Steely Dan’s smooth, meticulously crafted songs often find their way into environments where unobtrusive background music is preferred. For example: - A doctors office waiting room - The DMV - An elevator - Super market aisle - Call center hold music - A dentist chair during a root canal - My parents Subaru in the early 90s listening to Memphis’s top smooth rock station FM 100. Truly the sound of purgatory. I wanted to round up because I guess it sounds okay…but if I have to listen to any more of this I might inflict pain on myself.

Man, fuck Matt Johnson and his stupid band name and this stupid album. My life would have been better if I hadn’t tried to listen to this. Somebody take away his Casio keyboard!

Life is hard. And so am I. Takes some balls to start a song like that and then jump right into the chorus. That was really the only song I recognized from these guys and felt like there was a reason for that.

I drank too much and watched too much Netflix during the pandemic. Tswift dropped two unplanned albums. Quite impressive. This, along with folklore, were on heavy rotation for me at the time and seemed to fit the mood. So as they say, music takes you back to a moment in time, many of those memories are wrapped in this album (the good and bad). I’m a big fan of Jack Antonoff as well and you can hear his influences throughout.

First two songs are bangers. Slows down for my tastes but still a solid album.

I dig it but a little too progressive for my tastes. Def interesting.

Props for being very talented and interesting. There are some grooves (Let the Good Times Roll) but I can’t say it’s for me. Out of the couple songs I recognized, Mariah’s version of Without You was better (as is Si No Estas Tu), Coconut is better as a Coke commercial since it only lasts 30 seconds and I prefer how The Cars let the good times roll. Also, agree on the 10 pt or half stars. This is prob a 1.5 for me but will save my 1’s for absolute hate. So…is every album from the early 70s?

I enjoy a lil jazz in the background. Could see myself listening to this again and exploring his other stuff.

I haven’t listened to much Sonic Youth but pretty clear how this influenced much of the music that I like. Solid listen and I’ll probably explore more of their catalog. I played around with the idea of going 4 but ultimately just couldn’t get there as everything didn’t land with me. I tend to prefer more melodic guitar solos rather than so much dissonance.

Weird to say but I came around late on the Beatles. Now I have incredible appreciation for the type of music they were making at the time, how individually talented each member was and the density of great/creative music they put out in a short amount of time. Solid album. Not their best so we’ll leave some room on the upside.

Never heard of these guys. When the guitar came in on the first song I was thinking, “oh this might be good…” then he started singing and I thought it sounded like thrift shop Mick Jagger. I was at 2 until the stupid guitar part at the 8:15 mark in Marquee Moon. And then Elevation and Guiding Light absolutely grinded for me. Sorry Television, don’t think you’re one I’ll explore further.

Sigh….This album is like musical celery. Tastes kind of interesting but for me there is no substance or nutritional value. I think this chick is more of a poet and def sounded that way. Little too artistic and self serving for my tastes.

Pretty good album. Some really good parts and memorable guitar riffs. Gotta respect how wildly Aqualung is known. And of course making the flute work in rock is quite admirable. I’m between a 2-3 and decided to round up.

I’m trying to be stingy with my 5s and didn’t want to be like Tom Smykowski and jump to conclusions when this came up…but come on man. This is great. I was on a grunge kick a few months back and listened to a lot of Nirvana so this is already heavily in rotation. Crazy to think this was filmed Nov 1993 and Kurt died Apr 1994. To Tim’s point about covers, their version of The Man Who Sold The World is iconic and took that song to another level. And I love how that is a distorted guitar is on an “unplugged” album. Greatness.

Actually thought this was pretty good. Some nice grooves and jams with a variety of instruments. Not something I’d typically listen to and thought it was interesting. In the end though, not sure it’s something I’d go back to.

Goddammit Prince is great. One of the most talented, creative and original artists of all time. Can you still say he’s an underappreciated guitarist? Or have people caught on? Purple Rain is one of my favorite songs of all time and the Super Bowl performance is legendary. Darling Nikki was new to me and had me blushing like a 10 year old boy. Mr. Nelson, I say to you… Thank you for a funky time. Call me up whenever you wanna grind.

Man, fuck Matt Johnson and his stupid band name and this stupid album. My life would have been better if I hadn’t tried to listen to this. Somebody take away his Casio keyboard!

Meh

I’m down with a little Bowie (not in that way of course…although maybe…) Anyhoo, expected a bit more from this album. It was fine - not great, not bad. But I expect there are better Bowie albums coming. Like the soundtrack to Labyrinth. That was peak Bowie for me. Nothing better than turning on Magic Dance and annoying the piss out of my wife. Back to this album, I’m probably between a 2-3 and rounding up out of respect for DB / ZSD

Call it hard rock, heavy metal, grunge or whatever the eff you want…All I know is that when this comes on, my head starts banging like my dudes Beavis and Butthead! Love Jerry Cantrell’s guitar (tune that shit down a half step and get dirty) and it’s crazy how good of a vocalist Layne Staley was (I know it’s not on this album but Man in the Box live is insane). Great album right out of the gate with first 4 songs and anchored by some solid hits (although very much overplayed on the radio…esp rooster). Didn’t love God Smack but enjoyed the rest. RIP Layne!

This was a 3.75 for me so rounding up. Solid album with a couple big hits. Disco isn’t really my thing so it’s impressive MJ can put together an album I can listen through. Looking back it feels like an appetizer of what was to come in 3 years.

