Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
561
Albums Rated
2.76
Avg Rating
10
5-Star Albums
52%
Complete
528 albums remaining
Rating Speed
5.7
Per Week
690
Days Active
Reviews
558
Written
99%
Review Rate
vs Global
-0.45
Avg Diff
2.76
Avg Rating
Rating Distribution
How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Harsh
Rater Style
18
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| Come Find Yourself | 5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
| Nighthawks At The Diner | 5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
| Armed Forces | 5 | 3.09 | +1.91 |
| The Specials | 5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| 3 Feet High and Rising | 5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
| Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols | 5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
| Violent Femmes | 5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
| Talking Heads 77 | 5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
| G. Love And Special Sauce | 4 | 2.74 | +1.26 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madman Across The Water | 1 | 3.59 | -2.59 |
| We Are Family | 1 | 3.48 | -2.48 |
| Parachutes | 1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
| Hysteria | 1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
| The Visitors | 1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
| Actually | 1 | 3.18 | -2.18 |
| Technique | 1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
| Permission to Land | 1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
| Hunting High And Low | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| Pieces Of The Sky | 1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| Talking Heads | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Shop Boys | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Emmylou Harris | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Coldplay | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Blur | 3 | 2 | 2.5 |
5-Star Albums (10)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Traffic
3/5
Old music. Good, but after a few songs, I started tuning out.
2 likes
Michael Jackson
2/5
If only I could think of a pithy, one word review for this album Bad.
1 likes
The Kinks
3/5
Ok. It's the kinks. Always good. Rarely outstanding on this album.
1 likes
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
This is definitely a list worthy album, from a genre I do not like in heavy doses. So a few quality songs with the rest being a bit dull when played in succession.
1 likes
4-Star Albums (77)
1-Star Albums (18)
All Ratings
Bad Company
2/5
This grew tiresome for me. Hearing a few songs was nostalgic, but that's about it.
John Lennon
2/5
Lovely, and too dull for my tastes overall.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Cinnamon Girl and Down by the River resonate. Always loved this album overall.
Traffic
3/5
Old music. Good, but after a few songs, I started tuning out.
a-ha
1/5
Dear God that was awful. After the first track (Take on Me) it got painful.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
I enjoyed this, though it did not grab my attention overall.
Roxy Music
2/5
Not to my liking.
The United States Of America
2/5
Pantera
2/5
Metal is not my genre, though a few songs got my head bobbing. I'd imagine it would hit me different live, but it will not get me further exploring the band.
R.E.M.
4/5
This is a good album. Considering a 5, though that may be unfair to my other fives that hit deeper into my music oblongata. I've underrated this album in my collection, leaning toward Document, Eponymous, and Life's Rich Pageant.
The Residents
2/5
What if They Might Be Giants teamed with Towlie? This was unlistenable overall.
Bauhaus
2/5
Ugh. Not to my liking. 1 song started out with appeal, which quickly faded.
Don McLean
2/5
Nostalgic, but slow and uninteresting for me.
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Beautiful voice and not my vibe. Bookstore or cafe music.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Boozy Rainy Day, a bluesy Pledge, beautifully worded Johanna, a mattress on a bottle of wine... I've always dug the lyrics and the music.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Though they may have been badass personalities, the music was too pip for me.
Radiohead
3/5
Dull. It may be acclaimed, but nothing here grabbed my attention. No irritating, just...dull.
Brian Wilson
1/5
Oof. No thank you. I prefer rhythm over harmony though.
Blur
2/5
Blur always seemed like nondescript background music back in the 90s. Still hit me that way today, 2 + decades later.
Ministry
2/5
I understand the appeal, but it's not for me.
Tori Amos
2/5
No thank you. Too dull. Pretty, and dull.
John Lennon
2/5
Too mellow for my liking.
Thundercat
2/5
This music was too slow moving for me. I can't call it bad, but it's awfully dull.
The War On Drugs
2/5
This reminded me of a band from the 90s, Hothouse Flowers? But with less energy. Irish band if I recall. I preferred HHF.
Sonic Youth
2/5
This is a band I always want to like more than I actually do like. I'm not a fan of the distorted vocals I think.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
African Blues. I found myself moving along with some songs and less affected by others. A second listen to the first two songs was worth it, but most of the remaining songs lost that energy.
Judas Priest
2/5
The first two songs had me thinking this was Spinal Tap. I loves me some punk, but metal can often fall flat on me. This album did just that.
Love
2/5
I like my drugs as much as the next person, but this would have taken more substance use than I can handle to enjoy. Songs reminded me both of Three Dog Night and of the Mamas and the Papas at various vocal points. This was band was new to me, but I will not seek them out again.
The Young Rascals
3/5
I enjoyed hearing songs from an era gone by. Lots of identifiable songs, perhaps half.
Slayer
2/5
The music hit me more like punk/thrash, which I like. The lyrics are just plain dopey. I know, I'm not their target audience (anymore). Hail Satan!
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I'm not sure if this is ingrained in me as a good album or if it's just my imagination. Many individual songs grab me, but the album as a whole can drag. I've often heard it said that this album influenced many to start a band, but aside from The Feelies, I'm not knowledgeable enough to hear VU in other bands. But damn I enjoy some songs deeply.
fIREHOSE
2/5
Somehow I missed this band in 1989. But now that I hear it, I don't feel like I missed anything. Not offensive, so above one star, but I don't think I'll seek any of it out again.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
I wanted to like this, but it did not engage me like some Curtis Mayfield songs do.
Sepultura
2/5
Ugh. More metal. Death Metal at that. Yes, I do bob my head to portions, so I get how some could get into the music and it gets old fast, for me. I'm certain a metal fan would think the same about my Raggae habit.
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
Nope. Not for me. And it's from 2021. I did not think it was old enough to make a list of classics.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Wonderful harmonic blending with classic songs that bore me in succession. Hearing one of these songs on the radio pulls me in. Hearing the full album did not enhance my appreciation though.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I enjoyed hearing this. Though I never liked Led Zeppelin enough to buy any albums, discs, or downloads, I do enjoy hearing them. Driving rhythms, searing blues and family friendly lyrics. Squeeze my lemon until the juice runs down my leg.
Kate Bush
2/5
Apologies to a R&R HoF recipient, but I am not a fan of the music. It is a beautiful voice, and it fails to hold my interest.
Prince
3/5
I like Prince. But not this particular album. Great guitar playing, some songs I grooved to, and lots of songs failed to connect with.
Nirvana
4/5
Aahhhh. Finally. I've tapped so many "not my thing" reviews I was starting to wonder about this 1001. This album is a 4 or 5 for me. Imma listen again and decide.
2/5
I don't dislike this, and I'm not likely to seek it out. It feels factory cranked out, though I have no basis for this assessment. If you're looking for deeper incite, I leave you disappointed.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
I like the horns, and I lack the appreciation of Latin rhythms. It's odd, as I'm drawn to the rhythm of Hip Hop, Reggae, Ska, Afro, Rock... But most Salsa grates on me after a couple of songs.
Supertramp
2/5
Nice to see Supertramp had more than the one album. I do prefer the one I own, Breakfast in America. This was not as alluring, but that could be due to less familiarity.
Paul Simon
3/5
I appreciated some, especially Me and Julio. Overall, not what I choose to listen to, but I'd sing along with a song or two if it was on.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Never listened to this album, though I certainly knew most songs. I'd have been okay shedding some, but then a super bluesy one was a surprise and a sax stood out in another, each I had never heard.
The Darkness
1/5
Wow. That was bad.
Soft Machine
2/5
Never heard of this group. At first, I thought I heard a Miles Davis sound under some more rock-like instruments. So I suppose it's Jazz Fusion? This experiment did not hold my interests enough to have me revist the album, though I may check for other albums, as bands willing to experiment have my respect.
Black Sabbath
3/5
I appreciate how impactful this sound must have been when it came out. I won't listen to it again, but I'm happy I heard the songs I did not know.
U2
4/5
Solid album with songs from my teen years into my 20s. So nostalgic. At least four great songs from my perspective, a few that are really good and none that are bad.
Rod Stewart
2/5
More bluesy than I expected. I always associate him with 80s pop. I kept hearing Stay With Me in a few songs, even though those songs were not SWM. Overall, I tired of the sound after 2 or 3 songs.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This is not in my list of Springsteen albums that I enjoy. From this album forward, I moved away from his/their sound. I don't hate it, but some songs were too poppy for me to enjoy.
Korn
2/5
I had been waiting to hear Korn as I've frequently heard their praises. Normally, metal has me hopeful, and then disappointed. This was no exception. Metal, Nu Metal...so far, not to my liking, even when given a fair chance.
The Lemonheads
4/5
I JUST WANT A BIT PART IN YOUR LIFE. I love that snippet. This has some great songs. I own the album (CD), so it was not new to me. Happy to see it included in the 1001.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
That was great. Though I've always liked some Aretha songs, I've never listened to a full album. It's an easy 4, with a five being I'm buying it now.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
I liked a blues-based song early on the album and then the album became meditative. So, I think this is the second album I've gotten by the artist, and that's enough.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Well, I love the dead more than I love this album. Simply put, it was boring. Not sure it would have struck me this way 45 years ago as a young teen. But now? Blah.
Pavement
3/5
As much acclaim as Pavement gets, this left me flat. Nothing bad about it, just nothing that appealed to me or hooked my interest or got me to move along with it.
Scott Walker
1/5
Ummm. Show tune to open, shit to follow and then country, crooning, more shit.
wtf? This was a #1 album in UK? I was 2, so may have missed the zeitgeist, but thank God I did.
John Martyn
2/5
I perhaps would have enjoyed his collab with Lee Scratch Perry, but as good a guitar player and innovator as this guy may have been, I did not care for this album. Dull, for me. Though I believe the music was expert.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
It's amazing how something as simple as moving to a cold climate can so radically change the sound of a band. Here I thought this band was so old, and some had even died, that they could sound so much different than they did back when they had a warm weather based TV show in the 1970s. I mean look how much younger Mike Nesmith looks on the cover. That Arctic climate seems like a frozen fountain of youth. Great album.
The Cult
2/5
What's nice about this album is that if you miss a song that you like, the next one will be just as good, if not exactly as good. Being that I did not like one song, they were all equally unappealing to me. But equally as good, as I promised.
Ananda Shankar
2/5
After two covers (Stones/Doors) annoyed me, the sitar sound deepened this low irritability. I can see how the sound can become meditative, but I'm not high when I listen to these albums. Then, Ain't Misbehavin' comes on with no obvious sitar, and the album leveled out for two songs before returning to provoking liw irritability in me.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Though not overly appealing to me, this was a good album based on voice, and musicality (seems like it's a word). Overall too slow for my liking.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
As ridiculous as the concept seems to me, this album felt, dated. I normally don't think this way, old music is still music. But this did not resonate like The Animals, or The Birds still do.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
This is some timeless music for me. Take 5 stands out as it's the one I've most heard. But the full album is solid, and engaging.
