My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
Different Class Pulp	5	3.42	+1.58
Dirt Alice In Chains	5	3.46	+1.54
The Modern Dance Pere Ubu	4	2.48	+1.52
Rust Never Sleeps Neil Young & Crazy Horse	5	3.52	+1.48
Document R.E.M.	5	3.56	+1.44
Moving Pictures Rush	5	3.58	+1.42
The Joshua Tree U2	5	3.67	+1.33
American Idiot Green Day	5	3.76	+1.24
Automatic For The People R.E.M.	5	3.81	+1.19
Brutal Youth Elvis Costello	4	2.82	+1.18

Album	You	Global	Diff
Lost In The Dream The War On Drugs	1	3.39	-2.39
Teen Dream Beach House	1	3.27	-2.27
Brothers In Arms Dire Straits	2	3.74	-1.74
good kid, m.A.A.d city Kendrick Lamar	2	3.61	-1.61
Brothers The Black Keys	2	3.57	-1.57
Crosby, Stills & Nash Crosby, Stills & Nash	2	3.49	-1.49
Hybrid Theory Linkin Park	2	3.39	-1.39
Back At The Chicken Shack Jimmy Smith	2	3.39	-1.39
Figure 8 Elliott Smith	2	3.33	-1.33
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector Various Artists	2	3.3	-1.3

Artist	Albums	Average
Beatles	2	5
Pink Floyd	2	5
R.E.M.	2	5

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

A Tribe Called Quest

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

Fever To Tell

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon & Garfunkel

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Admittedly this has 2 all-time greats w/ Bridge Over Troubled Water and Cecilia and a few other great songs...there are just too many so-so tracks otherwise to make it a true classic. I prefer my Simon and Garfunkel in greatest hits form.

Blunderbuss

Jack White

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

My Generation

The Who

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background. You can hear all of the elements of what will eventually make the Who great....but not quite there yet as the song are a bit derivative of the time, with a couple of exceptions.

Hybrid Theory

Linkin Park

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I vacillate between a 2 or a 3 for this one. Sometimes the beat is catchy . Sometimes the vocals are doing something interesting. But overall the lack of movement in the guitar creates a sameness to this genre that I just can't get past.

Now I Got Worry

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

Madman Across The Water

Elton John

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Not sure why I've never gotten into Elton John as much as, say, Billy Joel, but to this point I never have. I'm unlikely to seek Madman and play it on my own, but I do enjoy it once someone has spun it up.

Rubber Soul

Beatles

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Prime Beatles.

Out Of The Blue

Electric Light Orchestra

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Definitive 3. There are some bright spots on this album, but Jeff Lynne's production will always prevent me from choosing to play it. I enjoyed the listens though.

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background One of the soundtracks to high school...and I thought Pink Floyd was an oldie act then :)

Talking Timbuktu

Ali Farka Touré

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The downside to this approach to new music is it doesn't allow a lot of time to soak in an album that is completely new. There are albums that immediately make an impact, but those are rare at this age. This album is pleasant enough, but I think it would take several more intense listens to bump it into my active playlist.

The Healer

John Lee Hooker

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Same commentary as Talking Timbuktu...pleasant enough. Like it, don't love it after a few listens.

Urban Hymns

The Verve

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Solid 3. Bittersweet Symphony alone is one of my favorite tracks from the 90s...but it almost hurts the album as a whole as the rest of the songs pale in comparison. There are some other decent tracks here but by the end of the album it is just becoming a slog to get through it all.

Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs

Marty Robbins

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The beauty of this exercise is listening to music I would never otherwise have heard. Big Iron and El Paso were highlights for me. The rest went down easy enough. Not necessarily my cup of tea but happy to have listened.

Ready To Die

The Notorious B.I.G.

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background It's growing on me as I listen. Some of the lyrics are a bit eye-rolling and more than a few of the melodies are lifted (plus the sampling), but I like a lot of the grooves. I'm never going to be a huge rap fan. Not quite as good as Tribe Called Quest in my book but a worthy listen in my book. Solid 3.

Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The atmosphere and build of Shine On, and the longing on Wish You Were Here made this my favorite Pink Floyd album back in high school (along with the Wall). Very high on the nostalgia factor for me. 5 stars.

The Blueprint

JAY Z

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Similar to "Ready to Die"...though I liked what was done with the sampling in Takeover. Overall happy to have listened to it for a bit, but the genre is just not my thing.

Face to Face

The Kinks

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Of the British invasion bands, this is the one band that I keep coming back to again and again even now. Solid 4.

Figure 8

Elliott Smith

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I'd probably like this more if I had time to sit with it for a while...downside to this process is 1001+ albums doesn't really allow for that. Anyway, on a few listens (and what I remember from previous Elliot Smith albums...his voice and the slight effect that comes with it never changes. Happy song, Excited song, Sad song, Melodramatic song...all the same in the singing. Instrumentation does vary a bit, but Dylan did a lot more with a lot less. Didn't have time to delve into the lyrics. So has upside, but here we are and I'm moving on,

Pearl

Janis Joplin

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Very enjoyable

Music From Big Pink

The Band

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Eh, it's fine...never could get deep into The Band, but there's nothing offensive about it.

Dire Straits

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background While I appreciate the musicianship involved, I just don't hear any passion and it gets a bit dull. Perfectly listenable, I'm just never going to choose to play this on my own.

Debut

Björk

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I enjoyed this more than I expected.

Parachutes

Coldplay

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I mean, I didn't hate it. I was actually expecting to hate it.

Natty Dread

Bob Marley & The Wailers

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Given more time I feel like I'd get into Bob Marley more, but need to move on.

McCartney

Paul McCartney

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I enjoyed this one. Enough variety to keep the interest throughout. Always loved Maybe I'm Amazed (especially live). Had never actually listened to the entire album before now.

A Seat at the Table

Solange

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I enjoyed this one. Not really my type of music, but that's the whole point of taking on this project...exposing myself to music that I'd otherwise never listen to.

The World is a Ghetto

War

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Solid 4 here. Other than Low Rider I was not all that familiar with War. Really enjoyed this. I can see this getting some playtime moving forward (you know, after I get through the next 980 albums or so).

Moving Pictures

Rush

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background After being introduced to Rush on the local hard rock station in the early 90s and liking it (Especially Dreamline) I bought this album next...it blew my mind at the time. Always loved the interplay between everyone in the trio. So many great songs on this album. Tom Sawyer is quintessential Rush to me, and YYZ is perfection.

Court And Spark

Joni Mitchell

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Solid 4. I've never been a huge Joni Mitchell fan, but I enjoyed this. Maybe doesn't hit the peaks of Blue but very enjoyable. Highlights for me: Help Me, Raised on Robbery, Twisted. Really enjoy the variety the last two provide.

Ghosteen

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Lands somewhere between 3 and 4 really. This album has potential and would benefit from closer listening and repeated listens which I'm just not able to do these days. Moving on.

Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

50 Cent

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Still not my genre, but I was getting into the flow about after a couple of listens. For whatever reason, P.I.M.P (w/ a Caribbeaneque sound) was a favorite.

Disintegration

The Cure

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Have to be in the right mood for this one. Lovesong and Fascination Street were the highlights for me. Closer to a 3.5 really....I might spin this one up of my own accord someday....when I'm not trying to get through 950 more albums...

Purple Rain

Prince

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Oh to be from Minnesota and not rate this a 5. I get the widespread acclaim. I enjoy listening to this album. I always think I might play this on my own and because it is on a best of list, but I never quite get there. Too polished for my tastes if that makes any sense.

Tusk

Fleetwood Mac

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background First listen, a bit of a mess. Second listen, hmmm...kind of like some of the songs. Third listen, this is starting to work for me.

Brutal Youth

Elvis Costello

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I haven't listened to much to post 1990 Elvis Costello. Enjoyed it overall. Something I need to hear before I die? Really not.

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

TV On The Radio

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Just couldn't get into it.

Crazysexycool

TLC

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background A little bit of a manufactured sound for my tastes. Watefalls is the clear standout.

