I used to frequent a bar that had bands play on the weekends, often cover bands. When we’d walk in and see it was the Steely Dan cover band that night, we were so disheartened. We hated the songs and thought the band sucked… but in hindsight? They were nailing it.

This was like a fever dream. Wait, did I accidentally drop acid at work? Truly great album cover by the way. I might try to find the vinyl for that reason alone. I liked this, can’t really imagine sitting around one day and having the presence of mind to put this on.

This album is pretty one note, but by design. At least that one note effing rocks

Yikes. I could only make it through half of this one before I had to spit it out and cleanse my palate

These guys subscribe to a simple two step process to writing songs. Step one: find a groove, even if it’s unremarkable. Step two: do not leave that groove. Sort of indifferent about this album overall and don’t think I’ll revisit it. Lots of tracks felt skippable, but there were definitely some I enjoyed. Middle of the road for me.

I was surprised when I saw the tracklist how few of these songs I’d casually come across… then I heard them and it made sense. Not a ton to like on this one. Levon is a top five EJ song for me (but Tiny D is NOT… maybe because of that dumb scene in Almost Famous). Did Elton record/release Indian Sunset on purpose? I wish this was a 10pt scale or we could rate with half points, because prob between a 2/3 for me. Ultimately just not good enough for 3.

What type of rock are we progressing towards with this? Truly a tough listen, and I’m a little upset this likely poisoned my algorithm.

Great album name and a good (not great) listen. Some obvious Beatles influence, but plenty of stuff that feels like it should have been left on the cutting room floor. “Coconut” alone excludes this one from going any higher than 3.

First of all, anyone remember the one hit wonder Jimmie’s Chicken Shack? This has to be where they got their name. Anyways, loved this album. Listened to it twice back to back. I don’t know enough about jazz to say it’s a great jazz album, but I’ll certainly revisit along with the rest of his catalog.

Double albums are sooooo hard to pull off. This album starts off incredible, and just doesn’t have enough gas to pull off so many tracks. Super influential for so many of the artists a lot of us got into in the 90’s and later. But as an album, I can’t see myself revisiting it that often

A clear turning point for the Fab Four, as they transitioned out of Beatlemania into the most important bands to ever do it. Like most of their albums from this point on, this one is loaded with timeless songs. John shines especially bright on this album. And for me, it really doesn’t get much better than ‘In My Life’ from a songwriting perspective. Easy 5.

Surprised I haven’t heard these guys since I’ve seen every Wes Anderson movie? Overall, just ok for me. Starts off pretty good but was less into it as the album went on. I’m sure I’d be called a poser by some cool kids if I was caught listening to this publicly

I appreciate the vibe, I like plenty of artists that are similar but PJH just isn’t it for me.

Props for making the flute an integral piece of the album/band. I don’t mind the occasional Tull making its way on the playlist of the local classic rock station, but can’t really get into a full album. Maybe too put off by the lyrics, because obviously some good musical moments on this.

Though not truly ‘unplugged’, you definitely get an unproduced version of Kurt’s raw vocal talent with this live album. I love the song selection even though it’s so heavily reliant on covers, and glad they didn’t try to force in anything like Smells Like Teen Spirit. In the end, it’s just an abbreviated unedited set, so why have so many of these recordings been so inescapable over the last 30 years? Probably timing. Recorded just months before Kurt’s death and released just months after, this was unfortunately the last thing we got from the band, which is probably why people remember it so fondly. I do as well but can’t rate it up there with the truly great albums as it wasn’t ever meant to be that.

Get the funk outta my face. I must be missing something with this one, as apparently it was album of the year and the years best selling album, but to me it’s just boring. They definitely know how to find a groove and hang on it for several minutes, I guess that’s something.

Gotta be honest, I don’t think Prince is as good as he gets credit for. As a performer, he was larger than life (though actually quite short! Few know this). Talented musician, unique, but does that make him a good songwriter? I actually find the majority of this album annoying and unlistenable. I would honestly never put this on and listen to the whole album. It’s a shame that the album’s title track and finale is lumped in with the rest of this, because Purple Rain single handedly outscores the rest of the album combined. The moment he comes in with his trademark falsetto in the solo… chills, no matter how many times I hear it. Makes sense that it’s the last song, because what could follow that?

Yikes. I could only make it through half of this one before I had to spit it out and cleanse my palate

What is John a doctor of, exactly? Hopefully just confusing voodoo music. I wouldn’t let this person anywhere near my chart. This one just left me with a furrowed brow and a lot of questions. Like “what actually was that?” and “has a spell just been cast upon me?”