GZA
3/5
Not at a Method level album. No song stood out, though I was fine with the album as a whole.
The Stranglers
3/5
I appreciated this, though I'm not likely to revist it.
The Cardigans
3/5
Embarrassed to say, I still just like the one song that was their "hit song."
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I think this was necessary for musical growth, experimentation and development. But that dint mean I gits to like it.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Ugh. I don't like the genres of dance music overall, but this lacked distinction for me.
Megadeth
2/5
I get how music can resonate, and if Metal did with me, I understand the deep and visceral connection one could have to it. But it does not hit me that way, so yet another 2 from me.
Genesis
2/5
Always found Genesis to be dull, and this album solidified that view.
The Jam
4/5
Great album. A distinct sounding band with short, sharp action. I'm not sure what that communicates exactly, but it makes sense to me.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Classic sound. A lot of talking on this recording. 1956, and live, so I suppose it's authentic. But great music.
Neil Young
3/5
Bluesy Neil. Good stuff. I enjoy it, but in moderation.
Sister Sledge
1/5
Nope. Every once in a while I think I hear some funk, and then it goes flat. Disco has little to no appeal, to me.
Pink Floyd
4/5
I made this vinyl purchase in 7th grade and still play it every so often. I think my memory of the movie, vague though it may be, influences how i listen to the album. I like this when falling asleep.
Supergrass
3/5
Never heard of them before. Though nothing really stuck out for me, I do dig the use of a stand up bass. Precursor to The Happy Fits?
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
It's cool. A nice groove for me while ad lib cooking a dinner. Subtle overtones of R&B, soul and a serano pepper. Nice.
Iggy Pop
3/5
I like Igggy overall, and did not know many of the songs on this album. I liked it, though not enough to seek it out for a listen in the coming months.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
I tried to listen to this, but only heard sounds similar to a fax noise, then some faint notes... more silence... some children? It must have been a bad internet connection or something. Eventually, some music came through, but it too was disrupted by a poor internet connection. Oddly, no other music I listened to this day was similarly impacted by my spotty connection. I suppose it would be funny to learn the artist intended this. But I joke.
John Cale
2/5
Melancholy. That's when this evoked. If I ever need to quell myself, I'm sure this could come in handy. Though it's pace may have the opposite effect. Though Macbeth was grooving.
Venom
3/5
I don't like metal and was hopeful I'd understand it more through this project. Up until now, I've been disappointed with the metal I've come across. This one differed some and has me remaining hopeful. To me, I hear the roots of hard-core or thrash, which moves things closer to punk, a raw energy genre I do like. So, I higher rating than the other metal I've heard, though not enough to relisten to the album.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Though there were some songs that I found compelling, the high pitched dinging on some pieces goes right through me and hits the annoyance center if my brainstem. Happy to have heard this, but I'm not going to seek it out again.
Though a fan of War, Boy, October and Unforgettable Fire, my interest in the music of U2 waned. This album is a good example. Each song is quality, and overall bland to my taste. I'll listen to it again, but I'm not in a rush to do so.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I love the genre, and really dig most of Marley's music. I've never listened to this particular album, so it was great to hear a few that were new to me.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Wonderful. All piano. When I'm down for hearing some piano music, I'll dial up Mr. Jarrett.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Happy to see this come up. PIL was one of those bands I mostly missed and wondered how much I would like them if I got around to listening to them. I did listen, and I realized that they rated now, just were they had before today. Ok music that I would not turn off, but I'm not likely to seek.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
Delicately loud and thoroughly enjoyable. I missed this band years back and just 2-3 years ago gave them a listen and found I dug the sound, lyrics and drive.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Though I knew the name, and likely heard his music, I couldn't have named one Cohen song. At all. This album reminded me of Tom Waits, though that may be unfair, as I don't know who came first. Slow, but not dull, the lyrics and music blend to set mood. Well done.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I loved the texture of the first song with chimes/bells. Tricky, Walk This Way, and one other, are classics. The roots of many future rappers can be heard in several tracks.
James Brown
3/5
Though not enamored of soul in general, the quality of Brown's band is remarkable to me. I'm a sucket for horns though. I hope to see more James Brown on this journey.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Ok, now I like a fair amount of rap, from across 5 decades. I would not include this album among the most influential or best 200. Half of those are likely Wu related. But I digress. The beats are not unique, the lyrics lack originaly. This album is not awful, but for me, it's lacking. Maybe hearing Run DMC in the last couple of days has skewed my estimation? I don't think so, but I'll pass on Dizzee.
3/5
A driving meditation? I did not fully comprehend this. It was not bad, so it's not a 1 for me. I may check it again later, so it's not a 2 for me. But its nit as enjoyable as my 3s. But I'm at a loss to review it.
Happy Mondays
2/5
New to me. Sounded like alot of 1980's danceable rock. Yawn, for me.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Great album. This was my first exposure to RHCP, and though elements of some of their other albums stand out, this is the one I prefer to the others. I love that in Pandora, though I never seeded a channel with RHCP, they come up on many of my channels.
The National
3/5
Another album of well executed music that holds llittlethat is interesting to me. Kind of like this review may be for another reader.
Giant Sand
3/5
I think I prefer the music he made under the name "Lou Reed." Quiet, and we'll done music that drags. I little more pace and a touch of heroin my help.
System Of A Down
2/5
Recognizing the band name, I couldn't say if I'd ever actually listened to their music. The name brought either Grunge or Metal to my mind. The first song's first verse had my thinking, "punk" and the quickly caught its metal edge. With lyrics like, GRWOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRR, GWROOOOOOAAAAR" how can one argue? Man, I want to appreciate Metal, but...
Isaac Hayes
2/5
I don't deny the talent, but the album bored the hell out of me. Perhaps that's its intent? Cleansing to soul by putting it to sleep first? Ok, joking at a genre's expense. Just not for me. I did notice a few bits of music that have been looped into other songs, both hip hop and other.
Bob Dylan
3/5
A couple Dylan songs I had not heard. Generally, I prefer music that moves (punk, Ska, rock, Reggae...). But Dylan is an exception. A like pondering the lyrics. I'm drawn in by the music. This album is deceptively simple. There are other Dylan albums I'm sure will show up here that I like more, but I'm happy to have listened to this one through for the first time.
Erykah Badu
2/5
Liked the music, but not the voice on many songs. Overall, I did not find it engaging enough to seek it out again.
Taylor Swift
1/5
Ok, so not a pop music fan, and can't name one Swift song. So about to dive in for the first time.
First few songs are not to my preferred pacing. Her voice sounds consistently in tune, and the lyrics are clear. That's where my positive comments end. The music does not appeal to me as it sounds bland, and canned. Lovely though the voice may be, I prefer grit, like Winehouse grit. But I've half an album to go, so maybe something will change?
Nothing changed. The mellow carried on, and on. I don't get it. Is there a back story to how something so dull was a pop smash? I do not not denigrate the singer's voice, and if you want a melancholy mood, I can see this being right up your alley. But it fails to hold my interest on any level.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
5/5
I said, Baby, baby, baby, this album has mucho grande style. I dig the vibe that runs through this album. I own this, and at various times, I can't get enough of it. They have a distinctive style. Jazz, hip hop, rap, rock, driving rhythms, story telling. I find the songs infective and many are frequently triggered in my head with certain stimuli from the environment. If someone says they were "running around", my brain adds in the beat and the lyrics, "robbin' banks all wacked..."
Surprised to see this on the list, and thrilled. Especially as it followed the painful evermore.
Wire
3/5
A punk sound not to dissimilar to The Buzzcocks in my head. I had never heard of them, and nothing was a turnoff. A song I recognized as covered later by REM "Strange" is in the mix. Cool to hear it's original structure, which highlighted how bare bones this album was.
The Killers
3/5
Back in the 90s, there was a cluster of bands that in my head were indistinguishable. Blur, Garbage, Oasis... This is not to say their music was indistinct, just that none of it caught my interest enough for me to delve further. The Killers, The Strokes, Arcade Fire...fell into that category for me in the 2000s. Arcade Fire broke from this for me when I listened to a full album based on one or two songs catching my interest. As for this album, still indistinct. Not bad, so I'm not panning the music. Just meh.
The Doors
4/5
Really long blues-based tracks. Good music for me, that also set the stage for better music, punk. After digging this sound, I can see musicians saying, "shorter, faster, louder, more intensity." And I like both.
Haircut 100
3/5
So here's a band I never paid attention to that had a more appealing sound than I thought. The reason? Horns. Still wore thin, as 80s music tends to do for me.
Violent Femmes
5/5
Such a solid album, with so many distinct songs. A fun album, and xylophone (marimba?). You cannot fuck with the Violent Femmes! Ok, that's not on this album, but it fits.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Sounded lovely. Boring as hell, but I'm sure it was well produced. Talk about music by which to commit suicide. I'm open to this being appreciated by others, but I don't share the same taste.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
My feeling is that the music of Joe and his fish have aged as well as fish in a hot marketplace. I was bored. Some portions of songs provided a glimpse into what may have been appealing 50 years ago, but I don't use drugs at that level, so this remained disappointing.
Miles Davis
5/5
Classic.
The Hives
3/5
Straightforward, good, loud and I enjoyed it. Though not enough to listen more. This falls in the category of, I would not turn it off, but nothing grabs me enough to actively seek it out.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
Always like her voice, though not the music. Country music has yet to resonate with me.
Kanye West
3/5
Ees ok. Nothing that I feel the need to return to hear. Just ok.
Michael Jackson
2/5
This album was more painful than [Insert pedophile joke here]. Sorry Mr. Jackson. It's not you. It's your music. Disco. Never found it appealing, and often find it grating. Like many songs on this album.
Tom Waits
3/5
I like Tom Waits and I'm partial to Nighthawks at the Diner and The Heart of Saturday Night. I'll have to give this a listen with headphones as I'll likely appreciate more of the music's subtlety. For now, I think a solid 3 on first listen.
Ray Charles
3/5
I appreciate the artistry in this album and I'm not likely to seek it out. Overall, I found the strings to boring, though well textured. Ray Charles for me is a mandatory part of a good record collection. But for me, a best of collection would tick that box.
The Police
4/5
Man this is a solid album. Sometimes I
forget the original sound that the Police had, and blend them in with other 80s stuff that was meh. So I'm happy to have gotten reacquainted with this one.