Unknown Pleasures

Joy Division

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background So sparse. Album as a whole really steps it up a notch starting with New Dawn Fades (the clear favorite of mine on here).

American IV: The Man Comes Around

Johnny Cash

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Been a while since I've listened to this one. Really like late era Johnny Cash. His version of Hurt is one of my favorite cover songs of all time. Been a while since I've listened to this one

The Joshua Tree

U2

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background A classic

Led Zeppelin

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background 3 5's in a row? Must be getting soft. I don't know if I love this album as much as I did in high school (some of the songs drag a bit, looking at you, "You Shook Me").

Woodface

Crowded House

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Perfectly Pleasant Pop Rock

She's So Unusual

Cyndi Lauper

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Enjoyed this more than I thought I would.

Siamese Dream

The Smashing Pumpkins

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Hands down one of my favorite albums from the 90s. The layered guitars + Chamberlains drumming style are perfection to me and the tone is much warmer than the albums that followed.

Legalize It

Peter Tosh

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

Pictures At An Exhibition

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Brings me back to high school concert band. Pictures at an Exhibition was one of the more enjoyable pieces I remember playing. I knew the EL&P version existed but had never listened to it until now. Interesting, but I don't know that I'd ever come back to it.

Honky Tonk Heroes

Waylon Jennings

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

Automatic For The People

R.E.M.

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Brilliant from top to bottom...first R.E.M. album I ever bought and remains among my favorites from the 90s.

Violator

Depeche Mode

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Well crafted. Very listenable. Personal Jesus is a 5 star song. I suspect I'd like this more with a few more listens, but as it is here we are.

Crocodiles

Echo And The Bunnymen

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Previous to this I was only really familiar with The Killing Moon. This was not quite what I was expecting...I hear some Gang of Four amongst other things in hear. Enjoyable but not really memorable.

Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul

Otis Redding

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Respect, I've Been Loving You Too Long...some of my favorites. Gets a bit cover heavy on the back have, but enjoyable throughout.

Electric Ladyland

Jimi Hendrix

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The only thing really keeping this from a 5 (I do enjoy this album quite a bit) is it can be a slog to get through in a single listen.

Lost In The Dream

The War On Drugs

1/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I'm being harsher on this album than it really deserves, but if you're going to give me long songs, at least change up the drum beat every once in a while. I just couldn't escape it. There may have been interesting lyrics, occasional dynamics and guitar weaving in and out... but the incessant drum pattern. Can I buy a drum fill for $200? I also don't hear anything new or interesting here that would make it essential. Album sounds well produced, I just wouldn't put it on this particular list.

Queen II

Queen

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Most of my Queen Exposure has been through their greatest hits packages and I wasn't familiar with this album at all. First listen I wasn't too sure, but by the end of the 2nd listen I was sold.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears

The Mamas & The Papas

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I wouldn't say every song is a banger, but Monday, Monday and California Dreamin' alone push this to a 4 for me. Love the harmonies on both of those. The rest of the album is pleasant enough and it clocks in at just over 33 minutes so it doesn't wear out its welcome.

Winter In America

Gil Scott-Heron

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I enjoyed this. It's unfortunate it isn't easy to find on streaming services (at least on Tidal). Wish I had more time to sit down and listen carefully, but on to the next album.

Colour By Numbers

Culture Club

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background When it comes to Culture Club, I'm really only familiar with the huge radio hits. (Karma Chameleon, Do You Really Want to Hurt Me). They're fine for what they are, and the album itself goes down fairly easily, but I don't hear much that is going to make me want to return.

S&M

Metallica

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Don't know that I consider this an album worth of this list, but I do like some Metallica.

good kid, m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Martin's dream >> Kendrick's dream ya bish. The album got better towards the end, but I just don't have the time to keep going with this one. Potential to move up in ranking, but can't get beyond fuckin' the world for 72 hours with my Eiffel Tower dick.

xx

The xx

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background A bit mellow for my tastes, but I will give it this...the music is constantly changing/evolving throughout a song. It's never dull, but it doesn't reach any high highs either. Enjoy the songs were the singer's voices blend.

