511
Albums Rated
2.99
Average Rating
47%
Complete
578 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
20
5-Star Albums
30
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
|
5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
|
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
|
5 | 3.57 | +1.43 |
|
Boston
Boston
|
5 | 3.71 | +1.29 |
|
Metallica
Metallica
|
5 | 3.79 | +1.21 |
|
Bad
Michael Jackson
|
5 | 3.81 | +1.19 |
|
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
|
4 | 2.86 | +1.14 |
|
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
|
5 | 3.92 | +1.08 |
|
Ten
Pearl Jam
|
5 | 3.92 | +1.08 |
|
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
|
4 | 2.94 | +1.06 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marquee Moon
Television
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Blue
Joni Mitchell
|
1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
|
Aja
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.4 | -2.4 |
|
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Soul Mining
The The
|
1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
|
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| Beatles | 4 | 4.25 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| Metallica | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Steely Dan | 4 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 3 | 1.33 |
| Kate Bush | 3 | 1.67 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 2, 4, 5 |
5-Star Albums (20)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Steely Dan
1/5
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.
4 likes
Joni Mitchell
1/5
If I realized one thing through this exercise is that Joni Mitchell is like nails on a chalkboard for me. This felt like pretentious hippy poetry and every time she came in I wanted to punch something like Randy needed to punch Brennan in Step Brothers.
3 likes
Taylor Swift
4/5
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.
1 likes
The The
1/5
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!
1 likes
Eels
2/5
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.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (30)
All Ratings
Elton John
3/5
First two songs are bangers. Slows down for my tastes but still a solid album.
Supertramp
2/5
I dig it but a little too progressive for my tastes. Def interesting.
Harry Nilsson
2/5
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?
Jimmy Smith
3/5
I enjoy a lil jazz in the background. Could see myself listening to this again and exploring his other stuff.
Sonic Youth
3/5
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.
Beatles
4/5
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.
Television
1/5
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.
PJ Harvey
1/5
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.
Jethro Tull
3/5
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.
Nirvana
5/5
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.
2/5
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.
Prince
4/5
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.
The The
1/5
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!
Dr. John
2/5
Meh
David Bowie
3/5
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
Alice In Chains
4/5
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!
Michael Jackson
4/5
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.
Frank Ocean
2/5
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.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
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.
Bob Dylan
3/5
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.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
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.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Meh.
k.d. lang
3/5
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
Marilyn Manson
2/5
I can only handle so much Manson. An hour+ is too much. Rounding up to a 2.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
2.75 / 5
Black Sabbath
4/5
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.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
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
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
This sounds like the 50s in the Appalachian mountains and it scares the shit out of me.
Charles Mingus
2/5
I usually listen to Jazz to get some chill vibes and relax. This was a little too chaotic for me.
Black Sabbath
5/5
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.
4/5
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.
Pixies
2/5
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.
Queen Latifah
3/5
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
1/5
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.
Solomon Burke
3/5
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
Elliott Smith
3/5
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.
Beach House
3/5
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
4/5
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.
Suede
3/5
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.
Tracy Chapman
2/5
Love Fast Car. Struggled to get into the rest of it.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
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.
Simply Red
1/5
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
Steely Dan
1/5
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.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
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.
Adele
3/5
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.
The Band
2/5
Know their hits but never listened to a full album. Now I have. About what I’d expect. Minus points for least creative name.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
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.
Iggy Pop
3/5
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.
T. Rex
3/5
Came into this with zero expectations and was a nice surprise. Really nice guitar riffs and good rock voice.
Queen
4/5
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.
R.E.M.
3/5
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.
Soft Cell
2/5
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.
The Fall
3/5
It’s fine. Kinda dragged on. 2.75
Elvis Presley
4/5
Things that stand out to me:
- Elvis performance (obvi)
- Reggie Young’s guitar. So clean yet soulful and just fits exactly what each song needs.
- The backup singers. So soulful and pop in at the right minutes
- Suspicious minds. All of those come together on this song and I love it.
Of course can’t forget this inspiring the Cartman version of In the ghetto. So weird.
A lil sleepy at times but I dug it. 3.5 with a kings round up.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
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.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
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
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Its fine. A good listen and interesting. Just not sure why it stands out.
Lou Reed
3/5
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. 😬
Eels
2/5
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.
Elliott Smith
3/5
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.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
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).
TV On The Radio
4/5
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.
Cheap Trick
4/5
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
Barry Adamson
2/5
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.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
She sings good.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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.
The Cult
3/5
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.
Shack
3/5
Sounds like some late 90s radio friendly rock. Like british gin blossoms. Not a bad listen but nothing really stood out.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
So very 80s but appreciate the more darker dare I say spooky sounds of this. Didn’t blow me away but still a good listen.
Ramones
3/5
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.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
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.
Underworld
1/5
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.
Death In Vegas
2/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
…and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees!
Lauryn Hill
4/5
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.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
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.
Mudhoney
4/5
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.
Def Leppard
4/5
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
4/5
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.
The White Stripes
4/5
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.
Fela Kuti
3/5
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
Bee Gees
2/5
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?
R.E.M.
3/5
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
Nirvana
5/5
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?
Jack White
4/5
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.
Fiona Apple
4/5
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
Fugees
3/5
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!
Massive Attack
2/5
I didn’t really enjoy this.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
I didn’t really enjoy this.
Blondie
3/5
Nice lil album. Debbie Harry is welcome to get me one way or another.
Radiohead
3/5
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.
Richard Thompson
3/5
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…
k.d. lang
2/5
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.
Heaven 17
1/5
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.
Kanye West
4/5
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).
Kraftwerk
3/5
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
Sonic Youth
3/5
2.5
Some solid moments but I can’t get over the rock noise. Makes it tough to listen to at times.
The Black Keys
4/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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.
Bob Dylan
3/5
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?”
Billy Joel
3/5
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.
Black Flag
2/5
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.
Antony and the Johnsons
1/5
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.
The Temptations
4/5
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.
3/5
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.
Janis Joplin
4/5
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.”
Morrissey
3/5
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…
Morrissey
2/5
Bumped this down to a 2 for his voice during lifeguard sleeping.
Brian Eno
2/5
It sounded like some cicadas popped up in the middle of Cindy tells me. I didn’t love that. Much of this was unpleasant noises. 1.75
Pixies
3/5
3.25 some excellent moments, but in the hole didn’t completely do it for me.
King Crimson
3/5
Guess I never realized how much late 60s and 70s rockers loved the flute 🤷♂️
I found some of this being quite accessible for prog. Lost me 6 minutes into Moonchild. Didn’t really understand that.
Court of the crimson king is quite epic. But again, prob should have just ended 7 minutes in.
Deserves higher than a 3 but not quite a 4 for me.
The Thrills
2/5
I almost bailed after the dude repeated Santa Cruz a thousand times. Apparently they felt the same way as someone shouted “End it!” At the end of the song.
This kind of sounded like not-as-good Death Cab (maybe just the dudes voice).
Man, don’t steal our Sun also annoyed me. Maybe it was the doo-wap sounding harmonies. Sounded like a mentos commercial.
Man, I really did not enjoy this.
Minor Threat
3/5
Love this shit! No holds barred…rock your face. Play fast and hard.
Little Friend has a lil riff in there that sounds a lot like gotta get away by offsprings also appreciate what these guys have influenced. Not quite a 4 but me gusto mucho.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Annoying voice that tried to take up all the space in the song every time he opened his mouth and held notes far too long. And too much xylophone. Songs were also too long for not being good. WTF
Only reason this isn’t a 1 is because Love From Room 109 at the Islander (On Pacific Coast Highway) is a hilariously specific name for a song (even if he didn’t mean it to be funny and the song sucks).
3/5
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.
The Beach Boys
4/5
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!
Le Tigre
2/5
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.
Madonna
2/5
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
B.B. King
4/5
That guitar tone is insane! For someone to be blessed with that and amazing voice is unfair. I’ve been down hearted baby!
I struggle with rating live albums but this is just too dang good.
Deep Purple
4/5
Crazy how one of the simplest riffs can become one of the most iconic of all time. Also crazy that song is influenced by Beethoven’s 5th symphony played backwards…or something like that. I dunno, there’s a video…look it up.
A most solid classic rock album. Love me some Highway Star. I love it! I need it! Space truckin is also what I wanted to do when I grew up.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
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.
Metallica
4/5
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
Taylor Swift
4/5
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.
Elis Regina
2/5
Perhaps it’s my ignorance or laziness to not learn more about this…but yeah, it was fine. Interesting listen. Nice voice but to be honest I didn’t understand a word of it 😂
The Temptations
2/5
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.
DJ Shadow
2/5
Solid beats and bass lines but this genre is so repetitive for me. Sure could put it on the background during work and would be fine. But does that make a great album?
Devendra Banhart
3/5
I dug this. Really nice guitar playing and song writing. Vocals and lyrics were intriguing, almost haunting at times. Dev has seen some shit. 3.25
Prince
3/5
Prince is greatness. Couple of bangers on here but didn’t think it was his most dense compilation. Still enjoyed it. I just want an album of him solo-ing on purple rain.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
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
Beck
4/5
Nice to revisit this after 19 years since Devils Haircut and New Pollution were so overplayed that it prob took me 19 years before I could listen to them again. Overall an excellent album with a lot of creativity while still being accessible and enjoyable.
Portishead
2/5
I wanted to like this. But after a while it just felt like a slog. 2.5 but rounding down bc I’ve been giving too many generic 3s. Sorry Portishead.
Aphex Twin
2/5
I really don’t understand why this album is on this list. Maybe I just don’t get electronic music. This is just background music. It’s not a one because it’s listenable. But very “meh”
Love
3/5
Sounded about right for late 60s. Some uniqueness a couple songs I liked (Live and Let Live stood out). 2.75
Missy Elliott
4/5
Man, Gossip Folks and Work It are alone worth the price of admission. Missy was hitting in my late-teens / early 20s so maybe I’m so positive on this bc it brings me back to that time. But I just love her beats, flow and the lyrics are great. The shit she says cracks me up. And an elephant noise in work it! And the hook in pussycat 🤣
Ludas verse in gossip folks is 🔥
3.5 - I was struggling to wrong up, but fuck it. I went back and listened to the two aforementioned songs and I just like them too much. They were EVERWHERE when it dropped. So perhaps I have the benefit of seeing the cultural influence first hand.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Sledgehammer is some cheesy 80s ish but I like it. And I quite enjoy In Your Eyes. A few others on this but overall not my cup of tea. And def have to check out Christian Bales monologue in American Psycho every time I think about Pete. 3.5
Arcade Fire
4/5
Such a great album and very much in my rotation. We need more modern bands like this!
