Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
418
Albums Rated
3.69
Avg Rating
83
5-Star Albums
38%
Complete
671 albums remaining
Rating Speed
4.3
Per Week
685
Days Active
Reviews
406
Written
97%
Review Rate
vs Global
0.41
Avg Diff
3.69
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
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Generous
Rater Style
5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moss Side Story | 5 | 2.53 | +2.47 |
| Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine | 5 | 2.66 | +2.34 |
| Sex Packets | 5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
| Bitte Orca | 5 | 2.69 | +2.31 |
| G. Love And Special Sauce | 5 | 2.74 | +2.26 |
| Scream, Dracula, Scream | 5 | 2.78 | +2.22 |
| Live / Dead | 5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
| 69 Love Songs | 5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
| Destroyer | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
| Fromohio | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Theory | 1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
| Pretzel Logic | 1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
| The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars | 2 | 4.26 | -2.26 |
| Hunky Dory | 2 | 4 | -2 |
| Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches | 1 | 2.98 | -1.98 |
| Warehouse: Songs And Stories | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| A Short Album About Love | 1 | 2.77 | -1.77 |
| Dire Straits | 2 | 3.73 | -1.73 |
| Can't Buy A Thrill | 2 | 3.72 | -1.72 |
| After The Gold Rush | 2 | 3.64 | -1.64 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 6 | 5 | 4.33 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Deep Purple | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| Beastie Boys | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| The Rolling Stones | 4 | 4.25 | 3.71 |
| Bob Dylan | 4 | 4.25 | 3.71 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| Brian Eno | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steely Dan | 3 | 2 | 2.5 |
5-Star Albums (83)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
KISS
5/5
I’m listening to this album for the first time in years. Still a masterpiece.
3 likes
Can
4/5
Never heard of this band before. I really like it so far. Just on the opening track. “Mushroom” has a great groove. I had no idea music like this existed this early. This is similar to the industrial music of the 90s. The groove on the end of “Peking o” is a great groove. This album does not even feel dated. Ok, some of the guitar sounds are dated. But it feels very relevant today.
2 likes
Grateful Dead
5/5
Not sure why the recorded tuning their guitars at the beginning but this is picking up.
St. Stephen is my kinda jam. Loving this track
The Eleven is great too. Turn on your love light rocks. I love this tune. Death don’t have no mercy is great. The start of this album was rough. The rest is great. Tracks one and seven had to be an influence on Gregg Ginn
1 likes
Green Day
5/5
I can’t say there is anything wrong with this, but by this point Greenday had a “formula”. Listening now after getting back into all the 50s rock, that’s what I hear. I hear the same sensibility that the Ramones were drawing from. I want to hate this but I can’t. I love the melodies and song structure. It has punk energy and elements of gentle 50s pop.
I’m over the “hits”. I will probably skip those. Although, again I like the approach to the sounds. It’s very produced. And that’s not bad. It’s just from a time where there formed a sound template and everything after sounded the same.
I really hate that I like this album. 🤣 “we are the waiting” is an amazing anthem and I would love to experience this live. “Homecoming” is a great song. I hate that I really like this album. 🤣
1 likes
Beck
3/5
Not what I expected from Beck. But I really only know the hits. I like “paper tigers” a lot. There is a lot happening in there. I really like “lost cause”. I really like the last song “side of the road” for the use of tremolo.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (5)
All Ratings
Dolly Parton
5/5
This album was way better than what I was expecting. Dolly’s voice is great and the songs are great stories.
Supergrass
4/5
Super fun listen!!
Duke Ellington
5/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I knew the hits on this album. Nothing else was a standout. Very folksy stuff. I can see how the chieftains thing happened in the 90s now.
The Cars
5/5
I knew the hits on this album. Nothing else was a standout. Very folksy stuff. I can see how the chieftains thing happened in the 90s now.
Beastie Boys
5/5
It’s such a fun album. Some songs are upbeat. Some are dark. Very clever. Great sample choices.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
This album is like the Beatles making a soundtrack for a Tarentino movie. At first I didn’t like it at all. The more I listen the more I dig it. Is that a theremin? Or is it the weird thing the MC 505 groove box could do?(track is bad behavior)
Finley Quaye
4/5
I love going into these albums blind. I had no idea what to expect. The first track sounds like electro Bob Marley.