D

White Denim

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Was debating between a 2 or 3. The songs are actually interesting and fun to listen to and the production sounds great...but to my ears this sounds like a band imitating their influences without adding much to the mix. Not sure why this would be an Album I MUST hear before I die. Songs are enjoyable but I wouldn't say I connect to them very strongly.

One Nation Under A Groove

Funkadelic

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Solid 4. I don't quite connect to it enough to rate it a 5, but what's not too like? A very enjoyable listen...it's just fun!

Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background 2.5 rounding up to 3....Eh, was all right...didn't need to hear it before I die.

Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo

Devo

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I'm just slightly too young to have caught Devo in their late 70s / early 80s heyday. Every listen I found I enjoyed it more than the previous time. This is somewhere between a 3 and a 4 right now...I'll round up to a 4.

Ill Communication

Beastie Boys

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background More like a 3.5, but I'll round up.

LP1

FKA twigs

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I'm not sure what's particularly new here that would merit inclusion as an album I must hear before I die. The music itself is fine, doesn't really draw me in.

The Rolling Stones

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background While it's nice to listen in on an iconic band's early R&B roots, it is hard to give it much more than a 3 given the lack of originals these covers don't stray that far from the original source material.

Straight Outta Compton

N.W.A.

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Express Yourself was the highlight for me.

Electric Warrior

T. Rex

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Loose and fun.

Lust For Life

Iggy Pop

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Solid 4.

Back At The Chicken Shack

Jimmy Smith

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The music is solid enough, but it just doesn't excite me as much more than background music.

Nowhere

Ride

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Somehow this one had escaped me all this time. Really enjoyed it and every listen was better than the last. Not quite a 5, but a solid 4 / 4.5.

Copper Blue

Sugar

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Back in the immediate post-Nevermind alternative era when Sugar was played on the local radio station it always sounded like watered down (less passsionate) grunge to me. 30+ years of hindsight and after taking the time to properly listen to the whole album....I get it now. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Maybe not 5* level to me, but solid 4+.

Smokers Delight

Nightmares On Wax

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background 3: Trippy and sprawling. Sounds great in small doses, a bit long when listening to the whole album. Great background music though.

Kid A

Radiohead

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Ah, as someone who considers OK Computer a damn near perfect album I still remember my disappointment when this was released. It's not a bad album by any means and I know it has received a lot of praise over the years which I understand....I just have difficulty connecting to the music in any meaningful level. There are a couple of exceptions: The simple bass and evolving drum groove in The National Anthem and the more straightforward Optimistic are highlights for me.

Dirt

Alice In Chains

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The nostalgia factor is strong for this one. Summer of 91 I was listening to Facelift a lot and the release of Would? and the Singles Soundtrack in 92 really ramped the anticipation of Dirt. When Dirt finally arrived it did not disappoint. Standouts to me are Would?, Rooster and Down in a Whole, but all the tracks are great minus the throwaway Iron Gland. Cantrell's harmonies on top of Staley's voice are a combination truly unique to me.

C'est Chic

CHIC

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Familiar with some Chic music and I've always enjoyed the bass grooves (active, but not overly busy to my ears). Overall like the music and production. Just find it unlikely that I'll ever spin it up in my own playlists.

Teen Dream

Beach House

1/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Great cure for insomnia. Not much else was great.

Sign 'O' The Times

Prince

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Despite growing up in the 80s and in Minnesota...never been a huge Prince fan. Respect the musicianship and the talent, just wasn't my thing. I'll tell you what's selling me on this though...the jam in the 2nd half of I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man into the slow burner and fantastic build of the Cross. Now that's good stuff.

The La's

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background This is the type of album that keeps me going through the list. A gem I would likely never discover otherwise. Heavily drawing from its 60s influences with a jangly pop sheen over the top....what's not to like? Not solid enough top to bottom to rate a 5, but a definite 4+.

Chirping Crickets

Buddy Holly & The Crickets

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The influence on 60s rock (especially the British Invasion) is undeniable. The ravers really rock. Bogs a little on the back half (and the background vocals start to grate on me in the 2nd half). Still a classic.