This didn’t really do much for me. I thought it was quite forgettable (especially considering the only thing I remember is the line about running out of Trojans in Sierra Leone and that was more comical for me). Do you remember that Dana Carvey skit where he talks about rock stars just looking around and making up words as they go? Choppin’ broccoli! This felt a lot like that.

Cool. It’s a nice album with what sounds to be some great musicians. I’m not deep into jazz but good to listen to in a coffee shop, or if I need something without words to listen to while working, or if we’re having a dinner party and 1) we’ve exhausted the yatch rock playlist 2) my wife won’t let me listen to MCR or 3) I’m trying to make people think I’m cultured. But I don’t quite understand why this stands out from other jazz albums. I could put on a Spotify playlist and be good.

I enjoyed it, but also started to realize there's a chance I might think I like Bod Dylan more than I actually do. The first song was my jam. I want to get stoned! The electric organ is also great and I love when modern rock bands throw that in. However, after a while it started to blend together and tough for me to do 72 min of BD straight. Regardless can’t deny Dylan’s greatness as a songwriter.

This album makes me want to get it on and keep gettin’ it on. You wanna talk? Talk about getting it on. Early morning should talk about gettin it on. Don't just talk about it. Everybody starts gettin' it on. Greatness.

Meh.

Some of it I really liked. Some of it felt to drag for me. Certainly a talent and I enjoyed listening to a style that isn’t typically on my playlist. 2.75/3

I can only handle so much Manson. An hour+ is too much. Rounding up to a 2.

2.75 / 5

Probably a good thing they didn’t stick to original name: The Polka Tulk Blues Band. Not quite the same ring. I wasn’t around at the time but I can imagine how different this felt to everything else at the time. And still relevant today. Shit, would love if something this came out now and set a path for the next gen of solid rock music! A solid 4.

Thinking about the formation of this band cracks me up. Everyone coming in like: “I sing and play guitar.” And the next guy: “I also sing and play guitar.” But somehow they made it work. I wanted to like this more than I did. Sounds nice and quintessential late 60s but didn’t fully connect with me. 2.75

This sounds like the 50s in the Appalachian mountains and it scares the shit out of me.

I usually listen to Jazz to get some chill vibes and relax. This was a little too chaotic for me.

Songs that have stood the test of time. Guitar riffs that are a rite of passage for anyone picking up an ax. And ozzy is one of a kind. 4.5 so giving them a 5 for respect.

Highlight for me was Mick Ronson guitar. His tone and licks were on point. Felt similar to Brian May but still unique in his own right.

I think I know one Pixies song. It’s a good song. It was not on this album and that is unfortunate. I mean, there were some good parts and the music was better than the singing. I wanted to like it but there was too much that just grinded for me and a couple parts that made we want to skip or turn it off.

Gotta love that 80s / early 90s rap beat and some of the simple / expected rhymes. Surprisingly caught myself head bobbing to this more than I thought. My rating is between a 2 and 3 and rounding up for the groove factor.

Steely Dan’s smooth, meticulously crafted songs often find their way into environments where unobtrusive background music is preferred. For example: - A doctors office waiting room - The DMV - An elevator - Super market aisle - Call center hold music - A dentist chair during a root canal - My parents Subaru in the early 90s listening to Memphis’s top smooth rock station FM 100. Truly the sound of purgatory. I wanted to round up because I guess it sounds okay…but if I have to listen to any more of this I might inflict pain on myself.

One of the advantages of a Friday album is you get to spend the weekend with the artist. I found myself going back to Solomon over the weekend and liked it more the more I listened. A great mood album. Maybe like when your making some waffles on Saturday morning trying to slow dance with your wife and she’s like “get away from me.” Anyhoo, my favorite is when the power of his voice exceeded the recording capabilities of the time and you start to get a little overdrive/distortion (prob not the right technical term but hopefully you get what I’m saying). 3.25

A good listen but something I’d need to be in the mood for. I thought this description put it best: “A complex and nuanced work, reflective of Smith’s troubled genius. It’s an album that will resonate deeply with dedicated fans and those who appreciate the intricacies of his song writing. However, its dense arrangements and pervasive melancholy might not appeal to everyone, making it a solid but not universally accessible.” Knowing this was released posthumously makes this album quite haunting for me as well.

This album title was inspired by my nickname in high school. Not a bad listen but I’m not sure why this stands out in the genre.

Rush is one of a kind. Their sound is instantly recognizable and I can’t think of anyone that successful replicated their vibe (at least not to the same commercial success). Their hits go deep with a few of the best on this album. Peart’s drum kit is unreal and Geddy Lee makes me want to slappa da bass mon. A couple fun facts: - YYZ is the airport code for Toronto. The opening rhythm of the song is played in Morse code for “YYZ” - The front cover is a pun. People literally moving a picture. Those cheeky bastards. - During the “Moving Pictures” tour Rush and the opening band, Max Webster, would prank each other. On one occasion, the Max Webster crew set up a duning table on stage and proceeded to serve the band a meal while Rush played. Good times.

Some of it was good. Some of it not so good. Maybe I’ll listen again later and it will grow on me but for now it’s a high 2 for me.

Love Fast Car. Struggled to get into the rest of it.

Man, this album is just damn fun. I enjoyed how raw it sounded at times. The piano glues everything together, guitar riffs are jam-style perfect and a harmonica or horn showing up here and there is great. I also love how at times it sounds like a bunch of random peeps in a room singing along. Prob missing a couple songs that would take it to that next level for me but a solid 3.5 rounded down.

