lang
3/5
Now we have an answer to the age old question: what do lesbian cowgirls listen to after a rough breakup? This album is totally fine, but I def did not expect to see KD Lang on this list. But at the end of the day it’s easy on the ears and totally fine.
2.75/5
Marilyn Manson
2/5
LOL I thought maybe I’d enjoy this album. I did not. Would things have been different in my middle school years? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe fuck yourself. Anyways, this would have been a 1* but I gotta give props to the opening two songs. Still a sucker for The Beautiful People. [shrug emoji]
1.5/5
Joan Armatrading
3/5
After the first song I thought this was going to be the first "holy shit who is this???" surprise album. Turns out it didn't reach that level, but I still liked it. Dug when the electric guitar comes in on the first track and the grooves on the last. Not sure this gets to a 4* album (it's close), but I could def see myself digging into her catalogue.
3.5/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
God damn these licks are tasty! Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Rare case of me wishing an album was a bit longer. Easy 4* for me. Crazy that it was recorded in only 12 hours considering the influence on rock/metal. Good shit.
4.25/5
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
I can say this definitively: this is my favorite CSN album.
I love listening to three dudes harmonizing as much as the next guy, but this didn’t grab me like I expected. Judy Blue Eyes and Helplessly Hoping are solid and get the album extra points, but just can’t go higher than 3*
3.25/5
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
I have a soft spot for this old school Grand Ole Opry stuff. I love the juxtaposition of the upbeat sound with dark lyrics (Knoxville Girl…..SHEEESH ). Influenced by Baptist upbringing, but clearly in Ira’s case did not walk the walk. Do yourself a favor and read up about the guy. I thought this could be a sneaky 4*, but I found the songs to be a bit repetitive. Still very much enjoyed the listen.
3.5/5
Charles Mingus
1/5
I’ll say one thing about this album…it is definitely JAZZ.
.25/5
Black Sabbath
5/5
The album algorithm gods smiled upon us and bookended the week with Sabbath’s first two albums. Paranoid has the radio hits, but I think I enjoyed their debut more front to back. I rated that album 4*, which is an obvious mistake in hindsight. The fact that they gave the world these two albums within just eight months of each other is a miracle.
4.5/5
5/5
Inject this goodness directly into my veins. Got me talking like Stefon… this album has everything: glamour, camp, licks, Bowie in space, production, weirdness… a very easy 5/5 for me. Checked Rolling Stone’s updated best album of all time list expecting this to be in the top 10. But no, #40, which is an abomination. It’s so good.
5/5
Pixies
2/5
I’m not a huge fan of Pixies and this album didn’t sway me away from that opinion. I’m going low on this album with the expectation for better things to come with Doolittle and Surfer Rosa.
2.5/5
Queen Latifah
2/5
This album oozes late 80's/early 90's style (read: corniness). It was a pretty enjoyable listen and props to Queen Latifah for blazing a trail for female MC's. That said, not sure I will be revisiting this album and can't rate higher than "average."
2.5/5
Steely Dan
1/5
Steely Dan is the answer to the question: what if we combined jazz and rock and made both worse? And then what if we took that and made it bland AF? And Steely Dan was like, "hold my low calorie beer." Not like this is a BAD album... it simply evokes zero emotion other than feeling like a douche bag while listening. I think of all the albums we've had thus far I would be most embarrassed for my wife to walk in on me listening to this one. Not because it is the worst album of the bunch. But it would be the same as her coming home to me literally watching paint dry or grass grow. Snoooooze.
1.5/5
Solomon Burke
3/5
I’m not familiar with Solomon Burke and really enjoyed his stuff. That said, as an album I think this is just above average. Look forward to digging into his catalog a bit more.
3.25/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
This is a good album but not his best. I’m guessing we’ll see another one or two ES albums that I’ll enjoy more. I think this one may get better with additional listens, but ain’t nobody got time for that. I’ll for sure check it out again at a later date.
3/5
Beach House
3/5
I was not expecting Beach House to show up in this exercise. I like Beach House…but admittedly it is typically background music for work, etc. Not sure I’ve ever really intently listened to any of their stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy this album, just not sure it’s deserving of a 4*, so I’m rounding down.
3.5/5
Rush
4/5
I get it. Rush’s prog rock can be polarizing. Maybe this isn’t considered a great album by many. All I know is every time Tom Sawyer comes I reach for the volume knob and turn it up to 11. It’s a guilty pleasure and gets me right in the feels every time. Shocked this was their eighth studio album. Not sure I’ve listened to any of the other ones! Slapping’ da bass, an animal on the drums, and angelic vocals. What else could you ask for???
4/5
Suede
3/5
Gummy is kicking in and I can’t come up with much to say about this album. I liked it ok. Above average.
2.75/5
Tracy Chapman
2/5
Not a huge fan of Tracy, but was excited to jump in after all the hoopla surrounding her performance at the Grammys. Figured maybe I misjudged her… I did not. Two things kept popping into my head while listening: adult alternative and Joni Mitchell. Not sure if either is an appropriate descriptor… but that’s immediately where my brain went and neither is a compliment (spoiler alert for my review of Blue whenever that album drops). Fast Car is good, but not sure it’s deserving of all the praise. Apologies to all the adults and their alternative music.
Oh, and to my dumb ears it sounds like Edward Sheeran ripped off Mountains O’s Things for Shape Of You.
2.5/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Woo, this is a tough one. Went into it knowing lots of folks think it’s their best. Rocks Off is a legit banger, but I found the rest of it a bit hard to get into. I feel like I may revisit this rating and wish I had gone higher. But at this moment it doesn’t rise to the level of a 4* for me.
3.5/5
Simply Red
1/5
A white dude doing jazz and soul/R&B music? No thanks! This is def not my tempo. Question is… is it Steely Dan bad? I’d argue no. It misses the mark but at least it feels like it is trying. And it has a song I recognize and think is ok [shrug emoji]. I bet peeps in mid-80’s power suits with huge shoulder pads rocked out to these tunes in elevators. Blah.
1.5/5
P.S. you know you want to punch that kid on the cover right in his stupid face.
Steely Dan
2/5
Boys! I'm gonna do it! I'm rating a SD album higher than 1*! Listen, this album is still pretty trash, but (i) Rikki Don't Lose That Number is mildly ok, (ii) anything looks good compared to that Simply Red trash album we had yesterday, and (iii) it is better than Aja (oh god I just threw up in my mouth a little bit). I nearly crashed my car in a fit of rage when East St. Louis Doodle-Oo came on. Pretentious AF and no fun. Fuck, am I talking myself into a 1*??? Take a breath... At the end of the day this is a 34 minute album and I made it through ok.
1.75/5
Robert Wyatt
3/5
This mother fucker fell out of a window, broke his back, paralyzed, but kept on making music. PROPS. Not sure I knew what was going on for most of this album, but I generally enjoyed it! Heaps of Sheeps (great song title) and Free Will and Testament are enjoyable songs. This album intrigued me enough to want to check out his other stuff. Here’s to my fellow Broken Back Brother.
3/5
Adele
3/5
You could give this a 4* based on Adele’s vocal talent alone and I wouldn’t be mad at ya. But for me it started feeling a bit one note after the first couple songs. I love me some Send My Love. Def the highlight of the album. I’m rounding down on this one.
3.5/5
The Band
3/5
So...The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Racist or naw? I'm going with no since it was written by a Canadian bro...but I guess Canadians can be just as racist as the next bloke. Anyways, I thought this was a pretty decent and easy listen. Didn't blow my mind, but a couple enjoyable and recognizable songs. Def something I wouldn't mind listening to again.
3.5/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes...and Eric will rate all Bob Marley albums no less than 4*. Honestly not sure I've ever listened to a Marley album other than Legend, so I was really glad to see this on the list. Straight vibes.
3.75/5
Iggy Pop
4/5
Really dig this album. Was considering going as high as a 5 banger based on the first few tracks, but second half wasn’t as strong. Interesting to learn about Bowie’s involvement with this record and its predecessor. Seems pretty obvious after listening. His fingerprints are all over the album. Amazing that Bowie toured with Iggy as his keyboardist and was dead set against stealing the spotlight. Look forward to digging into his catalog a bit more along with The Stooges.
4.25/5
T. Rex
4/5
This record is a vibe and I enjoyed it very much. But I’m tired and don’t have energy to put more thought into a review.
3.75/5
Queen
5/5
5-banger, LET’S GOOOOO!!!! Greatness. Felt like a kick in the face reminder of just how amazing Queen was back in the day (unlike that crap movie). Not stuffed with many of their “hits,” but songs like Brighton Rock and Stone Cold Crazy rocked so hard I didn’t need a bunch of well known tracks (I’m ignoring Bring Back That Leroy Brown). Just the album I needed going into the weekend and I enjoyed several listens.
4.5/5
R.E.M.
3/5
I have this odd REM-block where I generally like their well-known songs, but can't get into the rest of their stuff. This albums clearly has some great and popular songs like "Stand" and "Orange Crush" but the rest of the album didn't speak to me. I was only able to listen to it once, so my rating may change with additional listening, but at the moment this isn't higher than a 3* for me. Now please excuse me while I put on Everybody Hurts and have a good day-long cry. Bye.
3.5/5
Soft Cell
2/5
I love Tainted Love. But it can’t save this album. Overall very forgettable. I’m bumping my rating to average based on Tainted Love alone.
2.5/5
The Fall
2/5
I want to like this album. And maybe I would after another listen. I like some of the guitar grooves but the vocals threw me off in pretty much every song. I’m sure fans would say the vocal style is a feature and not a bug, but I’m just not feeling it.
2.5/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
The version of the album I heard had Suspicious Minds…but it was actually cut from the original album. That stupidly alone makes me want to rate this low. But it is still Elvis and an enjoyable listen.
2.75/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
She said, "My breasts, they will always be open
Baby, you can rest your weary head right on me
And there will always be a space in my parking lot
When you need a little coke and sympathy"
Yeah, we all need someone we can dream on
And if you want it, baby, well, you can dream on me
Yeah, we all need someone we can cream on
Yeah, and if you want to, well, you can cream on me
No notes. 4.25/5
Thin Lizzy
3/5
I’m typically not a fan of live albums (says the guy who gave 5* to Nirvana Unplugged). Sure the hits are there, but I prefer the studio recordings. This one was pretty enjoyable and sounded good. I guess there’s some controversy surrounding the band overdubbing most of the album. Anyways, who cares? It’s an above average listen and I really enjoyed Massacre.
3.5/5
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
I didn’t mind this album. I appreciate the turn in genre from other albums on the list. That said, not sure why this is an essential album. My guess is Brian Eno’s involvement elevated its status and it wouldn’t be in this list otherwise. I could see myself putting on a station based on these guys. I’ll probably forget their name and look forward to asking Siri to “play a station based on that band with naked penguin/human creatures on the cover.”
2.75/5
Lou Reed
4/5
Bowie keeps popping up! He produced this album, too! I do like it quite a bit. Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day, and Satellite of Love (my fave) are enough to get this 4 stars from me. But once again I’m gummied-up and don’t have anything insightful to say.
4/5
Eels
4/5
I’ve always enjoyed Novocaine for the Soul but never really gave the album a chance. I liked it quite a bit! Is it on par with some other albums at this rating? Prob not. Did it give me tasty 90’s vibes? Indeed. And for that reason, 4*.
3.5/4
Elliott Smith
3/5
Pretty good and I thought I was going to revisit over the weekend. I didn’t. And didn’t really feel compelled to do so. Maybe I just don’t get his genius. [shrug emoji]
3.25/5
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Was there any doubt Snoop’s debut would get less than 4*? There are some bangers on here for sure, though I felt the album was kind of one note…thankfully it was a note I enjoy.
3.75/5
TV On The Radio
3/5
Never been able to get into TVONR. Something about their sound doesn’t jive with me. But I do love me some Staring at the Sun. I’m bumping my rating up on that song alone.
2.5/5
Cheap Trick
2/5
Live albums…I got no love for them. I gave Thin Lizzy a 3 and enjoyed it more. So I’m giving this a 2 and will prob never revisit. Just give me their studio recordings which I enjoy. Bye.
2.25/5
Barry Adamson
2/5
Well this was an interesting listen! I can see why Lynch enlisted his talents to score Lost Highway. Still have a hard time understanding why this is an album I must listen to before I die… though I briefly considered a 3 based on the whiplash experienced going from the insanely weird/creepy/terrifying It’s Business As Usual to the upbeat/jovial Miles. At the end of the day I can give props to someone who is scoring movies that were never made, but not likely something I will revisit.
2.25/5
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Who knew Sarah Vaughan was the answer to the question “how do we get Eric to like jazz and a live album?” Not sure this is worthy of a 4* on its own, but it’s a gateway drug to the rest of her catalog. And for that reason I’m rounding up.
3.5/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I'm late to listening to this one and I'm about halfway through. Finally decided to be true to myself and concede that Immigrant Song is one of the best album openers ever and for that alone 5*.
4.75/5
The Cult
2/5
This isn’t terrible, but sounds very generic. Seems like they tried to become rockers by imitating Van Halen, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, etc. I want to give it a 3 cuz it is a totally ok album, but feel like I should round down given there’s nothing here to really distinguish from other dad rock albums.
2.5/5
Shack
2/5
If The Cult album we just heard was the epitome of Dad Rock, this album is the epitome of Pussy Rock. Don’t get me wrong, I can fuck with some Pussy Rock. But today is not that day my friends. I’m being generous and rounding up to 2*, but I’ll never purposefully listen to this band again.