You freaky old bastard, you. As demonstrated on this and other records, Bowie had a unique talent for lulling you in with a familiar chord progression before turning it on its head and taking a song in a really unexpected direction. With a career that spanned so many years, you certainly got a lot of costume changes with Bowie. But this was from the era where I think he was at his best, maybe the last album of that era. Great songs, tons of originality, and lots of nuanced vocal performances. The only thing holding this album back is somehow it doesn’t include a song that really breaks into that upper level of classic songs (and we know not every Bowie album had that problem). I think a 5 album has to have at least a couple of those. So a 4.5 for me, and I’m not rounding anything up to 5.

AIC has never really been my favorite flavor of 90’s rock, just always felt too adjacent to some of the stuff from the 80’s I don’t care for. But definitely some familiar tunes on here and a pretty cohesive album for the genre.

We’re separating the art from the artist for this little exercise, right? Ok just making sure. If this album doesn’t get you moving or doing your best Paul Rudd slappin da bass… see a doctor and get your pulse checked. Other than a two song lull in the final third, this album starts off hot and keeps it going through the end. Hard to deny how talented this guy was.

Really a beautiful album that I probably should have revisited more times since its release. Definitely deserving of the accolades it got back then. Frank has such an effortlessly cool and understated vocal style, really enjoyed listening through this.

This is fine I guess? Honestly a pretty sleepy album and not sure what makes this special.

Won’t be surprised to see some polarization with Bob. But to me he’s one of a select few of great American songwriters. B on B is probably the sweet spot for most listeners, where he’s expanded his sound beyond all acoustic but pre… whatever he turned into after this, which was at times unlistenable. A truly great album that I’ve heard countless times, but is missing a song that launches it into 5 territory for me.

How many babies is this album responsible for? Perhaps Japan can solve its birth rate problem by blasting this in the streets of Tokyo.

I navigated to the original LP which was a much more manageable 40 min compared to the 2+ hour version Spotify linked to. This album cooks, no doubt about it. Makes me wish I was in the audience, taking down martinis and talking about the Eisenhower administration. Truly remarkable display of musical talent on this. Player after player just letting it rip.

I’ve mostly known Dirty Projectors from occasionally showing up on Sirius or a Spotify playlist, and have never listened to an album in its entirety. An oversight by me, because I really enjoyed this. Lots of ear candy and creativity throughout. And I appreciate that it’s a brisk 9 track, 40 min album too.

I just hate this so, so much. Ruined my day.

An album that makes you feel like you’ve probably been added to some type of watch list. I def was NOT allowed to purchase this in 1996 so have never listened to it. Honestly I expected more based on how much press this got. Nothing impressive musically. The vocals, if we’re calling them that, are annoying. And lyrics that I’m sure were shocking at the time are now just kind of pathetic. Makes me sad that this resonated so much with a group of our generation, they deserved better. To me this is the epitome of someone who got way more success than they should have. You guys know about his ribs right?

Was completely unfamiliar with this one, which is what’s fun about this whole thing. When the album started, I had pretty high hopes. But I just couldn’t get into it. Nothing wrong with this, but just isn’t for me.

Awesome album, terrifying album art. Loved this from start to finish, from riff to riff. The way they recorded this makes it feel like you’re listening to their live set. Just great, nearly a 5 for me.

Blasting forth with three part harmony, YEOW! I respect the art of constructing these vocals, because it’s not as easy as they make it seem and is truly an art form. Overall the album is a little sleepy for me, though it contains a couple classic tracks.

Well yeehaw! This album makes me feel like taking my betrothed by the hand and do-si-do-ing all over the county fair. Or maybe just pondering all over yonder. A tip of the Stetson to these chaps for what feels like a solid execution of the genre. Can’t help but feel like there’s probably a lot out there pretty similar to this. But def enjoyable

It’s Mingus, ya dingus! This one falls firmly into my “jazz=3” rule, since I’m too dumb to know any better, one way or another.

What a blessing to have been granted the opportunity to observe the Sabbath twice this week. Killer album. It steps in where the debut album leaves off, and ups the ante by dropping in a few classics. While I might prefer their first album, I think you have to say this one is better. And War Pigs is one of the best side one track ones of all time.

This album is phenomenal, track after track sets the bar for creativity that other works should be measured against. I sort of forgot how stacked this album is, but jeez. Just a joy and a lot of fun to listen to, will have to revisit much more often.

First time all the way through this one, didn’t love it and didn’t hate it. I think they’ve got some better stuff, but ultimately this is still pretty listenable.