Pet Shop Boys
1/5
As one lyric asked, "what have I done to deserve this?" Good lord, this was bad. Inane lyrics over synthetic rhythms drenched in semen. Ok, that last part was irrelevant. Did I mention this was bad?
Sonic Youth
3/5
Another band I want to like but lose interest in when I listen. I really think this is good, and I really think it's just not for me.
Bad Brains
3/5
Good punk that did not appeal to me overall. That's atypical for me with punk.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Parts of this album dragged for me. I like Zeppelin, though never enough to buy one of their albums. Sure, I ripped one or two from Pirate Bay eventually, after reading When Giants Walked the Earth. The first song here is a good example of how I can get charged up listening to them, and then lose interest as the album progresses.
The Cure
3/5
Blah. Perhaps not fair. Dull drum beats, nice guitar work, and an intriguing vocal style. Too many off putting songs for me on this album.
Eminem
4/5
For me, this is not the best Eminem CD, as the second one is more polished. But this is damn good. Not despite, but because of its adolescent appeal. Later tracks seem a bit thin. But the energy, the uniqueness of the lyrics and twisting of delivery to make rhymes flow and color characters and situations is amazing. To this day, one of my favorite lyrics is the vocal sound representing the "kids" pondering which Spice Girl they would want to impregnate. I love this album, though it does not hit a 5 for me.
The Auteurs
3/5
This album was hugely, ok. Nothing stood out for me. Nothing bothered me. I appreciated that it was not pop, but it did not pop. Not great, and not grating.
The Gun Club
3/5
This had me think Gun Club was one of those bands that bought a Velvet Underground album and then formed a band. In turn, I am reminded of The Dead Kennedys by the vocalist. Never heard of the band before this. I'm not likely to seek them out again, but the album was enjoyable enough.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Another album that hits me as good music that does not engage me.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I dug Gabriel for a bit, but owning a collection (best of) seems a good choice for me. I am both impressed by, and bored by the synth. But I cannot hear someone say, "I don't remember... " without my mind filling in with, "...I don't recall. I've got no memory, of anything at all. " So that has comfortably nestled into my Grey matter.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
I like Sheryl Crow songs. The vibe of the full album is not for me, but most of the songs have individual appeal. For me, hearing them periodically on my wife's satellite radio in her car is enough.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Never heard of them before, or so I thought until I heard a "melon" lyric that rang a bell. Forgettable, though not awful. The dance tracks lost me.
Minutemen
4/5
Here's one I'd never heard about, and what was a pleasant surprise. At various points, I hear Meat Puppets, then Gordan Goodwin, then funk. This was a double album that was not the chore I feared. Though I'm not from LA, the album title is cool too.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
The music bored me. The lyrics had meaning, but the delivery left me flat. I prefer more energy in my hip hop.
The Clash
4/5
Though not my favorite Clash album, it's one of my favorites. Straightforward punk with a hunt of that Jamaican influence. The only band that matters.
Wilco
3/5
I own this album, but I've listened to it only a handful of times. After listening to it through this time, I see both why I don't listen often, and why I return to it to try again every year or so.
Elastica
3/5
This was a cool album that I still hit every couple of years. Hearing it here reminded me that it is alternative and almost punk, rather than Electronica, which is unfairly in my brain as it's genre. Reminiscent of the Breeders.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Never heard of this one. I thought of Foghat, and other 70s rock/blues/southern sounds during the first few songs, but it seems this band leans power pop. Happy to have heard them, not likely to seek them out again.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Utterly forgettable. Here's a band name I knew, but could not name nor identify one song. Listening to this album did not change this. Not awful, but just....blah.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Now here's a genre that didn't age too well in my limited musical estimation. Psychedelic music with folk vocals. This album is in black and white despite to kaleidoscope cover.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Warm., beautiful, and well, mostly dull. I dig S&G overall, though I preferred the 8 track that was in my childhood home, Bridge Over Troubled Water.
The Blue Nile
2/5
Peter Gabriel takes a sedative. There was little here for me. I read about the quality hifi of the album, but my sense of this is pretty limited, so I may not be the best judge.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
I thought I recalled this name from the 80s-90s bands, but 1974!?. I liked some songs, wash unfazed by most.
Stereo MC's
3/5
This and Elastica in the past week? My entire collection of "dance music." This CD gets played once every 2-3 years because of Connected. Cool sound, that lies at the edges of my tastes.
Pink Floyd
4/5
What a great album for letting the mind slip away from whatever earthly nonsense is in one's head. I saw PF live once, and that was enough. This is not the driving rhythm that I like for live music. It is music for headphones. I use Floyd to set a tone or mood. Maybe 3 or four times a year.
Van Morrison
3/5
I struggled to remain interested despite the quality of several songs. I can easily see how a fan of the sound could get lost in its depth. Just not me.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
This was a pleasant discovery for me. I missed this band's existence back in the 90s. Op Ivy-like bands were more likely to catch my attention back then. Not too far off, but I missed this band. The first song had a ska vibe, or so I thought. As it continued, it was just solid punk. I'm not likely to seek them out again, as no one song grabbed me. But good stuff.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
I dig when the vocalist goes gritty. Not so much when she goes high and pure on her vocals. Never heard of this band before, and not likely to seek them out. They had my untrained
ear thinking of The Mars Volta.
3/5
XTC is hit and miss for me. I dig Skylark good, but not so much Apples and Oranges. This fell more on the latter side. Good music that doesn't hold Mt attention.
The Byrds
2/5
Too 1960's for me. Not putting down the music, it's just not to my liking. Boring is the word that comes to mind. With these exceptions: (I wrote this midway through the album, thinking I'd hear a few classic ones from my youth that would resonate with me. None did.)
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
Not what I expected after 30 years of knowing the name but not taking steps to listen to GL&SS. A nice low-key vibe that is more stripped down than Fun Lovin' Criminals. I'll now dive deeper into this, kind of the point of this whole project.
Jethro Tull
3/5
I was more impressed with this than I thought I would be. I figured it would have a bunch of non-hut songs that were not very good. I'm not jumping to buy it, but I'll voluntarily listen to more in the future.
Aerosmith
3/5
I grew up owning the Best of Album for Aerosmith, and I think this was a good choice. Best of, prior to their 1980's/90's shit. So this is worthy of inclusion based on the classics, but those lesser songs I can live without.
Sade
2/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I expected I'd rate it a 1 or 2, but the sax has me leaning 2 or 3. Overall, it doesn't hold my attention. But under the right conditions, darkly lit jazz club at 2 am, I'd feel the vibe more.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
I thought I'd be surprised with something other than the one or two songs by this band. I was wrong.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I like the Stones, and even own one CD of them. So hearing ALL of BB for the first time was a treat of sorts. Good blues. Good rock.
2/5
So the first song was indeed, rubbish. I'd like to say I enjoyed what came next, but... Just not to my liking.
UB40
3/5
Encouraging to get more Raggae music. I was not familiar with anything by UB40 outside of Labour of Love. But this was an infectious vibe. While I know their lyrics are meaningful for a late 70s and 80s England, I lost focus on that quickly and just enjoyed the music.
EDIT: I listened to Labour of Love later, and changed my mind. Signing off have my vibing more.
Scritti Politti
2/5
Nope. I have no need for music like this. It's a great example of an album that I need not hear every full song. This was so against my music DNA that it hurt. I don't doubt that it warrants inclusion, it's just simply grating to me.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This has one song I always love to hear. That son of a preacher man. The rest I can do without. Nothing repulsive about it, just not my thing.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
I appreciate the beauty of her voice, though not the music type. I can easily see this being a 5 for many, but for me, a 3.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
I've long thought Fleetwood Mac was not to my liking. But I'd never gone below their known hits on the radio, which I never liked. So this was a good test. By 3 songs in, my opinion was strengthening. A few more songs and it's just about confirmed. I finished, and it is not at all to my liking. In my opinion, this is a very overrated album.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
Ok, so hearing Relax was ok. But I counted at least three covers that were not all that unique. To me, no need to have this on the list. Not denying there may be reasons. Just disagreeing with its inclusion.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not my favorite Dylan album, but still Dylan. I'm giving a three as I'm not focusing on lyrics for this project.
De La Soul
5/5
After getting past that opening skit, this album bursts energy in the opening song. Then the unique style of De LA Soul unveils itself throughout the album. This is a 5 star album for me, despite those skits.
Primal Scream
3/5
This was so not what I thought Primal Scream was. Soup Dragons, trip hoppy, but nothing too snazzy. Though a 3 rating for me, it will get me to give the band a listen on Pandora.
The Smiths
4/5
I dig this album. Always have. Lilting melodies of tragedy and despair with a side of misogyny. I dig his vocals, and Marr on guitar.
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
1,2,3,4 repeat. I think the lead singer's voice was wanted with uninspired music.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I do like CCR, though in smaller doses. Lots of really good music on this.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
I couldn't bear the first song. Bopper along to the second. Pretty mixed from there. Too many high screech sounds for me, but I like the experimental nature of the effort. Electric violin in the 1960s.
Ice T
4/5
Body Count is one badass song. I like the genre crossing of this album and the artist following his own vision. The poetry is well done and mixes both in your face lyrics with thoughtfully expressed socioeconomic realities.
The Pharcyde
4/5
I see where De La Soul grew out of. I dug this overall. I'll revisit it to see what grown on me, and to focus more on the lyrics.
The Charlatans
3/5
Another album in the, -I suppose it's ok, but it just doesn't grab me- category. I did like this more than stuff by Blur, Oasis and other 1990s options that edged on pop.
Tom Tom Club
2/5
Ouch! I won't say this was bad, but I liked nothing about it. I appreciate David Byrne even more though.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Man, I'm mixed on this. I don't like it, but I think it's good. Opera is like that for me. Sounds impressive, and I don't like it. Not equating this to opera, just meandering.
Cyndi Lauper
2/5
I figured this would wind up as a 1 or 2, but it did not grate on me the way her music did years ago. So I'll go with the 2. It's pop, which I've never taken to. Also, I had an aversion to Lauper videos.years back, so a 2 is some maturation for me.
New Order
1/5
More shit from the 1980s. It's value cannot be understated though. Without this, counter movements like Grunge, Punk, Nu Metal and Hardcore may not grow.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
Industrial Rock I guess? I never listened much to NIN, because no one song pulled me in. So hearing the full album was a much more fair opportunity to assess. Turns out, I had not missed out.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
The voice was too distracting off-putting for me to care about the instrumentation. I did not care for this, though I recognize that it may appeal to others.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
I was thrilled to see this album come up as I've loved Oh Bondage, up Yours for so long. What a sweet sax....sound. The voice is alot to take after a few songs, but there's enough sax use to warrant a 3.