1.75/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Another band that’s apparently essential that i just can’t get into. The Killing Moon is great, but the rest of the album didn’t do much for me.
2.75/5
Ramones
5/5
I love me some punk. I'm rounding this lovely album up to 5* to acknowledge the true grand-daddies of punk (sorry Sex Pistols!). Just four bros playing two minute punk songs about everyday shit and making it sound awesome. Also really enjoy hearing the influences of The Beatles and The Beach Boys in their recordings. Great stuff.
4.5/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Went into it thinking it’s likely a 5-banger but didn’t hit me like I thought it would. Also very interesting that American Girl is the last track on the album. Anyways, I’m rounding up cuz Petty rocks.
4/5
Underworld
3/5
I’m not the biggest fan of electronic music, but I think this is enjoyable in the right setting. A bit long for my taste (both the songs and album) but overall an above average album.
2.75/5
Death In Vegas
2/5
Glad this album came right after Underworld. I did not like it as much and thus rating a notch lower. Easy peasy.
2.25/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
First thing’s first: I’m giving this album an emphatic 5*. That said, a had an interesting reaction while listening. Boredom isn’t the right word, but the songs are so ubiquitous that there's really no surprise or discovery factor here. Not like Sabbath's debut that blew my mind because I wasn't as familiar with the tracks (my stupid 4* rating of that album will haunt me until the day I die). Incredible that six of eight tracks are stone cold classics. Obvi Stairway, the most played track on the radio ever. Funny that Plant got so tired of hearing it that he donated a pile of cash to a station fundraiser so they would never play it again. I think that's true. Anyways, that's my take. 5* to the max. Thanks for listening. #BeBlessed
5/5
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Blows my mind this is her only solo album. What a shame. Great blast from the past and great album.
4/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
In my review of Natty Dread I said I would never rate a Bob Marley & The Wailers album less than 4*...so that makes this exercise pretty easy. Not quite sure if I like this album more or less than ND, but the vibes continue and I'm here for it.
3.75/5
Mudhoney
4/5
I listened to this one a couple times. Not a difficult task given its 21 minute runtime. Pretty cool thinking about Seattle in the mid/late 80’s with all these bands being all grunge and shit. I was thinking maybe I have to temper my rating given this only feels like a template of things to come. But at the end of the day it fucking rocked and I’m here for it. Dem drums be drumming, y’all.
3.75/5
Def Leppard
4/5
Can't say glam metal (or however you want to define their music) is my favorite style, but dang do some of these songs slap. Not a 5* for me, but a very strong 4*. Photograph, Too Late for Love, Foolin', and Rock of Ages are just too much fun.
4/5
Dolly Parton
4/5
This is good. Unfortunately I wasn't able to give it the attention it deserves, but still enjoyed it. And you must be tripping if you think I'm giving Mesdames Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris anything less than 4*.
3.75/5
The White Stripes
4/5
Love me some Whizzy Strizzies. Album is great, but even better is it led me down a YouTube rabbit hole of their live performances. Amazing so much sound came from Jack’s guitar. And Meg does her thing, too! Leave Meg alone!
4/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
This album is all vibes. Helps that I was chilling by the ocean while listening. I probably don’t give it the close listened it deserves, but I’m rounding up on vibes alone.
3.5/4
Bee Gees
2/5
This isn’t The Bee Gees I want… it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be after the first track. But cmon man.
2.25/5
R.E.M.
4/5
A solid listen with a couple bangers. Also gave us that great scene in Tommy Boy listening to …End of the World. I still struggle to connect with R.E.M.’s catalog outside of their major hits, but this is good enough for me to round up.
3.5/4
Nirvana
5/5
This is the easiest “I don’t even need to listen to this album again” 5 of all time. Revisited Nevermind a few months ago before starting the 1001 Album challenge. The run of the first eight songs is simply incredible. Banger after banger. Album does drag a bit towards the end and the final song is def WTF. But this is too good and too influential to get anything less than a perfect score.
5/5
Jack White
4/5
Sometimes JW's stuff feels a little overproduced to me... I'm not sure if that is a fair criticism or really even makes sense. That said, you can't deny his licks and variety of genres he's able to tap into for a very well rounded album. I still prefer his time with the White Stripes, but there is enough here to round up to 4*.
3.5/4
Fiona Apple
4/5
This starts out as a clear 5* across the first 4-5 tracks, but loses a bit of steam from there. Still a very solid album that I've revisited several times in recent years. Absolutely insane she was only 18 when she debuted with this album. Her voice is incredible and I still remember the music video that accompanied Criminal. Great stuff.
4/5
Fugees
4/5
Hmmm this is a difficult one. Went into it think it’d be a 4* for sure with possibility to get to 5*. But I started to waffle the more I listened. There are the hits, sure, but the rest of the album isn’t as captivating as I remember. And those skits…man, really take me out of the flow. I ended up at a strong 3* or weak 4* and rounding up given how monstrous this album was when it came out. And the popular songs are still great.
3.5/5
Massive Attack
3/5
Gotta give props to them being innovators and popularizing trip-hop, but this really isn’t my tempo. I pretty much only know them through their song, Teardrop, that was used as the House theme (and I suspect I am not alone). Most of this sounds pretty generic to me. Something you may hear in a hipster salon. Not bad, but in my mind also not worthy of the praise it receives.
2.75/5
Mott The Hoople
3/5
C’mon y’all, All The Way From Memphis is a MFing bop. I’d prob round up if ….Young Dudes was on this album. But alas it’s not and the album kinda drags.
3.5/4
Blondie
4/5
This was fun.
3.75/5
Radiohead
5/5
I ended up favoriting 8 of the 10 songs on this record and prob could have favorited the others. Super solid top to bottom. Easy 5*.
4.5/5
Richard Thompson
4/5
I enjoyed this quite a bit! Thought it could be a surprise 5 bomb after the first few tracks, but it didn’t hold that pace throughout. Still, a very solid album that I’ll revisit.
3.75/5
k.d. lang
2/5
KD Lang’s music is the most adult-alternative music that has ever adult-alternatived. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, just kind of meh bordering on cringey. Sounds like music you’d hear on a seniors-only Caribbean cruise. I’d say my craving to listen to something else was…constant.
2.5/5
Heaven 17
1/5
I’m perplexed. Flummoxed even. No clue why this album is on the list. As far as I can tell it was not popular, not critically acclaimed, has no hits, and isn’t particularly influential in the world of synth pop. So….what are we even doing? Sounds like a cheap rip off of the Lambda Lambda Lambda battle of the bands set. The album cover is pretty awesome, tho, in that so bad it’s good kinda way.
1.5/5
Kanye West
5/5
Oh Kanye, you antisemitic, misogynistic, crazy-ass piece of shit... you had to go and make one of the great rap albums of all time. Hits from top to bottom. A crazy lineup of guest rappers, singers, and producers. One complaint is that it drags a bit towards the end with the John Legend song and that (too long) Chris Rock monologue. Otherwise...greatness.
4.5/5
Kraftwerk
3/5
I'm not a huge fan of beeps and boops music, but this one feels more influential than others we've had thus far. Literally the first track I was like, "this sounds like Get Innocuous! by LCD Soundsystem." Not sure if Kraftwek were actually credited on that track, but c'mon man, it was directly lifted by LCD. I assume the dudes of Daft Punk are huge fans, which also kinda explains the whole robot thing. Some tracks kind of remind me of the Blade Runner score and of course Tron. Haven't seen either in forever, but that's the vibe/feel I'm getting. This is also a great album to get soon after that Heaven 17 mess... one sounds dated, crappy, and irrelevant. Yes, you can tell this is of another time, but it also somehow still works today and you can hear influences everywhere. Despite all that, to my ears this doesn't rise to the level of a great album. Good for what it is, but not incredible.
3.25/5
Sonic Youth
2/5
I’m starting to think I’m not cool enough to like Sonic Youth…
2.5/5
The Black Keys
5/5
I favorited like six tracks on this album but for some reason I’m having a hard time giving it a 5*. I like it. It rocks. I have a great time listing to it. It’s prob like 4 songs heavy. Would have preferred a tight 38-43 minute album. I don’t really know what I’m talking about. Mavs won. Gummy kicking in. Fuck it, 5*!!! LFG!!! #MFFL
4.5/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
A kick ass debut with bangers galore from one of the greatest rock bands of all time? GTFO with anything less than 5*.
4.5/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
Nearing the end of this album I thought to myself, “why am I enjoying this more than B on B?” Sure there’s a bit more variety in the songs, but I think it’s even more simple: this album is about 25 minutes shorter and Bob is best consumed in short chunks. That said, I did enjoy this album. Go Mavs! MFMFFL!
Billy Joel
4/5
I've always found Billy Joel's music to be corny as hell... not that it's bad, just has a corny sound to it. But hey, I'm not ashamed to admit sometimes corny is good and this album is a prime example. Also, everything sounds better after a Mavs win!
3.75/5
Black Flag
3/5
I give props for this album laying the groundwork for hardcore punk. Rounding up since some of the stuff I listen to today may not exist without these guys. That said, didn’t love it, but rolling with 3* given its influence.
3.25/5
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
I enjoyed some of the arrangements on this album...but hate to say the singer's voice took me out of what could have potentially been a nice listen. Another reviewer mentioned vibrato (I think the exact term they used was VIBRAAATOOOO) and I couldn't get that out of my head the entire time. Just too much for me.
1.75/5
The Temptations
4/5
The perfect palate cleanser after that I Am A Bird Now shite. Also, Mavs going to the finals. LETS GOOO!!!
4/5
5/5
Well this was a delightful surprise and I enjoyed it very much! The comparisons to the Beatles are obvious, but it also feels very much like its own thing. The arrangements, lyrics, variety of songs all add up to an amazing album. My favorite discovery thus far in the 1001 challenge (if you can call a Kinks album a discovery).
4.5/5
Janis Joplin
4/5
What a voice. What a loss. This albums slaps, obvi. I didn’t know she passed away before it was finished. Cool that they left Buried Alive in the Blues on the album even though she never recorded vocals as a kind of moment of silence. Missing a little extra something to get it to 5* category, but still great.
4.25/5
Morrissey
3/5
I’m not the biggest Morrissey fan and this album was alright. Totally fine. Not great but still enjoyable.
3.5/5
Morrissey
3/5
Another day, another sad-boy cry-sesh. Just not a whole lot of stuff here that speaks to me. I mean, I like a good boy-cry as much as the next chap, but it's just a bit much having two of these albums back-to-back.
2.75/5
Brian Eno
3/5
I expected to roll my eyes through much of this album. And while eyes did roll, there were parts I enjoyed…and also parts that pushed the wrong buttons (call me a traditionalist but I generally don’t enjoy loud annoying sounds in the middle of songs…looking at you Cindy Tells Me and Dead Finks Don’t Talk). There’s enough here to be above average, but just barely.
2.75/5
Pixies
4/5
I’m guessing this is probably considered the entry level album for non-Pixies-obsessed peeps…and for good reason. It’s def the most accessible and, to my dumb ears, the best. Fight me. Mavs in 6. LFG!!!!
3.75/5
King Crimson
4/5
Oof, this is a tough one for me. I legit love me some 21st Century Schizoid Man. Shit goes hard, y'all. The rest of the album can't really match that greatness, but there's still some solid stuff...and also long sections of beeps and boops, which can make for a challenging listen. My mind is telling me this is probably a 3* album, but my heart wants to give it 4* for the first track and its influence on Prog Rock (even though I'm not exactly sure what Pro Rock truly is). The heart wins out today.
3.75/5
The Thrills
3/5
This is a totally fine album. An easy listen but nothing stands out.
2.75/5
Minor Threat
3/5
I gave Black Flag 3* so I’m rolling with the same rating here. I enjoyed it, but isn’t great. Mavs in 7.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I looked at the album cover and it made me sad. Then I realized Tim Buckley was Jeff Buckley's dad and that made me happy. Then I read they were estranged and that made me sad. And then I read that Tim also died tragically and that made me even sadder. Then the album was better than I expected and that made me happy again, but not too happy. 3*
2.75/5
4/5
Def a pleasant surprise. Was expecting to be very meh based on her other stuff, but I enjoyed it.
3.75/5
The Beach Boys
5/5
It’s Per Sounds. Not sure much else needs to be said about this album…
4.5/5
Le Tigre
2/5
I wanted this album to be more of a bop than it turned out to be. I was optimistic after the first song but kinda fizzled. Maybe sitting in the airport waiting on a delayed flight to wasn’t the best setting for this type of record…
2.5/5
Madonna
3/5
The fact that THIS Madonna album is on the list makes me think we have another 2-3 Madonna albums to go... she has never been my favorite and not sure why it was selected to represent her catalog. I did enjoy Music and Don't Tell Me, but the rest is kinda meh (especially when she leans heavily on Autotune).
2.5/5
B.B. King
4/5
This was fun. B.B. being B.B. and the crowd loving it. Not sure I’d call this a historically great album, but still enjoyable.
3.5/5
Deep Purple
4/5
I was def meh on hearing Smoke on the Water for the millionth time…but what a delightful surprise when that was one of my least favorite tracks on the album. Maybe I’m a bigger fan of deep plodding rock than i previously thought. A solid 4* for me.
4/5
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Please hold while I come up with something unique to say about an album that is consensus one of the best of all time...............