Bobby Womack
2/5
Spotify has this listed as release in 2021 and I was very confused. Overall it’s….fine. I didn’t mind it but nothing really stood out and there are some parts that drag with their repetitiveness (I know everyone has secrets! And it’s fine that there’s standing room only!).
I just can’t get out of my head hearing this in the car with my parents when they were listening to the station that plays the best hits of the 70s 80s and today. Or maybe a doctor or dentist office. Sorry Bobby.
Boards of Canada
2/5
More background music. Can set a mood but as long as you don’t notice it or pay too much attention, it’s fine. To me that doesn’t mean a great album and I just can’t rate any of these above a 2. I did recognize Roygbiv…so there’s that. 1.5
The Coral
3/5
110% Hipster Approved and maybe you’re just not cool enough to get this.
Certainly an interesting listen and I liked the creativity, quirkiness and mix of styles. And a pirate song with skeleton key? Sure.
Not sure I’ll find the need to come back to this but ya never know. 2.75
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
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.
4/5
This might sound a little weird, but I feel like maybe these guys suffered (at least for me) for how popular they were at this time. Their hits were over played and you couldn’t escape. Great, but didn’t give you much room to go deeper or seek more. Again, maybe a me problem.
Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this. So many riffs, unique sounds and songs. Something like Knights of Cydonia is so creative and great. And this feels massive. Truly arena rock. Even when they hit a slow song like Soldiers Poem if fit nicely in the overall flow of the album. Methinks I need some more Muse in the rotation.
Neil Young
3/5
It’s fine. I guess in the right setting this would be cool. But nothing really stands out. And some 9 min songs! Woof
2.75
The White Stripes
4/5
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.
Beatles
4/5
Yes
3/5
Enjoyed this one and had me wonder if I’ve been sleeping on Yes. Too much “jam” can have me lose patience but overall I liked this. Probably helped that it had single versions for Your Move and Starship Trooper that make these more accessible. Though the vocals on this were really good too. 3.5
Fatboy Slim
2/5
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.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
I tried. But I can only handle a couple songs of this at a time. Kudos to this homey for being at the top of his game and I give much respect. But not for me.
Jeff Beck
4/5
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!
The Clash
4/5
Lot of diversity and great songs on this. Good listen all the way through. Doesn’t hold the top status for me as it does for others but I can’t blame ya for eating higher.
Little Richard
5/5
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.
The Byrds
2/5
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
LTJ Bukem
1/5
I just can’t…
Why do we have so many albums like this? Again, feels like background music. I’m playing catchup on ratings and for some reason have run into a string of this genre that I missed (or ignored) so unfortunately LTJ is getting the brunt of my dislike. And the fact that this links to a a 3 hour and 27 minute album on Spotify….Come on man!
Marvin Gaye
4/5
I enjoy how other song titles are blended throughout lyrics of other songs. Who knew activism and Gawd could sound so sexy.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
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
The Cure
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.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Kind of sounds like a flaming lips or Ok go but not quite as good or creative. Not a bad listen and I dug many of the songs. But a few songs lost me (like gathering moss). 2.75
Weather Report
1/5
I loved it!
Psych…
Fuck Jazz fusion.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
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.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
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.
Eminem
4/5
Quite the opening intro. Stan? Real slim shady? Quality album.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Aretha’s voice gave me a hug and I liked it…a lot
Linkin Park
4/5
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 🙏
Motörhead
4/5
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 🤘🔥
The Smiths
2/5
Just couldn’t get into this.
Iron Maiden
4/5
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.
Soft Machine
1/5
Maybe 1001 was too many albums.
Coldplay
3/5
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,
Rush
4/5
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.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Dang, Changes hits the feels button. Very simple lyrics but written and performed so well.
Radiohead
3/5
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?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
I feel like if you weee a movie or tv show in the 2010s, you were quite drawn to Heads Will Roll. Nice listen. 3.25
808 State
2/5
Background music. Not terrible I guess but it’s more of something that if you put on and don’t notice it then it’s doing its job. I can’t imagine rating any of these albums above a 2. This is a 1.5
Travis
3/5
This was a nice surprise. I actually really enjoyed this and that thom yorke sound mofo. Some of it is forgettable but enough substance to bump this up a lil. 3.5
Moby
3/5
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!
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Nice little album. Just didn’t have any standout moments that would take me to a 4. Prob a 3.25.
Spacemen 3
2/5
I prolly don’t take enough drugs to enjoy this. I couple nice songs (particularly on the softer side like Lord Can You Hear Me). But over 2 hours long! Lord Have Mercy!
Cream
3/5
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.
Big Star
2/5
Could not get into this at all. Very meh.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Makes me want to put a tube sock on my weiner and dance around. A most solid return of John Frusciante.
Beastie Boys
3/5
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
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
This album was quite horny. Or I’m horny? Either way a 2.25. Way too long and doesn’t have the song that everyone comes for. Also love the first song he says “for god sake burn it down!” And then it comes out with some happy Billy Joel beat and horns. Haha
Talking Heads
3/5
Psycho killer! Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba bababa ba! 3.25
Cypress Hill
3/5
Not sure I would seek this out and also crazy that we would get a cypress hill album that doesn’t include the 2 songs I know.
This is fine. Some good beats and enjoyable rhymes. “Sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump
Left hand on a forty, [puffin onna blunt]”
I can see me rolling down my nice suburban neighborhood blasting that.
I also saw they performed last July at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Symphony Orchestra. That seems wild. 2.75
Keith Jarrett
3/5
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
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
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.
Sonic Youth
3/5
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.
N.E.R.D
2/5
I hated the vocals on this. Like literally the way their voices sounded. And the mix. And their breathy and weird inflections. Very amateur.
A shame because I thought some of the songs had potential. Although there were a couple moments where I was like “wait, isn’t this just a Pharrell song? Get lucky? Or happy?” I don’t care enough to look up which songs. I also thought Maybe “borrowed” some parts from popular songs.
Sonic Youth
3/5
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.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
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.
Pearl Jam
5/5
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.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
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
2/5
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.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
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.
Ray Charles
4/5
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).
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
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.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
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.
Kanye West
4/5
Really a shame he went off the rails because this was pretty great.
The Zutons
3/5
This was…good. I enjoyed listening but honestly don’t really remember much.
Supergrass
3/5
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 🤘
Duran Duran
3/5
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
The Police
4/5
Never listened to much of the Police except for the hits so was unsure going into this. Every Breath is certainly a mega hit and timeless. What struck me about the rest of the album is how well every part fits together. The bass driven rhythms, stings one of a kind voice, Summers perfect guitar that can almost go unnoticeable at times Copeland holding it all together with sophisticated drumming that he makes sound so simple. Even a song like Mother I hated on the first listen but found myself wanting to go back again. Strong 4 that I’ll be revisiting again and will maybe feel guilty not going higher.
Arrested Development
2/5
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
Roni Size
2/5
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.
Michael Jackson
5/5
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. 😬
Pulp
3/5
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.
Wild Beasts
2/5
I could not get past the voice. All the King’s Men did it for me. When he came in all “ahhhhh ahhhhh”, I was done. WTF
Van Morrison
3/5
Time to rock….Gary, grab your flute!
I don’t know if their flautist is named Gary but that sounds like the name of someone who plays the flute.
All flutes aside, there is some mighty fine song writing on this album along with nice musicianship.
3.5 but rounding down because my wife asked if this “is the grocery store shopping mix” whilst listening to this in the car.
Goldie
2/5
Meh. Didn’t make it very far into this one.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Nice.
Funkadelic
4/5
This was a fun listen. I had to listen on YouTube so not sure about specific tracks. There was one where he was talking nonsense and about doo doo for a while that was quite hilarious. I’ll have to go back and find that for some quotes I can adopt into my vernacular. I was leaning towards a 3.5 but that jam at the end was amazing. I was half listening while I worked and then it caught my ear and I was like “gawd damn!” Rounding up for that. 3.5
The Offspring
4/5
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….🤘
Sepultura
3/5
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
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
I can get down with this type of country. The pop country just drives me nuts so appreciate Dwight not falling into that. Overall a solid album and enjoyable listen. Nice guitar work with a lil 🐔 pick in’
And a great album title. 3.25
The War On Drugs
3/5
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
Santana
4/5
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.
Basement Jaxx
1/5
Fuck off.
SAULT
2/5
I found this rather dull. Perhaps I didn’t listen close enough but I completely missed whatever message this was trying to deliver. Not terrible beats and performance but also very repetitive. 2.5 and rounding down bc nothing really stood out.
Burning Spear
3/5
Man, I didn’t realize reggae is a whole genre…I just thought it was how we described Bob Marley’s music.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I kid…I kid…yeah, this was a chill listen.
Boston
5/5
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!
Nas
3/5
Makes me feel cooler than I am. Nice rhymes.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Very unique sound and haunting album. This grew on me and I particularly like the guitar work on songs like Leaving the Table. While fairly simple I thought solo was awesome. Rounding up for that. 3.75
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
It’s like U2 without the Edge. Overall a decent listen that takes you back to that era.
The Zombies
3/5
Took a chance and turned this on for a jog. Zombie was excellent to move to. Nice rhythm and energy. I like the rest but def felt like it dragged a bit. 3.25
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
This is the whitest music that ever whited. Enjoyable but other than Homeward Bound nothing really stood out. Also, I was cracking up on 59th Street Bridge, that boy def smoked a lil wacky tobbaccy and was walking around feeling groovy and talking to lampposts. 😂 We’ve all been there
Fela Kuti
3/5
Popped this on while taking a jog. Zombie was actually really nice to run to. I enjoyed this but it did drag a bit. 3.25
The Cars
4/5
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.
Johnny Cash
4/5
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.
Aerosmith
4/5
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?
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
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.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Solid beats and rhymes.
The Black Crowes
4/5
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.
Holger Czukay
2/5
What in the holy hell did I just listen to. This thing is all over the place. Krautrock is a new one for me. Not sure I’ll be going back to it. 1.5 but I guess I’ll give a 2 because it is interesting and some of the noises tickled my ear holes. I just don’t understand what situation I’m inspired to turn this on.