Jack White
3/5
3/5
This is embarrassing. I think I prefer studio Dylan over live Dylan. I wasn't able to get into a groove with this album. I like Dylan. I just did not enjoy this live recording like I have enjoyed so many other artists' live albums.
Hole
3/5
Primal Scream
2/5
This was not primal, and there was no screaming. Not what I thought the band was. I pictured metal, I got semi-electronica. I'm don't view either favorably overall, with some exceptions. This was not an exception.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Never heard of it before, and I dug it's overall feel. I'm not likely to seek this out again, but it was well done.
Sam Cooke
4/5
A superior performance. Sam Cooke is a legend. Live horns, classic songs and energy.
The Cure
2/5
Drone attack! Man this is a dull Cure album.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
If I had a dollar for every time I had to tell someone that, "this dick ain't free." I prefer my hip hop to be Wu, or Nas or NWA, but this was better than the watered down shit that gets passed off on people.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
Rough, rugged and raw. This album took me back to working with teens in a residential setting who ate this up. The lyrics, the fashion, the slang, the imagery. It was powerful then, and I dig it now too.
10cc
2/5
I had been excited to hear this as there was a 10cc album in my home as a kid that had some memorable songs on it. This album was not the same. This one held my interest about as much as a tsp of ejaculate, which for me, is not much.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I know this appeals to some, but I find it repetitive and difficult to find a way to enjoy. I don't like moving to Electronica. So not my flavor, but I wish we'll to those who dig it.
Blur
2/5
No. I don't like this Blur album either. Dull, don't like the vocals.
TV On The Radio
2/5
I'm not a fan of monotony in music, and so far, this album seems to feature monotony. Four more songs in, and it's unchanged. This does not appeal to me.
The Byrds
3/5
Classic songs on this. But it's dated.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I don't know enough about what makes a guitarist great. So this album became background music. I find it dull overall. If it's on in some else's car, I'd listen. If it came on in my own car, I'd see what other options were available.
The Mars Volta
4/5
Man, this is a dense, complex album. I read a bit after listening and understanding its a conceptual album following a story. For that, I'd need to listen with headphones or view the lyrics. But this is good.
Black Sabbath
4/5
3 of the first 4 songs are classics. I'm not too big a fan, but I do like .any parts of this album.
Talking Heads
4/5
Love Talking Heads and never owned this album, and never listened to it all. Love the poly rhythm but some songs drag. But it's a good one.
Kate Bush
2/5
That is one beautiful and pure voice, and quite boring. I need more than a voice, great though it may be. Not my genre, but must be wonderful for those who are move by it.
Meat Loaf
2/5
I didn't much care for this back in the 70s and 80s. But id only heard the big hits. Getting the chance to hear the whole album let me know I was right to not have listened to it.
OutKast
3/5
This was ok. It did not stank. Did not grab me like Method Man, or Nas, or Em, but was...ok.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I did give up on a couple of songs, but just a few, and at least 3/4 of the way through before skipping to the next.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
This album is as dull as a Sunday Catholic mass. The livelier songs sounded overproduction.
The Jam
3/5
Happy to hear an album by The Jam other than the one I own (Snap). I preferred Snap, but acknowledge this is unfair as I grew up with it and made more synaptic connections than one listening here. My solution is to listen to more music by the Jam, starting with a relistening to Sound Affects.
Gorillaz
3/5
Man do I love two of these songs. Man can I live without the rest.
Syd Barrett
2/5
So I see why Syd did not have much success outside of Pink Floyd. But how did this get on the list? It's not bad, but I don’t see what it influenced, nor anything so unique it warrants inclusion.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I've heard this sound before, just under another band's name. Not bad, but not appealing either.
Slade
2/5
Ugh. If this was an 80's band, I'd call it hack. But it's from 1972. So it's at the root of the crap I had to listen to in the 1980s. Then I head a song I recognized and thought, oh, here's a reason they persisted. Then it dawned on me it was a Janis Joplin song that they seemed to have taken into the alley behind the studio, pissed on, then added it to the album.
Ash
3/5
The energy of the 1st song drew me in. Parts got less intense, but overall, I'm happy to have learned of this band.
Eels
3/5
I'm rating this a 3, but at the same time, I want to hear more by the band. Really good music, but it can get too mellow.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Song 1 is dull. Then What Goes on kicks in. What a song. Pale Blue Eyes is slow, but engaging. Some Jesus song bored me. Then I started to see the light. Then ... This is an up and down album. Great in parts, less so in others.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
The first song wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......
The Vines
3/5
Some quality songs on this one. I've tried out The Vines before, but nothing stuck for me. So good music, that is not going to have me seeking them out. I won't turn it off if it comes on.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Dull, but good.
Travis
3/5
Bland. Not offensive, just blah.
The Fall
3/5
Never heard this album, nor this band's music before, and I was listening to alternative in the 90s. Though I'm not likely to seek this band out, I was ok with the music. The vocals were intriguing.
LL Cool J
4/5
Despite enjoying one or two LL songs, I always shied away from him as I figured he would be too pop oriented. So this album was a pleasant surprise.
SAULT
3/5
I don't like soul, nor Disco, yet I found I grooved to some of these songs. It wore on me as it went along, but the few that I vibed with added a star to my rating.
Tina Turner
2/5
Ugh. What a waste of an interesting
voice. I don't like the music at all. I understand that others will. It's just not my taste and I found it grating at times. Mary would nit be proud.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
The Zombies
2/5
Disappointing. I had thought I'd like this band, based on their two most know songs, but I was wrong. That 60s sound and flower fluff left me bored.
King Crimson
2/5
Disappointing. In my head, fair or unfair, I expected something funkier with higher energy. This was not that.
Circle Jerks
3/5
Punk rules. Good music, and some anarchy.
Tortoise
3/5
Stop me if you've heard this before... I mean stop this, I keep hearing it over and over. I dug the first song, until it droned. Then noticed the next song drone. Repeat. Then while cleaning the kitchen, it set a numbing vibe. But I was not high, so it diminished. But that brief stretch gets it an extra star.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Oof. This is my second LC album. It may have beauty, and poetry, but man does it drag. But I'm just 2 songs in. So let's see. Religious imagery, strike two. Ok, I finished. I'm sure some like this the easy I like Dylan's first album. Just not me.
Talking Heads
4/5
First time listening to this full album in decades and I wish I'd done it sooner. I prefer 77, but this is upbeat enough and has nice rhythmic components characteristic of Talking Heads.
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
They made some music here. Not my cup of tea, but not awful. But for most songs, if it were to come on, I'd seek other options on my radio/Pandora/or whatever.
Klaxons
2/5
Song 1, not to my liking. But their hits lie ahead. #2 3,4, not for me. And so on.
Tears For Fears
2/5
Oh no. OK. Fair shot........ I find this awful. Not grating, but not yo my liking.
Roxy Music
2/5
Roxy music had a few songs I liked back in the day. None on this album. I found this bland, and suffered through some.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
Man I love JLK. He was my first exposure to real Blues music. This album did not disappoint.
XTC
3/5
Whereas Black Sea would be a 4 or 5 for me, this is a 3 for me. Dear God is my standout choice. But the rest is too...trippy sounding. Too many trippy songs strung together is no so good to me.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
I do not doubt that Rundgred had an impact on music. But this album did not have a positive effect on me. It's what bored me in the 70s, and does so now too.
George Harrison
3/5
I like this more than either of the John Lennon albums, but it can be too soft at times.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I was mixed on this. Much of it bored me. But the ones I did like carried the rating.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Fuck you.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
It's such pretty music. Love those lilting lyrics too.
Liz Phair
3/5
I knew surprisingly few of these songs. For such an acclaimed album to be out when I was in my 20s and for me to not be familiar with most of it tells me it did not grab my attention enough back then for a reason. I don't find it interesting. Sure, it's good. But not my vibe.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Twaaaang. No thank you.
The Associates
2/5
Oof. This was not good. If it preceeded some of the John Hughes soundtrack bands of the 80s, then I suppose they were influential. But if they were just another 80s band, then no need for them in the 1,000. Lovely cover art.
U2
4/5
Good music that drags on a few too many songs to get regular attention from me.
Lou Reed
3/5
A piano and a crying child? Hell yes. Ok, not really. But no fear when heroin is at play, am I right? Good pairing of music and emotions.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Always good to hear a legend in a music style that I don't typically like. Soulful (surprise) voice and music that did not detract from this.
The Sonics
3/5
I liked this, and had never heard it previously. I do question how that many covers results in placement on this list. But it was a great sound, and impressive for 1965.
The Doors
3/5
I like the bluesy piano in a song I don't think I'd previously heard. I generally like the Doors, and once a year or so, I'll seek them out on purpose. This album was overall engaging. Not sure if it was nostalgia or if I genuinely dig the music. But today I enjoyed it.
Green Day
4/5
Good, solid songs from that punk base without too much of a polished, sell-out vibe.
David Bowie
3/5
I did not care for this. Bowie is hit or miss for me, which I think is indicative of his appeal. He explored and experimented with musical styles that caught his attention, which I respect. And I found this album dragged for me. But I'm a bit of a rhythm chaser. I did like the sax.
The Undertones
3/5
Another unknown to me. I dig the energy. I heard some Buzzcocks influence, which is always good.
Deep Purple
3/5
Two songs that I dig, the first and of course Smoke on the Water. The rest was just good old classic rock.
Bon Jovi
2/5
Had a distaste for this in the 80s, but figured there may be a gem on the songs I may not have heard. I was wrong. JBJ may be a good person, but I'll pass on his music.
Magazine
3/5
Unknown to me. Unremarkable to me. A fine sound, but Unremarkable. Except that it has sax. That's always a plus.
Black Flag
4/5
This was a loud, grinding, screaming album, and I liked it. TV party took me back to the soundtrack from Repo Man. I'll give this album four black bars.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Not as good as X, but struck me similarly.
Incubus
3/5
Unremarkable, but not awful. Better than I expected.
David Crosby
3/5
I'm not likely to seek this out, but it was fine background music.
3/5
I dig the unique sound of X. Every so often one of their songs surfaces in my consciousness and out comes their disk I own. I don't play them often, but never regret when I do.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I like the energy of the album. Grim lyrics are always a plus with punk-leaning music.
Machito
4/5
I'm often put off by Cuban influenced music as whistles are too shrill for me. This was all rhythm and horns. Very good stuff that I had not previously heard. Big horns. Lots-o-horns. While I read this was a bit formulaic, and more Hollywood than Cuban, I don't know the genre well enough to know about that. So tell Lucy that I'm home, 4 stars.
Pixies
3/5
Very good band with a unique sound. Not as familiar with this album, but happy to have listened to it.
The Libertines
3/5
Better than pop, not as good as punk. It leans more alternative-punk, so I'm cool with it.