Only thing I got is it is a bit long for my taste, especially when you add in the bonus tracks included as a separate 45 with the album. Saturn prob should have been the last track and nix the others. That's a very small knock on a wonderful album.
4.75/5
Metallica
4/5
Fun nostalgia bomb. It’s too long, but also too many hits not to rate highly. Although a live album of your greatest hits is kind of a cheat code…
4/5
Taylor Swift
3/5
I just can’t even right now. I think this is totally fine but just didn’t grab me by the plums in an enjoyable way. Methinks we have more Taylor on the way…
2.75/5
Elis Regina
3/5
This was enjoyable listen. Prob better while chilling in Rio drinking a Caipirinha but hey we can’t always get what we want. Very hard album to actual find. Best I can tell what I got was a compilation that had most of the tracks. Always, good times.
2.75/5
The Temptations
3/5
Went into this album thinking it was a surefire 4* and the first two songs def had that feel. Not to mention Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On being an all-time great song title. Kinda grinds to a halt with Papa Was a Rollin' stone. I mean, I like a few minutes of the song but do we really need 1/3 of the album tied up in one song. The other songs don't hit as good as the first two and I'm having a hard time putting it in the same category as other 4* albums. So I shan't.
3.5/5
DJ Shadow
3/5
This is fine. Not my thing, but it’s fine.
2.75/5
Devendra Banhart
3/5
A nice little surprise. This is the way and Fall were standout tracks to me. Need to check out some of his other stuff.
3/5
Prince
3/5
First three tracks are bangers, but the rest of the album didn’t do it for me.
3.25/5
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
Overall a solid album. Admittedly not sure I've ever heard another of her songs outside of Nothing Compares 2 U. Makes me want to go back and explore more of her catalog.
3.5/5
Beck
4/5
Middle school nostalgia bomb! It’s interesting revisiting this album now considering the direction his career has taken. Who woulda thunk he’d win a best album Grammy 20 years later for Morning Phase? A fun listen. A good album. But ultimately not great. And admittedly the nostalgia factor is what’s pushing it to 4* land for me.
3.75/5
Portishead
4/5
Classic vibes album.
4/5
Aphex Twin
2/5
First I make the computer go *beep*. And then I make the computer go *boop*.
2.5/5
Love
3/5
I enjoyed this, especially the first song. Always fun when you don’t recognize a band and then you’re like, “ohhhh I know this song!” Was teetering on 4* territory, but I think it’s more high 3* at the end of the day.
3.5/5
Missy Elliott
3/5
I don’t know if you know this, but this is ANOTHER Missy Elliot exclusive! Couple bangers but average overall.
3/5
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Sledgehammer and In Your Eyes are obvi great. I’m sure there’s a lot about this album I don’t get…just sounds a little corny to me. I’m teetering between 3* and 4*, but rounding down cuz I don’t think it’s on the same level as other 4* albums thus far. Very close, though.
3.5/5
Arcade Fire
4/5
Been awhile since I've revisited this album. Forgot how much I like it and think it's my favorite, even over Funeral. I waffled between strong 4* and 5* but for some reason having trouble going full 5*. Very strong 4*.
4.25/5
Bobby Womack
2/5
Sorry, Bobby, I did not really enjoy this and don't have much to say. Dig the album cover, tho.
2.5/5
Boards of Canada
2/5
I’m sure this is a totally fine album in the beep/boop music genre. Just not my cup of tea. Too long and little variety. I found myself skipping tracks out of boredom.
2/5
The Coral
2/5
Not terrible, not great. A couple jams that were ok. Felt like they were trying VERY hard to be unique.
2.25/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Pretty much a greatest his album of originals and covers. Great album to pull heading into the weekend.
4.75/5
4/5
Feels like these guys have fallen out of favor, but 18-22 year old me really dug Absolution and this album. One of those albums deserves a 4-bomb for nostalgia factor alone. Not sure we're going to get a second Muse album on this list, so I'm going with 4* here.
3.75/5
Neil Young
3/5
I liked this. I also listened to it this morning and don’t really remember any of the songs…and so I’m notching back.
3.5/5
The White Stripes
4/5
White Stripes is def a band I've grown to appreciate more with time. I think this is a step back from Elephant, but I still enjoyed it and rounding up my rating.
3.75/5
Beatles
5/5
I overthought my rating on Rubber Soul. I'm not going to overthink this one.
4.5/5
Yes
4/5
This sounded very jam bandy and Doorsy which I normally wouldn't like. But there were some very tasty licks throughout and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Feel like this is probably a very strong 3*, but I'm rounding up.
3.5/5
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Not my musical cup-o-tea, but no denying Right Here, Right Now, The Rockefeller Skank, Gangster Trippin', and Praise You are straight up bops.
3.75/5
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
I didn't have access to much of this album. But the couple minutes I heard sounded pretty ok.
3/5
Jeff Beck
4/5
Tasty licks? I'm in. Rodney Stew doing Rodney Stew things? Sure, why not.
3.5/5
Rodney Stew rock block! Stay With Me is my jam, but on the whole I didn't enjoy this album as much as Jeff Beck's Truth from yesterday. I probably should have rated that one slightly higher, but both end up in the 4* category.
3.5/5
The Clash
5/5
My only gripe is this album is too long. Could easy cut 15 mins and be fine. That said, too much here to deny a 5*.
Little Richard
4/5
Some points on this album felt like Little Richard was yelling from inside my skull...in a good way.
4/5
The Byrds
3/5
For a moment I thought this could be a sneaky 4* album. But then they hit me with Hey Joe and that Lear Jet song and knocked it down a notch.
3.25/5
LTJ Bukem
2/5
Not for me. I don't hate it as background music, but simply too monotonous to listen to front to back. And please no more hour long songs.
1.75/5
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Marvin is the GOAT of speaking something and then singing the same thing right after. Always surprises me how short this album is and how much it's about the big man upstairs. I know this is considered one of the best albums of all time, but it has always fallen a little short for me. This falls into the Rubber Soul bucket of albums I likely rated too low, but whatever.
4.25/5
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Classic
4.5/5
The Cure
4/5
Obvi Pictures of You and Lovesong are great, but the album doesn’t ride to 5* level too me. Drags a bit and is simply too long.
4/5
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Kind of all over the place. A few things I liked but didn’t really speak to me overall.
2.75/5
Weather Report
1/5
In the words of Randy Jackson: that’s gonna be a no for me, dawg. Not really in the mood for 80’s sitcom elevator music. Lulz
1.5/5
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
I'm all about country blue grass in certain moods/settings. I liked this quite a bit but simply way too long to listen front to back. If I'm going on vibes alone I'm inclined to give this a weak 4*.
3.5/5
The Flaming Lips
5/5
I'm probably going a big strong on this album but I enjoy it quite a bit. A cohesive non-concept album concept album (I don't care what they say about it not being a concept album). Couple tasty "hits" and overall enjoyable listen that I have revisited many times in the past.
4.5/5
Eminem
4/5
Solid album but found it a little tiresome to listen to this much…anger? That said, great album with some solid hits.
4/5
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Obvi great but doesn’t reach 5* for me personal ear holes.
4/5
Linkin Park
4/5
Angsty high school Eric is very pleased with this nostalgia bomb.
3.75/5
Motörhead
4/5
Lemmy: what if we just rock out and I growl some lyrics?
Band: 4* idea!
I’m sure most peeps think of MH as straight hard rock/metal, but this sounds a bit punk rock to me! Solid rock vibes. Let’s all just ignore that weird Jailbait song. Thx.
3.75/5
The Smiths
2/5
Just not my bag. Is “meat is murder” a metaphor for something? Last track would imply no…should team up with Moby on a meat is murder collab or something. And I shall pass.
2.5/5
Iron Maiden
4/5
Shocked I’ve never given a single Iron Maiden album a listen until now. Thoroughly enjoyed and def planning to dive into their discography a bit more.
4.25/5
Soft Machine
1/5
May be my least favorite album we’ve had thus far…18+ minute songs of mostly noise plus a live track? GTFO. Maybe I don’t “get it” but this just sounds like self-indulgent crap to me.
0.5./5
Coldplay
4/5
First five songs are a nostalgia nuclear bomb. Rest of the album can't live up to that start, but I ain't mad at it at all.
4/5
Rush
4/5
Rest of the album can’t live up to the epic opener but still great.
4/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
I feel a little silly about not exploring more of Sabbath’s catalog outside of their big hits. This is another solid record. Not on the same level as their debut and Paranoid but still great.
4/5
Radiohead
4/5
Solid album but not in top tier Radiohead IMO.
3.75/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
This is a 3*/4* tweener but I am rounding up because there is enough here to tickle my rock pleasure bone. Karen O is a G.
3.5/5
808 State
2/5
I thought this would be a 1 banger when I started but then I just pretended I was in The Matrix and it improved the experience.
2.5/5
Travis
3/5
Another reviewer described this album as “eating saltines dipped in skim milk,” and I tend to agree. I mean, nothing inherently wrong with saltines and skim milk. I enjoy them both. But you need a little peanut butter on the saltines. Pour skim milk over a tasty cereal. This album is fine but boring.
2.75/5
Moby
4/5
Why must all electronic albums be longer than one hour? At one point in this album I considered a 5 bomb. Then it kept going and dragged. Cut 15-20 mins and it’s *chef’s kiss*.
3.75/5
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
I prefer this more than their follow up, AM, which I believe is more critically acclaimed. Love the energy and lots of solid tracks. Solid all around.
4/5
Spacemen 3
2/5
I wanted to like this, I really did. I got excited when I read that one of the two main bros went on to found Spiritualized… alas this ended up being all buildup and no payoff. Thought I could at least give it a 3* but it fell short.
2.5/5
Cream
3/5
Clapton is good at guitar and bad at being a decent human. This album is fine but not amazing.
3/5
Big Star
2/5
Kind of sounded like a Thin Lizzy rip-off for the first several tracks. Couldn’t get into it. But a dear friend of mine says I need to give their earlier albums a try. So I shall, but this record gets a low score.
2.25/5
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
RHCP are one of those bands I typically skip when their songs come on. Not because they’re bad…probably more overexposure than anything. And this album is def one that got played over and over and over again (Californication…looking at you). That said, the quality of the musicians in this band is undeniable. The opening track rocks with all musicians on full display. Yes, the lyrics are pretty med, but the funk is real. Cut 3-4 songs from the album and we could be pushing for a 5*.
4/5
Beastie Boys
3/5
I find it kinda tough to listen to Beastie Boys for an hour straight. Opening track and Sabotage are stand outs, but the rest is pretty forgettable IMO.
3.25/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
This just didn't tickle my fancy. I enjoyed the horns. But kinda made me wish I was listening to a hardcore ska album.
2.75/5
Talking Heads
4/5
Never really gave Talking Heads much listening time until I watched American Utopia. I dig the creativity of David Byrne even if a lot of his/the band’s music doesn’t connect with me. Pretty solid debut that laid the groundwork for things to come.
3.75/5
Cypress Hill
3/5
Some thoughts:
1. Cypress Hill bros are no fans of cops.
2. Cypress Hill bros enjoy the weed.
3. Their signature sound (that kinda wailing noise in the background) got a little annoying on the first few tracks.
4. I learned that Rage Against The Machine's "How I Could Just Kill a Man" was a cover of a Cypress Hill song.
All in all, an ok album. Not my cup of tea, but I can def see the appeal.
3.25/5
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Ok, ok, ok...you win. This is a jazz album I not only like, but really like. Can confidently say this is my favorite improvisational solo jazz piano EVER! Is it also the only one I've ever listened to? Sure. The backstory on how this performance came together is pretty fascinating, too. I'll def be checking out more of Mr. Jarrett's catalog.
4/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This is a very rare case where I complain an album is too short... I need like 10-15 more mins or these glorious tunes.
4/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
I try and I try with Sonic Youth, but I just can't get there. I actually think the first three or four tracks are quite solid. It def devolves from there IMO. I'm giving a 3* because of those tracks.
3.25/5
N.E.R.D
3/5
I like the vibes and NERD generally but this album fell a little flat to me. I couldn’t help wonder throughout, “when’s that Happy song gonna come on?” lol
3.5/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
Another day, another Sonic Youth album. Similar to their other albums I like parts of this but it doesn't come together for an amazing album.
3.25/5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I like this album a lot. Total vibes. But also some real talk wrapped in a funky package. Superstition slaps, obvi, but many other noteworthy tracks.
4/5
Pearl Jam
5/5
In hindsight I feel a little silly for even considering anything less than a 5 for this album. Crazy that Ten and Nevermind were released within a month of each other. Ten doesn’t rise to the level of Nevermind but still an amazing accomplishment. All killer and no filler on this album.
4.5/5
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Not a huge fan of 80's hip hop but hard to deny this record. First four songs are bangers. Easy 4* for me.
3.75/5
Digital Underground
2/5
I’m going to steal a comment from another review that perfectly sums up this album… The Humpty Dance is over six minutes long. This. Album. Is. Too. Long. Should be 30 minutes shorter. And even then it would be cringe and dated. I do enjoy the first few minutes of The Humoty Dance, tho.
1.75/2
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This is very much a cuspy 3/4 for me... confusion on whether we should be rating the UK version that excluded Paint it Black or the US version that includes the track. I am including it since it is one of my favorite Stones song and it ultimately kicks it to 4* for me.