Do I like Simple Red? I do not like him, Mick Hucknall I do not like his first album at all I do not like its dated style I do not like it, it’s not worth my while Not on a playlist, not on repeat Not in my car or walking down the street Not in my room or on a train If I listen once more I’ll go insane I will not rate it more than just one I was so happy when the last song was done I do not like “picture book” you see, I do not like it, it’s not for me

I can’t decide what’s worse. Smooth Jazz or soft rock. Tempted to rate this higher because it’s better than Aja and the previous album we were forced to listen to. But out of principle…a GFY 1 star.

So listening to the first song I was thinking “is his singing getting worse?” Then the second song came on and I was convinced someone was fucking with me. You know when you go to the orchestra or theater and all the musicians are warming up, tuning and playing scales. Some of the songs sounded like that. Even with that, I can’t say I hated it. It was interesting and not like much else I’ve heard. Perhaps there will be a day when I’ll get stoned on my couch and let Robbie’s sweet falsetto voice wrap its arms around me while his giant Bristol beard tickles my neck.

She’s pretty great. Amazing voice, lots of soul. I Iove songs where it’s just her and a guitar (a la beginning of Send My Love). I could be persuaded to a 4 but I think 21 is probably slightly better.

Know their hits but never listened to a full album. Now I have. About what I’d expect. Minus points for least creative name.

Listening to this it became quite clear that I’m very much a surface level Marley fan. Put Legend on repeat by the pool in the summer and I’m in. I didn’t really learn anything new by going through this album. Sounds like Marley and not bad in the background but not really any songs that grabbed me. Also, this version of No Woman No Cry was disappointing. Perhaps I’m being harsh and committing music blasphemy but this is between a 2 and 3 for me.

Nice lil album. Lust for Life is certainly an iconic song and enjoyed quite a few on this. Rebel! Fight the man! The Passenger reminded me of something but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I think Green Day took “inspiration” from that for Holiday.

Came into this with zero expectations and was a nice surprise. Really nice guitar riffs and good rock voice.

Brian May is one of my favorite guitarists. You instantly recognize his tone and it’s amazing how technical and clean he sounds while still being heavy. Makes sense since he built his guitar at age 16. And he has a doctorate in astrophysics! 🤯 First 8 songs are fantastic and Stone Cold Crazy is a face melter. Then it takes a weird turn for me. How are you gonna follow that rock with Dear Friends? And is bring back Leroy brown really something that needs to be in an album? Lap of the Gods was a nice finish and felt like a preview of where band would go in future albums.

It was good. Nice musically. Sounds distinct. Still holds up today which is tough to say about a lot of 80s music. Orange Crush is a most enjoyable song.

I did not enjoy this album. I guess rounding up to a 2 for Tainted Love, a great album title and being bold enough to write a song called Sex Dwarf.

Solid album that starts and ends with a couple timeless songs. I felt like a few songs in the middle were written in a couple minutes, which is perhaps the case and I guess could be a positive for a band that can jam like that. Fun fact, Richard’s supposedly came up with the album name as a play on the Beatles Let It Be, highlighting the more aggressive style of the stones. Going 3.75 rounded up. I liked Exile a little better.

Still on the fence if live albums should be allowed. The Irish joke was a bit of an eye roller but enjoyable rock album. RIP

Its fine. A good listen and interesting. Just not sure why it stands out.

Interesting that the album was produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson. The talk singing gets old after a while but I enjoyed it. Perfect Day is such a great song and of course Walk on the Wild Side is fun. Lou, I just don’t think we call our backup singers that any more. 😬

Life is hard. And so am I. Takes some balls to start a song like that and then jump right into the chorus. That was really the only song I recognized from these guys and felt like there was a reason for that.

Nice listen. I think I liked this better than figure 8. Will save this one for next time I need a good cry with some sad music in the background.

I was listening to this in the car driving the rough streets of suburban London and definitely felt like that scene in Office Space with Mike Bolton listening to tunes in traffic. However, I was not bold enough to have my windows down. All in all I had a good time with this album. Some of the lines are classic (“with so much drama in the LBC…”) and others make me blush (every part of “Ain’t no fun” … god damn!) Started to get repetitive but with so much goodness on here, I gotta rate high (like Snoop Dogg).

I enjoy me some TV On the Radio. Crazy how different they can sound while still sounding mainstream. Really enjoy the main dudes voice and all the harmonies. Also quite wild that they don’t seem to follow typical song structures. I don’t think I recall hearing a chorus or hook. 3.75 getting rounded up.

Should live albums be part of this? Feels a bit like a greatest hits compilation and maybe not a fair comparison? Regardless, this is everything you’d want in a rock show. Great energy and songs throughout. This version of I Want You to Want me is the tits. I love how Rick Nielsen is just dancing across the neck throughout the whole album. 3.75

Listening on headphones on a plane and the dude talking on the first track freaked me the fuuuuck out. Some grooves on this I guess, but do not anticipate another listen in my future.

In full disclosure, I love some Led Zep immediately knee jerk to a high rating. I don’t think III is my favorite of theirs but still great. Solid start with Immigrant Song. Since I’ve been loving you is such a cool jam and page’s guitar is masterful on that song. And I greatly enjoy the pop friendly hook on tangerine.

I’m just a sucker for some good ol fashion rock. Get a fat guitar with distortion, add some nice riffs and solid solos and I’m in man.

All I could imagine was seeing these guys in some dodgy basement and jumping around getting your face rocked for a good hour or so. Just some simple, bare bones, high energy rawk. With that said, it’s a lot of similar songs for a full album. Could use a bit more variety but the the ramones prob don’t give a fuck what I think.