U2
4/5
9 year old me loved this album. Still holds up.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Solid listen
Pixies
4/5
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.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
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.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
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.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
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.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
I feel cooler for listening to this. Nice background music and a nice jam. 4 songs 41 minutes 🤣
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Neil Young can be hit or miss for me but this is just some good ol rock and or roll. I feel like he might have a career ahead of him after this.
Side note, I saw Neil young and Pearl Jam covering one of his songs. Can’t remember which one. But it was great. You should check it out.
John Coltrane
3/5
Hey daddy-o is that a saxophone in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
This was nice music. 3.25
Gene Clark
3/5
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.
The Libertines
3/5
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
Dolly Parton
4/5
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!
The Go-Go's
4/5
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.
Brian Eno
3/5
Meh. 2.75
Ray Price
3/5
3.25, gets me in my country western mindset
Neil Young
3/5
🤔🥱😴
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I just want to confirm the details of Cecilia…
“Come on home
Making love in the afternoon with Cecilia
Up in my bedroom (making love)
I got up to wash my face
When I come back to bed
Someone's taken my place”
I mean that’s some quick turn shit. Wash your face and your girl is with someone else!?! Damn Cecilia!
Love me some The Boxer. Overall a strong album with some classic song writing. Not quite a 5 for me though. 4.25
Depeche Mode
3/5
Sounds like the 80s. 2.75
The Sonics
4/5
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.
Various Artists
4/5
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.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Had to be in the right mood to enjoy this as much as I did. These guys can certainly make a beat and layer in interesting sounds. Appreciate people like James Murphy bringing the creativity and I really enjoy his voice. I was thinking throughout that if they sought to make more mainstream these guys could’ve been massive. I feel like New York, I love you proved me right. But maybe that would be too much of a sell out for these guys and I appreciate that.
The Stooges
3/5
Thought I would like this more. Felt very meh. 2.5
Nick Drake
3/5
Liked it. Didn’t love it. Definitely need to be in the mood for this. Great voice but after a while all started to blend for me.
N.W.A.
4/5
Had to be away from the kids to listen to this one! Can’t say I can relate to many of the lyrics and has me blushing at times, but there are so many great lines in this. And you can’t deny the impact this had on rap and music. Funny that the backlash was prob led to much of the mainstream success.
The Cure
3/5
Good not great. Some of the build up and riffs were fantastic but just lacking some of the complete songs they had in later work.
The Saints
3/5
Enjoyable album. Some nice early punk vibes and horns were a nice touch (can sometimes be a big miss for me). Curious to check out more of their stuff. 3.25
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Nice vocals. Interesting variety of songs and styles. I appreciated the guitar solos. Come alive was prob most memorable for me. Make the bus was annoying. A couple songs brought that bass and I liked that. Where the fuck did 57821 come from? Felt so random.
That’s a review…BaBopByeYa.
Public Enemy
4/5
Hear a drum I get wicked! Head bobber fo’ sure even if the record scratching and panning sounds very dated. Too many “skits” but showing this some love. 3.5 rounded up.
Deee-Lite
2/5
Beats and beats and beats and dance and groove and beats and dance. Awesome they have a theme song. I was a little sad that “what is love?” Wasn’t the other “what is love” sans question mark.
Groove is in the heart is kind of annoying.
Kate Bush
2/5
She should stick to running up some hills. Just didn’t hit with me.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Much like Muddy Waters I am also a hoochie koochie man. This is great.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
She sings good.
The Strokes
4/5
4.25 Just a great rock album. Love how raw yet how polished this sounds…if that makes any sense. 🤔
Have come back to this several times as well. Great album!
Prince
3/5
Man, maybe I’m just not cool enough or don’t have enough soul to love this…not my favorite prince work. The song I prob liked the most was I could never take the place of your man which is prob the most generic pop. I’m ashamed of myself.
Stan Getz
3/5
This sounds like drinking martinis at the bar of some fancy hotel. Maybe getting romantic with a lil lady……that isn’t your wife you cheating bastard!
Roxy Music
2/5
The first song sounded like everyone was playing something different and didn’t really care what everyone else in the band was doing.
This really didn’t do much for me.
The album cover was nice. Although the girl on the right looks a lil mannish. 2.5 but I’m rounding down because that’s how I’m feeling today.
David Bowie
3/5
Not my fav from Bowie. Many of the songs weren’t very musical and hard to get into. Respect the creativity. 2.5
Eagles
3/5
Eagles are so hit or miss for me. Some good songs but some other absolute snoozers. I prob have as much hate as other middle aged long hair bearded bros but still not my fav. 2.75
Circle Jerks
3/5
Raw, aggressive, unapologetic…play fast and put your middle finger up in between songs. 14 songs and 15 minutes is quite hilarious. Maybe that’s the point. 2.75 and fuck you.
Adele
4/5
Girl can sing!
+ Massive hits with Rolling in the Deep, Fire to Rain and Someone Like You
- some songs drive me crazy (fuck Rumor Has it and her saying that over and over and over….)
+/- Then a lot that I feel is incredibly well performed but I just don’t know that they’re that memorable.
But the hits are just so massive that I gotta give the benefit of the doubt.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Everything I do, I do it for you! Crazy he had so many hits that weren’t on this album….I kid I kid.
Pretty solid lil album. Never really got into him. I liked it but didn’t land with me in that tingly way for me to round up 3.5
The Clash
4/5
Some good solid rock and/or roll. Good guitar drive and attitude. I feel like this album would call me a wanker.
Neil Young
3/5
Turns out I’m prob not that much of a Neil Young fan. Southern Man is nice but the rest didn’t really tickle my weiner. 2.75
Radiohead
3/5
What do you call it when a DJ gets a blow job on the air?
I prob didn’t take enough drugs to enjoy this as much as I could’ve.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
It’s fine. Not overly offensive. But just kinda there. A little too close to Muzak for my refined musical palette.
Louis Prima
4/5
Just some damn fun music. Will be putting Louis in the mix when I need to get everyone up and moving. Bravo.
ZZ Top
4/5
God damnit this is great. The consistency and quality of ever song is amazing. It just flows together. Never gave these long bearded rocking motha fuckas enough of my time. Respect. ✊
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I had my AirPods on and when her voice came in on the first song it freaked me out! It’s like she was whispering in my ear next to me (and not in a good way).
I mean…it’s fine. Not really my cup of tea and if I feel like if I listen to much more I might turn into a 60 year old lesbian.
Kate Bush
1/5
I just did not enjoy this. Cannot think of a situation or mood where I’d be like, “Hell yeah…let’s put on some The Dreaming by Kate Bush.” I’m at a 1.5 was gonna round up because of influence, the one of the high squeals came on in Suspended In Gaffa….thats a 1 son.
Steve Winwood
2/5
This sounds like a late 80s sitcom.
Soft rock is blasphemy
Hugh Masekela
2/5
It’s jazz
Pink Floyd
5/5
Always have love for David Gilmour. His guitar is so distinct and bends are one of a kind. When “shine on…” kicks in it is an iconic hook. The groove on have a cigar is great. Wish you were here was one of my early (and fav) songs to learn on guitar.
Shit, I was leaning to a 4 since there’s not a ton on the album (really just 4 songs with heavy jamming). But after writing this I gotta give love and round up by the tiniest of margins.
Van Halen
4/5
A most excellent rock album. Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher!!!! Timeless songs that rock as hard today as when they first came out. 4.25
Merle Haggard
4/5
I typically don’t enjoy a lot of country so giving this a 3.5 and rounding up since it was quite a solid listen. up since
Buzzcocks
3/5
Excellent riffs, solid rhythm and an oh so eva’ British sound. I enjoyed it but didn’t necessarily stand out or wow me. 3.25
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Other than it being my nickname in high school, I could not relate to this. 1.25
Beastie Boys
5/5
Love how they use familiar elements in creative ways…some more explicit that others.
The beat from When the Levee breaks is prolly one of the best of all time. So if you want to start some heads bobbing, why not start with that?
I’m quite stingy with my 5’s but just enjoyed this too much. 4.5 and rounding up.
Kate Bush
2/5
At this point I have listened to far more Kate Bush than I need to. This one was prob better and more accessible than the others but still doesn’t really do it for me. The fiddle came in on the jig of life and I was like what the eff just happened??? (Although I did enjoy that song).
Os Mutantes
1/5
I bet these guys are annoying as shit to hang out with.
I put this on during dinner and my wife was confused as shit. We made it a song and a half and had to dinner it off. Apparently not dinner party music.
I tried a couple more times to get into this but ultimately couldn’t listen to very much. So ultimately this gets a “fuck off”
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
Quite the cocaine fueled performance! He’s like “alright boys, we’re gonna do this one double time!” You can understand why this is only 22 minutes.
I struggle with live albums, especially if they become greatest hits. But it’s a solid performance and fun listen.
The Pogues
4/5
Did know I need this in my life. Had me dreaming of an 18th century pub with a nice pint, maybe some whiskey and some good mates, talking about “foook the Gardaí”
Also fun reading the Spotify band overview to learn the previous name of frontman Shane MacGowan’s band was: the Nipple Erectors.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
God damn I love this! RHCP are one of a kind and enjoy the unique sound, energy and emotion they bring. John, Flea and Chad are a great music trio. Anthony’s voice is instantly recognizable even if his lyrics are not. Maybe a lil long but so many hits and songs (and visuals a la give it away video…were tube socks around this time too?) that defined this era of music.
To end with a quote:
What I've got, you've got to give it to your daughter
You do a little dance, and then you drink a little water
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
I’m trying to be judicious with my 5’s and came into the skeptical given previous Marley reviews. Got dammit this was great. Front to back just fantastic. I don’t think you can compare to Legends since that’s a greatest hit so I’d say this is Bob’s best work. Of course you have the monster songs like Jamin’, three little birds and One Love. Exodus was great and Turn Your Lights Down Low may be one of my new favs. Bravo.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
I heard the bass and groove on the first song and was thinking “okay, okay…we might have something here.”
But then the vocals came in and completely turned me off. And it kept going through every song. I made it 2 maybe 3 songs and couldn’t handle more. And had no interest to go back. So I think that’s grounds for a “get tha fuck outta here!”
Tom Tom Club
2/5
What in the holy hell did I just listen to? I guess musically this wasn’t offensive and the singer didn’t sound like yoko ono (which I was expecting to happen). But just felt a bit too much of a novelty and simple white person trying to rap for me to go higher.
I mean what the eff is this?