I love the bass lines on this album. The sounds range from Beatles strings to the grit of bands like the stooges and MC5. Red Rolled and Seen gives me a Tom Waits “earth died screaming” vibe. The groove on this track is incredible
The Waterboys
4/5
I love the raspy vocals. Almost a Pougues “love you til the end” vibe. 2nd track a real U2 meets the chieftains vibe. I wonder if this album had any influence on Flogging Molly?
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
I knew “Everyday People”. I don’t know if it’s just the sound quality, but this album is not grabbing me.
Ok. The “sex machine” jam has my attention. I’m digging this.
The Clash
2/5
I’ve never understood the hype around The Clash. I’ve never found them very “punk”. The opening track “Janie Jones” I really liked. Listened to the whole thing. I still don’t get the hype. They have the look and imagery, but nothing in the music spoke to me at all.
Linkin Park
1/5
I’m so over this band. Trying to give a listen, but just tired of this sound. It was cool at the time. “Im about to break” that’s how I feel. 😂
This album is just overplayed and sounds cliche. I’m so glad that is over
Cee Lo Green
5/5
Holy crap! “Soul Machine” just grabs you from the start. This album is just groove start to finish. I love the relaxed party vibe.
John Lennon
5/5
This album just feels like a Sunday morning. I miss records with this much clarity on the instruments. This is a start to finish album. Fantastic to the end.
Adele
3/5
Opening track is better than I was expecting. “Rumor has it”, great voice. Almost like old Motown. The opening tracks were great. Now in the middle they all sound the same. Slow piano ballad
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I love Thunder road. I didn’t know 10th ave freeze out was on this record. This album just has a fun, night out, sing along vibe. “She’s the one” is a great song. Love this intro. This album went by way too fast. I really enjoyed it. Jungleland is a great closer.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
I’m on track three and it’s good. But nothing is grabbing me. It’s not a memorable experience so far. I’m diving the synth on “the old castle”. Now that I am reading the background this is making more sense. Almost a precursor to TSO
The Pogues
4/5
I’m a big fan of Flogging Molly so I’m surprised this has escaped me for so long. I love Shane’s voice. All these songs are right up my alley. This album is just a fun time.
OutKast
3/5
I went in expecting to hate this and this first track is fantastic. Kim and cookie did nothing for me.
Eminem
3/5
It’s not his best. There are good songs. I don’t get the hype.
Sparks
4/5
How this band escaped me I will never know. The sound of this album is still fresh after 50 years.
Van Morrison
3/5
It’s a good album. I feel like this is every classic I have ever heard by Van Morrison.
George Michael
5/5
Just a good record. Nothing standing out. Just a groove.
Lorde
3/5
“The Louvre” is a fantastic song. Super cut and liability really grab me.
The Band
5/5
Tears of rage reminds me of “take a load off Fanny”. “In a station”, it has the same “take a load off…” groove. Caledonia mission. This album is just groove. And here is “the weight”. How did one band make an album this good? This album is fantastic
Bauhaus
4/5
“Hair of the dog” sounds like a devo song. This is trippy weird record. Kick in the eye 2 is a killer bass line. This is a very good album. So far “mask” is my favorite. Really good record.
Yes
5/5
I feel like this is an album where I will know the songs abut not know I had heard them before. I’m really enjoying this record. Now I’m wishing I would have seen them live.
Bee Gees
4/5
This is not The Bee Gees I knew as a kid. This is a good start. Could be my mood today but this just sounds like “the 60s” and nothing jumps out. Nothing remarkable to me so far. Just started Black Diamond. Marley purt Drive is grabbing me. This one I like. This album goes in and out of genius. Lamplight is a great tune. Sound of love. Great song. This album really finds its stride half way through. “I laugh in your face is a great song”. For real. How does this keep getting better? Never say never again. What a hook. I started out not liking this album and by the end I loved it.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Never knew what to expect from this band. I’m digging this album though.