I was always amazed by ol’ Thomas Earl Petty. I don’t think you’d consider him a great guitarist and dude isn’t really an amazing singer (maybe even goofy at times). But god damn he could write a song and seemed to stay true to his own style that resonated during times when you’d think his music wouldn’t fit in. Wildflowers was one of my fave albums of the mid 90s and crazy to put that in context of all the other rock music of the time. All that to say, he’s pretty great. And this album is pretty great. American Girl is one of my all time faves.

Not really my cup o’ tea. I couldn’t make it past 4 songs. The timing of the hi hat on the first and third song drove me insane.

It was fine. Some good grooves and riffs. Some of the songs seemed perfect for a Matrix or Blade movie. Neo walking into a bar before taking out some mofos. I could see putting this on in the background while working or something. However, I’m just not sure what makes this unique or that intersting. Why is this a must listen? And the songs seemed similar. Layout a beat and bass line and then layer on other things that build and build and build and then…just end. There’s no climax or resolution. Truly some blue balls music.

…and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees!

Really nice album. So much soul, emotion and grooves. It’s consistently solid all the way through. And you got some late 90s Santana when he was teaming up with everyone! I’m at 3.5 and I’ve gone back and forth on rounding up or down. The thing that is giving me pause is that there wasn’t that one or two songs that I felt took this to the next level. All songs really good. But needed that one or two great songs for me. Maybe I’d feel different on another listen. But man, it’s just so consistent throughout, I gotta show love.

I enjoyed this much more than Natty Dread. Felt more like the accessible reggae you’ve come to expect from Mr. Marley. Plus it’s how you pick up chicks. You go “Baby we’ve got a date” and then you whisper in her ear in parenthesis “rock it baby.” And you’re in.

Hey you there! Let me rawk your face! I think one of the toughest things in music is to sound raw and unpolished while still sounding good. These guys pull it off. This would’ve been a fun concert to go to back in the day. I’m at a 3.5 and rounding up because of rock.

Man, I forgot how much I love Def Lep. I think hysteria is a better album but this is great. A few notes: - such a bold move to include a two exclamation points AND parenthesis in a song title. Crazy how much Rock! Rock! Sounds like AC/DC - photograph is a great song. Love the main riff and then when the chugging rhythm guitar comes in. They were brilliant at layering. And some good cowbell. Miley Cyrus has a great cover of this song. - Too Late for Love has everything you want in a cheesy 80s hair metal song. Foolin’ is even better and brings back the cowbell. - Rock of Ages. More cowbell. I love this song. The call and response where the band goes “I want rock and roll” and the third time when Joe Elliot goes “you betcha” is when of my fav song moments. - I did not know that Billy had the gun first. Needless to say, I enjoyed this album. A strong 4 from me. 🤘

Dolly Parton is a goddam national treasure! I never understood how she could play guitar with those long nails. This is not really my style and a lil sleepy at time, BUT I can appreciate this album is pretty great. The vocal harmonies are amazing and there’s so much emotion in the songs they transport you to a place (where you ask? I don’t know man…some country bumpkin town in Oklahoma). This also makes me hate modern pop country even more.

I absolutely love Jack White’s guitar. His tone is unique, the fills are great and his solos wail. So much feel and diverse influences (blues, rock, country). And then complimented by Meg’s simple yet hard hitting drums. It just hits in all the right ways and creativity throughout. Seven Nation Army is a generational song that will stand the test of time. 20+ years later and still getting sports fans hyped. Great video too. One of the greatest (if not the greatest) power duo of all time and a solid album in their collection.

What did I just listen to!?! It’s like james brown meets bob Marley meets a jazz jam band with some 70s funk. I enjoyed and appreciated this. Especially the brass. Dude has a crazy story. I think the dude forgot to write words though. He’s like, I’ll just make some noises and no one will notice. Ye Ye De Smell. 3.25

Snooooooooze fest. Seems like Bee Gees needed another decade to marinate. Appreciation of the musicianship is getting me up to a 2 but I didn’t enjoy it and took everything not to skip through (although in full honesty I did). Also felt like there were a lot of “influences” in this that were more of wannabe Beatles songs. And Marley Purt Drive is the same song as The Weight, right?

Nice album. I like some REM but this album felt the same as their entire catalog for me. Some great songs and amazing high points. But some very meh and forgettable in between. A solid 3.25

I tried to take a step back and have an unbiased view on this album. Goddammit it’s great! I was going to say the first 3 songs are an incredible opening but it just keeps going and going and going. Certainly there are a lot of bands that should be credited with the grunge movement. But this makes me appreciate how Nirvana turned the corner to mainstream. It’s amazing how heavy this is while still being accessible for pop. The arrangements, production and builds are brilliant. Iconic riffs with distortion brought in at the right moments and some really nice solos (as simple as they are). And the drums are spectacular. Butch Vig has some good content on the production of this. One funny story is how much Cobain hated overdubs. Only way Butch could convince him to do it is to say that “well John Lennon did it.” Ultimately I think Cobain thought it was overly produced/polished. Also funny how butt hurt Billy Corgan is that Vig produced Nirvana and “stole their guitar tone.” A Scottie Pippen jersey later and this more than holds up. An easy 5 rating….actually I’d say that this (along with Led Zep IV so far) transcend this 5 star…they are in a league of their own in my opinion. Final note, iconic album art as well. Other than the David, is there a weiner out there with more views?