Words in papers, words in books
Words on TV, words for crooks
Words of comfort, words of peace
Words to make the fighting cease
Words to tell you what to do
Words are working hard for you
Eat your words but don't go hungry
Words have always nearly hung me
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
If you asked me what an early 2000s Bruce album would sound like…this is exactly it. It’s good. The boss will always deliver quality. But it just doesn’t seem to deliver the high points you know he can bring with some of his song writing. Don’t get me wrong, I like it. Just expectations higher with someone like this I suppose.
Garbage
3/5
This was on heavy rotation during my formidable high school years so very nostalgic. I liked their big hits but never really loved Garbage. Overall a decent listen with the generic 3 rating.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Pretty solid album and liked the dual guitars. Not sure I knew about Derek & The Dominos…always thought Layla was Clapton solo.
I think Little Wing is one of the greatest songs. Similar to Purple Rain with how the guitar touches your soul. SRV’s version is great. This version, not so much. Thought they completely lost the feel of that song.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Great album and very listenable, especially for how long it is (28 songs and 2 hours!).
Love the massive hits (even if they were over played to the point of being ruined) and some excellent songs in between (nice to be reminded of thirty-three).
Only thing that hurts my heart is that this came out 30 years ago. Ouch.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Man, this eff’d with my head, especially listening through AirPods. Felt like it was moving all around so not sure if that studio engineer was fading back to front and side to side. Kinda cool but not great for a full album. 2.5 but rounding up because it overall didn’t offend me. How’s that for a review?
Radiohead
3/5
Sounds like radio head. I really have no idea how these guys right songs. Like thom just starts chanting high pitched and they just build some noises around it.
Not my fave but not terrible.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
The most 3 of 3 albums to ever 3. I liked it. Not something I’d typically listen to and had a nice vibe. Not sure how this would compare to other music in the same variety so tough for me to say just how good this is.
The Verve
3/5
Goodness, how massive was bittersweet! It was so overplayed that it’s prob taken me 20 years to ever want to hear it again. Also crazy that the most popular song doesn’t seem to fully represent the band. This was a good listen. Lucky man is also a good song. Not quite 4 territory for me but most props ✊
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I liked this more than I anticipated but English synth pop is prolly gonna hit a mid level ceiling for me so likely won’t see it over a 3.
This just sounded like the 80s so some solid nostalgia there. It’s a sin is enjoyable. A nice collection of consistently good songs but nothing stands out to me as great.
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
Not a bad listen I suppose. I just don’t know how to evaluate this. What makes it special or unique? Feels like I could go into a genre mix in Spotify and have the same experience.
Germs
3/5
I would like to dedicate this review to Pat Smear. What a life. Dude has prob lived quite hard and looks great at 65. Props.
Solid album. Punch you in the face, then the nuts and drink a beer with you before it smashes the bottle on your head. Fuck you.
Joy Division
3/5
Had a couple starts and stops with this. First time I thought it was a little simple and boring. Second attempt started to appreciate the simplicity and got into the first few songs. Then it dragged. A lot of cool and interesting parts but never fully came together or climaxed for me. And I need a good climax.
Regardless, enjoyed some of the guitar riffs and drums parts so rounding up. 2.75
Metallica
4/5
Man, this is a tough one. I love Metallica and had this album on repeat. But I’m stuck between a 4 and a 5 (probably another example of a 10 point scale helping with some of the nuance). Let’s go with 4.5 and round down. Great album but just doesn’t tip the scale for me.
4/5
First 4 songs I was like “holy shit this is great!”
Then it kinda just drifted into the background. Decent songs but not very memorable and sounded like formulaic U2.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Ummmm….what? Didn’t love this. Voice kinda got to me after a few songs.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Nice guitar and song writing. Can’t say I listen to a lot of British folk so not sure if this stands out or is par for the genre. 2.75
Miles Davis
3/5
Nice back ground music.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
In the car with my son listening to this. Hear the lyrics: “…rockin’ your eff me pumps…” And I’m like oh my! Look at the name of the song on my screen…double oh my! Not sure if he saw it or not but fortunately I didn’t get any questions about what that particular phrase means.
Anywho…this was good…not great.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I did not find this to be enjoyable. Songs weren’t very memorable. Voice was extra Dylan rough. Should’ve left the 90s to Jakob.
Raekwon
3/5
Thought it was solid and consistent. Good beats and rhymes but nothing really stood out as great. Could do without all the lead ins and talking before songs though.
Tangerine Dream
1/5
While not acoustically offensive, this felt like a whole lotta nothing. I had it on the background and it went completely unnoticed. Fine but very unnecessary for this list.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
No idea what to expect. Especially with the album cover art this looked like a classical album and I was strapping in for some calming piano.
Was pleasantly surprised by the first song and fully expected to like this a lot. Ultimately the rest kinda fell back to the average. Good not great.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Man, this hits so hard when it opens. That snare and synth. I didn’t realize how rough his voice is on that. Shocking he didn’t go the way of Bon Jovi or axel rose and blow out his vocal cords. I freaking love I’m on fire and dancing in the dark (as cheesy as it may sound). Glory Days is also a fun one.
Man, a lot to like on this but I’m stingy with the 5s. Just a lil too much filler on here for me to put it higher. 4.25
Beatles
4/5
60s were a lil before my time but feels like this captured a moment while being timeless. Not quite 5 level for me but can’t argue with the song writing and musicianship. Also didn’t realize this is where Arnold got his terminator catch phrase.
The Slits
2/5
Interesting at first but this got old real fast.
This is essentially show tunes right? Like all I could think is the Lost Boys singing this in a performance of Peter Pan. Oh or in Matilda! This sounded very much like a tune from Matilda with all the kids running down the school hall.
It’s the singers voice and all the other vocals, shouting and sounds. I’m sure you love this if that’s your cup of tea. Not really for me.
Joni Mitchell
1/5
If I realized one thing through this exercise is that Joni Mitchell is like nails on a chalkboard for me. This felt like pretentious hippy poetry and every time she came in I wanted to punch something like Randy needed to punch Brennan in Step Brothers.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
God dammit she is great! Not sure I can say anything that hasn’t been said but I loved this. Of course she can sing and this felt so authentic…hit all the right moments.
Baby baby sweet baby.
David Bowie
3/5
This is a tough one. I appreciated this and enjoyed some parts. But overall I couldn’t really get into it. Maybe Bowie was hanging out with Thom York as this felt to have some of their vibe at parts.
I also liked enjoyed listening to this in the car with my 12 year old son thinking it would be fine. Then hearing a couple choice words and seeing the title: ‘Tis a Pity She Was a Whore. Fortunately I didn’t get too many questions about that.
2.5 but I’m rounding up solely for that song title.
John Martyn
2/5
What in the Dirk Diggler!?! This is 70s banging music! I put this on and my wife is like “I don’t think so…”
Anyways, this gets two mehs
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
The most “meh” of “mehs” that ever “mehed” 2.25
The Auteurs
2/5
I turned this on and then didn’t notice it at all. Nothing stood out and not very memorable. 2.25
The Cure
3/5
The Cure is always kind of gloomy but seems like you can always count on them for something a lil pop-ie or up beat. Not on this one. All gloom. As someone who grew up on some emo angst I gotta give this some love.
Al Green
3/5
Had high expectations for this. It was an enjoyable listen but didn’t stay at the high level of the opening track. Also, I gotta deduct some points for one of the worst album covers. What in the toxic avenger? Some gross green oozing down the cover? Now that’s sexy!
Baaba Maal
3/5
This made me want to find a little lion cub, put some red jam on his forehead and hold him up high over price rock. Offensive? Allow me to double down with a little…
NANTS INGONYAMA BAGITHI BABA!!!
I struggle with this. It was an interesting listen and outside of my norm. Not something I’ll put on very often and the cynical part of me feels like this is something some ‘hip dude’ would put on to show how cool and cultured he is. 2.75
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
You know how you’re drinking wine with a sommelier. And they’re talking about nose and palate and flavor profiles and notes and vintage and all that shit. And you’re nodding along like you know but in reality you have no idea. It all tasted a like alcoholic grape juice and you’re just looking to get drunk.
Thats my metaphor for this. These guys are certainly talented and I’m sure there’s a lot of shit in here that’s awesome and I just don’t understand. But really I just wanted to get drunk and this only got me buzzed. 2.75
Finley Quaye
2/5
Interesting but not great. Fell a lil flat for me at times. 2.5
Frank Zappa
3/5
Fun listen and nice grooves. The sax in gumbo variations went a lil off the rails for me but overall enjoyed it.
OutKast
3/5
Man, I wanted to like this more than I did. Solid but just too much here. Edit down to the best rather than putting errthing in there. IMO Stankonia is a better album so hopefully we see that show up.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I enjoy these guys but think I prefer some of their other albums. Quality listen but nit a stand out for me.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Nice grooves and all very unique and interesting. I’m prob not cool enough to fully appreciate this and can’t think of many situations in which I’d turn this on unless I was trying to impress people with how cultured I am. 2.5
Adam & The Ants
3/5
This grew on me and I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. Some catchy tunes. 3.25
CHIC
3/5
Groovy. Love a lot of the beats and bass work. Man, many of their songs just drag on way too long. Could trim almost 2 min from Le Freak IMO. Maybe I just don’t have the stamina or appreciate that turkeys impressing the ladies with their moves don’t want the beats to stop.
I was so excited for (funny) bone because I assumed that was a not-so-subtle innuendo. Gonna have some great lyrics… I was quite disappointed finding out it was an instrumental 😞
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
You know the hits. Overall a solid listen with nice harmonies and layers. Sounds dated but still holds up (if that makes sense). I’m torn between a 3 and 4 but ultimately will round up because 60s Michelle Phillips is fuego 🔥
Brian Eno
2/5
I did not get this at all. Found it very boring and not very interesting. Glanced at some of the global reviews and very confused. What am I missing here? Are we listening to the same album? 🥱😴
Judas Priest
4/5
Don’t think I’ve listened to a full Judas Priest album until now. Shame on me. This was great! And consistent all the way through. Of course a couple of hits but all the songs rocked my pants.
Grinder……looking for meat 🤣🤣🤣
The Byrds
3/5
Sure. It was fine. About what I expected but nothing really stood out and had me wanting more. 2.75
Steely Dan
3/5
Okay, I’ll give some credit where it’s due. Last two SD albums drove me crazy. This one has some solid songs with Do It Again, Dirty Work and Reelin’ in the Years (which is prob the best for me). I don’t know what it is about these guys but it just feels emotionless. Reelin’ and Fire In the Hole have a bit more feeling.