The Specials
3/5
I’m aware of the specials, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever listed to an album. Ok. Half way through. I do t get the hype. It’s good. But nothing is really jumping out to me. And now “too hot” is on and I’m changing my mind.
The Beau Brummels
4/5
I had heard this name. Thought it was a joke or made up. This album is great. It’s the perfect album for me this morning.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
4/5
I have never heard of this ever. Opening track is fantastic!! This album is fantastic. I love the sounds and the openness of it all.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
5/5
Opener sounds like a demo for “America Girl”. 2nd tack is breakdown. What a groove. Home town blues is a great track. This is a fatatstic album.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
It’s good. I don’t get the hype on this guy.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Sound wise I already dig this opening track. I don’t know what it is about this album. Maybe the vocals? The strings? It’s just a calming sound. Right from the start “can I get a witness” is great.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
This sounds like the 90s
Beastie Boys
5/5
Sure shot is sure a great opener. This album is so great!! I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this entire album and it is just gold. This album is fantastic from start to finish
Rush
3/5
Sure shot is sure a great opener. This album is so great!! I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this entire album and it is just gold. This album is fantastic from start to finish
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
It starts with noise. That threw me off and I like. The song gentlemen has a great groove. Really digging this record. Great grooves. Great song writing
Miles Davis
5/5
It starts with noise. That threw me off and I like. The song gentlemen has a great groove. Really digging this record. Great grooves. Great song writing
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Ok, so this is good. But it all sounds the same.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This album was everywhere when I was kid. I know three songs for sure. Looking forward to finally hearing the rest. On down bound train. This is a good album but it sounds very “80s”. Not all of it. But just some of the synth choices. No surrender is a fantastic song. I think the crpytkeeper 5 covered this and I had no idea it was a cover. And now Bobby Jean. These are great tracks and they sound timeless. On “I’m going down”. What an amazing album this is.
Santana
4/5
Crowded House
4/5
This album really surprised me. I didn’t know what to expect and this is some great song writing and performances.
Miles Davis
5/5
I know this record inside and out. It’s fantastic
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
I know the hit from this record. “Take me out”. I think I thought this modest mouse. And now that I have heard the hit. Every song after sounds like the hit. Really digging “this fire”. This album reminds me of the British new wave punk stuff in the 80s. Stripped back, more refined and juts rock and roll.
David Bowie
2/5
I know everyone was enamored with Bowie in the 70s and this was his signature/most iconic look. But so far I don’t see the hype. Drive-in Saturday is a good track. I don’t get the hype.
Van Morrison
5/5
Right off the bat the opener “and it stoned me” grabbed me. This is catchy. Skipped moondance. Great tune. I’ve heard it enough. Crazy love is a great tune. This record is just great some after great song. Skipped mystic because like moondance I’ve heard it enough. This album is so good I can’t believe I have not listened to it before. Fantastic record
Grateful Dead
5/5
Not sure why the recorded tuning their guitars at the beginning but this is picking up.
St. Stephen is my kinda jam. Loving this track
The Eleven is great too. Turn on your love light rocks. I love this tune. Death don’t have no mercy is great. The start of this album was rough. The rest is great. Tracks one and seven had to be an influence on Gregg Ginn
ZZ Top
4/5
I know the hits. I will probably skip those to listen to the rest of the record. Listening to I need you tonight. This is very 80s production wise. But you still here the Texas blues rock in the voice. Really digging “I got the six”. Bad girl is a great track. I’m glad I finally listened to this album.
The White Stripes
4/5
This is a good album. There is a nuance to Jack’s playing. Gentle and unhinged at the same time.
“I just don’t know what to do with myself” is my favorite so far. This album gets better the further you go.
Ball and biscuit is my favorite track so far. Hypnotize is great
Björk
3/5
This opening track is fantastic and not at all what I was expecting. This album is very good.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Aware of this band, excited to listen to this album. Second track “there’s always tomorrow” hands a great groove. Good songs. Nothing jumped out at me here. I can see why they were popular but also not talked about like other bands from their era.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Never listened to this album. Opening track is great. Great album. Super solid songs.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I didn’t get Black Sabbath until I looked at the billboard charts and saw what was popular when they started. That’s when I really understood how new they were. The miss albums like this. A collection of songs that flow and tell a story.