Fun fact about Jack White, he can name any Beatles song after hearing less that a second. Quite impressive. Turns out I probably haven’t been giving him enough of my listening attention. A solid showing.

Recognized most of the album so I apparently listened to this quite a bit when it first came out. As a 14 year old boy the music video for Criminal was….eye opening. I love Sleep to Dream as an album opener. And Fiona was doing a lil reggaeton with The First Taste before that became the drum beat of every pop song. Never is a promise is a very nice song. 3.75

Solid beats and nice rhymes. There are a couple really high moments (Ready or Not, Killing Me Softly, NWNC) and Ms. Hill’s voice is amazing. With that said, I felt like this dragged a bit and started to blend together. I think it could have used some editing (song length, maybe lose a few songs and cut the nonsense in between songs). Also, I hate when songs include a siren. Listening to this in the car made me jump thinking 5-0 was after me!

I didn’t really enjoy this.

Nice lil album. Debbie Harry is welcome to get me one way or another.

Nice lil album. Grateful for bands like radio head putting out different music when so much sounds the same. Liked this album but just needed something more for me to get to 4.

Really nice surprise. I hadn’t heard of these guys and ended up liking this. Folk can be hit or miss for me but I would very much like to be in a dark and cozy English pub sad drinking a pint with this on in the background. Then one of my buddies who haven’t seen in a while walks in and I say “you son of a bitch” and shake his hand like Arnold Schwarzenegger in predator. We talk about the good ol’ days and tough times now saying things like “that’s how life goes.” We end up drinking way too much well into the evening and I fall into a bush while trying to take a piss and just end up staying the night there. Good times….good…times…

The open line was very apropo as I felt like I needed to be rescued from listening to this. Snooooooze fest. I’ll be generous at a 2 bc she does have a nice voice and good musicianship.

You know how when something is not very good but it inspires someone to create something good. I don’t know if that’s the case but with this being early 80s maybe it influenced other music in that decade. I don’t know. That’s about the only nice thing I could say.

Two things are undeniable: 1) Kanye is bat shit crazy with an ego the size of Jupiter 2) He is one talented and creative mofo. I absolute love the intro of Runaway. Also funny that he makes so many toasts to you in that song (and you know I’m talking to you).

It’s like electronic Rammstein. Cool. My neighbor across the street is from Düsseldorf so gonna see if he knows these guys. Was def interesting but not something I’m dying to listen to. 2.75

Forgot about this album so good to see it pop up and back in the rotation. Really solid album with great songs and most enjoyable guitar.

God dammit Led Zeppelin is great and this album is great. I could rave about the guitar riffs and solos, or the incredible drums or bass that just flows throughout or the great vocals. But you know all that so maybe a fun fact… Jimmie Page has become synonymous with the Les Paul. But he actually used a Fender to record most of this album. Specifically a 1950's Telecaster known as the “Dragon” guitar due to its bright, psychedelic hand painted dragon artwork. This guitar was originally owned by Jeff Beck who gifted it to Page in 1966 after Page put Beck forward to be his replacement in The Yardbirds. Pretty cool guitar to check out.

I liked this more than Blonde on Blonde. Like a rolling stone is fantastic. It feels pretty good. But man, I find Dylan a little tough when you get past the hits. The meandering stories just get a little old for me. Halfway through Ballad of a Thin Man, I was thinking “what in the holy hell is he talking about? Midget? Can we still say that?”

Some good tunes on this. Probably deserves a 4 but just gets a little too sappy for me at times. I also don’t know why he has Robert Downey Jr on the album cover.

Man, I know I’m probably supposed to like this but it just didn’t do much for me. A lot of noise with nothing really memorable. Although a 35 min runtime with 15 songs is quite impressive. I’ll put my rock horns up and give this a star for each raised finger.

This is the type of album that makes me think…maybe 1001 was too many? I’m down with unique voices and it’s good that everyone doesn’t sound the same, but I this just didn’t work for me. I had to check Spotify to see if my settings were off.

That’s just damn good music. When you put this on, if your head doesn’t start bobbing and your foot start tapping, then you have no soul. Bass guitar was the highlight for me. I want to isolate that and have it as the soundtrack of my life.

As someone who uses a fair amount of distortion (maybe that’s an understatement) to cover up my inadequacies on the guitar, I appreciated how clean and precise the guitar was on this. Also enjoyed it playing along with the melodies. Australia and Shanghai-La were interesting journeys. I thought the vocals on Drivin’ were grating. Perhaps this is unfair but it was just missing something to get me to a 4. I can’t put my finger on it but just needed a lil something more to get me over the hump. Call it a 3.5 but rounding down. Sorry The Kinks.

Man she’s great and this whole album is a solid listen. This version of Me and Bobby McGee is so fantastic. I think Roger Miller and Kris Kristofferson heard that and were probably like “Ohhhh, yeah. That’s a lot better than what we did.”

I haven’t listened to much Morrissey, which is a shame because this is a solid lil record. Felt like several styles from the 80s and 90s blending together which was nice. I shall check out some more…which is ironic because I think one of his other albums is next in the rotation. Here we go…

After not really liking the previous album from PJ (let England shake), this was a pleasant surprise and I quite liked it. Perhaps she should’ve done more with Thom Yorke.

SHEEEEEEP! The production innovations, song writing, harmonies, uniques sounds and influence all make this an important album. There are some iconic and great songs on it and it’s an interesting listen. But honestly it just doesn’t tickle my soul nuts all the way through. I’ve listened to this in the past and didn’t feel a strong need to go back. Gave it a fair shot and it just doesn’t cross that 5 threshold for me. Baaaaaa baaaaa mother fuckers!