Suicide
3/5
Finally, the root of Johnny 99. Never heard this before, and I'm not likely to seek it out, but I was ok with it overall. Redundant. Sure it was. But I think that was the point, and it worked more than the Electronica shit that followed. And Frankie is dead. So I guess we can relax.
The Doors
4/5
This album I like. What a fucking debut this seems to have been. That being said, I also recognize my bias as it's from my childhood. The songs are easy for me to get into, and distinctly their own sound.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Finally. Elvis. I read that I'll get my fill of Elvis, but not much so far. This is a standout album for me. Always a great lyricist in my estimation, it seems musical depth was added. This album veers away from the punk Elvis early vibe and into him as a musician. Ok, not just him, the Nieves (sp?) guy adds to the texture through composition and playing. Long Honeymoon is such a great example. Slower than the music I usually like, this song moves.
Steve Winwood
3/5
Though I grew up with Winwood, so know the music, it's a bit on the dull side for me. So, a standard 3. Ok to listen to, but I would not seek it out. And did I hear some funk in the bass on night train?
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I dig CCR, and this album fell right into place for me. Not likely I'd seek this album out, but it's got an overall vibe that I find appealing.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
I saw this band live once and am as unimpressed now as I was back then. The music is dull and sounds like Depeche Mode, or several other bands of the era.
Janelle Monáe
2/5
Not entirely unpleasant, but not of interest to me. Lush sound at times.
Mudhoney
3/5
A strong start, and then it became passable background music. Nothing stood out and nothing offended.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Ouch. I did not enjoy this at all. Slow, unpleasant voice, some occasional irritating sounds. Not for me.
The Kinks
3/5
Two greats and some other good stuff.
Little Simz
3/5
I didn't mind this, but it's 5 years old and not spectacular enough to break into the 1001 category to me.
Elvis Presley
2/5
Not very interesting. I'm neither pro Elvis nor anti Elvis. It's an icon that never made too much sense to me. A bit scam-like in my head.
Cheap Trick
3/5
A treasured album from childhood, that was not as good as I remembered. There were many songs that I didn't even remember, which is odd for me. But it was a seminal work during my early adolescence. A must have album in 7th grade.
Sebadoh
3/5
Mediocre appeal.
Big Star
3/5
Another in the category of -this is music, and seemingly we'll done music, that just doesn't vibe with me. But also doesn't vibe with me.
Burning Spear
3/5
As this began, it was decent music (I do like me some Reggae). Then it got into me later, until Johnny B Goode came on and I realized Alexa moved on to Peter Tosh. Lesson: I dig Tosh much more than Burning Spear.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Ok, so it's good to hear the two hits, and perhaps one other song, but I found this full album to be flat. Not pop trash, just too thin to be a great album.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Good music overall. This album had more songs I did not connect with than ones I did connect with. So though not for me, I see it's value.
SZA
2/5
After song 1, I was in the -fuck this auto tune shit being on the list. Woman empowerment with a lyrics about needing you? But I persisted, because that's the point of this project, right? So my overall review is... the music is dull. It lacks good beats, it's repetitive, and in my opinion, highly overrated.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Finally, I get to Elvis, who apparently saturates this project, and with good reason. Underrated in the US, this may be the best thing imported from England. Sharp lyrics, slightly refined punk mixed with several America musical styles. This album is fast, has attitude, and was quite a debut. Oddly, I'm a casual Elvis fan having less than 20 of his albums, mostly on vinyl.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Dated. I was never a fan of falsetto leaning singers. The music provided me little enjoyment.
Cypress Hill
3/5
I like their sound and bobbed along with its beats. I also grew tired of it before it was over. But definitely their own vibe.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I appreciate The Stones, and this album in particular. No wall of sound effort, stripped down to basic R&R (ok, blues).
Arcade Fire
3/5
I have an Arcade album that I like. This is not it. This one dragged.
Cream
3/5
I'd have dug this in 1967, but not sp much in 2024. The classic hits I dig, as I grew up with them, but the music, out of the context of the 60s and 70s loses my interest. A solid three for blues based music.
Kanye West
3/5
Previously, when I listened to West, I figured I was missing something. It does nit satisfy like Nas, Wu, Em, NWA... So this was a chance to see what I was missing. Turns out, not much. This is not bad, but it wad not enjoyable either.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
I appreciate the fact that this set the stage for so much that came after it. Run DMC to start, and everything that followed. And I did not care for it. It reminds me of dance club music that is repetitive, but not interesting. So respect to this and it deserves a slot on the list. But not for me.
Funkadelic
3/5
This is really good music and for me it's very situational a to when id like to listen to it. The song Maggot Brain has parts that sounded like Pink Floyd, specifically Wish You Were Here (which came 4 years later).
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Stevie has some spectacular songs, and then some stuff that seems really good and does not appeal to me. This album is an example. Worthy of this list, despite my mixed response to the artist.
Miles Davis
4/5
When I want Jazz, Mike's is in the mix. I like the album.
Michael Jackson
2/5
If only I could think of a pithy, one word review for this album Bad.
Garbage
3/5
Not a one word review using the band name. If more songs hit me like #1 Crush, I'd put this at a 4. But they did not not. And I'm not clear if that was on the original release. Either way, some good stuff, but not 3nough for me to seek out more.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
I found this irritating.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
I dug it. More than I thought I would. So cheers to that.
The Beta Band
2/5
I think I'll wait until the Delta Band.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Though better than his death album, this music bores me. It's not bad, and lyrically some things stand out as poetic and insightful. But that's a bonus for me when on top of music that engages. And this does not engage enough.
Beach House
2/5
Why? Why on the list? Why would someone like this? Why would someone make this? I know I'm being obtuse as it's art. It just had no appeal to me.
Pearl Jam
4/5
I'm not a big Pearl Jam listener, but I bought this album in the 1990s, and I stand by the purchase. It's good enough to draw me in, when much other Grunge stuff could not. I like the voice, the music and the attitude.
Radiohead
2/5
Man, I tried again, and nope. This isn't awful, by any stretch. But it doesn't connect to me on any type of visceral level. It's a classic 3 for me. Quality music, that does not appeal to me. I would not seek it out, and would only leave it on if there were no other options.
White Denim
3/5
I had not heard this band previously. Intriguing. I'll try some other stuff by them, as they do have a unique blend. Overall, it would not seek this out again, but I recognize some complexities in the music. So I think they are good, but in a genre that does not grab me.
The Waterboys
4/5
Always liked this album though I haven't listened to it in years.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I grooved with an early song, then a couple later. Then I grew bored. Sounds like very good music that I just don't vibe with.
Talking Heads
5/5
Guy walks into my dorm room circa 1987 as I'm playing 77 and comments on my playing "happy music." This is such good music. It stood out from what the radio stations were pumping in the mid to late 70s. Byrne is amazing, and the band provides consistently strong rhythm. I was 11 when this came out, and it's gets a full album play at least once a year.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Good stuff, but not good enough. Seems like The Jam, Lite.
John Coltrane
4/5
Just a solid jazz album from a master. I don't own this one, so it's my first listen. Don't ask me about why, I just dug it's sound overall.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
As a 1-year-old, I remember rocking out to this on my Playschool record player...Ok. Not really. I'm most familiar with this album amongst Hendrix albums and coincidentally, its my favorite. Classic riffs (not that I really know what a riff is by definition) and a definitive groove persists through each song.
Throwing Muses
3/5
Background music that does not offend. Not terribly engaging, but also not off-putting. If not for the louder sound of guitar, this would be much worse.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I tend to avoid singing in my jazz, but Amy Winehouse is an exception. Her voice is quite the instrument. Great album. Could be a 5, but ... all that singing does lead to some dull spots.
The Beta Band
2/5
The authors are trolling us. C'mon man. This? Mind you, this is not a 1, it's music. But it is just so blah to my ears overall.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Man, this has beauty. Man, it's not for me. Much respect, but just a 3 from me.
The Verve
2/5
Long had I thought I should check this band out. Now, I don't regret putting it off 30 years. This is background 90s music that grows tiring.
Pere Ubu
2/5
Great to hear this, but I did not care for it.
Duran Duran
2/5
Just because I acknowledge I can see the route this takes to make the list doesn't mean I have to like it.
Sabu
2/5
Ok, that's enough.
Fela Kuti
3/5
This I like, but it best fits a long task ie. cooking, mowing. Ginger Baker being added was a nice surprise based on the one Fela Kuti album I own.
Mudhoney
3/5
In the 1990s, the law was clear. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and unless you were into the Grunge scene, you were allowed only one other Grunge band. I chose Screaming Trees over Mudhoney, and after listening to this, I stand by that choice.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Yup. It's Elvis. Dead before my time, doing what others did before him.
David Bowie
3/5
Fairly dull. Great Bowie voice though.
Sparks
3/5
Nothing outlandish. The voice it too high for my liking.
Sepultura
2/5
This sucks*.
*For a non-metal fan. Wish I could, as it's got great energy.
Missy Elliott
3/5
I did like the groove, despite the ongoing slow tempo. Otherwise, nothing spectacular.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Happy to hear a few classics from my youth. The oversaturation of the stones on the radio in the 80s and since (with changes to radio formats) has contributed to my underappreciation of The Stones. A move away from their mostly blues sound here.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Unremarkable. But I'm not British, so to each their own.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Standard, classic and falling exactly where RS music generally hits me.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
Soul music rarely moves me the way soul moves others who vibe with it. I fully understand the power of soul to grab a listener and resonate physically and emotionally in one's self. I just ain't that person. So, good music, that gets an unfair average rating from me.
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Slow, plodding, good. But not to my liking overall.
Kings of Leon
3/5
This is well crafted. It's also nothing that demands my attention, so it's a three rating.
Steve Earle
2/5
I don't have an ear for country. I like blues, I like folk to an extent. But not country. This album did not change my position. In fact, My Old Friend the Blues, when compared to the Proclaimers' remake of it, sucks donkey bal...[user edited for questionable moral character]
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Who tells singers that singing through one's nose is tge way to go? I liked the music on one or two songs, but I fail to see this a differentiated from most other pop. Dull.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
This was great. Love that hopping piano sound.
Fred Neil
2/5
No thank you.
Various Artists
3/5
I dig most of these individually, but the fill album to too much. It gets grating. Classic wall of sound and strong female vocals celebrate Christmas, from the little Jewish man.
Killing Joke
2/5
Music I can appreciate with that death metal scream that loses my interest.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Though nostalgic, I don't care for several Beach Boy songs in a row. Throw one into a summer mix with Jack Johnson and Michael Franti and I'll dig it.
Miles Davis
4/5
I dig most Miles.