Django Django
4/5
I know nothing of this artist. Really digging this first track. I’m really enjoying this album. Firewater has a great groove. “Zumm Zumm” sounds like a video game. Skies over Cairo was one of my favorites from this album. I really enjoyed this album.
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
This is a band I know by name only. Opening track is great! I’m looking forward to this journey. I would have probably hated this album in the 90’s but I love it now. “The creep out” is a great song. This is a great album.
Killing Joke
5/5
Opening track is great! I can’t believe I’ve never listened to this album before. I knew of the wait because of Metallica. I like the original better. This is a great record. I wish I had heard this sooner. I really like this record.
Lou Reed
5/5
So glad to be listening to this album. Opening track is good. Andy’s chest is my kind of jam. Perfect day is such a great track. Hanging round is another great track. What a record this is. This album is just great. So glad I finally listened to it.
Cream
2/5
As the years go by I feel that Cream and Eric Clapton are overrated. I’m looking forward to giving another listen. “World of pain” came on and I thought my playlist switched. I really like this track. Now Blue condition is on. This album is better than the “hits”. This album feels “formulaic”. I almost want someone to play me a random 60s play list and see if I can pick out Cream before the vocals come on. “Mother’s lament” feels like Monty Python. 🤣
Can
4/5
Never heard of this band before. I really like it so far. Just on the opening track. “Mushroom” has a great groove. I had no idea music like this existed this early. This is similar to the industrial music of the 90s. The groove on the end of “Peking o” is a great groove. This album does not even feel dated. Ok, some of the guitar sounds are dated. But it feels very relevant today.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Pleasuredome is a great pop track. War? Born to run? These are great spins on these tracks. What a great band. This was a really fun album. Great songs. Good for a party
Orange Juice
4/5
No idea who this is. Love the opening track. 2nd track. This album is great. Really enjoyed this record!!
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
So excited to get a Jazz album. I’ve heard this name but never listened to them. Bass solo on “my man’s gone now” is great. This is mellower than I feel today. I need to make a list of albums like this for Sunday mornings.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Another artist I have never heard of. This album is great. Great jazz record. I really enjoyed the organ playing.
Dagmar Krause
4/5
This is already weird. 🤣track three has my attention. The rest so far sounds like the weird stuff in “yes man”. This feels like it should be a musical of some sort. I might enjoy this more if there were visuals. There is some good stuff on here. I think I can give this a three. Oddly I like the German lyrics better than English. Something about the way those melodies flow.
This was way better than I expected it to be. It took me on a journey.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
Apparently I’m in the right mood for this. I’m really digging this so far. Keep on the sunny side is not resonating with me. Her voice just sounds off.
End of the world was great. This version of I saw the light is amazing. This is a great album and a LOT of music.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Right off the bat I like “song of love”. This is so good and so eclectic.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
The opening track “chameleon” is great!this is a great record and I wish I would have discovered it sooner.
System Of A Down
4/5
I love how eclectic and manic these tracks are. This album is so heavy and raw.
The Avalanches
4/5
First track sounds like it out of the 70s. I really like it. Ok. This is wild. It’s like someone wanted to go back and make the 70s record they always wanted to hear. This is a great blend of hip-hop and 70s disco and soul. I love this record.
Metallica
4/5
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Ryan Adams
4/5
Love the two opening songs. Really digging this album. I knew two of the songs on here already. The rest of these are really good.
Funkadelic
4/5
This band is just a party. I enjoyed all the tracks
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I’ve only listened to this record for the first time in the last year. It’s weird to think a debut album had so many cover songs. It doesn’t quite sound like The Rolling Stones I know yet. Good album!!
Deep Purple
5/5
I had zero interest in listening to this album. The way highway star opens is just great! I wish I could have been at this show. This record is amazing and now I get the hype.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I’m excited to listen to. Full Hendrix album. I think I’ve only listened to collections of songs up til now.
Well, I’ve always like Hendrix, this album proves how much he influenced so much music.