I really tried to get into this and just couldn’t make it happen. Props to her for being a trailblazer with this (I think? Honestly I don’t know). But I just didn’t enjoy it. If this was considered good at the time, the rap game has come a LONG way

I used to frequent a bar that had bands play on the weekends, often cover bands. When we’d walk in and see it was the Steely Dan cover band that night, we were so disheartened. We hated the songs and thought the band sucked… but in hindsight? They were nailing it.

Love this era of soul, always a vibe. Interesting that he name checked Sam Cooke in Can’t Nobody Love You (annd Ray Charles), invoking that comparison wouldn’t do anyone any favors. Dude can definitely sing, I felt like the songs were a pretty average representation of the genre.

I definitely revisit Elliott’s older stuff fairly often, so was expecting to feel like this one doesn’t hold up to those albums. But this album is great, with a more filled out sound to it and the great musicianship featured on everything he did.

Love to see this on the list. Super dreamy album indeed, great sonically and flows so well from start to finish.

Inject “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight” into my veins and let me go quietly into the night on account of their bountiful rock. Unquestionably this oozes with musical talent. But if you understand the time signatures on this album, you are a nerd. Too difficult to adequately head bang to this, and at times it feels like experimental rock for its own sake. GOOD NOT GREAT

I liked this much more than I expected to. Having said that, I expected to hate it.

I’ve only heard a couple of Tracy’s songs, one of which is obviously on this album. Other than that one, was pretty bored by the rest of this.

I’ve never really been a big Stones fan, but actually really liked this album as I got into it. Perhaps because it didn’t have a lot of their more recognizable hits. Pretty fun album, where they’re tapping into their bar band gear and not trying to be the Shitty Beatles. The double album thing drags this down, as it really loses steam. You couldn’t find 6 or 7 songs to cut to make this a certified banger? I def could.

Tf Is this? I know “music” like this exists, but can we pretend it doesn’t?

FUCK THIS BAND. Why do they hate everyone? Hey, at least if you’re having a bad day, you could always make it worse by listening to this shit sandwich.

Well, this album is definitely unique. Takes a seriously creative mind to craft this, and it’s not just utter chaos. But it was such a tough listen for me. So much dissonance and repetition, I just can’t say I enjoyed it or will ever listen to it again.

Like every Adele album, this one doesn’t fall short on vocal performance. Such a powerful voice. Unlike some of her others, this album lacks a variety and never really picks up enough steam for me. Probably doesn’t deserve to be lumped in with other 3s, but didn’t quite reach 4 status for me.

More like The Bland…. Nothing remotely remarkable about this. I didn’t mind it, but overall such an average band and average album.

I don’t really like reggae, but I definitely like Bob Marley. I’m sure there are tons of people that share that view. Says a lot about the dude to be that synonymous with the genre. Felt like this album had some “lesser” versions of songs (No Woman No Cry, Rebel Music) that I’ve heard. Was between a 3 and 4 and rounding down on that alone, but I’ll never be upset with someone who grabs the AUX and throws on some Bob.

Liked this a lot more than I expected. I didn’t know a lot about Iggy Pop, had mostly just seen those pics of him looking homeless. But I thought this album was great, a couple of very recognizable tunes and overall kept my attention for the entire record. Would definitely come back to this

Enjoyed it, but didn’t feel like I’d take much away from this one. Good listen but ultimately not very memorable

Well you can’t say Queen ever pulls any punches. This band knows how to load it up with unique, interesting moments at nearly all times. Just constantly swinging for the fences. I thought this was a great album, and relatively devoid of the songs from them that have become a bit overplayed. One major nit - how the hell can you have Freddie Mercury as a front man and think it’s ok to take the mic from him on any song? Basically a felony.

REM knows how to live in the sweet spot. Stipe and Co tee it up on track one, hit the fairway and stay there for the majority of the album. They don’t take many chances, so I could see people getting bored with some of their stuff. I really enjoy this album, found it super listenable.

After the needless woodwind solos started to pile up a few tracks in, I knew I was dealing with a 1/2 here. I check the track count….18 songs and 74 minutes?? Coffin nailed. I think it was presumptuous of them to go to the trouble of recording this and thinking anyone would enjoy it.

These guys subscribe to a simple two step process to writing songs. Step one: find a groove, even if it’s unremarkable. Step two: do not leave that groove. Sort of indifferent about this album overall and don’t think I’ll revisit it. Lots of tracks felt skippable, but there were definitely some I enjoyed. Middle of the road for me.

Never really been the biggest Elvis fan. Just always felt like even as iconic as he was, it was always more quantity over quality. And I can’t help but feel like this is post-prime Elvis on this album. A few great tracks but a lot of filler also.

I guess I’m just never going to understand the level of praise some people have for this band. Truly tried to get into this, but man what a jarring stop at TRACK TWO. I just think the vast majority of what The Rolling Stones did was way more average than people give them credit for.