Regardless, don’t think I’ll be seeking out another listen anytime soon.
Metallica
5/5
Easy 5 and for me, one of the greatest of all time in my book. I think every song hits. Sad But True is a great example of something that is so freaking heavy and not even that fast. Sandman riff is timeless. Shit, every song has a great riff. Unforgiven and Nothing Else Matters are an incredible heavy ballads. Greatness.
Bob Dylan
3/5
During “It’s Alright, Ma” I couldn’t help thinking about that scene from Happy Gilmore. How about I go eat some hay? I could make things out of clay and lay by the bay. I just may. What do ya say?
Jokes aside, pretty awesome what he pulled off in that song. Overall a solid album but still a lot of Bob Dylan at once. 3.5 but just isn’t quite a 4 for me.
The Stooges
2/5
Started out interesting but quickly became very meh. 2.5 and rounding down because of iggy’s funky ass toes.
David Crosby
3/5
Methinks I needed to mellow out a little more to enjoy this, if ya know what I mean 😉
I’m talking about drugs…ya know…
Blazing the Broccoli, Hitting the Devil’s Lettuce, Roasting the Jazz Cabbage, Taking the Green Elevator, Puffin’ the Magic Dragon, Firing up the Salad, Greening the Gills, Launching the Lawn Clippings, Baking the Potato, Riding the Pineapple Express, Crisping the Kale, Mowing the Mind Grass, Toasting the Turnip, Rippin’ the Herb Bongos, Lighting up Old Mary Jane, Visiting Planet Pot, Hotboxing the Honda, Brewing the Leaf Soup, Getting Silly with the Sticky Icky, Pulling a Cheech & Chong…
All that to say this was pretty 🥱 😴
2.5 but rounding up for his mustache and generous sperm donation to Melissa etheridge. Shouldn’t that kid be a musical super star by now?
The Who
3/5
I like the ambition of this. And I like the concept. But not sure I loved this. Pinball Wizard is great…such a weird idea…but it works. The rest is very meh.
2.75
Now I’m gonna go smoke some Mother Nature.
Carole King
4/5
Not necessarily my cup of tea but gotta give respect where it’s due. Great songwriter and voice. Surprised how much of this I recognized which is a credit to Ms. King.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Only looked at the album title before putting so was expecting some 90s electronic music and was pleasantly surprised it was not that.
I thought this sounded like a mix between the doors and CCR. Some good parts but nothing took it over the top for me. I also respect what they had to do back in the day to chase a guitar tone but for me it sounded thin, too much high end and twangy. The clean tone was better than when they hit some distortion.
2.5 but rounding up because telling LBJ to go work on his ranch in Texas and the not so subtle promotion of LCD are quite funny to me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
A solid showing. I appreciate this and liked a fair amount. I’m just don’t get super hyped the second best Elvis.
3.25 and prob one his albums we’ve gotten that I liked the most.
System Of A Down
3/5
This is freaking bonkers. And you know what…I kind of like it. Man, I can’t think of anyone that sounds like these guys. Vocals are distinct. The guitar hits so heavy and then goes to some soft and melodic. Then the tempo changes and interesting riffs with that Eastern European (I guess Armenian) feel. A wild ride. Spiders feels like quintessential system.
Toxicity certainly has some bigger songs but I thought this was sold. 3.25
Bob Dylan
4/5
Just a boy with his guitar and harmonica singing about the weather. 4.25
Norah Jones
5/5
I love this album. Perfect for that Saturday or Sunday morning when you’re up before everyone else and need something chill and relaxing. Don’t know why is prob one of my least favorite songs on this. Come Away With Me is one I could listen to thousands of times and never get tired. I also love the guitar solo on that song. So simple but great tone, pacing and emotion. I also accept the challenge Norah has posed to me on the 7th track. 4.5 but I gotta round this up.
Solange
3/5
She sings good. But overall I found this a bit boring. 🥱
And that’s a lot of Interludes.
Also, big thanks to lil Wayne for dropping the mother eff bombs while I was listening to this in the car with my kid. But I guess that one is on me. It’s like jumping in a cage with a tiger and not expecting it to bite you.
2.75
Steely Dan
1/5
I don’t know what it is about these guys but I just really don’t like it. Great musicians but it just falls flat for me. And then it starts to bother me. And then I get angry.
And countdown to ecstasy? What the hell is that? If it were a Prince album named that, I’d be like…yeah, that guy fucks. But these jabronis? Nah.
Cornershop
3/5
I thought these guys just made commercials for LeeeeeeBrawn Jaaames. Was it Nike? Man, that would get me hyped…for going to the bars and drinking.
This thing was all over the place but I guess kept me interested. Rounding up to 3 for that bass line.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Loved this and even the analog-ness (is that a word?) you can here in the recording. Like you can hear the reverb in the room the recorded. Lots of musics can credit their roots to this. 4.5 but just doesn’t get that 5 for me.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Lots of Neil young in this exercise. I feel like all my reviews are probably the same. This is good and Neil has some great songs, but on my hole, the albums just don’t blow me away. 3.25
Laura Nyro
1/5
Woof. So much of this sounded like shrieking. Perhaps I’m being harsh but there were way too many moments that hurt my ear holes.
Timer sealed the deal and it never recovered. That song sounds like David Lee Roth or Axl Rose singing live in 2025. Same with parts of Woman’s Blues. Heart aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaache.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
This is just background music. And if you pay too much attention you’ll go insane because it is just too damn repetitive. They didn’t even come back with a block rockin beat!
Now I’m gonna go take the blue pill (or was it the red one) and go king du some agents.
Paul Weller
3/5
This was…fine. I don’t know, it just felt like something was missing for me. Like it didn’t have that “it” factor that would have me rate it higher. Good songs but not the level of song writing like a Dylan or cat Steven’s or Paul McCartney. Decent guitars but not as gripping as a Clapton or George Harrison. Or missing the catchiness of a bob Seeger or even some of Steve winwood. Probably not a fair list but hopefully makes my point. 2.75
Pink Floyd
5/5
Amazing that the more you listen the better it gets. I just love Gilmour’s guitar…the tone, the bends, the melodies. The best.
Some of the extracurricular I could go without, even if they bring it all together. But yeah…pretty great.
Tears For Fears
4/5
I’ll admit I held a grudge against these guys for a very petty reason. A girl I was dating (and actually became my wife) put Sowing the Seeds on a love making mix tape and made me absolutely despise these guys. But I’ve come around. Of course Shout is great and after hearing a breakdown of Everybody Wants to Rule the World (maybe by rick beato) I have a lot of respect for that song. Mothers Talk is annoying. Head over heels is obviously another good. Enough here to go 4.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Some primo JT dooooshbagness. But gosh darn it if my head doesn’t start to bob when cry me a river comes on. And my booty shakes with rock your body.
The rest is very generic and meh. Didn’t really need a full album of this. 2.5 and rounding up for nostalgia.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Man, I remember Lupe being so hyped when he first hit. Pretty good flow and beats. Didn’t blow my mind or necessarily pull me more into the genre but I could see myself coming back to some Lupe.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Melt my effing face. Love this. 4.5 and maybe I’m being stingy but just doesn’t quite cross that 5 for me. But god damn this is everything you want in some metal.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Great album and crazy the number of great songs on this. I freaking love Never Going Back Again. Paul Davids did a great breakdown of this on his YouTubes. Worth checking out and had my respect for Lindsey Buckingham go through the roof.
Also love how timeless much of these sound and are as relevant today. It feels like many of the albums on this list you have to put in the context of their time. Not this…holds up on it’s own.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Nice listen. Not sure how this stands out from other albums in this genre but that’s probably my issue. Seeing this is from ‘59 and I think it could still stand up today is impressive. 3.25
Elvis Costello
2/5
I couldn’t get through this. I’ll never claim to have a great ear but I found the mix terrible. Especially the vocals. Sounded way out of balance and jarring. Needed some compression or something. I dunno. 1.5
JAY Z
4/5
I like jays beats, flow, rhymes and voice. This is a most solid listen.
The Beach Boys
2/5
What the holy hell? How do you have an album called Surf’s Up and first song is Don’t get in the water!?! I guess that’s irony 🤷♂️
This was….fine. I just didn’t really get it or felt that moved by most of it. It sounded very dated for someone who wasn’t around at this time. Like I’m supposed to like it because it’s The Beach Boys. Meh.
Disney Girls has a moment that sounds like Gravity by John Mayer (or rather gravity sounds like this). That’s a fun fact that my ear (probably incorrectly) picked up.
And then student demonstration comes in and sounds completely out of the blue. As do the rest of the songs.
2.5 and I’m rounding down b/c I’m not a sheep.
Yes
3/5
Yep, Yup, Yeah, Yea, Uh-huh, Sure, Sure thing, Absolutely, Totally, Definitely, For sure, You bet, Affirmative, Indeed, Without a doubt, Of course, By all means, That’s right, Roger that, Aye, A-OK, Indubitably, Fo’ sho’, Hell yes, Hell yeah, I do, I will, I can, Consider it done, No doubt, Sure enough, Right on, Word, Mm-hmm, You got it, 10-4, Sounds good, Works for me, Copy that, I’m in, Count me in, Naturally, As you wish, Fine by me, Why not, All right, Looks good, Okay, Okie dokie, Yes.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Damn he sounds great on this. Charisma for days and I actually enjoyed the few times he laughed and bantered with the crowd. Get the man some god damn water!
The Soft Boys
3/5
I enjoyed this. An interesting mix of styles and sounds. A lot of it sounded familiar so no not sure if they were good at expressing what influenced them or influenced a lot after them. First song gave me Cheap Trick vibes (mommy’s alright, daddy’s alright). Queen of Eyes was straight up mid-60s boy band (I was getting Byrds vibes). And track 8 was definitely about my brother.
But was this really 40 songs and 2.5 hours!?! Admittedly I didn’t make it through all of it, but I think I got the idea.
3.5
The La's
3/5
Of course There She Goes is quite the hit. But huge drop from there. Also crazy that it was covered and another hit just 7 years later. I liked it but didn’t grab my ear holes too hard.
3/5
Cool album and interesting listen with some excellent parts. However, didn’t really grab me to go much higher than a solid 3. Might be a taste thing. Randy California is a pretty cool name. Damn…dude died at 45 while rescuing his son from a rip current.
Sade
3/5
19.6MM monthly listeners on Spotify! I would’ve never guessed.