Slint
3/5
Intrigued, but not enamored of. I may revisit, and will certainly recommend for those who understand music theory and odd timing.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Spotty. But always good to hear Method Man on a track.
Joy Division
2/5
Oof. This was not enjoyed.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Yup. Sounds like Neil Young.
Madness
2/5
I am a big fan of Ska, and one of my favorite Ska songs is one Madness covered and is emblematic of the genre for me (One Step Beyond). But that's where my affinity for Madness seems to end. This was dull. Not dirty enough. Dare I say closer to Pop than Ska (not literally Pop).
Tom Waits
3/5
Good, but not my favorite Waits album.
Fleet Foxes
2/5
I'm genuinely happy there are people that will like this. I'm not in their groove. But good for all of you.
Slipknot
2/5
If you're a white kid who does not dig hip-hop or rap, this would be the ideal music. Powerful, loud, and annoying. I understand how one could feel this music and have a visceral response to it. I'm just not that person.
David Gray
2/5
This, is pretty dull. Not abrasive, just slow and uninteresting.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Ambitious name, good energy, but nothing to write home about.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Elvis fan, who can get bored with Elvis too. So I suppose the album fits both. Musically I think it's quality, and I am among those who appreciate his vocals. But it does drag. Lyrics, when I catch them, are typical of Elvis. Thought out, intentional and elegant.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
And I thought Leonard Cohen's music was boring...
3/5
Unremarkable.
Megadeth
3/5
I found this more appealing than most metal. The lack of a death metal scream helped. Guitar is fast, crisp and has energy. I'm still not likely to seek this band out. But I'm happy I did not need to skip any songs.
Prince
3/5
This is such a great example of my view of Prince's music. Some phenomenal songs that are in a genre I do not like and a bunch that are flat, dull and do not appeal to me. I can easily see how someone who likes pop and R&B and soul would rate this a 4 or 5. I almost went with a 4, as some songs are that good. Just not enough for me.
The Pogues
4/5
Finally, some good wholesome Irish music amongst the Brit heavy list. Though I prefer Rum, Sodom and the Lash, this was a welcome album.
2Pac
4/5
We're it not for a out 3-4 songs that really appeal to me, this would have been a 3. But those few songs offset the ones that drag for me.
The Offspring
4/5
This is a great punk album that crossed into mainstream and remained punk. It's also a band that I have never checked out beyond this album, so shame on me. I'll do that now.
Solange
2/5
I'm sure there are those who enjoy this. I am not among you. Just not my vibe. I liked the bassline in the second song, but the rest of the composition took away from that one quality. Then the rest of the album was more difficult to sit through.
Public Enemy
4/5
I enjoyed this. Not too much of a surprise as I've always liked Chuck D's voice and tge constand driving beat of PE. Sure, even the Flava parts work. I never heard this album before, but it did not disappoint.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
A slice of Americana. From a pie I do not care for, but understand its value. Simple music with storytelling.
The Temptations
3/5
I'm not big on R&B in general. But hearing Pappa was a treat.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
So here's one I'd say need not be on the list. But it is, and I like horns, so a 3.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Not bad, and not appealing enough to seek out more.
Supergrass
3/5
This lacked. No one so g caught my attention. Nothing was off putting either.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Second by this band in three days, and this one wore thin on me. I don't like the lead singers voice and the tracks are too dancy for my taste.
The Strokes
3/5
A couple of songs stand out, and I like that this band stood out over a lot of industry-(dying industry)-driven music from its time.
Public Enemy
4/5
Good stuff. I prefer Nation of Millions, but this slaps too.
The Kinks
3/5
I like the kinks, and I'm embarrassed enough to admit I like having their greatest hits. And Soap Opera. This album had stuff that did not land for me.
The Pretty Things
2/5
Ok, so maybe the first rock opera. But this did not hold my interest musically.
Depeche Mode
2/5
Never cared for DM, and after this, my view is further solidified.
Adele
3/5
I liked her voice on some songs. Overall, this is not alluring enough to revisit.
Os Mutantes
2/5
This had elements I enjoyed, but they were too few and far between.
Nirvana
3/5
A few top notch songs, the some that left me flat.
Culture Club
2/5
I do like some of the musicality of this. The harmonica adds depth. But in the end, dance beats.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I get why VU made more bands than the sold albums.
Fugazi
3/5
This did not hit me as I had hoped. Post thrash seems to be punk-lite for me. The guitar and rhythm do indeed go together well, but I'm not a fan of the vocals.
Laura Nyro
3/5
I liked the Jazz songs much more than the rest.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
My first thought was this sounds Wu influenced. It's close enough in release year for me to drop that allegation. Its....ok. nothing really jumps out at me.
Simply Red
2/5
Disco mixed with some jazzy bluesy tunes and some R&B all under the canopy of pop. No thank you. We're it just the jazzy bluesy stuff, I'd have dug it more.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Sufjan Steven's, Come on Feel the Illinoise : Man, I am thrilled there are people who likely rate this a 5. It's beautiful and does not resonate with me at all. This music does not vibrate on a level that does anything for me viscerally. For that, I'm disappointed tbh. So a 3 from me.
Def Leppard
1/5
This was bad. Everything that irked me about this ban, and the rest of its genre, is on this album.
Sonic Youth
2/5
SY is just not my thing. But I'm thrilled they exist.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Some nice blues tracks, but not what I'm familiar with. So I'll need to listen again to see if any songs grow on me.
Blondie
4/5
From the start, Hanging on the Telephone rocks. One Way... followed, I think, and was equally a banger. Then things slow down some, but do not drag. Love when her voice gets gravelly.
Janis Joplin
4/5
I've always liked Joplin's voice and the accompanying music. The album started to replay, and I let it.
Steely Dan
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
The Kinks
3/5
Ok. It's the kinks. Always good. Rarely outstanding on this album.
Motörhead
3/5
Not a fan of metal and I liked this. Absent from this was the old death metal vocals, which pleases me. I'm not about to seek out Moorhead, but yeah, I dug the hard-core vibe I got.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
JA has a few songs that really appeal to me, though overall something misses on the rest. I see the value of the band, but it just doesn't hit my music bone (I think yhats in tge limbic section of the brain).
Shack
2/5
After 2 songs, I thought, "Lemonheads-Lite." But later songs dragged a bit more, and became dull.
Paul McCartney
3/5
Much respect for Paul's impact on music, culture and humanity. But I've never been all-in on his music. A few songs stand out, but mostly out of familiarity.
Buffalo Springfield
2/5
Great initial song, then some boring songs. Had to skip over one that was churchy sounding.
The Fall
3/5
Heard some Buzzcocks and some Pistols. Nothing hooked me in. But interesting enough.
The Smiths
3/5
I've got three Smiths albums, and like them all more than this one. Too flat overall for me.
The Band
3/5
Certainly good musicians, who play music that is not my vibe.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
My first thought was how a band could open an album with a cover song. Then I learned they recorded the album long before the 1979 release, and it was the pistols covering them.
Mercury Rev
2/5
No place on the list in my estimation. Too high pitched on some instruments and no vocal distinction to my ear.
Deee-Lite
2/5
Not my genre, but certainly stands out in this genre. By the time I got to the Groove song, which has a distinctive vibe, I was tired of the music.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This left me flat. I'm a bit bored. I enjoy the first maybe 5 albums of his, and little to nothing that came afterward. Perhaps I never grew up to appreciate maturation in his music?
Kraftwerk
2/5
Nope. Not for me. I wish I could hear this music composition with different instruments to see if I'd enjoy it more, but then it wouldn't be Kraftwerk. Too much upper register tones for my ear.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I don't like this. Fairly disappointing as I figured PIL, a band with which I never got familiar but always meant to check out, would at least get a 3 or 4. Guess I dont care for post punk as much as I do punk.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Though not my preferred genre, I did dig this. Funky, I like. Gospel and R&B, not so much. But it's too slow overall, even if I'm seeking a groove.
Emmylou Harris
1/5
When I started this project, I eliminated the genre Country. Then had it put back in (thank you generator creator) . This was the first country album to come up. My view of country has nit changed. This was irritating and dull. Bottle Let me Down supports Elvis Costello needing to be on this list as his version shitkicks Emmylou's version.
Mylo
2/5
No. This is getting increasingly irritating. Just not my vibe.
Air
2/5
Lovely, and dull, dull, dull.
Iron Butterfly
2/5
Aside from a portion of the song itself, this album was not engaging.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Ummm. C'mon. This was unpleasant. Dull, irritating at times...many times.
The Stooges
3/5
This had some clunkers for me that dropped it from a possible 4 to a 3. I suspect I'd have listened to this differently in 1969, but I was 3 and those clunkers would not have been appreciated then either.
Beatles
4/5
This is a very good album. I'm a casual Beatles fan, meaning I won't seek them out, but I'm not likely to turn them off. I cannot take too much, like the satellite radio Beatles station. But this album contains enough diversity of songs to hold my interest. Unlike the Beatles hits album (One?) that I can't get through comfortably.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
This historically famous album was used by the British to finalize plans to kill the Irish? How much ecstasy was in England in the 90s? This music has no appeal to me.
Solomon Burke
3/5
This had about two songs that I dug, but overall, soul is not music that resonates with me for more than a song or two.
Queen
2/5
I knew none of the songs on this album, and after listening to it, I'm ok with that. Some guitar playing caught my ear, but the rest was uninteresting.
The Icarus Line
3/5
Not much here for me. Not putting down the music, just hits me as bland background music from the 90s, even though it's not from the 90s.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
This did little for me. Not bland. As many if these album are. I bit on the heavier side, but with nothing distinguishing to me.
Patti Smith
3/5
I had expected to not like this, at all. But to my surprise it was tolerable. I like her voice at times. I have not cared for her writings, and previous exposure to her music was not promising. So this 3 rating is kind of a rave from me.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Nothing to significant for me here. Sounds like some other bands from the era, The Doors for example.
Alice In Chains
2/5
Nothing much here for me. This leans to close to metal for my liking. Loud, but dull.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
I find the vocals on this irritating.
Common
3/5
This is not rap that holds much appeal for me. I like more of a sharp edge to my music. This was soft.
Johnny Cash
3/5
I liked this. Though not a huge Johnny Cash fan, this worked.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
At times I got the vibe of this, but it is not too appealing.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Two stars just because sax. Another star as the other instruments did their jobs too. Never heard of Jimmy Smith, aside from a former wide receiver. Not related. But I like his music.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Always liked this album, even as some songs dragged.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Pre-lisrening, this is an album I enjoy. And not just because of weed. This listen was no different. A good example of a complete album rather than a collection of songs on an album.
Coldplay
1/5
Dear God this was not enjoyed by me. Initially I was glad to see Coldplay, as I don't really know much of their music but I know they are polarizing. Now I don't get how they're polarizing. It's bad.