3.5/5
Ray Charles
4/5
Fun to have in the same week an album that aged horrendously (Digital Underground) and this album that aged liked a fine one. A pleasurable listen over the weekend, but doesn’t rise to the level of 5* IMO. Maybe my rating would be higher if I fully grasped the significance/influence if the album…
4/5
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
It’s incredible the legacy he left behind with three albums over two years. That alone is worth a 4.
4/5
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Never been able to get into Peter Gabriel other than In The Air Tonight (or even better the video of a gorilla playing drums to the song) and this album didn't do much to change my mind. I do enjoy Solsbury Hill but the rest of the album is a bit all over the place and need really clicked with me. Still decent, just not great.
3/5
Kanye West
4/5
I’m annoyed by how much I like Kanye. An incredible debut. Hard not to like it despite the man behind the music. I don’t think it fully reaches the highs of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but it’s darn close.
4.25/5
The Zutons
3/5
This album is totally fine. Admittedly my first reaction was WTF are these guys? But I did recognize the song Pressure Point. I think the most interesting tidbit is they originated the song, Valerie, which was covered by Amy Winehouse a year later. I think that only could justify putting these guys on the list...but Valerie isn't on this album!
3/5
Supergrass
3/5
I waffled between 3 and 4 on this record... a very nice surprise after thinking I was about to listen to a lame brit-pop record but had more of a punk sound than I was expecting. Had one of those "oh I know that song!" song surprises that I always enjoy. But at the end of the day the album didn't really stick in my brain over the weekend so I am going with a 3*, but a high 3*.
3.5/5
Duran Duran
4/5
Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf are great, but it's the tasty bass licks that take this from a 3* to a 4*.
3.5/5
The Police
3/5
Just didn’t click with me. Liked the big hits but the album felt too scatterbrained… Mother is awful. The song about dinosaurs is corny AF. I enjoyed it overall but not more than a high 3* for me.
3.5/5
Arrested Development
3/5
I like this quite a bit more than I was expecting. Feels a bit silly to give it the same rating as Synchronicity, but here we are...
3.5/5
Roni Size
2/5
There was a moment during this album I thought it could be a 3*. Then I had to do some work, came back to the album a few hours later and realized I still had over an hour left. I can see enjoying a track or two in the right setting (during a workout, doing lots of drugs at a rave, etc), but nearly two hours is simply too much.
2.5/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
For me this is right up there with Thriller. Not as good, but still incredible.
4.5/5
Pulp
3/5
Common People nearly pushed this to 4 land on its own but I don’t think the entire album is worthy of that rating. Still an enjoyable listen.
3.5/5
Wild Beasts
3/5
I suspect I like this album more than most. Lead singers voice was interesting and probably the biggest complaint of reviewers. I dunno, I think it’s kinda cool. Really good drum grooves, too.
3.5/5
Van Morrison
4/5
Classic chill vibes album. Starts to drag a bit towards the end but to Van's credit he doesn't prolong it too much... 39 minutes in and out. I respect that.
4/5
Goldie
1/5
Whatever I prob would have rounded up if it wasn’t nearly two hours long. Self-indulgent much?
1.5/5
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
This is fine. The 20 min jams weren’t as bad as I initially feared.
2.75/5
Funkadelic
4/5
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Shame it’s not widely available streaming outside of YouTube. The ads def mess with the vibes but still a solid album.
3.74/5
The Offspring
5/5
Confession time. I love me some pop punk and this album may be in the Mount Rushmore of pop punk albums. Does it deserve a 5*? Probably not. But nostalgia factor is huge and oh boy did I have a blast revisiting it.
4.5/5
Sepultura
3/5
I listened to this album on my way to work. I drove 100mph the whole way, jumped out of the moving vehicle when I got to the office, and punched the first person I saw.
3.25/5
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
I’m surprised by the low ratings on this album. It was an enjoyable, albeit corny, listen. Considered a 4 banger but doubt I’ll be drawn to revisit anytime soon, so I’m downgrading to 3.
3.5/5
The War On Drugs
3/5
Pretty solid but not exceptional. I like how AM recommended a Dad Rock playlist when I started listening. Pretty fitting. Def an enjoyable listen but not a standout so caps out at a 3 for me.
3.25/5
Santana
4/5
This album is a total vibe and I’m here for it.
4/5
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Thought I’d like this more than I did. Better than drum and bass we’ve had lately but still not great. Too bad this album doesn’t have Where’s Your Head At….
1.75/5
SAULT
3/5
Interesting record to get the day after we (re)elect a racist POS as our President. But I digress… I enjoyed this album. Close to 4* but not quite. Very strong 3.
3.5/5
Burning Spear
3/5
Always fun to discover another solid reggae album. Enjoyed this one and plan to dig into his catalog a bit more. Doesn’t wise to 4* level but close.
3.5/5
Boston
5/5
No way I’m giving anything less than 5* for the album with the ultimate song. First five songs rip hard and are super fun. Not trying to reinvent rock here. Just wailing guitars and good vibes.
4.5/5
Nas
4/5
A classic but not an all time favorite of mine. Rounding up based on influence alone.
3.5/5
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Hard not to see this as a companion to Cash’s American IV even though it came 14 years before You Want it Darker. Overall vibe and lyrics tick this up to a 4* to me even if it’s a bit monotone for my liking.
3.75/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I'm learning post-punk brit pop is not my favorite genre... but this was a totally fine and average album. Not much else to say.
3.25/5
The Zombies
4/5
This gets very very close to 5* for me but not quite there. An enjoyable listen. Def seems like a band that got overwhelmed by the popularity of bands like The Beatles, Beach Boys, etc. Shame.
4.25/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
S&G always seemed pretty corny to me. From the album titles, album covers, super serious tone of some songs... almost like a parody of themselves. That said, I do enjoy a lot of their stuff and this album is totally fine. Close to a 4* but rounding down because I don't think it belongs in the "great" category.
3.5/5
Fela Kuti
3/5
Didn’t enjoy this as much as the first Fela Kuti album but still solid. Was shocked to read about the Nigerian government’s response to the album. Tragic.
3.5/5
The Cars
4/5
First three songs got me thinking a 4* is the floor for this album...rest of the album didn't hold up well but I'm still rounding up.
3.75/5
Johnny Cash
4/5
It's hard to describe this album...it is fine, but not great IMO. It feels more like a historical artifact to me. More interesting than amazing. And interesting enough to get a 4* from me. Really cool to hear Johnny interacting with the crowd and his quick wit.
3.75/5
Aerosmith
4/5
I forget how many hits Aerosmith had…and these aren’t even the big ones. Yes, the corny over-sexualized lyrics get a bit old, but this is just too much fun not to bump the rating up. And I totally forgot about the last song, What it Takes, and that put it over the edge for me.
3.75/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This is one of those albums that I know should prob be a 5-banger but just doesn’t get there for me. Bruce is undeniably cool but never really spoke to me. Prob cuz I am the opposite of cool. Dang.
4/5
Jurassic 5
5/5
This hits me right in the rap sweet spot. Not a whole lot of fluff. Just solid beats and lyrics. Head was bobbing throughout. After School Special is greatness as is What's Golden. Chali 2na has an amazing voice and I wish he was around more...or maybe he is and I just don't know it (shame). I finished the album and immediately started it again. That's how you know it is good. Damn good.
4.5/5
The Black Crowes
4/5
All their hits in one album but for some reason I'm not able to go up to 5*. Maybe because the surprise factor is low...heard these songs a million times. I am never drawn to put on any of their records for some reason. That said, still easily a 4* album. My favorite is prob the opener which rips.
4/5
Holger Czukay
2/5
This is not good but the first track made me chuckle so I am rounding up.
1.75/5
U2
4/5
In my mind U2 is polarizing like Dave Mathews. Not sure if that’s true but feels like you either love them or dislike them. I fall more on the latter end of the spectrum. That said, there’s enough here to justify rounding up. It’s a weak 4 but a 4 nonetheless.
3.75/5
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Comparisons to bands like Beach House are inevitable, but I’m also getting some hipster Wilson Phillips vibes which I dig. Feels like a strong 3 or week 4. Rounding up cuz the vibes are pretty immaculate.
3.75/5
Pixies
4/5
Am I a basic bitch cuz Where Is My Mind is my favorite Pixies song? Undoubtedly yes. But love is love and I can’t quit that song. Rounding up based on it alone.
3.5/5
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
This fucking sucks.
1/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
This is a solid 3* album for the first nine tracks and then Come on Eileen hits and I'm dancing like a goofy Englishman. So good. And I am rounding up because of it.
3.75/5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I don't know if Karen O has said Siouxsie Sioux influenced her music but dang they almost sound one and the same... and that's a good thing. I really dug this album. Admittedly not very familiar with the band and was expecting more straight forward punk. Good stuff.
4/5
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Herbie Hancock… one of the framers of the constitution and great jazz pianist. I wanted to like this more than I did. More accessible than most jazz we’ve had thus far but still didn’t really land for me.
3/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Cinnamon Girl and Down By The River push this close to a 4 on their own. The rest of the album is solid, so I’m rounding up. Could have chilled on the 9+ minute songs tho…
3.75/5
John Coltrane
3/5
I listened to this when I went through Apple Music’s best albums of all time gave it a 3. Thought maybe I was too harsh. I mean, it is John Coltrane after all. Naw, still a 3. I just can’t get there with jazz.
3/5
Gene Clark
3/5
I'm surprised by the low ratings on this album. It is solid. Not great, but solid. Shame it was entirely overlooked.
3.25/5
The Libertines
3/5
Didn't like this as much as I thought I would... sometimes really short songs feels like an incomplete album. This is good, not great.
3.25/5
Dolly Parton
4/5
That voice! Like a warm hug. A warm voluptuous hug. No chance I’m going any lower than a 4 for Dolly.
3.75/5
The Go-Go's
4/5
Not necessarily my cup o tea but you can’t deny the two well known singles from this album. And the rest of it had my head bopping so I’m rounding up.
3.5/5
Brian Eno
3/5
Didn’t love this but enjoyed more than Here Come the Warm Jets. That’s about all I have to say. Shrug emoji.
3/5
Ray Price
3/5
Hey, I dig me some country and western swang. This doesn’t stand out in the genre but I still enjoyed it!
3/5
Neil Young
3/5
We may be approaching “too much tuna” territory with Neil Young. Let’s have Harvest and call it a day. This album is totally fine and a nice listen. Just not sure it belongs here with the Neil we’ve already gotten and will surely get.
3.25/5
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Another reviewer pointed out a mustache that appears on Art if you put your thumb on Paul's face on the album cover... and it may now be my favorite thing about this album. Ha! Not really but I love it so much.
This is a tough one for me. It obvi has a strong 4 rating as its floor but question is whether it is a 5-banger. I was tilting more towards 4 but after revisiting it is hard to deny a 5. there are five really great songs that I enjoy quite a bit (title track may actually be my least favorite of the bunch). I am giving this a reluctant 5 because I think it deserves it even if it doesn't exactly hit for me.
4.25/5
Depeche Mode
3/5
This is fine but ultimately totally forgettable. I nearly rounded down to a 2 based on the last song.
2.75/5
The Sonics
3/5
I think the most common take on this album is… Beatles did it better. And I agree. Totally fine, but not great. AHWAAAAAHHHHH
2.75/5
Various Artists
4/5
Arguably the best Christmas album of all time. And the definitive Christmas album produced by a murderer. It’s great, but I can’t go 5* for a Christmas album.
4/5
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
When LCD Soundsystem plays a Tyler Buckler gets its wings. This is solid. You must be up and about to really enjoy it, otherwise the 7+ min tracks will wear on you.
4/5
The Stooges
3/5
Thought I was gonna really like this after the first track but I kinda lost interest as it went along. Probably deserves at least a 3 based on influence but I can’t go any higher.
2.75/5
Nick Drake
4/5
Amazed he recorded this while in college...I may have rated a notch higher if I was in a mountain lodge next to a fire sipping on some whiskey and contemplating life. Still worthy of a 4 rating IMO.
3.75/5
N.W.A.
4/5
The definition of going hard out the gate. The first three tracks are certified bangers. So much that the rest of the album can’t keep up. It’s an undeniable classic but doesn’t reach 5 star status for me. And let’s be honest…some of the lyrics are straight up corny!
4/5
The Cure
3/5
Didn’t move me much and don’t have much to say. Good but not great.
3.25/5
The Saints
3/5
I thought I was going to love this based on the first track. Enjoyed the horns. Rest of the album didn’t live up but still solid.
3.25/5
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I’m a fan of Janelle Monáe and expected to like this more than I did. Some solid tracks and cool mixing of genre but ultimately didn’t make it to great status IMO. I suspect we may see more from her on this assuming Dirty Computers shows up. Also shout out to what has to be the best artist page on Apple Music. If you know you know…
3.5/5
Public Enemy
4/5
I’m rounding up for the influence on the genre but ultimately didn’t enjoy this as much as I expected. Still solid. Chuck D and Flavor Flav have to be two of the most recognizable voices in the game, even to this day. Maybe the most recognizable. Fight the Power as the last track is awesome.
3.75/5
Deee-Lite
2/5
Too sugar gummy pop for my taste. Would be curious if anyone who knows dance music thinks this is an important/influential album. Seems very meh to me.