This was definitely at times pretty fun, several tracks that rocked and were worth listening to, especially for a band that I had always thought (probably erroneously) was basically a one hit wonder. But not sure I needed this, and something tells me if I had a visual to pair with this audio I would have liked it less. The Spotify link initially took me to a four track version, inclusive of The Boys Are Back in Town… felt like that would have been sufficient for me.

This was like a fever dream. Wait, did I accidentally drop acid at work? Truly great album cover by the way. I might try to find the vinyl for that reason alone. I liked this, can’t really imagine sitting around one day and having the presence of mind to put this on.

In this era of excess, I can appreciate the restraint of Lou’s records. But for me a little bit goes a long way with him. Some classic songs on this album, and a well placed Lou song in the right movie or something can be great, but I don’t really enjoy 11 tracks straight. At what point does atonal just equate to “not a great singer”?

Hell yes, I love this album. My 90’s bias is probably showing, but I just think this album captures that post-grunge 90’s alt-rock sound so well. I think this is probably under appreciated, there’s a lot of clever choices from progressions to instrumentation.

I’ve got a soft spot for Elliott and this album has a few of his best songs on it. I wasn’t cool enough to know about Elliott before Good Will Hunting, but have long been a fan.

A fun trip down memory lane. I started to think about how old I was when I heard this, which made me laugh. Picturing a middle schooler acting like he identifies with any of this… hilarious. Some super memorable tracks and on and I’m assuming the album most would count as his best. But man there is a lot of cringe on here. Enjoyed it but couldn’t get above 3

A cool band and I can appreciate the creativity here, but just never been one of my favorites and felt like they blended in with a lot of other bands. The vocals on their records are often the weak link, makes it a tough listen for me.

I’ll take a fairly hard pass on this. What did these guys do to warrant getting screamed at as if they were the Beatles? And did they actually write a song about it being the end of the show, asking if the audience wants to hear one more? Jeez.

Did I need to start my day picturing what Joe Cocker’s O face looks like? I did not. This album was hard to pin down, I guess you could say. It transitioned from what can only be described as ‘evidence for a murder trial’ into something you’d hear while on hold with AT&T.

I could see there being a temptation to lump this into other jazz albums or put it in the “good background music” category, but that would be underselling how talented Sarah was. What an incredible voice, her skills are completely on display here with a live recording. I love how she screws up a couple of songs in (though I didn’t notice) and pretty effortlessly jokes about it with the audience mid-song. Seems like she was doing exactly what she was meant to do. This is a near 5 for me.

I love LZ, but LZIII isn’t among my faves and always fell like a bit of a lull in an otherwise stellar catalog. Just too much slide guitar, kick drum and banjo (really any banjo is sub-optimal). I don’t think this album really highlights why they were so amazing, but still a great album.

Really confused as to why this made the cut. This sounds like a million other bands.

Overall I was mostly bored with this. A few parts that struck a chord with the emo kid in me, so rounding up from 2.

A quintessential album of the genre and rocks from start to finish. It wears me out a bit and it’s not like a TON of thought went into these songs… but I’m sure that is exactly the point.

I def would not have guessed American Girl closed this was out. Feels like a classic track one side one. Anyways, definitely enjoyed this and have always loved Petty. Easy 4 for me

I remember in the late 90s and early 2000s when it felt like people started to listening to stuff like this. I was TERRIFIED that this was the future of music. Luckily not true.

Liked it more than the electronic one we had yesterday, but not a lot more

Is there a bustle in your hedgerow or are you just happy to see me?! This is LZ at the peak of their plentiful powers. I don’t care how many times I’ve heard Stairway (a million?). That song is flawless.

This album just makes me wish we got more out of Lauryn over her career. It holds up, great album that’s just as listenable today as it was when it was released.

Enjoyed this one a lot. Immaculate vibes. Gonna go listen to this once more and imagine I’m not working all day…

I’m down with this but not overly so. I feel like the musicianship is sloppy, but maybe that’s the point

Rock, rock, til you drop?? Don’t mind if I do! This album made me want to play hooky. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I thought Def Leppard was just a band you heard at… well you know. Anyways this was great, will def revisit.

I had no idea this album existed. Definitely some star power here from some lady legends of the country game. I found this pretty sleepy though. Problem with this and a lot of country is that artists pretty consistent use the same formula over and over again. Gets old fast for me.

Listening to this left me with the feeling that I take this band for granted. Their songs are everywhere (particularly track one of this album), so I don’t feel the need to listen to their records start to finish. But that’s a mistake, because this is great. If you love guitar and you don’t love this and pretty much anything Jack does, you’re doing it wrong.