This was good. Solid songs. Solid performances and vocals. Solid grooves. All around solid. Not a big stand out for me but can’t hate on anything.
I’m also assuming Warrant took inspiration for their version of Cherry Pie.
Soundgarden
4/5
Good lord black hole sun was massive! I’ve seen that music video so many times and freaks me out just thinking about it and those creepy smiles. Black days, my wave, spoon man are all great. Never listened to the full album so found a few more I liked. Man Chris is great. RIP
Rod Stewart
3/5
Boogie woogie. I liked it. Generally good. Nothing really stood out.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Thought this was solid. Not a ton of stand outs but overall a good listen front to back.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Nice album. Hallelujah is is with the price of entry. 3.5 but not quite a 4 for me.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Jimi gonna Jimi but this got a lil too psychedelic for me and didn’t have quite as many hits as Are You Experienced. But Little Wing alone is worth the cost of admissions. Castles too.
The Pogues
4/5
Loved it.
I think this genre risks all sounding the same but this album does a great job of mixing it up and keeping it interesting. Interesting to read about some of the Spanish and Turkish influences.
Title track is great. Turkish song is weird and amazing how they blended the styles in a way that works. Fairytale of NY is lovely.
Fever Ray
3/5
I remember looking up Fever Ray when watching Vikings and thinking that opening song was quite cool. Never thought I’d need a full album of it though.
Like the uniqueness and the fact that it’s different but still very listenable. Going 3 mostly bc of the Vikings song.
I am a lil curious why ever song is explicit because I don’t recall hearing a ton of bad words.
Living Colour
3/5
Such a weird blend of styles. Worked for Cult of Personality and maybe a few others were okay, but overall this just didn’t come together for me. Dude was slappin’ da bass though. 2.75
FKA twigs
2/5
I think I tried to listen to this line 4 times and kept getting distracted (or just maybe could never stay that interested).
She seems like a very weird chick. I feel like if you had the opportunity of hooking up with her it could be the best night of your life. Or the weirdest. Maybe both.
I thought the album was meh.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Sure.
I didn’t find too much to dislike about this. Overall a good listen. I just don’t know this genre enough to know why this stands out.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Not bad. I just don’t think I’m much of an Elvis Costello fan.
Talking Heads
3/5
Solid. Can’t say I’m a huge talking heads fan but like some of their stuff. I think a good example of being unique and creative but still creating songs people want to listen to. I don’t know their chronology and how sound has evolved but kept expecting One In a Lifetime to come on. Looks like that was next album so maybe this was building to that sound?
Back of the album lost me a bit. Heaven sounds like it took a bit of inspo from David Bowie’s Hero’s (particularly in the chorus).
Man, when that dude is dancing with that big suit or doing that crazy knee swinging dance…cracks my ass up. 3.25
The Prodigy
2/5
Sounds cool / interesting at moments. But no way I can do an hour + of this. Gotta be on some good drugs to get through this. Also, you think Yungblood is Keith flints (RIP) child?
CHIC
3/5
Listen up, cool cats and disco divas — Risqué is the sound of the late ’70s strutting into Studio 54 with a mink coat, a gold toothpick, and a fresh perm. Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, those bad mamma jammas of funk, are back at it, laying down basslines so greasy you could fry an egg on them. But hold onto your bell bottoms — this ride ain’t all roller boogie thrills.
The album kicks off with “Good Times”, which is, no joke, one of the most bodacious grooves in the history of the boogieverse. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to pop open a can of Tab, hit the light-up dance floor, and point both fingers to the heavens like John Travolta’s cooler cousin. Bernard Edwards’ bass pops like champagne corks, and Nile Rodgers’ guitar is tighter than your Aunt Linda’s sequined jumpsuit after Thanksgiving dinner. Honestly, “Good Times” is worth the price of admission alone — it’s a certified hustle anthem.
But here’s the thing, sugarplum — once the glitter settles, Risqué can feel a little like that moment when you’re at the club and the DJ plays three mid-tempo tracks in a row. “A Warm Summer Night” is smooth enough to get you swaying with a mysterious stranger, but it’s so laid-back it risks killing your hustle buzz. Chic’s slow jams here are silky, no doubt, but sometimes they’re less “disco inferno” and more “fondue party at 2 a.m. with people you just met.”
Don’t get me wrong — “My Feet Keep Dancing” brings the strut back, complete with tap-dance breaks that’ll have you wanting to audition for The Love Boat. But there’s a sense that Chic, masters of the groove though they are, are starting to get a little too comfortable in their satin sheets. This ain’t the wild, uncut boogie fever of their earlier records — this is Chic sipping Courvoisier and looking at their Rolex, wondering if they should leave the party early.
Lyrically, Risqué does what Chic does best — it’s all champagne wishes and caviar dreams, sprinkled with winks and nods to the jet-set life. But there’s not much here that makes you sweat, unless you’re already wearing a polyester shirt in August. It’s disco with its shirt halfway unbuttoned, lounging at the bar — and sometimes, you wish it would just get out on the floor and freak out.
So yeah, daddy-o, Risqué is still a good time — you just might find yourself skipping a few tracks to get to the ones that truly slap the glitter off the walls. Chic’s playing? Impeccable. The grooves? Funkadelic. But the overall ride? Let’s just say it’s a solid Saturday night… not quite the fever pitch you’ll remember forever.
The Who
4/5
Great album and great band. Amazing how they were able to straddle what felt more like the 60s be bop (The Kids Are Alright) with more of that rebellious, smash your instruments (I hope I die before I get old). And then throw in some blues with please please please. 60 years later and this still holds up. 4.25
The Velvet Underground
3/5
God I hate giving 3s but that’s where I am on this. Decent. Didn’t really pull me one way or the other.
Eagles
3/5
Perhaps the most amazing part of this album is going from something as awesome as hotel California (even though I’ve heard it way too many times) to new kid in town which I thought was super lame. 3.5 and part of my wants to round up but my gut says it isn’t a 4 for me.
AC/DC
4/5
Just some good ol rock and roll. I still don’t hear “season ticket…” Solid all the way through
X-Ray Spex
2/5
Huh. I could usually see myself liking something like this but for some reason it just didn’t land with me. After a few songs the vocals did not sound nice to my ears…very screechy. I didn’t much enjoy the saxamaphone. 2.25
The National
3/5
Good listen and maybe a band I’ll come back to and enjoy more over time. But didn’t have a ton that stood out on this spin so safely in a middle of the road rating. 3.25
Beth Orton
2/5
I put this on and my wife goes “oh babe, I didn’t know you’re a lesbian.” 😂
I look forward to seeing Beth at the next Lilith Fair.
Wait, how do I know about Lilith Fair. Maybe I am a lesbian. 🤔
Ryan Adams
3/5
Maybe caught me at the right moment but I think I liked this more than other Ryan Adams stuff. You’ll also probably say “well no shit dumbass” but he sounded a lot like Dylan on this one. I guess the acoustic guitar and harmonica are easy ingredients but the singing and song writing also seemed in the family.
Gang Of Four
4/5
This had me sounding like Denzel Washington (Okay, Alright…)
Very nice surprise and really enjoyed this. Just felt like some bros picking up some instruments and jamming. 3.5 but rounding up bc it was a pleasant surprise.
Doves
3/5
Can’t say I’ve heard of these guys. Even went to some of their hits on other albums and didn’t recognize it. Enjoyed the album and may have to go deeper in their catalog and other similar bands. Can’t say anything really stuck with me so might need a couple more listens to stick. 3.25
Chicago
2/5
This caused my weiner to go quite flaccid. I don’t know what it is but I just really don’t like most of this. Props for being solid musicians I guess.
Aerosmith
4/5
Just gimme a kiss! Man, Aerosmith is greatness. Maybe not my fav album of theirs but certainly some solid rock and 2 timeless songs. 3.5 and rounding up for Steven Tyler’s grandma style.
The Monks
3/5
Sure
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Solid album but didn’t blow me away. I liked it but not sure there was a moment or song that would make me go higher on the rating.
Grateful Dead
3/5
Def like these guys more after seeing dead and co live at the sphere. Wasn’t quite life changing for me and don’t think I’ll be selling my positions to follow them around. Also like the live stuff better than the studio recordings.
3/5
I thought it was wild to hear this sound from 1969. In some ways felt ahead of their time and gotta think they influenced a lot after. Good listen on Saturday but not sure I remember many specifics on Monday morning.
Nick Drake
3/5
Knew this sounded familiar and figured it was from some sad movie from the early 2000s. After a lil research came across the VW commercial which is pretty amazing that still resonated 25 years later. Kudos to that ad team.
Good listen and I appreciate how simple and raw this was. A tragic life that came through. I’m generally okay with imperfections but the guitar rattling on Know drove me crazy. 3.5
The Monkees
2/5
Man, I was not in the mood for this 60s poppy boy band shit. Needed a shower afterwards. The tambourine and rattles also bothered me. Learn how to spell assholes!
The Stooges
2/5
Couldn’t really get into this.
Dr. Octagon
1/5
WTF. Giving this a 1 for the track “A Visit to the Gynecologyst”. Just completely creepy weird.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
She sings good.
Not really my style and wanted to like this more. Was good but didn’t completely land with me. I also think the original coat of many colors is much better.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
What a wild listen. At times this felt very mainstream friendly. Other times it was just weird. But it did kind of work for me. Giving it a 3.5 for creativity and musicianship. Rounding down because I’ll probably never listen to it again.
The Dictators
3/5
I’m slightly embarrassed with how much I liked this. I came in thinking it would be garbage. And was sticking my nose up at the beginning. But didn’t take long for me to change my tune. Not sure I can rate super high for a satirical/parody band (I did have to check if Master Rock Race was racist), but overall a nice surprise. 3.25
Silver Jews
2/5
I guess I can understand why people might like this. I was not one of them.
I think the singer was as bored by their songs as I was.
High point was Transylvania Blues which is funny because there weren’t any vocals.
Low point was the lyric “you’re the only ten I see…”
PJ Harvey
3/5
I’m starting to think this whole exercise can S my D. Our 3rd PJ Harvey album? You’re telling me 0.3% of the albums I should listen to are from this crazy chick? Come on man! Oh shit… is there more coming???
I looked back and I hated London Shakes. Stories I was apparently okay with. I don’t remember either and maybe I’ll need to go back and listen.
With that said, I came into this with an open mind. First two songs I thought we might have something here. Sure, a little raw and unique but I liked it.