2/5
Kate Bush
3/5
I don’t think I proactively sought out Kate Bush until Running up That Hill gained renewed popularity after featuring on Stranger Things. Her music is a bit confounding. She’s obviously talented and I enjoy the range of her music. Just hasn’t really hit home for me. This is a solid album. Good not great. The big surprised was This Woman’s Work. I had no clue Maxwell’s version was a cover. Good stuff.
3/5
Muddy Waters
4/5
I don’t know much about the blues other than I got them. Mr. Waters taught me a thing or two. Great stuff.
4/5
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This is a solid listen but doesn’t reach greatness level for me. Not much else to say.
3.5/5
The Strokes
5/5
There’s just something about this album that hits me in all the right ways. It’s been in my rotation of “I have no clue what I want to listen to so I’ll go with something I know I love” albums for some time now. Love it.
4.5/5
Prince
4/5
I don’t co-sign the popular opinion that this album is better than Purple Rain. In fact, I considered downgrading from the 4 I gave it in a separate “best of” album challenge. But it finds its legs about midway through and I ended at the same rating. It’s pretty solid but not great.
3.75/5
Stan Getz
4/5
Quite possibly the vibiest vibe that’s ever vibed. I bet this album was playing in the Oval when Bill was up to his shenanigans. First track alone is worthy of a 4 rating.
3.75/5
Roxy Music
4/5
The perfect album cover doesn’t exi… OH. Enjoyed this quite a bit. Need to give another listen but solid on my first time through. Was nervous cuz Brian Eno ain’t my bag. Then realized he already left RM by this point. Yay!
3.75/5
David Bowie
3/5
Love me some Bowie but this just doesn’t do it for me. Hard for me to rate this any better than good especially when compared to his other albums.
3/5
Eagles
4/5
The Dude is to Eagles as Sideways is to Merlot. Not my favorite band but think they get shat on too much. I’m rounding up cuz eff the haters. Has several hits I enjoy. Other tracks aren’t as top notch but still enough to get me over the hump. I’d gladly agree to Which-eh Woman being me and Elaine Benes’s song…
3.75/5
Circle Jerks
2/5
Just not enough here to justify anything above 2 IMO. Ok maybe they were visionaries of hardcore punk but that alone doesn’t justify a strong rating. I do dig a 16 min album, but would have liked some songs that felt a bit more fleshed out.
2.25/5
Adele
4/5
News flash: Adele can sing! Bangers galore. Drags a bit for my taste but can’t deny this songstress at the top of her game.
4/5
Ryan Adams
4/5
Ryan Adams comes off as a grade A asshole. Probably kept me from listening to most of his stuff. This may be the only album of his I’ve listened to. I really didn’t want to like it. It’s too long. But it is quite solid. I’m rounding up and hope we don’t get much more of his stuff!
3.75/5
The Clash
4/5
I like this a lot. But listened to it a few days ago and don’t have much to say. I’m rounding up.
3.5/5
Neil Young
4/5
Def getting heavy on Neil Young… I like this and rated it 4 previously so I’m sticking with it. No much else to say. It’s Neil!
3.75/5
Radiohead
5/5
Easy 5*. On the same level as OK Comp and In Rainbows for me. Only gripe is the back half of The National Anthem is a bit much. Other than that it’s all greatness.
4.5/5
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Totally fine. I’m notching my score back a quarter point for the ridiculousness of the song, Parade.
2.75/5
Louis Prima
4/5
I love this shit! Giving me ultimate, “it’s that guy!” energy. Prob would be a 5 bomb if Pennies From Heaven was on this album. Something you put on and after a few minutes everyone is up dancing and having a bitching time. Also, I thought Just a Gigolo was a David Lee Roth original… lulz I’m dumb.
4/5
ZZ Top
4/5
I was at a 4* based on the opening riff alone. This hombre me gusto mucho.
4/5
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I knew this day would come. And I always thought Joni would be deserving of a 1* bomb, but she is saved by my own ratings scale. I can't bring myself to say this is unlistenable...so it isn't a 1*. But it still sucks and she is overrated.
2/5
Kate Bush
2/5
First things first: I do not like this album. You swing big, you miss big. I can see how it inspired the likes of Bjork (I also get some St Vincent vibes as well as Fever Ray/The Knife...quite the list) but it's too tough a listen to be enjoyable. I am notching a quarter higher for influence and to ensure it is rated slightly better than our first Joni Mitchell album.
2.25/5
Steve Winwood
2/5
Adult alternative soft rock bullshit. How we gonna get Steve Winwood and not Higher Love which I presume is his one and only decent song?
1.75/5
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Better than some other jazz albums we’ve had but still not my bag. Way too long and really started to drag in the back half.
2/5
Pink Floyd
5/5
Not sure why I hesitated on giving this a 5 bomb... it's great and came on the heals of a terrible week of albums. Not to mention helping us cope with the loss of a loved one (RIPIP Luka). Bookends can get a bit tiresome, but there's simply too much goodness here not to give it the highest grade.
4.5/5
Van Halen
4/5
Solid stuff. Crazy how synth driven this is. Awesome opening tracks but then fades a bit before Hot For Teacher. But still enough goodness here to justify a 4.
4/5
Merle Haggard
4/5
Give me old school outlaw country over this modern stuff any day of the week. I’m rounding up given Merle is the grand pappy of outlaw.
3.5/5
Buzzcocks
4/5
I’m a sucker for power pop punk and enjoyed this very much. Not much else to say.
3.75/5
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
If ever there was an album begging for 2 min songs and 28 min runtime this is it. Over an hour is just ridiculous. This is skating near 1* territory but I did like some of the instruction so I’m rounding up.
1.75/5
Beastie Boys
5/5
Not sure this is truly a 5 star album…but as a soundtrack to a weekend? Chefs kiss. I’m not on the bandwagon that Paul’s Boutique is their best album. Gimme this debut any day of the week (especially the weekend days of the week).
4.25/5
Kate Bush
3/5
I gave this 3* when I listened to Apple Music’s best 100 albums of all time. And I remember being surprised it was included on the list. I do enjoy Running Up That Hill and it’s cool it gained renewed popularity after being used in an ep of Stranger Things. Nothing much to say beyond that.
3.25/5
Os Mutantes
3/5
This shit was weird…but I think I liked it. Baby was a legit “oh shit that song!” moment. And that alone has me rounding up.
2.75/5
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
This dude prob should have named the song Middle School Confidential. Yuk. This is prob the best way to experience Jerry Lee. You really get a sense for his chaotic energy. That said, I’m having a hard time going up to 4*. It’s 22 minutes and the songs start to sound the same. Good. Not great.
3.5/5
The Pogues
4/5
If you don’t enjoy this are you even alive? Pour one out for Shane MacGowan who was with us longer than anyone expected. Guinness definitely tastes better with The Pogues playing in the background. Thanks just science.
4/5
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Cut 20 minutes from this album and it’s a 5*. Simply overstuffed and drags. Great stuff, tho.
4.25/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Ask a random person on the street to name a reggae song and 9/10 times their response will come from this album. Maybe a bit over an overestimate, but there are songs here that have basically BECOME reggae. Defined the genre to the average person. And I love it.
4.75/5
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
I did not like this. The first track really set the mood for complete suck.
1.25/5
Tom Tom Club
2/5
First track is pure WTF comedy. Then we get the “oh hey it’s that Mariah song” track Genius of Love. Rest of the record is pretty ok until Under the Boardwalk. Really like this rendition but it drags… I’m torn between a 2 or 3 but don’t feel there’s enough here to round up.
2.5/5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I like the IDEA of Bruce but I'm just not a huge fan. I find some of his songs kinda corny. And that Dessert Rose sounding song is just bad. The album is totally fine, not great.
2.75/5
Garbage
3/5
Fun trip down nostalgia lane but ultimately not a great album IMO.
3.5/5
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Approach to this album was: play guitar good; play guitar for long time. Sure Layla is good, but we all skip the last half of it. Clapton seems like a pretty big d-bag. Album is good enough for a mid-range rating but don’t think I’ll be revisiting.
3.5/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
The intro song followed by Tonight, Tonight still gets me to this day. Love it. And the following six or so tracks slap hard. But the sad truth is this album is overstuffed and too long. Trimmed down to 14-15 tracks and this is an easy 5* for me.
4.25/5
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
I’m not sure what I just listened to…but I think I kinda liked it. I preferred the more Indian influenced tunes like Homelands. Doesn’t rise to great level status but enough here for a middle of the road rating.
2.75/5
Radiohead
3/5
Wasn’t expecting this Radiohead album. I remember being disappointed when it was released back in the day. I like it more now but it is still one of my least favorites from them. Not great Radiohead is still pretty good, tho. I’m rounding down to make space for the 4 other albums I expect will be on this list.
3.5/5
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
This album is a vibe and I enjoyed it. Didn’t blow me away but still a fun listen.
3.25/5
The Verve
3/5
Obvi the opener is the standout but other good tracks here. Good, not great.
3.25/5
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Pretty enjoyable little dance pop album. Some heavy topics wrapped in bubblegum. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. Totally fine.
3/5
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Haha I’m clearly in the minority but I kinda liked this album. I’m rounding up cuz eff the haters.
2.5/5
Germs
3/5
Not an easy listen but I appreciate it. Sad story about Crash’s deliberate OD. Would have been cool to see what these guys became. Although prob were destined for a tragic ending of some sort… good enough for a mid range rating.
3/5
Joy Division
2/5
Joy Division and this album are criminally overrated. Fight me.
2.5/5
Metallica
4/5
Iconic tracks get this to a 4 for me. But dang yall can you edit yourselves?? I get that One should be a long epic, but let’s trim down some of these 7-9 min songs. Basically my critique of all Metallica albums…..
4/5
4/5
First four tracks alone make this a strong 4...but I have this weird mental block when it comes to U2 and just can't get there on a 5 for this album. And let's be honest they must be punished for forcing that one album onto without our consent.
4.25/5
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Does this guy want to fuck a horse??
2/5
Bert Jansch
3/5
Nice little acoustic album. Not enough here to elevate it to great status but solid chill tunes.
3.25/5
Miles Davis
4/5
This will likely be my highest rated jazz album and probably more out of respect than anything. It’s a solid listen but at the end of the day it’s…jazz.
3.5/5
Amy Winehouse
3/5
This is a good album but I doubt it’d be on this list if she was still with us and making music. F**k Me Pumps is cheeky and fun. Prob my favorite of the album.
3.5/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
If there was one thing missing from this list it was late 90’s Dylan…….
Actually not as rough as I expected. But 75 minutes, Bob? Really??? That 16 min last track nearly had me downgrading my rating…
2.75/5
Raekwon
3/5
I’m down with this but it does drag a bit and starts to run together.
3/5
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Thought the first track was alright even though it clocked in at 16 mins. Rest of the album was kinda meh. I’m rounding up my rating cuz apparently it is an influential album in the world of electronic music. Cool.
2.5/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
This is decent but cmon man with the double album. Good not great. No need for double dose.
2.75/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I think I prefer this over Born to Run… slightly, but I’m rounding up slightly to show preference. I’m on Fire is a song I enjoy but find the lyrics quite questionable. Unless I’m missing something which is very likely. Also gotta give props to the song that brought us that Courtney Cox dance.
4.25/5
Beatles
4/5
This exercise was inevitably going to turn into a stack ranking of Beatles albums... putting the influence and cultural impact aside, this album doesn't hit as hard for me as the ones from Rubber Soul on. A couple huge hits but they don't take this to 5 land. Maybe it is just a little too sugary pop sounding for me. I dunno. A couple nuggets throughout hint at things to come (see: And I Love Her) make it an interesting listen.
3.75/5
The Slits
2/5
10/10 band name and album cover, 4/10 album.
2.25/5
Joni Mitchell
1/5
Someone please explain the love for Joni Mitchell to me. On second thought, please fucking don’t.
1/5
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Cathartic getting this day after Joni Mitchell. If Joni was the vasectomy, Aretha is the ice pack on your nuts.
4.25/5
David Bowie
3/5
Love me some Bowie but I’m not on board with all the love this album got. It’s good, not great.
3.25/5
John Martyn
2/5
Expected a chill folk album, got a soundtrack to a 70’s porn flick. Some songs were enjoyable but overall a bit too scatterbrained for my liking.
2.5/5
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Totally fine, just not my cup of tea. Notching lower than Actually. I annoyed that one more. And that’s all I have to say about that.
2.5/5
The Auteurs
2/5
Ronald Regan was wrong...the most terrifying words in the English language are: I play brit pop and I'm here to rock you.
2.5/5
The Cure
3/5
Goth rock supreme
3/5
Al Green
4/5
I'm a big fan of Al Green's more understated approach to soul music... sometimes singing at a near whisper. Two great and well known tracks. I'd even put La-La For You up there as another great track. That said, feels like this is missing another big hitter to really push it into 5* land. Rounding down but this one is close for me...
4.25/5
Baaba Maal
3/5
Def the best Senegalese album I've ever listened to! Interesting listen with many enjoyable tracks, although would have been well-served to cut 15-20 minutes from the runtime. I was digging the drums that reminded me of the Black Panther score and then only later found out he was involved in both movies! Neat!
2.75/5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
Prog rock? Rut roh... 20 minute track #1? RUT ROH....
But to my surprise I actually enjoyed this album! First track is a bit much but there are pieces that were pretty tight and gotta admit these dudes can play instruments real good. I found the rest of the album quite enjoyable and was considering a 4 rating. Just not sure I can get there. And gotta point out these amazing lyrics on Jeremy Bender:
Digging the sister, she was a mister; Threatened to fist her if she didn't come clean.