Kanye West
3/5
Exciting album to check out for me as I did not understand the hype around Kanye's music when I first heard it about 2 decades ago. The initial songs had me thinking the album was Marilyn Manson inspired.
Gang Starr
3/5
Reminds me of Special Ed from the early 90s. Contemporaries at the time. This has a nice vibe, but little variation from song to song.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Always wanted to like this band, just based on the name. But I just never took to them. This was...ok. Nothing hooked.me, but it was good...ish.
Lou Reed
3/5
I liked this.
Ray Charles
4/5
I loves me some Ray. But not all of this one. I like jazzy, flowing Ray. This had too much weepy music. Am I Blue? I don't care. Stop whining. Can't you see...[The AI for this app detected a probable blind joke and deemed it to be potentially offensive to those who read it. Therefore, it has been interrupted. I am a bit.]
David Bowie
3/5
I ok with Best of collections with Bowie. Daimond Dogs and perhaps another may be exceptions. Good stuff, not all of it resonates with me.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Good stuff. I may prefer smaller jazz music, such as trios, quartets, but an orchestra by Baise has some power.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Though tedious, this was not irritating. That's high praise from me for this genre.
Blue Cheer
2/5
So this is part of the base for metal? I was not moved by this music. I generally do not dig metal. Closest I get is Black Sabbath, then Ozzie's Blizzard album. I'm sure there are others, but overall, not my genre.
Morrissey
3/5
I generally like Morrissey's music but this album was non descript. Kind of dull, slow-paced, absent of anything that grabs my attention. I support a Smiths album or two being on the list, and even Vauxhaul and I. But disagree on this one.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Don't like the vocals. Don't like the beats. Don't like the genre. Don't see a reason this album needed to be sooooo looking.
Elton John
1/5
This album isss tttthheee zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzs...
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
It's not Brain Salad Surgery. I don't like this, but it was not grating.
The Black Crowes
3/5
Huh. A little better than I expected. This band never caught my attention, so I thought it would be a low 3. Instead, it's a solid 3.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
No. I don't like this at all. The music is not terribly engaging, and the vocals are bland. Agreed, I'm not a Samba listener to begin with, but I look forward to stretching my exposure through this project. This was a miss.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
I'm not a fan of this album. I have one Surfer album that has a few songs I dig. But not this one. It will get a 3, but out of respect for their experimentation, not out of my digging the album.
Van Morrison
3/5
Did not think I would like this too much. But I sorta did. Another album I expected to be a low 3 to only to feel it is a high 3, but still a three.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
Interesting, happy to have listened to this. I'm not likely to listen to it again.it got worse the longer I listened.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This is such a solid album. A few songs dragged for me, so not a 5.
50 Cent
3/5
This was better than I expected. It was closer to late 1990s type of gangsta rap spinoffs. Not too cheesy sounding like much of this periods rappers always struck me.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Good album. About three to four songs I dig, and others that were not bad.
Tito Puente
3/5
Good stuff that I tire of quickly.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Had never heard this, nor heard of this. I liked it. It had some variety. Then, my interest waned.
Crowded House
2/5
This had me wondering about the origin of the band's name. What I settled on, was that this is good music to play when it's time to empty a crowded house. I was not engaged, nor impressed. This was dull.
Aimee Mann
2/5
"Whatever" the lyrics are, the music was too dull to enjoy.
3/5
Not to my liking. Not awful, but nothing particular to catch my interest as some other adjacent bands can.
Neil Young
2/5
To dull. So are some of Young's albums that I like. But nothing hit me on this album.
Yes
2/5
Not a fan back when, but I'm glad I listened to a full Yes album. Now I am certain I do not care for them.
2/5
Wow. Back to back Yes albums. The other one I did not like (2). But maybe this one will hit me differently....................................... ............... It did not hit me differently. I'm not saying this is bad music. But I don't like synthesizer and I don't like high voices (generally).
The Cramps
3/5
This was okay. Punk, but a bit flat on me. I like punk overall, but yhis didn't catch me.
Gillian Welch
2/5
I'm sure this appeals to some, and I am open to it being on the list, even if I don't get it. This was painful. Had some country (strike 1) was slow paced (strike 2) and after a while, became an irritant (strike 3). I'd go with a 1, but can't because there's talent, just not talent that I appreciate.
k.d. lang
2/5
I like the voice, but not the flow of the music, nor the sound (country twanging).
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Never hear before. Johnny cask or early Dylan sound (before them). Not typically my brand, but ok.
The Beach Boys
2/5
I do not appreciate Beach Boys music. I do enjoy some songs, mood setters for a scene (their hits I suppose). But even with those I like, more than one or two is plenty. This album was dull.
The Black Keys
3/5
I liked this and found it a solid three. Had it had one or more songs that spectacularly grabbed me, I'd have it as a 4. But none did, though it was only one listen of the album, so I'm open to reconsideration.
Dire Straits
3/5
A weak 3 for me. Nothing that I had not heard was appealing. Nothing too awful.
Willie Nelson
2/5
So sorry Willie, but aside from some ragtime piano bits, this was dull. I'm not a fan of country, so my opinion carries no real weight on this album.
David Bowie
3/5
This is a decent Bowie album. I'm not a huge Bowie fan, but I dig this.
Björk
3/5
I am not a fan of most music with dance beats, but her voice makes the album. I did not like Sugar Cubes, but man I dig her solo vibe.
Green Day
4/5
I respect their selling out. Seriously, they broke out with the record contract, but maintained their punk roots and still a unique sound. Not exactly Dylaneasque in their lyrics, but I don't need that for punk. Oh, and this is a very good album.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Super dull. Likely good music, but not in my zone.
3/5
This was ok. Nothing grabbed my attention, but each song was listenable, and occasionally enjoyable.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I was prepared to hear Joni sing songs only dogs could hear (SNL). I was not prepared to like much of this due to the music. Glad I heard a full album of hers.
3/5
I liked the first song the way I like many Kinks stand out songs. The rest was flat.
Doves
2/5
Upon getting into this....al b u m...zzzzzzzzzz
Metallica
3/5
While some sections of music did tweak my interest, overall, I'm just not a metal fan. I recognize Metallica's importance, but I don't appreciate their music.
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
Oh dear, I find this irritating.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Not for me. Slow, dull. Music is likely good, but just nit my vibe.
Björk
2/5
This did nothing for me. I like her voice when it growls. High pitched singing can be an irritant, such as much of this album.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
No interest in this. It may have beauty, or some tonal genius, but it's not what I look for in music, and I did not enjoy ut.
B.B. King
3/5
Good blurs music. I tired of it as it went on, so I guess I prefer John Lee Hooker or Howlin' Wolf.
Beatles
3/5
I like the Beatles well enough. I have immense respect for the artists, the impact and more. But the music's impact on me is what I rate, and this gets dull.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
5/5
MY FIRST UNKNOWN 5! I''d heard the name, and their biggest song, but knew nothing else about them. Outstanding stuff here. I dig, and own some Franti albums, but was not aware that he was part of this. Bonus.
The xx
2/5
This was odd. It's tedious, and synthetic, but at times it starts to groove. Hints of Portishead peak through, then fade. Overall, this almost was a three.
Van Morrison
2/5
Overall, dull. Not bad, just slow, and dull.
The Specials
5/5
14 yo me: HVe you heard of The Specials?
Other adolescent: The Specials suck.
My brain: How could anyone hear this and not think it was great? I need not try and like Hendrix or Zeppelin any more.
A true defining moment in my life. From here, I got into Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley. Then years later a ska band at college (Bigger Thomas, nee Panic) opened me to exploring Jamaican ska. And later skacore, 3rd wave and Streetlight.
But this album hit my turntable repeatedly from age 14 to age 2?.
Like what grips your bain. Don't waste your time on music that misses your soul.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I like Led Zeppelin, and one album is enough. I dig the blues roots and appreciate the impact they had, both positive and negative impacts. I'm not sure if I can distinguish differences in their albums, but I hope to try through this project.
The Pogues
3/5
I like the idea of the Pogues more than the music. I have two or three Pogues albums, and play each one or two times a year. This one does not tempt me to add another to my collection, despite it being arguably their best. Go figure.
Stan Getz
4/5
A quality recording of enjoyable and relaxing music.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
1-2 songs were of interest and the rest bland. Not awful, just not my taste.
Roxy Music
3/5
Maybe not pleasure, but it was alright. Not in my interest area, but still a three.
Traffic
3/5
Traffic has some solid songs. I font seek them out, but I also don't get rubbed the wrong way by those songs that don't hold my interest.
Kid Rock
2/5
I was once tempted to get a Kid Rock album based on one song. A friend said, "don't do it", and I respected his opinion enough to not but it based on one song. Years later, I don't think I can identify one song other than the first one on the album, which I don't think was the song I heard that intrigued me. So, after listening to this full album, I need to reach out to that friend and say, ..... thank you. I was considering a three after a few of the songs and then it grew painful. Irritating at times. So I'll give it two stars.
Black Sabbath
3/5
I was not impressed with this album by BS. I do enjoy one other BS album, Paranoia? But this did not the unique features of some of the BS songs that fo grab me.
DJ Shadow
2/5
Not to my liking. I vibe with portions, but not enough to re-listen.
Mariah Carey
2/5
This is unnecessary. I can't commit these precious minutes to this album. I heard all songs, and only allowed the first, and one other to finish. This was that much of an irritant. I'm sure her voice must be impressive, but not to me. Not these songs.
Portishead
4/5
Bought this for one song based on the video Sour Times. The rest of the album was a treat. Great vibe on this, and it is atypical of my taste overall.
Donald Fagen
2/5
This is nice. Nice and dull. I fiound that I can appreciate almost any one of Fagan's songs, but as the album went on, the groove became irritating.
Paul Simon
4/5
Wow, such good music. That doesn't mean I like it, just that I recognize how well put together it is. I appreciate many of the individual songs, and I tired of the album at the same time. I don't fully understand why I'll rate this a four, when I know it is not an album I'm likely to seek out, but I am.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Nit to my preferences, but it sounds like real music people may appreciate this more.
Eagles
3/5
So I'm going with a three. Too dull in places. I own the album, and listened to it quite a bit back in the day. Not sure why now, aside from 3-4 more obvious songs.
Gotan Project
4/5
I dug the vibe of this. Its low key groove was enjoyable, despite it not being a style I do not seek out. I'm not sure that I'll seek it out again, but I'm intrigued enough to do so, or add it to a Pandora station to see if it catches my attention when mixed in with one of my low key stations.