Really liked this album, and the other stuff it led me to after it finished. Feels like a solid three but want to round up based on the upside surprise / good vibes.

REM knows who they are, you gotta give them that. Maybe not a ton of variation in their stuff, but they rarely miss. This album has a couple of their classics included. Great listen, easy 4

I feel stupid even writing anything about this. It’s perfect, iconic, timeless and plays like a greatest hits album. One of the very best ever.

It’s almost like Jack didn’t even need Meg to make albums!

Have loved this album for a long time, glad I had a good excuse to cruise though it again. This album from Fiona is captivating from start to finish, such a unique talent.

It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to this one, and I think I remember it more fondly than it deserves. Some high points on here for sure, but a lot of it is just ok. In hindsight it feels like less than the sum of its parts

Was expecting a lot more out of this based on the way some artists point to them as inspiration. But didn’t hear what I expected to hear, and was mostly just bored.

Obvious Bowie influence, so def listenable. But at times just felt like a cheap knock off of the Man himself.

This was better than expected, but I guess I just don’t like many of these songs in general.

This is my fave Radiohead album, but there are others that will get this same rating for sure. This album vibes throughout and there isn’t anything on this album that shouldn’t be.

I started out loving this, could definitely hear how this could have influenced some more recent indie stuff. Ultimately I thought it didn’t live up to the first few tracks though

Oh my god this is so boring

What an inclusion from the wiki on this: “It has since been regarded as ‘an important outing’”. Wow really makes you think. This album cover goes hard, GUYS DOING BUSINESS. But this was painful. Sounds like someone just got their Casio keyboard and has mastered the art of annoying you with every stock sound included.

Like most people, I lost interest in Kanye sometime after this album. But the first five of his discography is pretty incredible, and it peaks with this album. Not typically my genre, but this album is just crazy good. And then he just went crazy.

Look, I get it. This is one of those bands that you’re supposed to put on a pedestal. I can appreciate their innovation but don’t personally find it all that listenable. And you just know these guys inspired some of the shittiest bands you’ve ever heard.

I think I preferred Daydream Nation slightly over this. Still feels like a band I can’t get into for a full album

Definitely the album that took these guys from Ohio garage band to giant commercial success. While this album makes me miss their more raw, unproduced, two man jam sound, this is such a great album loaded with some of their best songs.

Man… keep in mind this was just LZ getting warmed up. What an unbelievable debut. It’s crazy to think these guys weren’t universally revered in their time. It’s unfair how much talent is in this band, man!! I bestoweth unto thee the easiest of 5s.

I don’t need to say much about this album, it’s one of the all time greats. Ever hear the live version of Like a Rolling Stone where a guy yells “Judas!” at Bob because he’s traded in his acoustic for an electric? Bob turned to the band, tells them to “play fuckin loud” and then drops that tune on everyone’s head.

This is an album by a talented musician who draws from some respectable influences but can’t help but write music for moms.

This album unabashedly goes hard. I really enjoyed it. But the lyrics are at times too silly to ignore. Not exactly my taste but full props for the music this inspired as well

Looking to sob in the shower, fully clothed? Or perhaps just walk straight into the ocean, but you don’t have a playlist for that? Well have I got an album for you…

A total vibe with maybe a few low points, but what’s not to love about this record?

The Kinks have always felt like the answer to the question “what if the Stones were cool and wrote interesting songs?” to me. This is a great album, I think it actually gets better as it goes on.

Sadly a member of the 27 club, which sucks. What a talent, and nothing contrived about her style. It just doesn’t get much better than Janis singing about Bobby McGee, and the rest of the album is just as great.

Well this caught me offguard. I always thought of Morrissey/the Smiths as music for sad boys. There’s some of that in here, but overall I dug this a lot!

This one from Morrissey? Not so much. After being surprised at how much I enjoyed the first one we got from him, this reminded me why I was surprised. Pretty boring.

I respect the creativity and some interesting sounds here, but I’ll never come back to this. Didn’t really enjoy it

meh

Pretty cool album, but vocals kind of wore on me. I dug the at times vintage feel, both in terms of the music and in terms of glorifying the state of California.

Nice addition to the list, this was a cool album with a really unique vibe. Thom’s involvement clearly meant he gave his informal seal of approval, so hard to go lower than 4 here.

A true work of art from a song writing and production perspective. If you don’t think this is great, maybe you’re in the wrong place.

I’m down with the ladies and their message, but musically this was pretty annoying

Brews. Blues. And bruises.

I dig this, was surprised at how solid this album was throughout, given I hadn’t heard much of this. Some great solos, love the organ usage, just solid 70s rock, man.