First song I was thinking “ohhhh, this could be fun.” Just some unapologetic rocking. After a few more songs I was like, “okay, okay I get it.” Just didn’t sustain for me.

This just faded into the background for me. And I don’t really mean that as a good thing. I guess it was offensive to my ears but was just kinda meh

A bit long for my tastes (both songs and album) but overall a solid groove and Stevie has endless talent, musicianship and creativity. You got a problem? Have a talk with gawd.

I fucking love Metallica. I still think live albums are somewhat cheating since they’re more greatest hit compilations but this probably gets a pass with the unique orchestra spin. Crazy that it works and Hetfield‘s voice is on point. “Oooooooo yeah-heeeeee!” It’s long but goddamn that’s just how many hits these guys have! But the album cover….thats really the best they could do? Some half assed shit. 4.25

I drank too much and watched too much Netflix during the pandemic. Tswift dropped two unplanned albums. Quite impressive. This, along with folklore, were on heavy rotation for me at the time and seemed to fit the mood. So as they say, music takes you back to a moment in time, many of those memories are wrapped in this album (the good and bad). I’m a big fan of Jack Antonoff as well and you can hear his influences throughout.

Expected more from this so prob being a lil harsh on the rating. It was a fine listen but nothing really stood out to me.

Nothing Compares 2 U almost bumps this to a 4 for me on it’s on. Such an iconic song and love this version. Chris Cornell’s acoustic version is also quite great and worth a listen. 3.25

Such a great album and very much in my rotation. We need more modern bands like this!

Very much enjoyed this. Fogerty‘s voice is next level and there are some absolute jams on this. Long as I can see the light is one of my all time faves.

Turns out I really like the White Stripes. Jack is an unbelievable musician and guitar player but it’s amazing the restraint he shows to develop such simple and catchy riffs. A most solid listen.

I learned that the lyric is “the funk soul brother” and not “the funk’s yo’ brother” like I thought it was. And that it is repeated 64 times in the song. Props for several mainstream hits on this but I can barely make it through a full song much less a whole album.

Man, Jeff Beck is great. I haven’t gone deep enough into his catalog but need to. His playing style was one of a kind too…I don’t think he used a pick (although that was maybe later in his career) and a lot of work on the whammy bar for vibrato. He just got more feels out of the guitar. And rod stewart has such a great rock voice.

Stay with me is a jam. The should’ve let Rodney sing every song. GTFO Ronnie!

During my research one source claims that “ah rootie” was slang for “alright” and the original lyrics were “tuttie frutti good bootie” referring to sex in the butt. Whether true or not it makes me laugh and I shelf consider it as legit. Anyhoo, I’m inconsistent about how much credit I give albums for the time period they came out. I try to base more on my tastes but how good this album is for how old it is blows my mind. For me this was absolutely great and still very listenable after nearly 70 years.

I tried a couple times to get into this and just couldn’t. I’m sure it’s influential but for me…a big meh

I enjoy how other song titles are blended throughout lyrics of other songs. Who knew activism and Gawd could sound so sexy.

Man, this is a tough one! A few legendary songs and the whole thing rocks…I just don’t know that it’s quite at that 5 status for me. Also quite a shame that Axl Rose is now a cartoon of himself. 4.5

There’s this great clip after The Cure was inducted into the Rock & Roll HoF where the interviewer enthusiastically asks Robert Smith, “Are you as excited as I am!” And he responds “umm, by the sounds of it, no.” So great. Also a pretty solid album. Love me some Pictures of You.

I loved it! Psych… Fuck Jazz fusion.

I dug it. Outside my norm. Will I go back to it? Prolly not. Higher than a 3 for musicianship and originality but not quite a 4 for me.

First song I was thinking “man, this really sounds like a cat Stevens song…” Apparently the courts agreed and they had to split the royalties. Aside from a slight ripoff of Mr. Yusuf Islam, I love how original and creative FL are. A most chill listen with some excellent song titles.

Aretha’s voice gave me a hug and I liked it…a lot

Whooo…this is hitting in some of my formative music years so def getting some nostalgia cred. You know I was cruising around as a senior in high school blasting this out of my red ford tempo. No sound system so pretty cool listening to this again on some nicer speakers and hearing how deep and industrial and awesome the guitar is. God damn, the screams! RIP Chester. Don’t suffer in silence…please talk to someone if you need help 🙏

Everything you want from some good ol’ hard rock. Great riffs, solid solos and a voice that sounds like it’s been through some shit and will kick your ass just because. Non stop head banging 🤘🔥

Just couldn’t get into this.

You may not know this about me…but I like to rock. And this rocks. Apparently Charlotte from the song Charlotte the Harlot is a recurring character. This is the first song introducing her as, get this, a prostitute living on 22 Acacia Avenue. Two years later on the album The Number of the Beast gives further insight on her life in the song 22 Acacia Avenue. Although not explicitly stated to be about Charlotte, the song Hooks in You from 1990 No Prayer for the Dying is believed to further depict the character caught in a destructive lifestyle with metaphorical hooks in her skin.

Maybe 1001 was too many albums.

Certainly some great songs on this but Coldplay just never really did it for me. From personal taste, just can give them the 4 star love,

There aren’t many 20 minute songs I like but 2112 is quite awesome. I like to think that the guitar saved the universe and set everyone free. But I guess maybe the dude committed suicide? Who knows… Peart’s drumming is most amazing.