Legs is where it seems PJ forgot people have to listen to this. Something she seems to do quite often. What the eff is Man Size Sextet?
But there were moments where the whole band hits a groove that were absolutely great. Gotta give credit.
And by “S my D” I meant “Solve my Dislike”
Arcade Fire
4/5
Greatness. Keep the Car Running and Intervention are stand outs for me but this is solid front to back. These guys have a great ability to build songs, creating anticipation, a build up and then paying it off. 4.5
Big Black
1/5
Sounds like a panic attack wrapped in anxiety that hurt my ears. Also the topics/lyrics sound like something I don’t need in my life.
I imagine Albini accomplished exactly what he wanted with this album and will appreciate my 1 rating.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Not a bad listen. Just felt average. And 21 songs running 71 min for average? Come on man, edit yo’ shit.
Pere Ubu
1/5
I really tried to give this a chance. But starting out with 30 seconds of high pitched noice is a bad start. The guitar came in and was kinda cool….but then he started singing. Yikes.
Chinese radiation could’ve been a cool song. Same with life stinks. But then they just ruined it.
What the hell is sentimental journey?
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
If you asked me what music sounded like in the mid-60s, I would say this. Good listen but fairly middle of the pack. Sometimes sounded like the Beatles. Sometimes like The Beach Boys.
TLC
3/5
So so much 90s cheese. How can you sing Kick Your Game and Diggin’ On You with a straight face. 🤣
But man, Creep and Waterfalls were soooooo massive. They sound a bit dated but still have to respect. I personally love Red Light Special. “Take a good look at it…look at it now…” and it just gets better from there. 2.5 but gotta round up for that.
Syd Barrett
3/5
A bit all over the place. Obviously some sounds like Pink Floyd. Octopus sounded like an imitation of the Beatles.
What the hell was going on at the end of the album? I thought the guitar on She Took a Long Cold Look sounded very amateurish. Same on Feel. Then the studio commentary for If It’s in you was weird. That was not a good song. Maybe I’m missing the point?
I’m probably sounding too negative. Not bad and I’m sure he was influential. Maybe tough to fully appreciate out of context.
2.75
Björk
2/5
So I got through a couple songs and then had to go somewhere with my wife. We jump in the car and CarPlay picks it up and continues with the album. 30 seconds in my wife goes “I can’t fucking listen to bjork right now” and cuts the volume.
I think that about sums it up.
I’m glad people like bjork exist and are trying new things and pushing creativity. I’m sure there are people that connect with this and then take it to other interesting places. And yes, there are some moments that are good. But for me it doesn’t sustain and really tough to do a full album of this. 2.0
William Orbit
2/5
Sure. More background music. It’s fine but my review is the same for all music in this genre. I just don’t see much separation and as long as it’s listenable and I don’t pay too much attention, it’s fine. But the difference of this album vs something else. 🤷♂️
1.5 but rounding up because it was fiiiiine.
Funkadelic
3/5
I was into this. Great grooves and baselines. Solid guitar work.
So I was thinking maybe I’ve been sleeping on Funkadelic and I should be a fan.
But the last song kind of lost me. A bit too long and the jam wasn’t great. Then I really didn’t understand all the doo doo bathroom noises. I’m always in for a good fart joke but these didn’t really land for me.
Goldfrapp
3/5
I was digging the first half of this. Really unique blend of styles with the jazzy, Smokey bar vocals and some electronic type stuff coming in. Some songs sounded like a Bond soundtrack.
There were a couple songs towards the back that lost me. Seemed a bit like throwaways or incomplete ideas.
Overall still enjoyed. 2.75
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Very solid. Nothing really stood out which holds me back from rating higher but overall a good listen.
I haven’t listened to much Waylon but prob should explore more of his catalog. I also don’t listen to much country but I really enjoy sturgill Simpson. I guess I never appreciated how much his vocals sound like Waylon.
Paul Simon
3/5
Would you describe Simon’s song writing as playful? At times this is endearing and he writes beautiful songs paint a beautiful picture in your mind. Other times I find it a little too childish (I’m looking at you Cars are Cars).
No denying the musicianship on this is stellar. The guitar work on Allergies was surprising and I was like “god damn that boy can wail!”
Also read this was supposed to be a reunion album. But there were creative differences so Simon cut Garfunkel’s vocals. Suck it Art!
Fiona Apple
4/5
Apparently I’ve been sleeping on Miss Apple since Tidal. I enjoyed this. Her piano playing is so unique and I thought the stand up bass was a star on this. Flow-y / poetic vocals were also a nice departure from formulaic music you tend to hear meow days. Ladies, Ladies, Ladies, Ladies!
3.5 with a lil round up.
Jacques Brel
3/5
Enjoyable. Didn’t understand a damn word of it but it was a nice change of pace.
Hearing French reminds me of a Damien Rice song called The Professor and la Fille Danse in which he starts singing in French towards the end. And it’s beautiful.
For me Jacques is a little harsher to my American ears but I still thought it was quite pretty.
I’ll finish it off with some French wine and cheese…
2.75
Big Star
3/5
This is the most 70s rock band that ever 70s rock banded. I started unintentionally singing In the Street (think everyone my age prob knows that) and the cowbell was <chefs kiss>.
At times it did sound like a less good Boston but maybe that’s completely unfair. Lyrics on The India Song also felt like a bit of a give up.
Regardless, overall enjoyable.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Liked it. Didn’t love it. Maybe it would grow on me with more listens but not sure I’ll come back. So Bowie was just like “I think I can do china girl better.”?
Also, ‘77 was quite the year for Iggy. Props.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
So if you listen to this for what it is, it’s not very good.
But, if you consider it for the time it came out…it’s still not very good. Suck it Ramblin Jack!
I’m shocked he played a Gibson J-45 because it sounded like an untuned toy guitar. And he’s singing wasn’t very good. 1.5 but I won’t round down since this wasn’t as terrible as some of the other shit we’ve had to listen to.
David Bowie
4/5
Man, turns out I might be a bigger Bowie fan than I thought I was. Great song writing that’s still accessible but still very creative and unique with some of the switches, instruments, etc. Also some epic moments and builds. Seems like one of Bowies biggest talents.
When do we get the labrynth soundtrack?
4.25
Miles Davis
1/5
The first song sounded like 20 minutes of an orchestra warming up. Second song didn’t get much better. And they both just made me feel agitated and anxious. I didn’t make it to disc 2.
John Cale
2/5
This sounded like a saltine cracker and I have never felt so white listening to this.
The title track was a little interesting. The rest fell quite flat for me.
Parts of it sounded familiar but not as good as what it reminded me of.
Taylor Swift
4/5
Hilarious seeing how polarizing this album is. Sure the songs may be simple and formulaic, but I’ll be damned if they aren’t catchy. Gotta give Tay her props and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
A very different vibe than his later work. It was fine.
Björk
2/5
Quite the different approach to a breakup album than T Swift 🤣
Really tough for me to get into Bjork. Hilarious looking at the lyrics while listening. Her and Eddie Vedder have this amazing way of bending weirds to fit their melody. And for listeners to have no idea what they are saying.
The lyrics are good/interesting. Maybe this should’ve been a poem book and not a musical album?
Emmylou Harris
3/5
This was good. And surprising. I always think of Emmylou as some old school country but this sounded very contemporary for 2000. Several nice songs and may have to give this another visit (along with some of her other work). 3.25
Madonna
4/5
Started out reeeeally strong for me but kind of dropped off after Cherish. 3.5 and rounding up because 80s Madonna was 🔥
Slade
3/5
This was enjoyable and crazy to think this evolved into a lot of the 80s glam metal. You can definitely hear a lot of the influences. Well done Slade.
The xx
3/5
I like The xx even though I have no idea how to say their name. Not sure if this is my favorite of theirs and I probably listened to their self titled album more. Regardless this is a chill listen and I enjoyed it, especially the vocal style with the two singers playing off each other. Nice. 3.25
George Jones
3/5
Not my typical go to but decent songs and well performed. Next time I feel like drinkin’ some whiskeys and feeling sorry for myself, I’ll be putting this on. 2.75
Billy Bragg
3/5
This grew on me. At first wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it through a full album. His voice is sooooo….British. But like that certain British accent that can be a little harsh and obnoxious.
But I ended up liking it. Really enjoyed the guitar tone on some of the songs like Levi Stubb’s Tears. 3.25
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
I’ve tried getting through this a few times. Not that it was bad but just didn’t grab me enough to keep it spinning and not get distracted. Solid but didn’t stand out for me.
Sam Cooke
4/5
This is quite great. Would love if there was a video to go with this. So smooth, so much charisma and songs that just hit you in the feels. Know Sam but never listened a ton. Need to change that after listening to this. 4.25
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Tough to get the full experience when it’s not on Spotify. I think I found most of the tracks on a YouTube playlist but was hilarious listening and then an ad would come on in a completely different style and confuse me. Happened more times than I should admit.
This is tough. Some really interesting parts and songs. The harmonies were really cool. But overall this didn’t really stand out and felt quite sleepy at times. 2.75
Bee Gees
2/5
🥱 I guess I didn’t hate this but didn’t feel like it was memorable. A bit too theatrical for me as well. “Mama can you hear me!” Is all I kept hearing…but of course as gold member from Austin powers.
2.5 and maybe I’d rate up but the vocals sounded very goofy at parts. Did end on a strong note with Walking Back To Waterloo, it not enough for me.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
This was okay. Kinda grinded on me after a while and nothing I really loved. 2.5 but rounding down for “meh” factor
The Specials
2/5
Not for me dog.
Tim Buckley
2/5
What in the holy hippie at a renaissance fair. Didn’t love this and his voice bothers me.
Hot Chip
3/5
The band image on Spotify makes it look like the band includes hipster Louis CK and full grown Peter Dinklage. I liked it but a full album is a lil much for my tastes. 2.75
Bad Company
4/5
Three solid hits that you gotta think most peeps would recognize. The softer songs with Don’t Let Me Down and The Way I choose are quite nice too. And a good acoustic song with Seagull. Really just solid music.
Also, these are some horny mofos…can’t get enough of your love, ready for love, feel like making love (yes I know that’s not on this album)…reminds me of south park when cartman started a Christian rock band and basically just sang love songs to Jesus 😂
3.75
Pulp
2/5
It’s like wannabe David Bowie meets the Dracula play from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Also, quite the bait and switch with the album title and cover. Not really what I was expecting. Buckcherry has a similar-ish cover (albeit an illustration) and then kicks off with a song about cocaine. That how you rock and roll.