Hot start to the week! At his best, few can groove like Stevie. Like with any album this long, there’s some stuff I could do without and Stevie can get sappy at times, but obviously this is a great album.

Is Metallica the perfect candidate to team up with a symphony and perform their hits? Probably not. At times this feels like a long version of Live or Let Die. Likely not what they were going for. But it’s pretty epic at times, was between a 3 and 4 for me.

I guess I’ll never understand it. This is so totally average, and her carbon footprint is enormous.

I didn’t spend a ton of time with this one. A few tracks I dug, but overall not sure why this is a must listen

A good listen but not enough meat here to go higher than 3. Some of this drags out without much payoff at the end of the build up.

I lack the expertise to adequately review this. But I didn’t hate it, was slot at times. 3?

Recognizing this one probably won’t be for everyone, likely on account of his vocals. But I used to listen to Devandra’s stuff fairly often, just liked the vibe and his acoustic skills.

At least accurately pessimistic about life in the 21st century and thus the need to rage like it’s the end of the 20th. At least that’s what I think he was saying.

Cool but kinda boring

I found this relaxing. Like I was in the lobby of a spa, or at Lululemon or something. I was feeling this and might revisit, but the fact that this is such a passive listening experience sort of limited the rating for me.

Couple of tracks on here I knew, but I couldn’t have named the band. Pretty cool album and 60s vibes. Ultimately kinda mellow for me.

Not a bad listen but overall pretty forgettable. Some fun guest appearances that probably prop this up a bit.

I guess there’s a time and place for songs like Sledgehammer and In Your Eyes, but man was the rest of this a slog to get through.

I think this is another band I take for granted. I think this is their best work, even though I’m super fond of the first two albums as well. I kind of forgot how solid this was throughout, too. This one feels like they’re tried to recapture the magic of Funerals, after taking a small step back on Neon Bible, but upped the production. I think it pays off

A few different types of baby making music here. Not much meat to it though, so didn’t really feel worthy of anything over 3

Definitely didn’t feel the need to get through all of this one. Sorta got the point right away. No idea what makes this so special

Huh? Who? Is this the author’s cousin’s band or something?

This album is STACKED. Credit to CCR for being one of those bands that truly developed and mastered their own unique sound, too. Simple five for me here

Somewhat surprised to see this album make the cut unless we’re getting multiples from Muse, but per Spotify I guess this one has a couple of their most popular tunes. I prefer Absolution to this and while I can dig the occasional Muse song, they’re not my fave. Between a 3 and 4 for me

I can dig Neil and liked this album ok. Nothing on it really stood out or escalated it to a great album, but it was fine.

Not sure what inspired this album from these two, but I found this one pretty boring. It falls off dramatically after Blue Orchid. A rare miss, I guess

Do not overthink this

This album definitely belongs on the list, but personally I say “ok sure I guess” to Yes. At a certain point, jamming as many parts into a song as humanly possible just feels aimless and doesn’t make the music any better.

Props for the successful songs on here, just not my thing

For what this was, I definitely enjoyed it. This guy must be the GOAT of this genre, given his inclusion here and the fact that he has roughly 3,000 albums

I’m down with early Rod vox and I brake for guitar gods. Really enjoyable listen, and frankly an album I wasn’t aware of

How about another helping of The Stew?? Another good one, definitely some highs and lows here but enough to get a 4 for me.

I’m sort of torn here. Honestly nothing on this album goes as hard as that cover art would leave you to believe, and I can’t help but feel like this has been way over hyped. But I can respect that this influenced a lot of great music and def enjoyed it.

Just letting it rip about a half a century before the extremely forgiving recording technology of today, this little man demonstrated that he was just born to fucking sing. And if your ivories needed tickling? He’d oblige. With his feet, if you’re into that. Are these songs all sorta the same? Yea so what. If you’re handing out any points for being “influential”, best not skimp here.

There’s a couple of good tracks here, but a lot of forgettable ones too. Am guessing this one isn’t really their best work, because this was just fine.

Truly shit. How are you supposed to listen to this without feeling like a total douchebag?

This really is a masterpiece and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of the genre. The way the songs blend seamlessly into each other make this such a great listen, it’s almost one long epic track.

Definitely not my thing, but I can recognize that this band was hugely successful and that this album drove a lot of that. Tough to go lower than 4 when the album has hits like Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City, and Sweet Child of Mine.

This album comes from an era of music that I mostly ignore, but I loved this. Sonically it’s great, arrangements are interesting, just a great listen. Def some sad boy songs here, but still.

I didn’t like much about this at all. A pretty forgettable album, so I’m just going to appropriately slap it with a 2 and go on living my life.