3.5/5
Finley Quaye
2/5
I enjoyed parts of this but as a whole it fell flat to me... a lot of it felt like fluff. No need for >50 minute runtime here! I enjoyed the reggae-influenced song but most of the other pop-sounding tracks were meh.
2.75/5
Frank Zappa
3/5
The entire album didn't really hold together for me but I did very much enjoy the first two tracks. And for that reason I am rounding up.
3/5
OutKast
4/5
First things first: too long. Give 45 mins to each of these guys and I’d be happy. That said, gotta give props to the creativity and production on this record. To my surprise I liked Big Boi’s entry more than Andre’s… fully expected it to be the other way around. Not my favorite album from the duo but still worthy of a round up.
3.5/5
TV On The Radio
4/5
Not usually a big fan of these guys but to my surprise I enjoyed this very much. Dug the mash up of rock and electronic vibes.
3.5/5
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
This was cool and I am rating in line with the Baaba Maal album we had last week. I had very high hopes after track one but kinda fell off from there.
2.75/5
Adam & The Ants
3/5
I was flip flopping between a 2* and 3* but then the pirate song came on and I knew it was a 3*. Ha!
3/5
CHIC
4/5
This album makes me want to get my nut tubes repaired and make another baby. Def thought Nile Rodgers was going to bust out "Get Lucky" at any moment.
3.75/5
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Two certified classics, but I think Straight Shooter is my favorite song on this album. It's a bop. I dug this very much indeed.
3.75.5
Brian Eno
3/5
Wasn't looking forward to this after the first two Eno albums...but it was actually pretty solid. His dupe of David Byrne on King's Lead Hat is on point and I gotta give props. Legit had to check the credits to confirm it wasn't actually Byrne singing. This is a 3/4 tweeter for me, but I'm rounding down since it lacked a certain...I don't know what.
3.25/5
Judas Priest
4/5
Sometimes you need some good old fashioned metal in your life. Classic goodness.
3.75/5
The Byrds
3/5
This is good but didn’t really do much for me. Shrug emoji.
3.25/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Giving Steely Dan a decent rating goes against everything I am as a person...but I gotta admit there are a few songs I legit enjoy. Of course those songs are mostly bookended by songs that make me want to scream into the void. So far we've had three SD albums... Pretzel Logic = 2 rating... Aja = 1 rating (simply awful)... and this I gotta put above those, so I am rounding to 3, god help me...
2.75/5
Metallica
5/5
If you were to ask middle school/high school me to rate this album it would be 10/10 and likely the greatest album of all time. My tastes have changed but hard to deny this album and the impact it had on metal/hard rock. Metalheads and soccer moms both agreed this album ripped ass (in a good way). I listened objectively and at the end had favorited the first 10(!) tracks! Cut the last two songs and it’d be perfect.
4.5/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Our 4th Dylan album and my views on him remain unchanged: best consumed in short chunks. I find it very challenging to enjoy an entire Dylan album in one sitting. A couple solid songs, but overall this is just an average album IMO.
3.25/5
The Stooges
3/5
Expected to really like this album but found it pretty boring outside of the first two tracks… We Will Fall kinda killed it for me. Rounding up for the opening tracks.
2.75/5
David Crosby
3/5
This is fine. Totally fine.
2.75/5
The Who
3/5
Seen the musical once or twice...not sure if it has impacted my thoughts on the album in a positive or negative way. Either way, this is a decent album, not great. Tough for me to get over the silliness factor TBH.
3.25/5
Carole King
5/5
Obviously the song writing is great. Not my favorite collection of tunes but hard to deny the number of “bangers” on this album. Plus, my mom would kill me if I didn’t round up to 5*!
4.25/5
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Thought this was going to be a sleeper hit for me. But for every good thing (the guitar in Death Sound) there seemed to be an annoying thing (rattle or tambourine or whatever the eff that was on Death Sound). I did appreciate at the end of one song they just whispered “LSD…” Good not great but an interesting listen nonetheless.
2.75/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
One of those albums I know is good, but just not for me. I suspect we’ll be seeing much more from Costello in this exercise…
3/5
System Of A Down
4/5
April 2005. Austin, TX. System of a Down at Austin Music Hall followed by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead at Emo's. Surprised I still have my hearing after that night. I remember feeling like my chest was going to explode with every kick of the bass drum at the SOAD show. I've had a soft spot for them ever since. I'm surprised (pleasantly) that they showed up on this list and hope we also get Toxicity. Though I fear they may only get one album in order to make room for the 8th album from the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and, god help me, Steely Dan. I'm hedging my bets and rounding this one up just in case this is their only showing. Suck it, nerds.
3.25/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
I think this is my favorite Dylan album thus far...pretty much on the strength of the opening two tracks and Don't Think Twice, It's Alright. I also had the pleasure of listening to some of this in the car with my Father In-Law and having him mumbling along with most of the songs really enhanced the experience...
3.75/5
Norah Jones
4/5
Sleepy, yes...but also perfect for what it is. Amazing voice. Chill vibes. Great for a gloomy Monday. Or a hungover Sunday.
4/5
Solange
4/5
Rated this as a 3* when Apple’s top 100 albums came out. I enjoyed it much more this time. Still not sure it deserves the level of praise it receives but it is a solid album. Rounding up.
3.5/5
Steely Dan
1/5
I believe this is our last Steely Dan album so I’m gonna take this opportunity to summarize my thoughts on the band:
They’re a great example of a total being less than the sum of their parts. No doubt great musicians who came together to make mostly crap music.
They’ve given me a great way to know if I’ll like someone… just need to ask, “hey, do you like Steely Dan?” If they say yes, fucking bolt. Acceptable answers are: no, fuck you, etc.
There’s an SNL skit that was cut for time about a life size man doll named Alan. Please watch it. Perfectly encapsulates the Steely Dan vibe.
Anyways, this prob doesn’t deserve a 1* but it’s my last chance to shit on them, so….suck it, nerds.
1.5/5
Cornershop
3/5
Truth is anything would sound like a minimum 3* a day after suffering through yet another Steely Dan album. This album is a bit of a mess, but I did enjoy it. I enjoyed the first 3 or so minutes of Brimful of Asha...had me teetering between 2* and 3* at that point, but then I was pleasantly surprised by Candyman towards the end of the album. Blast from the past! Forgot it was by these guys.
2.75/5
Elvis Presley
4/5
I'm a bit torn on this one... feels like it should be highly rated given the impact on rock and roll and music generally... but also he's mostly just covering other people's tunes. I dunno, I enjoyed it and guess I shall reluctantly give it a 4th star.
3.5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Another day, another Neil Young album. I did enjoy this one... love the riff on Hey Hey, My My. Good little variety here and an interesting approach with mostly live recordings with overdubs. Rounding up.
3.5/5
Laura Nyro
1/5
Major Joni Mitchell vibes here…and that’s not a good thing. I was going to round up as a way to stick it to Joni, but truth is I really disliked this album.
1.5/5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
A solid electronic album that would benefit from listening in the right setting. Examples: hacking a mainframe; infiltrating an underground vampire rave; coked-out crime spree. Hits a bit different while doing finance things in front of a computer as your kids scream in the background... still an enjoyable listen, but not likely one I will revisit unless partaking in the aforementioned activities.
3.25/5
Paul Weller
3/5
Found this to be a bit on the bland side…was waffling between 2* and 3*. But then I found myself rocking out to the last couple minutes of Shadow of the Sun, so I’m being kind and rounding up.
2.75/5
Pink Floyd
5/5
Here's my expert review... this is good. Real good.
4.5/5
Tears For Fears
4/5
Although I find most of the other tracks kinda meh, Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Head Over Heels are enough to elevate this album to "great" status. Cool hairdos, too.
4.25.5
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Def sounds a bit cringe nearly 25 years since its release…but was a pretty fun blast from the past. Several certified hits and gotta love that early 2000’s Timbaland production that was everywhere at the time. Not a great album and lots of fluff, but still much better than many other albums we’ve had during this exercise. I’d take this over another Steely Dan any day of the week. Fight me.
3/5
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Enjoyable. Couple hits in Kick, Push and Daydreamin'. Also liked I Gotcha. AGAIN runtime is too long. And that ridiculous 12 minute outro almost got me dropping a full star.... but ignoring that abomination this is a solid listen.
3.25/5
Iron Maiden
5/5
This is some straight to the point heavy metal greatness. 40 minutes. Get in. Rock. Get out. Iron Maiden may be my biggest surprise of this whole exercise. Embarrassed it took me 40 years on this earth to recognize their greatness. I fear we may not get any more of them after their debut and this one, so I am shooting my shot. Can't not give at least one of their albums a 5* bomb. And this one has many of their biggest hits, so feels right to give this one top grade. So good.
4.5/5
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
The big swinging balls in the album cover art cracks me up. Oh and the tunes are pretty good I guess...
4.5/5
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Pretty enjoyable for jazz and def recognized some songs. Strong 3* cuz it is still jazz after all...
3.5/5
Elvis Costello
2/5
I like some of this but there is something about his voice that I find grating... I simply don't understand all the love this guy gets. I assumed after his first album in this exercise we'd be getting lots more and appears we're getting six albums total. That’s simply ridiculous. Only a select few artists/bands deserve to be at that level and this Elvis is not one of them... I don't get it. Rounding down.
2.5/5
JAY Z
4/5
One of those records that always shows up in the top 10 in “best of rap” lists but always felt a tad short to me. Mostly just Jay Z rapping about how good he is about rapping. That said, there’s enough hits and enjoyable tunes to justify rounding up.
3.5/5
The Beach Boys
4/5
Didn’t love this but you’re out of your mind if you think I’m giving it any less than a 4* the day after Brian Wilson died. I don’t want that bad juju in my life!
3.25/5
Yes
3/5
Hard to keep up the pace after a banger of an opening track. Thought this was good but not great.
3.25/5
Johnny Cash
4/5
Rating this slightly higher than San Quentin... hits about the same for me.
4/5
The Soft Boys
4/5
I enjoyed this more than expected. Never heard of them but apparently pretty big influences on other bands (namely REM...supposedly). Anyways, rounding up for the nice surprise.
3.5/5
The La's
3/5
Didn’t like this as much as expected after reading about it and seeing it showed up on some “best of” lists. Pretty solid for a one and done band, but not enough for me to round up. There She Goes is a banger, obvi.
3.25/5
4/5
This was an awesome surprise! The one-two punch of When I Touch You and Street Worm are alone worth the price of admission. Shame these guys were overlooked amongst the other psychedelic rockers of the late 60's/early 70's. Not ready to go full marks but def see this album as one that will get better with time/additional listens. Good stuff.
4/5
Sade
3/5
This is fine but totally not my bag, baby. Just comes off as a bit cheesy and one note. Totally average in my mind.
2.5/5
Soundgarden
4/5
Flashback to 10-year old me seeing the music video for Black Hole Sun on MTV over and over and over and over again... I've struggled to listen to that song all the way through ever since. There's obvi some great stuff here, but the album feels a bit overstuffed. Didn't stop me from favoriting four tracks, and that doesn't include the aforementioned Black Hole Sun. That said, this is too big and important an album for me to go with anything less than a 4 bomb.
4/5
Rod Stewart
3/5
Rod Stewart doing Rod Stewart things. Not bad, not amazing.
2.75/5
The Lemonheads
3/5
Not sure what to make of this one considering their most popular song wasn't even on the original album... thought this was just ok other than Mrs. Robinson. Not much else to say.
2.75/5
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Was nice revisiting this one. Always found it a bit bloated and somewhat challenging to get through but really enjoyed a fresh listen after a few years. Ended up favoriting five tracks and discovered Eternal Life which never registered with me before. Shows a bit more of that rock range that would have been cool for him to explore. My brain tells me this is a 4* album but my heart is urging me to round up to a 5*. One of the ultimate "what ifs" in music...
4.25/5
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Listening to this I was like is it a 4* or 5*? And then my brain was like STFU and let the guitar licks wash over you. And I did and it was glorious. First two tracks had me thinking "rut roh" but it dramatically improved from there. Greatness.
4.25.5
The Pogues
4/5
Rating this a little higher than Rum Sodomy & The Lash. Great album. Good tunes and enjoyed the variety. Def want to be slamming brews at a pub with the boys while enjoying this album.
4.25/5
Fever Ray
4/5
One of those odd albums that just resonates with me for some reason… discovered years ago but had been awhile since I revisited. Still good. Still weird.
3.75/5
Living Colour
3/5
Was Glamour Boy the original fuck boi?
2.75/5
FKA twigs
3/5
Enjoyed Two Weeks, but didn’t connect with much else. Appreciate the creativity and her involvement in composition and production. Good, not great.
2.75/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Cool for what it is but not really my cup of tea. I'd probably feel different had I been listening to it live in an underground speakeasy with a cocktail in hand...
3.25/5
Elvis Costello
3/5
I probably would have enjoyed this more if we didn’t have another one of his records not long ago. Just not my style. But good enough for mid range rating. I do like the song, Alison, and that’s about all the praise I can’t muster.
3/5
Talking Heads
3/5
I think I like the idea of Talking Heads more than their music... I find that their albums have a track or two I really enjoy and the rest is not my favorite. I really appreciate the creativity and dig I Zimbra and Life During Wartime. They have a couple albums I enjoy more than this one so I'm not going higher than an average rating.