Dang, Changes hits the feels button. Very simple lyrics but written and performed so well.

Had the AirPods in on noise cancellation so this was a very interesting listen…my ears didn’t know what was going on at times! The layering and unique sounds are very cool. Rating this is tough. I love how unique this sounds and applaud the creativity. In the right settings I enjoy this but as a whole album of songs I was to listen to often, I’m just not sure this does it for me. Would you even consider every track a song?

All I can think during this album is: “And Moby? You can get stomped by Obie You thirty-six-year-old bald-headed <expletive deleted>, blow me You don't know me, you're too old, let go It's over, nobody listens to techno Now let’s go!!!” I mean it was fine. Just gets so repetitive for me!

Nice little album. Just didn’t have any standout moments that would take me to a 4. Prob a 3.25.

Surprised I didn’t like this more. Sunshine is iconic and Clapton plays a good guitar. But this ended up sounding like a boring stoned hippie. Much like your mom.

Could not get into this at all. Very meh.

Makes me want to put a tube sock on my weiner and dance around. A most solid return of John Frusciante.

Solid opening but and some great grooves in the mix. Was not expecting so many n words on Get It Together so that was a little awkward with my kid in the car. But Sabrosa right after put some fun funk in our step. Sabotage is such a great music video. 3.25

Pleasantly surprised by this one. Went in expecting not to be able to make it through a few songs but found this quite interesting. Definitely worth a listen. 3.25

That John Cameron Fogerty sure knows how to write some songs, play that guitar and sing from his soul. I figured he was in fact born on the bayou…turns out he’s from Berkeley, CA and never actually lived in the South.

I enjoyed it. Just a few too many low points (screaming and nonsense guitar) and not enough high points for me to bump this up higher.

I dig a lot of this but loses me when it gets into the non-musical noise. Perhaps one day I’ll come back to Sonic Youth and be like, “oh now I totally get it!” But for me now all their albums seems to be falling in that 3-3.5 star range.

Listening to Maybe Your Baby I was like “good god that bass slaps!” Did a lil research and apparently Stevie played the bass part himself and used the TONTO synthesizer. TONTO, which stands for "The Original New Timbral Orchestra," was a massive, room-filling synthesizer system that included elements from Moog synthesizers. Never realized how innovative Stevie was in the production of his records. Bravo.

Love this front to back. An absolute monster of an album with so many great songs. ‘91 was a great year for the rock music and this certainly helped define my musical tastes. Do yourself a favor and go check out Pearl Jam’s unplugged on the YouTubes.

Start of the album still holds up and is a great listen. Amazing influence in rap and even revitalizing Aerosmith’s career. Also read they got a $1mm endorsement deal from Adidas. Brilliant! 3.75

Digital Underground sure likes to rap about….Digital Underground. How the eff is Underwater Rimes a song? Seems like this wanted to be all sexy but would be like dropping your pants in front of a girl and her just laughing.

Apparently there is a UK and US version that are slightly different. UK is missing Paint it Black which is a huge drag on the album as I think that’s one of the best stones songs. So I included it in my review. Under My Thumb is another iconic song. The rest of the album just didn’t really grab me. What’s the deal with Stupid Girl…yikes. Also, right before Mick starts singing on Flight 505 the piano hits the Start Me Up riff. They kept that one in the back pocket for 15 years. Dig some Stones…a couple generational songs…but just not enough for me to go 4. Let’s go 3.5 with the round down.

Really enjoyed this album. Nice easy listen and had it on in the background a couple times over the weekend. Def sounds old but not outdated (if that makes sense).

If you asked me what the 1950s sounded like, this is essentially it. I probably take for granted how innovative this was at the time and you can trace it to so many modern bands—Buddy apparently one of the first to double track his vocals which inspired the Beatles to do it and butch Vig would’ve never convinced Kurt to do it on nevermind if Lennon hadn’t done it 🤯 Also, the airplane story is a bit wild. Apparently Tommy Allsup lost his seat to Ritchie Valens on a coin toss. Waylon Jennings voluntarily gave up his seat to the Big Bopper who had influenza and complained that the tour bus was too cold and uncomfortable for a man of his size. Pretty wild.

What the hell did I just listen to!?! The album was all over the place, but I thought had some really high moments. And you know what? I kinda liked it. Especially Here Comes the Flood. Much of it sounded oddly familiar. Bowie is the obvious ones but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Looked in the producer, Bob Ezrin. He has quite the mix of artists (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mason). I’d go 3.5. I’m tempted to round up but not quite there…perhaps bc of the lack of cohesion.

Really a shame he went off the rails because this was pretty great.

This was…good. I enjoyed listening but honestly don’t really remember much.

I feel like Alright has been in some commercials so it reached that annoying stage and almost had me dismiss this. Glad I didn’t because enjoyed the rock energy of this 🤘

I was really expecting to like this more than I did. Certainly some iconic songs on here but for a lot of it I was just an unenthusiastic “cool.” 3.25

Wanted to like this and there were some nice moments (Tennessee…Tennessee) and most excellent baselines… …but there was too much 1) record scratching, 2) banter at the beginning of songs 3) repetition—I never want to hear “dig your hands in dirt, children play with earth” again

Maybe I could see putting this on in the background if I’m in the right mood and need something upbeat and more instrumental. Beyond that, really can’t get into this.