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Arctic Monkeys

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Thoroughly enjoyed this and a breath of fresh air after some of the monotony of the post-2000 albums I've gotten so far. Enough twists and turns in each song to keep things interesting. Sometimes the transitions work, other times they feel a little abrupt and random. Regardless a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Tres Hombres

ZZ Top

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Good fun, love the southern boogie rock. Breezy album that never wears out its welcome.

Pet Sounds

The Beach Boys

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background The Beach Boys always worked better for me as a greatest hits band over an album band, but there is indeed a lot to love about this album. One of my concert highlights is catching Brian Wilson on his Pet Sounds Tour where he played the album in its entirety (as well as a cover of Barenaked Ladies Brian Wilson)

All Directions

The Temptations

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Gets off to a strong start....loving that funky horn section. IMO Papa Was a Rollin' Stone was 3 minutes of awesome surrounded by 9 min of mediocrity. The album bogged down a bit from there , then picks up again w/ The cover of The First Time Ever (I saw Your Face). Overall enjoyed it but don't see myself going back to this album too often.

Headquarters

The Monkees

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background A bit derivative at times, but You Just May Be the One followed by Shades of Gray elevate this album a lot. I enjoy the silliness of Zilch a bit more than I probably should. Lot better than I was expecting (I've only been a listener of their greatest hits prior to this).

Phaedra

Tangerine Dream

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background This is the type of album I'm on this list for. Do I love it? No. Is it interesting? Very much so. I'm not looking to listen to another dozen takes on the music I already like. I may not revisit this very often, but I feel the few hours I spent listening through this album a few times were quite worth it.

Disraeli Gears

Cream

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Strange Brew is good, Sunshine of Your Love is a stone cold classic. Really enjoy Tales of Brave Ulysses, but have to suffer through Blue Condition to get there. How did the same band make songs so good along side such crap?

Juju

Siouxsie And The Banshees

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Easy 4. Tempted to rate it a 5. Siouxsie and the Banshees is a band I've heard of plenty but have never checked out. So glad this list led me to this album. Interesting songs and a dark theme and after listening through a few times the influence on what came later in the alternative scene is hard to deny.

Heaux Tales

Jazmine Sullivan

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Nothing particular novel here. Not terrible. Not essential.

Third/Sister Lovers

Big Star

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background As someone who will be giving #1 Record / Radio City 5 stars when we get there....I find this album to be too sprawling / unfinished / weak. It does have some decent moments, and Holocaust is absolutely haunting, but this one gets a 3.

Doggystyle

Snoop Dogg

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Rap will never be my thing, but this pretty chill. Smooth flow, fun beats. Lyrics are a bit....eh.

In Utero

Nirvana

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Took me a while to get into this one (after buying it upon release back in the day), but it continues to grow on me, even after 32 years. Very Ape is an under-rated gem

Bug

Dinosaur Jr.

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background If you're guitar based and doing something interesting you're almost always going to get a 3 from me unless there is something that offends my ears. This was sometimes interesting but nothing was overly memorable. I can hear elements that would influence what came later, but I don't know that I needed to hear this before I die.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Started strong...banjo + fiddle isn't something I listen to often. Wore a little long by the end (usually I try and listen at least 3 times through an album, but only 2x for this one). Not a genre I'll turn to often, but a great example of the value of working through this list.

Crosby, Stills & Nash

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Eh, good singers and I usually like harmonies, but this bored me. Needs some Neil Young.

Dusty In Memphis

Dusty Springfield

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Love this combo of singer and backing band. Enjoyable listen. Always liked Son of a Preacher Man. Hidden gem: The Windmills of Your Mind

New Wave

The Auteurs

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Liked it didn't love it.

Getz/Gilberto

Stan Getz

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background So Soothing

The Dreaming

Kate Bush

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Don't know that I love it, but I like it a lot and it has so many interesting interlocking parts that a return to this album is inevitable.

Document

R.E.M.

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Easy 5. A foundational building block in my musical journey. Hidden Gem: King of Birds

Red Headed Stranger

Willie Nelson

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Not a huge country person, but this hits the spot and goes down easy.