3.25/5
The Prodigy
2/5
My knowledge of The Prodigy starts and stops with Firestarter, Breathe, and Smack My Bitch Up... none of which are on this album. I'm sure some of these tracks were awesome at a club or rave back in the day. Doesn't hit the same while driving to work in the morning...
2.5/5
CHIC
4/5
Rating in line with C'est Chic since it sounded much the same to me. Good Times and My Feet Keep Dancing were standouts. And props to being foundational for rap given Rappers Delight sampled Good Times.
3.75/5
The Who
4/5
This is an interesting one... never hear it mentioned as one of their best albums, but I enjoy it more than Tommy (only album we've had from thus far). It is def more stripped down/less produced which I enjoyed. And some of the covers are pretty solid. Rating a quarter start higher than Tommy and rounding up.
3.5/5
The Velvet Underground
4/5
All vibes and I'm here for it. Don't think I ever listened to this album outside of Pale Blue Eyes. Good stuff.
3.75/5
Eagles
4/5
Three great songs with and the rest is pretty meh. Seems like they did a pattern of: rock, easy listening, rock, easy listening...etc. I'm rounding up based on the strength of Hotel Cali, Life in the Fast Lane, and Victim of Love.
3.75/5
AC/DC
4/5
Solid straight down the fairway rock. Reserving some points for the album that comes next...
4/5
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Another reviewer mentioned they enjoyed the crappy sax. I disagree. But still think this is pretty fun.
2.75/5
The National
3/5
I'm not the biggest fan of The National. Think they're totally fine, but not worth all the hype. Unless we're talking bout their collabs with Tay Tay... Bloodbuzz Ohio remains my favorite song of theirs, though not enough to get me to round up on this one.
3.5/5
Beth Orton
2/5
Adult contemporary BS. Dangerously close to Joni Mitchell vibes but doesn't go full Joni (ie her voice isn't fingernails on a chalkboard). That's about the only positive thing I can say about this album...
1.5/5
Ryan Adams
3/5
He gets credit for being a prolific songwriter, but I think most of his stuff is pretty meh. Also a grade A d-bag. This album is fine and Come Pick Me Up remains one of his best songs to this day. Still very much average IMO.
3/5
Gang Of Four
4/5
I dug this. Punk rock with some funky beats. Could feel the influence on contemporary bands like Strokes, Hives (or is it Vines), etc. Rounding up based on the surprise-factor.
3.5/5
Doves
4/5
Nice surprise. Quite enjoyed this album and plan to dig into their catalogue. I prefer to be broken slowly vs. broken gently, but that's just the Foreign Oren fan in me... ;)
3.75/5
Chicago
1/5
I thought I was going to like this album. I did not like this album. Things that came to mind while listening: overstuffed, masturbatory BS, Steely Dan adjacent… I wasn’t planning on dipping into 1* land cuz that’s typically reserved for the aforementioned SD and Joni Mitchell…but honestly I disliked this about as much as those overrated artists.
1.5/5
Aerosmith
4/5
Thought this album was ok overall, but the two hits got me rounding up.
3.5/5
The Monks
3/5
"Alright, my name's Gary" is an all time opening line for an album. This was a nice little surprise. Cool backstory and a shame they were never able to make another album. Def seems like they had something that could have progressed into some really interesting music. And being described as proto-punk just sounds cool.
3.25/5
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
I like Queens of the Stone Age but find them a bit...plodding. Kind of similar to my thoughts on Alice In Chains. Not sure if that makes sense, but that's how I feel and you should let me feel my feelings. Thx.
3.25/5
Grateful Dead
4/5
You're probably wondering if I would have rated this album 4* had I not seen Dead & Co. live ONE time... and the answer is that is a stupid question. As stupid as the debate between those who think they're the best band ever vs. those who think they're the most overrated band ever. Smoke a J, drop some acid, do some shrooms, and just chill the eff out, man. Ripple is one of my favorite songs from them and this album has a couple other standouts.
3.75/5
3/5
Funny the big controversy surrounding this album was the use of "motherfucker" on the title track. As if all the other lyrics are totally chill and PC... I'm glad this album exists and can appreciate the raw power and energy. Not something I will listen to on the regular, but can appreciate the impact it had on the punk scene.
3.25/5
Nick Drake
4/5
Rating this in line with Five Leaves Left. Not sure which I enjoy more. I don't say this often, but wish this album was a bit longer...especially given it was his last. Amazing the sound and emotion from just a dude and his guitar.
3.75/5
The Monkees
3/5
This is fine. Pretty good for the first ever boy band! Not much else to say…
2.75/5
The Stooges
3/5
The Stooges is one of those bands I always expect to like more than I do. There is stuff on this album I enjoy, but also really annoyed that over 10% of it is in the last "song" which is complete trash. Nearly had me rounding down, but sticking with a mid-range rating since the other 90% is ok.
2.75/5
Dr. Octagon
2/5
I found the underlying story/character really took me out of this album. A couple of the skits were just bad and the album felt really overstuffed. There's enough here that they could have stripped out a bunch of stuff and made a solid above-average album. But they didn't do that...
2.25/5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
This is good stuff. Good, not great. I do agree Emmylou Harris tends to get lost amongst many of the other country greats and is deserving of more praise.
3.5/5
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Per Wikipedia: The sound and structure of Wizard was heavily informed by Rundgren's hallucinogenic experiences... you don't say??? Was thinking this album would be a bit too out there to enjoy, but ended up liking it. Yea, some parts were a little ridiculous but as a whole it was an enjoyable listen.
3.25/5
The Dictators
3/5
Was expecting in your face punk and got something else... not bad, but hard for me to call this punk. What is punk...?
3.25/5
Silver Jews
3/5
I prob liked this more than most... I have a soft spot for this kind of talk singing approach, though the relatively unknown band, Thee More Shallows, is my favorite of the genre. Anyways, this is good enough for an average rating.
2.5/5
PJ Harvey
3/5
We’re now 75% through the PJ Harvey experience of this 1001 album challenge and I can confidently say… it’s not me, it’s her. Just can’t get into her stuff and think it mostly has to do with her vocals. I know some enjoy the raw sound, but it's not for me. I think her backing band is pretty awesome on this album, though. I’m rounding up for them.
2.5/5
Arcade Fire
4/5
Dang, their first three albums are solid. I thought I had a favorite, but now I’m questioning myself having revisited The Suburbs and now Neon Bible. I’m rating in line with The Suburbs and probably go higher on Funeral. One of the albums prob deserves a 5* and will go to Funeral.
4.25/5
Big Black
2/5
I would not use words like "enjoy" to describe this album... but there is something about it that I don't hate. And would probably really enjoy it if this music was my type of thing. I appreciate a band just doing their thing and can also see how they likely influenced bands like NIN and industrial rock in general. Prob won't ever revisit but think it deserves higher than a 1* rating.
2/5
Stephen Stills
3/5
There was a moment during this album that I thought it could be deserving of a weak 4* rating. But then it went on and on and on... cut 30 minutes and that could be a pretty solid album.
3/5
Pere Ubu
1/5
I kinda want to round up for some weird dude just doing weird shit. But this is simply too much background noise/random sounds for me to get behind. Will never knowingly listen to this again…
1.5/5
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
This is pretty good... Little Girl in the 4th Row is, um, creepy AF. And it officially lost any hope of a 4* rating with the last song. Corny BS.
3/5
TLC
4/5
It doesn't deserve the rating I'm going to give it, but this album was so massive and still occupies a place in my brain that I gotta round up. 10 year old Eric jamming out to and totally understanding the meaning behind Creep, Waterfalls, and Red Light Special. Good stuff. My first time listening to the album all the way through and it's just ok outside of those songs. I did also enjoy Diggin' on You. Sexy (Interlude) is an all-time WTF did I just listen to. Lol.
3.25/5
Syd Barrett
3/5
Thought I would hate this based on some reviews but thought it was pretty good until the last few tracks. Interesting to pair with Piper to really understand that he was the creative influence behind early Pink Floyd. Shame how things turned out for him. Don’t do drugs. Well, don’t do Syd amounts of drugs.
3.25/5
Björk
3/5
Björk is hit or miss for me. Thought this was actually quite beautiful. May revisit.
3.5/5
William Orbit
2/5
Totally fine background music. Didn't love it or hate it, it was just...there.
1.75/5
Funkadelic
4/5
I like how out of the gate this album isn't what you were probably expecting. Hey, let's hit em with a 10 minute guitar solo! The rest of the songs are greatness and had me thinking it was a solid 4* or maybe higher...and then the last song. Just didn't do it for me. Still rounding up to a weak 4* on the strength of the rest of the album.
3.75/5
Goldfrapp
3/5
I listened to this on Friday and had pretty much forgotten it existed by Monday. I remember thinking it was pretty cool so mid tier rating it is.
2.75/5
Waylon Jennings
3/5
This is fine. Thought I'd like a lot more, but it was just fine.
2.5/5
Paul Simon
3/5
Something about Paul Simon's music comes off corny AF. I still thought this was fine, but def corny.
2.75/5
Fiona Apple
3/5
I like Fiona Apple and dug this album when it came out. It isn’t on the same level as Tidal, but still solid.
3.25:5
Jacques Brel
3/5
Def an album that benefits from being a live recording. I’d like to go to France now. Or maybe I shall just drink some wine and eat a baguette.
2.75/5
Big Star
4/5
Sure yes, In The Street was used as the theme song for That 70’s Show. But "Thirteen" was featured in the season 3 finale, season 4 premiere, season 6 finale, and season 8 finale. That’s some Wiki knowledge for yo ass. There’s enough here that I enjoyed, including the aforementioned Thirteen and In The Street, to round up. Also, When My Baby’s Beside Me and My Life is Right, cuz I’m a sensitive soul/lover. Anyways…
3.5/5
Iggy Pop
4/5
Apparently my favorite Iggy is Bowie-Iggy. Interesting that the biggest knock on this album is that it isn’t really an Iggy albums since Bowie did all the instrumentation… and then released Low soon thereafter… and then did his own version of China Girl a few years later. To my dumb ears Nightclubbing sounded like NIN’s Closer (esp the intro) and Manson’s Dope Show mixed into one. Cool stuff. Still like Lust for Life more than this one, but enough here to round up.
3.75/5
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
Didn’t really do it for me. Shrug emoji.
2/5
David Bowie
5/5
Glad we got Ziggy S-Dust before this one which, while out of chronological order, is pretty much how the world experienced them. Ziggy comes out of the gate and smacks you with alien-rock goodness. You kinda gotta sit with Hunky Dory...let it wash over you. At first I was like, yea this is pretty good. Second listen: Bowie, you MFer! Playing sax and shit. Writing songs about Warhol and Dylan for some reason (side note: couldn't you hear Jack Black singing the lyrics, "Andy walking, Andy tired, Andy take a little snooze"). Absolute classics in Changes and Life on Mars? are here, but Oh! You Pretty Things, Quicksand, and of course Queen Bitch are also very amazing. Not going as high as Ziggy, but still think this deserves top marks.
4.5/5
Miles Davis
1/5
I thought I was pretty cool back in the day when I picked up this vinyl cuz the internet told me it was a masterpiece. I don't think I made it through one song back then and this is probably my first time revisiting in like 15 years. And you know what? I don't like it. I mean, who is this for? You wouldn't put it on for a dinner party, a regular party, casual get together with friends, or just for some leisurely listening. This albums is for peeps who want to sit alone with Hi-Fi speakers/headphones so they can lecture peeps on experimental jazz. That's not my tempo. I was considering rounding up cuz it is Miles Davis and obviously important to lots of people, but naw.
1.5/5
John Cale
3/5
I thought this was fine. One of those where you listen on Friday and then pretty much completely forget about it come Monday.
2.75/5
Taylor Swift
4/5
Great example of hit songs alone not adding up to a great album. I like many of these songs but everything feels sorta… flat. Not a lot of depth and songs end up running together. I’ll give Tay Tay her flowers but this falls short of top tier IMO.
4/5
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Getting this album after Tay Tay's 1989 gives me a bit of whiplash...I mean, I know this is thought of as a better album (a classic even) but can I say I enjoyed it more than 1989? Maybe not...but also maybe so. I dunno, man. I do know this is one of the albums I have from my mom's vinyl "collection" so it does hold a special place in my heart. And that's enough for me to round up.
3.5/5
Björk
3/5
Hell hath no fury like a Björk scorned… although, I probably wouldn't have known this is a breakup album had I not read about it. I dig all the strings and a fun contrast to Tay Tay and Leonard Cohen we got this week. I THINK I like this a tad less than Vespertine, so I am going to notch down a little but still enjoyed and may revisit.
3.25/5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
This album is totally fine and enjoyable. I’m just struggling with the “why.” Apple Music tells me she has 6 essential albums and this is not one of them. I guess maybe because it was one of her later albums and won some awards? I dunno.
3/5
Madonna
4/5
Real talk. I am giving this 4* on the strength of the first two tracks alone. Didn't really love the rest of the album.
3.5/5
Slade
3/5
This was a fun listen. Felt like a group of talented kids with awful spelling skills were given access to booze and partying and told to make a record. I dig it.
3.25/5
The xx
3/5
I was surprised to see this album over their debut. Then discovered we’re getting that one, too. Ok. Not sure they need to be on here twice. This album is fine. Nothing special IMO.