This is a 4.5 for me and I’ve debated to round up or down. Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Speed Demon (with that crazy ass video), Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana and Smooth Criminal are all amazing. Liberian Girl I can prob do without and a couple others are just okay. Man, gotta go with the 5: - nostalgia value. I remember having this cassette and watching all the videos - speaking of the videos. Moonwalker is such a random ass acid trip…that I quite enjoy. Smooth Criminal alone is cemented in culture. - I’m shamefully ignoring all the other stuff around MJ and focusing on music and creativity. 😬

I enjoyed this. Good energy and personality…dare I say a lil swagger. Kind of blended some new wave with more of a rock feel. Is that fair? 3.5 but I’m not sure I’m quite there to go 4.

Meh. Didn’t make it very far into this one.

Y’all ’member that movie Idle Hands? Offspring was playing at their prom and then the main character interrupted the set and they were telling him to get off the stage and then the hand came up and tore off Dexter’s scalp? That was awesome. Also, they did a great cover of I wanna be sedated in that movie. Also, Jessica Alba is in that movie and is amazingly hot in that movie. And that might be underselling it. Also, apparently Dexter has a PhD in molecular biology. Impressive. Anyways, this album rocks. La. La. la-la-la La. La. La-La-La….🤘

Man, you know I’m down with some metal riffs, double bass, yell singing and melodic breakdowns. Gets me right in that 3 zone easy…but this just doesn’t have that extra je ne sais quoi to get me to that 4. Let’s go 3.25

A little sleepy for me. Put it on a couple times over the weekend but honestly I don’t really remember much. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. Not a very insightful review but perhaps appropriate for how I feel about this. 2.75

This album sounded like drugs. And I dug it. Respect to Santana and the entire band because this thing just flowed. Also not sure I knew that Peter Green of Fleeteood Mac wrote Black Magic Woman so that’s a fun fact. Certainly Santana’s version became much more recognizable.

Fuck off.

Man, I knew I liked me some Boston but this album just kept going! The guitar riffs, the harmonies. Greatness. It’s like rock your face off Bee Gees. Motha’ fuckin’ ten!

It’s like U2 without the Edge. Overall a decent listen that takes you back to that era.

I’m not a huge Cars fan and knew 6 out of the 9 songs. I’d say that’s a very solid album. Some of these are timeless and we’d do a cover of Just What I Needed so that has a special place for me. Also love me a good Elliott Easton solo.

Man, talk about charisma and knowing your audience. I’d say a natural entertainer but will give Cash credit for mastering his craft. Great songs and very authentically performed. I can only handle so much of the “bom-bom bom-bom” beat but respect for Johnny.

Man, I take for granted just how great Aerosmith is…are? 🤷‍♂️ They represent everything you want in a rock band. They’ve been doing it for so long and stayed relevant over 50+ years with huge cultural moments across decades. Steven Tyler looks like your grandma, will steal your GF and makes up half of one of the best rock duos of all time with Joe Perry. This album is solid and prob not even one of their best. Are…are those trucks going doggie style?

I absolutely love Born to Run. Great song. The rest of this was most solid (as Bruce tends to be) and you love the variety of instruments. But this could be another artists where I enjoy his greatest hits more than full albums. 3.5/5 but getting the boss bump up.

Solid beats and rhymes.

Really enjoyed this. Everything you want in a solid rock album. Great riffs, solid singer, little blues, maybe some boogie woogie and great ballads. She’s Talks to Angels is one of my all time faves…although I’ve prob broke way too many strings getting into tuning.

9 year old me loved this album. Still holds up.

Even after all these years and fight club hype, I loves me some where is my mind. You know what I also love? The album art. Props.

This sounds like the way hippies smell and drugs taste. Some interesting stuff but a lot in here I wouldn’t consider music. My son got a kick out of the kazoo or whatever that was…so there’s that.

Fun album. Dude kind of sounds like Freddie Mercury…but could use a little Brian May. Come On Eileen is iconic…could’ve used a few more of those.

I dug it. Prob over a 3 but not quite a 4 for me. I really liked Into the Light as a song (especially the guitar riff) but wanted a different production for my taste. I’d love to see someone do a modern cover of that.

A nice listen and enjoyed the solid guitar playing and song writing. A little on the sleepy side for my tastes but still a solid record.

Man, I thought this was all over the place. Where the hell did that harmonica come from on the first song!?! Really enjoyed music when the lights go out. But overall didn’t love this. Didn’t hate it. Also did a quick search of albums from 2004…quite a few I’d put over this. For example: Arcade fire - funeral Green Day - American idiot My Chemical Romance - 3 cheers Taking Back Sunday - where you want to be Killers - hot fuss White stripes - get behind me satan Anyhoo…a generic 3

The title track is an unbelievable song and perfectly performed. I played it for my kids to try to give them some perspective and gratitude for everything they have. I don’t think they got it. Dolly is a treasure. Can’t say I loved the rest of the album but as a singer and song writer she’s great. I’ve prob said it before but I don’t see how she plays guitar with those nails!

This sounds like the 80s. I was thinking it’d be more like the middle of the decade so wild to hear this sound so early. Definitely had a massive influence on what would come after. A fun listen and has some corny moments but overall quite solid. And apparently was the all female band to hit #1 on the billboard 200 charts. Mad props. 3.5 and showing some love to my womens by rounding up.

Meh. 2.75

Sounds like the 80s. 2.75

3.75 Love me some raw garage rock and liked this more the more I listened. Can def hear the influence of bands that came after.

A solid Christmas album. Not sure how I feel about a theme album but can’t dispute there are some classics. Funny I read it didn’t do well on initial release but become popular in the 70s on a reissue.