1/5
Not on Spotify so I almost gave up. Found on YouTube but couldn’t listen very long. Gave me anxiety. I bet these guys are pretentious as shit.
Patti Smith
2/5
Some interesting/good moments and at times I loved her voice. Other times I thought it was just awful and headache inducing noice. Birdland? What the shit is that? I liked Break It Up and really cool guitar tone…but the end goes into nonsense and turns me off. 2.25
3/5
I liked how raw and unpolished this was. Tough to pull off and still sound good. 3.25
Faust
1/5
Fuck. Off.
I knew I was jumping into something back with the first song being almost 12 minutes of nonsense.
I tried to give this a chance. I really did. But certain parts made my skin crawl like nails on a chalk board and even some songs that could be decent would be interrupted by obnoxious noise that hurt my ear holes.
I spent too much time listening to this and writing my review.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
That’s a lot of organ. Greens onions is quite recognizable. I’m trying to remember what made it so famous? 🤔
I really don’t care enough to look it up. This is a 2.5 for me but rounding up because it was good musically and how big Green Onions is (are?)
Orbital
1/5
Yeaaaaaah, that’s a no for me dawg.
The Mars Volta
3/5
Quite the polarizing album. I’m probably inconsistent but I enjoy a lot of this. Probably bc I was listening when it first came out. 3.5 but a lil too much prog for me to fully buyin and round up.
George Harrison
4/5
Always liked me some George Harrison. Solid album. Maybe a lil too long…perhaps a lil pent up writing from the Beatles. 3.75
Beastie Boys
3/5
Always solid. Felt like this one was missing that big standout hit (or hits) like most of the other albums have. Think I enjoy that license to Ill more than this.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
This was so confusing.
I guess interesting and decent at parts but I really didn’t get it. Charge I’m like “what the eff am I listening to???” And then songs of love!?! And frog princess!?!
Props on the range but this didn’t really connect with me.
Britney Spears
3/5
I’ve had massive swings on this one. Coming of age when this came out there’s so much nostalgia. I found myself singing along to “Sometimes” and was like “how do I know this!”
But after the 3 radio friendly hits at the beginning this drops off massively for me. Britney’s singing is so inconsistent and at times was wondering if that was even her. It was all just over produced garbage. This wants me to rate low and having a weekend with this doesn’t help.
Man…but it’s Britney bitch…I’ll go 2.5 but round up for the pure star power, cultural impact and hotness.
Dr. Dre
4/5
This one had me feeling like Michael Bolton in office space blasting his gangsta rap in traffic. “Why should I change my name? He’s the one who sucks.”
I came into this with high expectations. And while there are some bangers and great parts, there is a good portion that is just kind of “meh”.
But man, there is just something with Dre and Snoop that just works. 3.5 but rounding up for that duo and Nuthin’ But a “G” thing, Deeez Nuuute” and “Bitches and Shit”
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
What in the holy hell. Not on Spotify so I found it on YouTube. Didn’t get it at all.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I came thinking this was a 4 easy. But man, I didn’t love as much as I thought I would. Mrs. Robinson = greatness. A hazy shade of winter = greatness. Both also with great covers as well. American is another good one. Voices of old peeps is unnecessary. This is a 3.5 for me but I gotta round up for the aforementioned songs.
Also, why are these homeys dressing up like Steve Jobs?
Ice Cube
3/5
Thought I would like this more than I did. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood or setting but the songs up to It Was a Good Day felt a little bland and repetitive. Maybe on a different day I’d feel different but this didn’t hit with me. 2.75
Stereo MC's
2/5
Didn’t know this going in. Then the first song came on and I was like “motha effer!” So overplayed and I feel like I’ve been trying to get that out of my head for the last 3 decades.
Wanted to go instant 1 but I powered through. The rest was fine.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Nice listen. I feel like it sounded like different artists at different moments. Some bob Dylan, maybe a lil U2.
Totally fine album but I’m not sure it’s that memorable. Probably worth another listen but not sure if I’ll give it another spin. 2.75
The Avalanches
2/5
Beep boop beep boop.
So dang repetitive.
This gets 2 “mehs”
MC Solaar
3/5
I was listening to this with my AirPods in noise cancelation and man some of those songs where he came in all sultry in French had me feeling a little uncomfortable…maybe slightly aroused and questioning my life.
2.5 but rounding up for rapping in French 🤷♂️
John Prine
3/5
I liked it. Some of the lyrics were a little too country-cute for my tastes but overall a good listen. 3.5
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
You can just smell the hippie. Piece of My Heart is such a great song and incredibly performed. I usually don’t rate high for one song but this one hits me. 3.5
Grateful Dead
2/5
Started to have some more appreciation for Grateful Dead after seeing Dead & Co. live but this album kind of reminded me why I never really listened to them. Some good moments but overall not for me. A solid 2.
Sister Sledge
3/5
Can really get into this genre but can’t deny those beats, bass lines and guitar will get that booty moving. I think the first track might be about me. Can’t listen to the title track anymore. 2.75
Caetano Veloso
2/5
I really don’t know what to do with something like this. Was it unique? Sure. Did it sound good? Yeah, no complaints. Did it grab me by the gonads? No really. I mean I have no frame of reference to judge music coming out of Brazil in the 1960s. So yeah…it was fine.
Giant Sand
2/5
🥱
Neu!
2/5
Not really sure what to make of this. Felt like a lot of not very good…to get to a little bit of good. If ya dig what I’m sayin’.
2.25
Spiritualized
2/5
Thought this started as a chill listen. But by the time we got to Step Into the Breeze, I was kind of checked out. Next two songs didn’t help. So I kind of slogged through after that. 2.5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This hit the mood driving home from work on a raining autumn evening. Very raw, vulnerable and stripped down. Not what I expected from the boss but I think highlights him as a songwriter and artist. Not sure I loved it front to back but very solid. 3.5 with a round up for the boss.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
This is tough. Very interesting and unique and I bet it influenced more than I know (felt like some of the distortion and noise was very grunge). But not sure I loved it. 2.5 but rounding down.
Small Faces
3/5
Sounded like that late 60s. It was a fine listen. A little unique but honestly didn’t really stand out after a couple attempts to get through. 2.75
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Really nice surprise. Had heard of these guys and very much enjoyed this. Good energy, guitar and vocals. A couple parts were a little rough on the ear holes but fortunately they didn’t lean in on that. A lot of grunge feels and a couple parts gave me system of the down type feels. Will be checking out more of this band. 3.75
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Great band name. Music was kind of meh. 2.5
Grizzly Bear
3/5
I liked it at parts and others it felt like background noise. Overall good listen but didn’t necessarily stand out other than a couple singles that were familiar. 2.75
Joni Mitchell
1/5
No, no, never, no, never
The Band
3/5
Sounded like what you’d expect if someone said “play me some music from 1968.” The weight is a solid jam. Some good parts throughout but didn’t really grab me and not something I’ll go back to.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
On the surface I really enjoyed listening to this. I love the overload on the vocals that gets to that natural overdrive. I really like Richard’s guitar. He has such a great feel and solid riffs. BUT tough to go too high when this is essentially an album of covers. Similar to a greatest hits or live album, how do you rate that? For that I’m going lower. Will be interesting if Metallica garage days shows up and how I’ll feel about that 🤔
2.75
George Michael
3/5
Love Faith. Father figure is fun. I want your sex is an awkward listen when your kids walk into the room. Even more so when your wife does and doesn’t comply. Wanted to like this more than I did. 3.5 but not quite a round up to 4 for me.
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Meh. Too cheesey for me. Also everytime I see the band name reminds me of a deeeeep cut in Fresh Prince of Bel Air where there was a law firm called Firth, Wynn and Meyer and he made a joke about it. 🤣
CHVRCHES
3/5
Listened to this album a fair amount when it came out. I liked it and thought this would be a high score. Still held up for me but not quite to the level I thought it would. Also a little tough for me and bands like this when I feel like they may have done some damage to the traditional rock band setup and dude is playing all the drums on a pad. Regardless, I still enjoyed it. 3.5
Animal Collective
2/5
This felt like it was going nowhere. And if it was trying to get somewhere, it never got there. Like running around in musical circles. Decent in parts but quickly became mundane.
Kid Rock
3/5
I came into this wanting to shit on it. But gosh darn it there is something I like. Maybe nostalgia and sad I can sing along with more than I should admit. You can criticize kid rock for all the sampling and cheesy lyrics but then don’t you have to do the same for beastie boys? I also like the guitarist on this. Nothing spectacular but he has some melodic riffs that fit the songs nicely. Also some respect to Bob for producing this and playing many of the instruments (drums and rhythm guitar I believe?).
Ute Lemper
2/5
Sounded like some amateur doing karaoke of a musical that wasn’t very good.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Couple great tunes. A few sleepy ones. And others that were distinct that era. 3.25
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Kind of a mix between Dolly Parton and Stevie Nicks. Her voice bothered me the more I listened but I did think the Ballad of Lucy Jordan was a cool song. 2.75
Napalm Death
2/5
I like to rock as hard as the next guy but I didn’t really get this at all. Felt like a lot of incomplete songs and either something was always starting or ending with not much in between. And a 4 second is something. Some decent riffs that is having me round up. 1.5
5/5
What can be said about this that’s not already been said? Most respect.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Great album and credit to Amy for doing something so different. Love seeing music break the “pop” mold and still find success. Tragic story. 4
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Man, Frank is just so dang solid. Not sure where this fits in his discography but everything he does is just so consistently enjoyable.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Thought I would like this more than I did. This version of Hurt is iconic. I can remember how impactful it was when it came out. A great version the song. But others didn’t work for me. I thought Personal Jesus stripped out a lot of what makes that song great. Desperado was…fine. Just not sure I can go super high for an album of covers. 2.75
Sparks
3/5
A very nice surprise. I guess the easy comparison is Queen? Loved some of those guitar runs with vocals. I could see coming back to this and exploring some more of the catalogue (apparently they’ve been doing this for a while). 3.25
Korn
2/5
I am very torn on this one. Could be part nostalgia since this came out when I was 16 or 17. It was great when big rock could still have a broad impact (singles didn’t chart but album was top 200). And props to them, the sound is very unique and heavy with the 7 string guitars and that rattling bass. Boom chack a brrrr. But man, I wasn’t the biggest fan back in the day and this wears after a while. 2.5 and I could round either way but I’m going down.