2.5/5
George Jones
3/5
Rounding up in honor of my father in law. Good album, not great. Do enjoy that unmistakable George Jones sound.
2.75/5
Billy Bragg
2/5
There’s something about this album that I don’t like. Can’t put my figure on it…JK it’s his voice.
1.75/5
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Great stuff. I’m sure I’ve heard him before but glad he’s on the list. Definitely need to give his catalog a listen. Rounding up.
3.75/5
Sam Cooke
4/5
This is the type of live album I like... really get a sense of the power of Sam's voice as well as his personality. Crazy it took so long for it to actually be released. Great stuff.
3.75/5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Thought this was pretty good. Would benefit from a proper setting of solitude in a dark room, not around screaming kids. I am rounding up cuz I think I like it a bit more than a 2*
2.5/5
Bee Gees
4/5
Surprised that I actually quite like this album and rounding up cuz I don't agree with all the low ratings. And I'll take any excuse to revisit The Barry Gibb Talk Show.
3.5/5
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Thought this was fine. Def did not need to be a double album. Guess that's what you get when two songwriters can't get along and edit themselves. Prefer the earlier stuff that has a bit more punch. I put these guys in the bucket of bands I don't really love but acknowledge a lot of the music I do like probably doesn't happen without their influence (Pixies, Sonic Youth, etc).
2.5/5
The Specials
2/5
Didn’t do anything for me. Nothing else to say.
2/5
Tim Buckley
3/5
Not sure we need to double up on Timmy B in this exercise... I'm rating in line with Happy Sad. Not much else to say. Good, not great.
2.75/5
Hot Chip
4/5
Only familiar with their album, The Warning. But this was a nice surprise. Sputtered a bit towards the end but I would be lying if I said it didn't put a pep in my step. Rounding up.
3.5/5
Bad Company
4/5
Apple Music has a one line description of this album, and I dig it: the definition of no-nonsense '70's hard rock. I thought about going full-on 5-banger, but there's just something missing. Can't really put my finger on it. Just kinda feels like it is on the brink of greatness but never really go there. Still an awesome, albeit brief, album.
4/5
Pulp
3/5
Thought I would dislike this more based on some of the reviews. Though I didn't like it as much as Different Class, I think it is still deserving of a 3 rating. Nothing caught my attention like Common People, but still a decent listen, albeit a bit too long.
2.75/5
1/5
No.
0/5
Patti Smith
3/5
I'll give Patti Smith props for being a punk pioneer but this album has never resonated with me. Rounding up based on influence.
2.75/5
3/5
Nice surprise and going on the list of bands I need to give more time in the rotation. Dig the mixture of musical styles like rockabilly into their punk sensibilities.
2.75/5
Faust
1/5
The best part about this album is the name of the sub-genre it pioneered: Krautrock. I mean, not like I enjoy Krautrock, but the name is legit. Anyway, I thought maybe I would give this a 2*, but I didn't make it all the way through and don't have the energy to revisit. So....
1.5/5
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
This is solid, not great. Green Onions is obvi ubiquitous, but the rest of it kinda sounded like the intro to an old school variety show. I would have given full stars if they somehow worked in Raftery saying ONIONS! But that would have required a time machine so I am sticking with 3*.
2.75/5
Orbital
2/5
Not nearly as bad as I was expecting based on the first "song." I thought it was actually pretty decent for jamming through emails, but not a great listen if you're actually paying attention.
1.5/5
The Mars Volta
3/5
Part of me wants to round up based on the crap ish we’ve had recently. This was a shot in the arm and a kick in the ass. But I have to be real to myself… never been able to really get into this band. Def some songs I really like, though it doesn’t rise to the great tier IMO.
3.5/5
George Harrison
4/5
Some really good stuff here but damn is it too long. Could have done without many of songs towards the end.
3.75/5
Beastie Boys
3/5
I get this is the critics' pick for the Beastie Boys' best album...but it never really hit for me. Some good stuff, just not great IMO. I'm a simple man: give me License to Ill and I am happy.
3.25/5
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Can't tell if this dude is for real or if he is in on the joke. Either way, I enjoyed this more than expected based on reviews. Kinda gave me vibes of The National if they had a sense of humor and made pop music.
2.75/5
Britney Spears
3/5
I'm sure many will question this album's inclusion on the list but hard to deny how epically yuge it was when it came out. Not the easiest listen when it is front loaded with hits and the rest is pretty meh. But I gotta round up on this one even if it isn't my cup-o-tea.
2.75/5
Dr. Dre
4/5
This is nearly a 5* based on F**k Wit Dre Day and Nuthin' But a G Thang (and of course Deeez Nuuuts). But most of the remaining tracks don't rise to that level and I'm not sure what to make of the fact that my favorite parts are Snoop. Still great stuff, tho.
4/5
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Call me crazy, but I like music that sounds good.
1/5
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Simon & Garfunkel are the undisputed corniest motherfuckers to ever do it. And I'm here for it. A song about various breakfast foods? Brilliant! America may be my favorite song of theirs and of course Mrs. Robinson. I don't think it rises to the level of Bridge of Troubled Water, but still a solid album (and yay only 30 minutes!).
4/5
Ice Cube
3/5
If there's one thing I want in an album it is references to Predator...2! Lol. I thought this was pretty good. A bit corny talking about triple doubles and stuff. Nice to get it the same week as The Chronic. I'd say I enjoyed the latter a bit more so I am rounding down on this one.
3.25/5
Stereo MC's
2/5
Not a terrible album as background music for getting through some work. Def not high praise. And never a great thing when your most well known song is also my least-liked. Totally fine. Not great.
2.25/5
The Go-Betweens
3/5
This album goes into the category of totally fine but forget about immediately. Nothing really stands out good or bad. Just right down the fairway pretty enjoyable stuff hit probably not going to revisit.
2.75/5
The Avalanches
3/5
I usually see electronic and think it is an auto 2 at best... but I actually enjoyed this one. Impressive they sampled over 1,000 tracks but it isn't in your face "look what we can do" type of BS. Just a cool tapestry of vibes. Assumed I wouldn't recognize a song...until Frontier Psychiatrist. Not sure how or why I know that song. Probably one of my least favorites on the album. This doesn't rise to the great level IMO, but still solid.
3.25/5
MC Solaar
2/5
My knowledge of French music starts and stops with Flight of the Conchords' Foux Da Fa Fa...and I enjoy that song much more than any on this album. I mean, it is fine, just didn't stand out to me in any way.
2.25/5
John Prine
4/5
Love me some John Prine. I did his cheeky lyrics. Tempted to go full stars on this one, but not sure it reaches that level. Good stuff.
4/5
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Janis + one of the greatest covers ever in Piece of My Heart takes this to an auto-4* IMO. The rest of the album is good, not great. What could have been...
3.5/5
Grateful Dead
2/5
Dang, even though I have some appreciation for the Dead having seen Dead & Co one time (lol), this album just doesn't hit for me. I'm sure I'd dig a 25 min song live at the Fillmore West in the 60's. Not the same without the ambience. Gotta round down on this one.
2.75/5
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Totally fine. Easy listen. Nothing great.
2.75/5
Sister Sledge
3/5
Lol, Nile Rodgers and his one riff. Definitive sound for the disco generation, but gets a bit old. Also...not a great sign when the most popular song on the album is an auto skip track. I've been to far too many weddings to hear that song again. I'm tempted to round down on this one, but I think it is good enough to get a mid-range rating. I am being nice and acknowledging the ubiquitous nature of Family...oof I dislike it, tho.
2.5/5
Caetano Veloso
2/5
I liked parts of this but felt uneven to me. Almost like the back half wasn’t fully conceived. Sounds like this was a pretty important album for the country at the time it was released and I’m tempted to round up for that fact alone…BUT I didn’t really enjoy it.
2.25/5
Giant Sand
2/5
Listened to this on Friday and had to pull it up again on Monday to remind myself what the heck it was... totally forgettable I guess. Could be better than I (don't) remember, but I am rounding down.
2.5/5
Neu!
3/5
Pretty interesting. Like listening to two albums in one. Was expecting more of a straightforward electronic album but it had more to offer.
2.75/5
Spiritualized
3/5
I prefer "Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space" but this album is fine. A bit long for my taste but a chill listen that hits nicely if you're in the right mood. Good, not great.
2.75/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I get why Bruce Bros like this album. Stripped down and shit. I enjoyed it. Putting it up there with the Born albums as my favorites of his. Really good, but not amazing. Maybe I'll put it on the next time I'm driving my 4x4 down a long and lonesome road all alone.... sounds pretty amazing actually...
4/5
Butthole Surfers
2/5
As much as I want to round up in support of some Texas boys, one of which grew up a few minutes away from me, this is simply too much to call enjoyable. I thought Sweet Loaf was an interesting riff on Sweet Leaf but that's basically the only positive thing I can say about this album. Props to them for going for it and being truly insane. Just not my tempo.
2.5/5
Small Faces
3/5
Dang, I really liked the first half of this album. Not feeling the Happiness Stan song/concept. Some decent parts of it but felt a bit disjointed with the voiceovers. First half is a strong 4 IMO. Last song brings it down to the 3-range.
3.25/5
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
A nice surprise. Unknown to me and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Nice tunes, haunting lyrics. Def one to revisit.
3.75/5
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
A little cheesy sounding but found myself grooving while doing some work. Not the highest of praises but enough to round up to separate from some of the trash rated 1 and 2.
2.5/5
Grizzly Bear
4/5
This is a tweeter… really like Two Weeks and Foreground. Rest of the album is good, not great. Rounding up because these guys always seem to pop up on my playlists so giving them some props.
3.5/5
Joni Mitchell
1/5
A Thanksgiving treat to give this overrated album/artist an emphatic 1*.
1.5/5
The Band
3/5
Whenever The Band comes up on this list my brain says OH FUCK NO IT'S STEELY DAN!!! And then I remember I am dumb and this band is find. The Weight has obvi been played so much it is kind of annoying. I have a bit of a soft spot for I Shall Be Released. I'm sure peeps geek out on the Dylan connection yada yada, but this is middle of the road decent rock but not something incredible IMO.
3.5/5
Primal Scream
3/5
Thought this was pretty ok. Enjoyed the variety. Some good, some meh. Could go with a 2 or 3 but rounding up to distinguish from some utter crap at the lower ratings.
2.5/5
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Undoubtedly wouldn't be on the list if it wasn't a Stones album. An interesting historical artifact being their first album, but nothing great here IMO. Was going to go with a middle of the road 3* cuz sure the songs are fine...but how much credit should they get for covers of other songs (and the originals likely being better). Rounding down for that reason.
2.5/5
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
What the eff is that mumbling White Lotus-esque sound on most of the songs??? This would have been an easy three without that shite, but I am rounding down cuz it annoyed the shit out of me.
2.25/5
George Michael
4/5
Didn’t absolutely love it, but Faith and Father Figure got me rounding up…
3.5/5
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Good and funky but didn't hit as hard as I was hoping. Thought it would be a 4* or higher after the opener. Slipped to 3* over the course of the album.
3.5/5
CHVRCHES
3/5
I checked a couple times to see if the M83 dude was guesting on some tracks. Forgot how similar they sound at some points. I am a big fan of Recover. Thought this may be a 4* going in but didn’t rise to that level. Started blending together. Still solid, tho.
3.5/5
Animal Collective
3/5
This album is kind of a lot when you listen straight through. Better in chunks IMO. My Girls is a solid song. Appreciate these guys just do their thing and don’t try to be anything they’re not. Prob not something I will go back to often, but good enough for a mid range score.
3/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Haven't given these guys much time in my rotation, so it's nice to see them show up on the list. While I can't say I loved this album, it caught my attention and will prob dig in a bit more. Thinking we may also get Physchocandy. Sounds like their live shows back in the day were...something. Just walls of sound, feedback, no emotion and peeps not knowing what was going on. Good stuff. Eff the man, man.
3.25/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
Let it be known...this may be the album that broke me. I like Neil Young. I have enjoyed several of his albums on this list. But why so many? I get this isn't necessarily a "best albums" list...but please explain to me why we MUST hear eight Neil Young albums? Maybe we get seven and add ONE Tool album? Some glaring holes on this list with an annoying bias towards "old-timers." Ok, rant over. This album was prob going to get a bland 3* and then Farmer John hit and it is awful so I am rounding down.
2/5
Dennis Wilson
4/5
I can only dream of having a beard and hair like Dennis Wilson. Album is quite solid, too. Rounding up based on it being unknown to me. Def needs more recognition.
3.5/5
Kid Rock
2/5
Hard for me to wrap my head around this being an album I must hear before I die. The lyrics are truly atrocious. First two tracks are pretty catchy and gotta give props for having big hits. Only God Knows Why could be a solid song with a better singer and less vocal effects (I'm told he didn't use autotune, which is wild). Anyways...this should be a basement level 1* rating, but I am rating up based on one thing alone: Joe C. This album would have benefited from having him on more than one track.
I'm the J-O-E to the C ho
Call me Joe C, got more game than Coleco
I'm a freak ho, call me sick
Three foot nine with a ten foot dick
RIP, sweet prince. 1.5/5
Ute Lemper
2/5
This is simply too much.
2/5
Depeche Mode
5/5
Sweet relief from a week of truly mind-numbing albums. The only decision here is do I go 4* or 5*? And you know what? Fuck it. I like three songs on here enough to round up. Not my cup of tea genre-wise, but this is clearly one of the best of the best of its ilk.
4.25/5