Pavement
3/5
Ok, it's fine, just dull to me. I want to like Pavement as I understand they were influential in some of the music I like. But this was flat too often. I dug the Jazz parts though.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Though I do dig two of the songs, even those two became irritating as they carried on and on and on. But FSB keeps this 3 instead of the 2 I'd have given it.
Joy Division
2/5
This is not to my liking. Synth stuff generally is not. Add in a droning vocal and I'm out.
Elvis Presley
3/5
So this was mixed. First song up, 2nd too low on energy for me. The third was good, but probably made John Lee Hooker cry (Howlin' Wolf?). Next song was painful, then a rockabilly up song. I understand this was influential, and do not argue with its inclusion. I'm just not a huge fan of Elvis for more than a song or two, and some of it is gratingly unpleasant.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
New to me and I dig it. A decent range within the genre. I debated if this was a four or not. Got bored as it went further along though.
3/5
Just some inoffensive background music. Not bad, and not appealing enough for me to seek it out again.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Excited trepidation as I saw this come up. Excited, because it's Wiilie. And I've never given him a listen. Trepidation, because it's country. But an artist that seems to transcend.
Right? Title song, I did not like. Georgia? Not in a class with Ray. Blue Skies? Dull. The rest? Well, my lack of enthusiasm for the genre seems to extend to tge all time greats too. Sorry Willie.
Foo Fighters
3/5
I was ok with about half of the songs, but none of them rose to a level of enjoyment that could have made this a 4 for me. Kind of bland, middle of the road, songs that filled the airwaves without much distinction.
Brian Eno
3/5
First song, I thought of The Talking Heads, second was XTC. So though I enjoyed this album, I more appreciated the exploration of the music rather than the music itself.
Ramones
4/5
To me, nit as solid as Rocket to Russia. But still great Ramones. I saw them live in the mid 80s. They had faded some by then. But to imagine this music leaping from amps in the early days of punk must have been exhilarating.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Ok, but not spectacular.
I knew two songs without ever knowing of Faces. Stewart's voice was immediately recognizable. Stay With Me was not a Rod Stewart song and all these years, Faces was unknown to me. Go figure. As for the music, kind of fun, not particularly interesting to me though.
Radiohead
3/5
I grooved with 1-2, the rest hit me like other Radiohead songs do...eh.
The KLF
1/5
This genre of music does not appeal to me. That being said, there are, at times, electronic songs that I can dig. This album does not contain any of those types and listening to this became an unpleasant chore.
The Band
2/5
Music by The Bland has never reached me more than one or two songs. This is not bad music, but just boring to me.
Joan Baez
2/5
Much respect for your activism, your role in the movement and your place in folk. But I'm reviewing music, and how an album hits me. This does not. Perhaps my dog appreciates hitting upper ranges and minimal instrumentation, but not I.
Madonna
2/5
Dear God, no. Not Madonna! Ok, open mind. Two songs in, and I don't like it, but cannot call it bad or irritating. But the synthetic beat is tiring. A couple more in and I'm bored. Did I just hear the voice of Prince? Still not enough to save this. Vapid lyrics, boring rhythm, and unappreciated music for me.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
This is definitely a list worthy album, from a genre I do not like in heavy doses. So a few quality songs with the rest being a bit dull when played in succession.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Oof. Another country album. Surprisingly, this one was not bad (most country albums have likely received a 2 as a rating from me). This one may as well, but one enjoyable song from what remains as I listen could get it a 3. I'm still listening, so we shall see...
Rush
3/5
I tried to trade for this album back in 7th grade after I had borrowed it for a bit. The kid did not make the trade, and then I never bought the album. So I'm looking forward to this. The first 4 songs easily came back to me as ones I remember enjoying in my 1980s living room. Then a few that dragged until the end of the album. I'm stuck between a 3 and a 4. If I take out the nostalgia effect...
The Boo Radleys
3/5
No toxic, non engaging.
Boston
3/5
Harmless. Sounds to me like good musicianship and dull music for my untrained ear.
Stan Getz
3/5
I like Jazz, but I'm not a fan of Jazz vocals. If this were just the music, I'd decide between a 3 and a 4 rating. But with the vocals, I'm going 3. Despite some cool saxwork.
Beck
4/5
I've always enjoyed this one. Unique in its style, Odelay has a nice mix of music, rhythms, and energy. It's music that stands out from its contemporaries.
Nico
2/5
At first I thought, oh good. Nico, outside of Velvet Underground, the only place I know her voice from. Now, I'm thinking Lou got it right. Use this voice for a particular sound without making it part of the larger whole. I did not like this. Flat delivery and dull musical accompaniment to my ear.
The Dictators
3/5
I can see how this would have been groundbreaking at the time. But for now it was just ok background music. I would nit turn it off if it came on, but I would not seek it out either.
The White Stripes
3/5
I'm not always a fan of the vocals and other than two songs, I'm not seeing myself listen to this album again. But it is good music.
Morrissey
4/5
I don't care for him, nor his socio-political stances, but I do dig his voice, and the music on this album.
Goldie
2/5
I don't like Electronica. But this did not have high pitched tones that I tend to find irritating. That being said, this grew tedious.
The Undertones
3/5
Extra points for having most songs under 3 minutes. This was not bad, but had no elements that jumped out at me. It evoked in me The Lemonheads meeting The Kinks, with nothing to distinguish their sound.
Tom Waits
3/5
Well, I did get a useful suggestion for having my wife help with a minor home decor challenge. Thanks to Frank. Not my preferred Waits album, but the uniqueness of Waits deserves at least a 3.
The Avalanches
2/5
I know there's an audience for this style of music, and I'm sure you mostly cone from good homes, but....
John Prine
2/5
This was not as bad as I feared. Country twang, but a folk feel. Country leans 2 for me and folk 2-3 (maybe a Dylan 4 in there).
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Inoffensive though a bit dull.
Sigur Rós
2/5
Nope. Ambient tones that are monotonous to my ear. Not offensive, and likely beautiful. Just not to my tastes.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Nothing stood out enough for this to be a 4-5 like other Floyd albums.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
The first and last sings stand out for me as I remember both from childhood. Overall, her voice was rougher than I remember, which I like.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I'm not a huge Led Zeppelin fan overall, but LZIV truly earns a rating of IV. Now, which side is best to seduce a lady?
Fiona Apple
3/5
I really enjoyed that first song. Worth revisiting. The next two went to dull, followed by another hit, then more drag. I like her voice when it strains a bit, but find the more pure moments dull.
Buck Owens
1/5
Oh, dear. Now that's country. Well, at least it was with upbeat songs overall. The slower country has been difficult for me.
Doves
2/5
This was too slow moving overall. There was one song that had more engaging pacing, but the album still fell flat with me.
Soft Cell
2/5
Soft Cell? For real? Ok, I'll listen. I do still like Tainted Love, but the rest, not so much. Boring electronic music with little that engaged me.
Khaled
2/5
The male vocal is irritating when it does that warbling sound. If not for that, I'd place this as 3 star.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Classic album cover in my living room growing up. This album pumps. No pun intended on pump.
William Orbit
2/5
Meditative. We all have our tastes. This is not one for me.
3/5
I did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would.
Tricky
3/5
I dug the low-key vibe. Some Public Enemy, some Portishead. This was a pleasant surprise that I'll mix into one of my Pandora stations.
Tom Waits
5/5
This is one of my favorite Waits albums and I'm thrilled to see it on the list. Great feel to the album with its live presentation. Outstanding stories and music that grooves. Bravo.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
That was tedious.
The Byrds
2/5
Fuck it all. I know ifi was raised with country, it would hit me in a different way. But I wasn't, so it doesn't.
The Beach Boys
3/5
A few classic songs like Goid Vibrations, gets this to a 3. I'm not a fan of high pitched singing, whether or not it's harmonized beautifully.
John Martyn
2/5
A little too low-key for me. Nothing to return to in the future. Not bad, just not appealing.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Two Costello albums in a week? Thank God! Armed Forces is as hard charging as the elephants. Tomorrow is my birthday, let's hope I get Ten Bloody Marys &Ten How's your Fathers. Ok, I went too far. But Armed Forces is solid.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Piano and sax. I can't get enough. This a great, and makes me partially regret getting a Monk collection, instead of individual albums. Good stuff.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I enjoyed this at a 3 or 4 and appreciate how good it is at a 4 or 5. Each song sets its own feeling, story, has its own uniqueness. Yet the album blends to its own identity too.
Frank Ocean
2/5
As a genre, there are few R&B songs that I like. On this album, all the obvious auto-tune songs I did not like. There were one or two songs without auto-tune, or without my knowledge of it being used, that I enjoyed more. And one mostly spoken that caught a groove in my head.
The Byrds
3/5
A few classics that resonated with me. A few songs that simply were.
Billy Bragg
2/5
I'll never listen to this again, but I'm glad to have heard it once. I kept hearing other artists in the songs (some were written by others) but redone in a manner that I did not find appealing. Overall, too country leaning for me.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Though I liked a few songs on Brain Salad Surgery, this album is more like Yes, and less like ELP (though BSS may have Palmer). This grew tiresome.
ABBA
1/5
I don't like this, at all. I get that it appeals to some (many) but this is an irritant. Musically uninteresting, vocally bland. I don't challenge its place on the list, but this was a miss for me.
George Michael
2/5
Oh boy! ABBA yesterday and George Michael today. How blessed am I? As usual, I'll do my best to listen without prejudice. My verdict? It's better than ABBA.
Bob Dylan
4/5
This is one of my preferred Dylan albums. All the typical stuff here, meaningful if nit obscure lyrics, music that blends country, folk, electric, and of course that beautiful singing voice. Ok, I made that last one up.
The The
2/5
This is the type of music that got me further into punk, and Ska and Jazz. Not because it has those elements, but because music at that time was so dull I had to look elsewhere. Not bad music, just dull music.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Never heard of him, and there's little in the soul, funk, R&B areas that I dig. That being said, this had its groove. Not as impressive as Stevie, but I remained attuned the full album.
Coldplay
2/5
God this was boring. Not sure how this band got big. Here's my favorite song. Hmmmmmmmm. Humm. Humm. Huuuummmmmmm. Hmmmmmmmm. Hmmzzzzzzzzz...
Prefab Sprout
2/5
This reminds me of Coldplay. By that I mean it's dull. Oh so very dull. While listening, I by ti oh etjkmmmm. ,--zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
For those who complain about too much Brit-pop, this is retribution. This has no appeal. It's painfully bland, and cheezy.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
Much that I love many Jamaican music forms, this is not one. It doesn't create a groove for me, and while listening in my home is not the intention of the this music, and hearing it a club would give it a different vibe, I want more.
Julian Cope
3/5
I'm not sure how much Christine was able to take, but I kinda liked this. To a point. I'm not likely to go back to it, though I may check out more J Cope.