Brothers

The Black Keys

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I guess I just don't get what makes this stand out. It sounds OK...I don't hear much of anything novel going on.

Brothers In Arms

Dire Straits

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Eh, might get a 3 with more listens, but not today.

Ten

Pearl Jam

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background No song I dislike on this album. Favorite: Black Hidden gem: Release (great concert opener) Least Favorite: Jeremy

Different Class

Pulp

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Now this is why I continue on this project. Somehow, despite most of prime radio years being between 1988-2000, I'd never heard any of Pulp's music. Well no time like the present. This album is great from start to finish. Always interesting. Common People and Disco 2000 are the clear standouts to me. No skips here.

Synchronicity

The Police

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Listen 1: 2 stars Listen 2: 3 stars Listen 3: 4 stars. I think after more listens I'd start dropping it again...

Sticky Fingers

The Rolling Stones

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Hard to beat Mick Taylor leads against the backdrop of Keith Richard's riffs. The Ry Cooder appearance is just icing on the cake. This era is peak down and dirty Rolling Stones and I'm here for it.

The Modern Dance

Pere Ubu

4/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Bouncing between a 3 and a 4. Really enjoy the first half. Second half not as much. Currently listening to Street Waves so there you go.

Yank Crime

Drive Like Jehu

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Turns out dissident guitar playing + being screamed at for 70 min is not a good cure for a headache. By the third listen I was starting to get it.

Rust Never Sleeps

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background A classic.

Hot Buttered Soul

Isaac Hayes

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Thank you chef for the extended jams! Enjoyed every minute, just not my cup of tea.

The Modern Lovers

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I wanted to like this more....I like Jonathan Richman's quirkiness. Still good, just didn't vibe with it as much as some of his later stuff. This one was new to me.

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns

Joni Mitchell

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background This wanted didn't vibe as quickly as other Joni Mitchell albums for me. I suspect I'd like it more with additional listens. The Jungle Line was an early highlight...early shades of Bjork in there?

American Idiot

Green Day

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Green Day in the early 2000s...fading a bit. Certainly weren't generating the same buzz anymore. A punk opera??? OK, whatever. Turns out the songs were great and the hooks numerous. Still holds up today.

Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)

Bob Dylan

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background While an important document for understanding Dylan's career trajectory, I'd be hard pressed to call this an album you must hear before you die. Additional bummer that the version I've heard on streaming services cut out the Bob Dylan / audience interplay....what's the point of this recording without it? Highly recommend tracking down the CD if this interests you.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Beatles

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Born after the Beatles broke up but definitely growing up in their shadow it's hard to escape the cultural impact of this one. Finally got into the Beatles in college and this was one of my favorites. In the present it isn't my one of my favorite by the Beatles but it is always an entertaining listen.

Elephant

The White Stripes

5/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Jack White bouncing off the simple rhythms of Meg White is just a great blend. Organic sloppy fun that sounds great and ages well. Almost sad that Seven Nation Army got so popular as the rest of this album is a great listen.

So

Peter Gabriel

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background It's all right. I often wonder if I would have been a bigger Peter Garbriel fan if we had MTV in my household growing up....or if I saw Say Anything earlier than 2010.

Tago Mago

Can

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Love the beats. Solid 4 for the first 4 tracks. Starts to lag for me after that so giving a 3 overall. This is one I do want to re-visit later.

A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector

Various Artists

2/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I know this is highly rated on various Christmas albums, but I'm not sure why. The Wall of Sound Phil Spector sound might have been great at the time but sounds rather dated to me now. I'd reach for other christmas albums before spinning this one. Don't hate it, but I'm not vibing with it.

Catch A Fire

Bob Marley & The Wailers

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Still struggle to get into Bob Marley. I'm sitting on a 2.5. Going to round it to 3 as it does sound good.

Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bruce Springsteen

3/5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Sounds great. Worthwhile for the list. I just don't fully connect.

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

Breakdown

By Genre

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

You Love Less Than Most

Artists

Favorites

5-Star Albums (19)

Popular Reviews

1-Star Albums (2)

All Ratings

Wordsmith