Someone’s gonna have to tell me how the last 80% of this album was.

Well this was just great. I wonder how much of a rarity this was in 1971? Because it doesn’t feel like it fits the era. Nowadays there’s a ton of posers trying to recreate stuff like this with no authenticity whatsoever. But I bet this was a welcome change of pace for some back then.

It’s hard not to go full points here, I just have too much respect for this album despite its flaws. And by far the best thing to come out of Oklahoma, ever.

No comment

Aretha’s vocal talent is the obvious standout here, as the songwriting sort of out kicks its coverage. She could sing the dictionary and still get a 4, though.

Ah yes, the days when Drop D, rap interludes and every band having a DJ ruled rock. Can’t say I miss this era. But LP was definitely better than some of their peers and hold up much better as well.

This album is pretty one note, but by design. At least that one note effing rocks

Super boring! And an erroneous premise.

I can’t help be see Spinal Tap when listening to parts of this with vocals. While that’s a funny thing, it’s not a great thing. But the guitar work here is worthy of a 4 on its own. Just absolute smoke.

Admittedly probably wasn’t on enough drugs to enjoy this. I found this to be the musical equivalent of the drunk guy at the bar who won’t stop rambling and never arrives at the point.

Easy to forget that these guys absolutely owned the musical scene during this period. While they went down some less appealing musical paths after this, it’s hard to argue how impressive this album is. Full credit from me, even though they aren’t really in my rotation anymore.

Maybe the most front loaded album of all time. But the holy triumvirate can rock me anytime.

Another great one from the early years of this band. Couple weird inclusions here keep it from getting full marks, but honestly that feels nit picky given how much good stuff is on this.

Not among my top four or five albums from these guys. On the other hand… this is still a Radiohead album. Enough meat on this one to keep it above 3.

Love me some Aughts Rock

If you dress like a doosh and buy your clothes from the mall, I bet they play this album at your favorite store.

Nice trip down memory lane, I was always fond of this band. They also had a good collection of interesting music videos to accompany a lot of these, back when that was a thing.

Not my fave band, but hard to argue that this album isn’t pretty stacked. This album got lots of play when it came out, and a handful of songs have lived on well past that. Where are these guys from again?

Spent most of this album trying to determine if this is a parody band. And the rest trying to decipher which band they were parodying.

T Heads is one of those bands that wrote a handful of songs I really love… but a little goes a long way. A full album wears me down a bit

Track one - We hate cops! Why are they harassing us?? All remaining tracks - admissions of various crimes that could reasonably be expected to draw the attention of law enforcement

You don’t need to know much about the piano to know that Keith can rip. The story that surrounds this album makes it all the more interesting. Basically got hosed by being given a practice piano for this sold out performance instead of the finely tuned grand he expected, said eff it and made up for the piano’s shortcomings on the fly. Special.

After getting Cosmos Factory earlier this exercise, this one sort of pales in comparison. But still a good album, between a 3/4 for me and I think I bumped it up on account of a couple classic tunes.

Our third album from Sonic Youth, and def my fave. This album makes you want to dust off the electric guitar, plug it in, and make some noise.

Those who can’t do, teach. I think Pharrell’s talents fit much more behind the mixing board than they do behind the mic.

Fourth SY album overall and second of the week… this one made me feel like maybe this band is slightly over represented on this project. Didn’t really feel like this one deserved to be included, but was fine.

Probably the best album from Steven. Also him at his Steviest, meaning 50% and 50% sappy. Though I prefer the former over the latter, he can definitely hit both gears successfully. The mix is enough to keep this at a solid four.

I think you’ll rightfully, and righteously, find this on most people’s Mount Rushmore’s of 90’s records. It’s there for me, and a pretty simple 5.

While the front half of this album contains the hits (several), I think the vibes carry on consistently throughout. Really enjoyed it, while not typically my thing

I’d have been embarrassed to be found listening to this.

Pretty average album, another one on the list that makes me wonder why we need several from bands like this and not just their best 2-3.

Seems like it’s as trendy as ever for artists to dip their toes into Country music. But Ray does it so seamlessly that you wouldn’t know it wasn’t what he was mostly known for. Beautiful album, will revisit.

12 songs in 25 min blows my mind. A perfect example of the beauty In simplicity. Obviously credit for paving the way for so many as well

I’m probably rounding up about a half point here, because I really enjoyed this and just didn’t think it deserved to be lumped in with a bunch of meh 3 star albums. Cool, unique vibes here. Just surprised Valerie wasn’t on this, haha.

Good timing on this one, a great album for a crisp fall walk to work. Historically I’ve never been known to throw a Van album on the stereo, but this has some of his best and Into the Mystic has always been one of my faves. A million bonus points for no Brown Eyed Girl also.

This sucks!

Right between a 3 and 4 for me. Strong vibes and I love a good blues set. But there are plenty of other places to look if you want good blues. Heavy reliance on standards limits the score as well.

I love this album and most of what these guys do. Great live show also

Really enjoyed this. But if I’m being honest, for me it’s pretty indistinguishable from most non-Marley reggae. True rasta boyz will prob hate that comment.

This smokes, obviously. Foreplay isn’t until track three? Sorry babe, not gonna last past the solo in More than a Feeling.

I don’t know a lot about Nas but know a lot point to this album as a major inspiration or at least an important album of the genre. Liked this a lot, pretty simple overall which really allows Nas’ talents to take center stage.

So good. The vocal production is amazing and the restraint shown throughout makes this such a cool listen. Cohen straddles the line between songwriter and poet so well that this makes you want to relisten to make sure you didn’t miss something.

Trying not to be lazy and lump this into every other 80s band that sounds like this, because there are some interesting moments on this album that sets it apart. But overall it does pretty much blend into a genre that doesn’t do much for me.

Such a great album. Obviously these guys are not unknown and have a handful of hits, but I still feel like they’re erroneously left out of the discussion of the great bands of the 60s. This album is up there with the best of that decade, easily.

My mother would be appalled, but this particular collection of S&G tunes doesn’t do it for me. I kept waiting to hear one of their songs that I like, but this album never delivered.

Did not expect a second helping of Fela Kuti in this exercise. While I really enjoyed the first one we got (the live album), this one didn’t leave me feeling the same way. Maybe just not enough to this one (side story aside…)

Perfectly fine. I had this on and before I knew it, it was over without catching my attention much, other than the couple tracks I knew. Not overly annoying, not especially great. A textbook 3.

A little surprised to see this one and not Live at Folsom (hey but maybe we will), but still a fun listen. Am guessing the inclusion is based on Boy Named Sue on this one (written by Shel Silverstein btw), which I get.

Admittedly I’m not the biggest fan of this band, but I have this a shot and am not trying to be a hater. But I feel like this album sums up my issues with U2, in that their catalog is heavy on the filler, and they get a ton of mileage out of recreating a very similar song over and over. And am really confused on why this one is here, but I’m sure that means they’ll be heavily represented on the list. Oh well

Familiar with this band but had never cruised through this, and it was a dreamy delight. This has a sound that clearly straddles the 80s and early 90s, but I could hear this album fitting right in in a number of musical eras. Quite nice

A necessary inclusion and probably their best work, and definitely includes a couple of their most successful tracks.

This album is a bit of a head scratcher. I guess it’s fairly influential (cited as an inspiration for Sgt Pepper?? I don’t hear it). I get the social commentary they’re going for, but it’s just so on the nose and unfunny. A handful of decent tracks, but musical this is all over the place.

This all sounds like pre-Ska (which as we know is even more dangerous than Ska). More of a one hit wonder to me than an album you simply must hear.

What an album, I feel silly for not knowing this one. As others have pointed out, this is a great mix of goth/punk/80s pop. I’ll be wearing this one out next October.

Very inoffensive album, I have a hard time feeling too strongly about anything on here. Listenable, but pretty timid as far as jazz goes.

I heart NY and love this album. I’ve always admired how Neil can change the mood of a song with his guitar, yet without relying on pedals, the volume knob, or even complex licks. Just sheer aggression, like he’s choking his axe. Anyways, super solid and my heart almost wants to go higher with this, but without a transcendent song to take it there, just a real solid 4 for me.

As far as jazz goes, this is definitely jazz.

I definitely really liked some of these tracks, but also definitely found several to be pretty sleepy. Probably not one that I’ll return to frequently, but nice.

Truly the queen. What a great album, it’s just over too quickly. Actually that’s a pretty rare occurrence for records included on this list.

Chick rock! Didn’t really expect to enjoy this after the opening track, which I was obviously familiar with. But really enjoyed the rest of this.

Kind of an auditory sketch pad. Felt more like a collection of ideas vs an album, but hey I’m sure a lot of you think the emperors new digs are stunning.

Who doesn’t love a good intro? And who doesn’t want them some night life? This was cool, almost like Hank Williams meets Dean Martin.

I’m a fan but not sure this is the album that needs to be on the list. A few good tracks but mostly sleepy.

Pretty loaded album, this has to be widely accepted as their best based on the preponderance of classics alone. I have to say, starting the album with “Bridge…” is an inexplicable choice. Regardless, this is a classic.