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
I know the “hits”. I’m looking forward to diving into this. This album is really great and more than just an “80s album”.
Wire
4/5
Never heard of this album. Love the first track. The rest is early punk and just some good old rock and roll. This sounds like the Clash but better.
The Smiths
4/5
This already sounds like every Smith song I’ve ever heard. I don’t know if it’s the voice or that they only have a couple melodies? Track two “I started something” is way better than the first track. That voice though. Struggling with it.
This album gets better and the voice gets more tolerable as it goes. The bass lines in this are killer.
Way better than it started.
The Cure
4/5
This album is not what I was expecting. Some of these songs remind me of something I would have written in the 80s. This album is really good and not what I think of when I think of the Cure. I’m really enjoying this.
Iron Maiden
4/5
This is clearly Iron Maiden, but vocally they were finding their way. I have not listened to the first two albums much because I am a Dickinson fan. Musically I love this.
Once I get past the vocals I love this album.
Soul II Soul
3/5
This is a good record. I’d never seek it out, but I enjoy it.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Simón and Garfunkel using synths!? In 1968?!? That 2nd track really surprised me. This is a group where I know the hits, but never listed to an album. This album is a masterpiece so far.
KISS
5/5
I’m listening to this album for the first time in years. Still a masterpiece.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This is an acoustic masterpiece. “I shall be free” is amazing.
The Undertones
4/5
Never heard of this band. It’s delightfully weird so far. This seems so weird, but just keeps getting better
The Undertones
3/5
Never heard of this band. So far so good. Fun album. Will I remember it probably not.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
This isn’t bad. But it just seems like a morrisey knock off.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I love “Son of a preacher man”. I’m excited to hear this whole album. This is a great album. I don’t see what it was a double? “I’ll be faithful” starts with great gospel piano.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
This album is already getting my attention with the groove and feel. I’m digging this. Janelle really had a great voice. I’m surprised I had not heard of her sooner. “Come alive” is hands down my favorite track.
The Auteurs
2/5
I really like the 2nd track, “bailed out”. This was a good album. I would not seek it out for a second listen.
The Verve
3/5
I always liked bittersweet symphony. This record is before that. I probably would have loved this in the 90s. Track 7 “drive you home” is fantastic.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
I was never a fan of her voice. But this album is an example of another album that gets better as it goes.
Silver Jews
3/5
No idea who this is. Had a Lou Reed off-key thing in the vocals. The music is fantastic. Let’s not and say we did is a great track. Super fun and bouncy. Don’t know if I will listen again. But this was a fun record.
Syd Barrett
3/5
I listened out of curiosity. I know the stories and this really was a good album. Reminded me of the Beatles. And I do hear early Floyd in there.
The Style Council
3/5
The opening track was some great piano. Ok. I can’t tell if this is a jazz record. Light pop. Adult contemporary? This is a really good record.
Adele
3/5
This sounds so much like 21 I had to make sure I had not already listened to this one.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I was not expecting to enjoy this at all. Opening track was great. Second track is really good. I like the vibe. This album I really fantastic. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was not this.
Kraftwerk
4/5
This is really good and I can’t believe it’s from 1977. It sounds current. This was a really good and rwally mellow album.
Ute Lemper
2/5
This album is good. It’s easy listening. I doubt I will listen again, but it’s good.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I knew the song rainy day women. But that was it. This album starts strong and so far keeps getting better. This is a really good album. I looked up the musicians list n it. He had some great players
John Lennon
4/5
The first two tracks are great. This is what I expect from John. I’m not a fan of the Yoko stuff. This album is great!
5/5
I’m excited to listen to this album start to finish. I know all the songs. I’ve just never listened to them in this order. This is the Beatles. What can I say? I love this album.
Motörhead
4/5
I know the title track. Excited to listen to the rest of this album.
Red Snapper
4/5
No idea who this is. Opening track has a great groove. Ok. I really like this album. To the point where I want to tell everyone about it. This is a great album.
The Police
5/5
Never listened to this album before. It’s fantastic.
Ray Charles
5/5
This is like a great 1940’s album but done in the 1960s. Really great so far.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I’m so glad the 60s artists went into the studio in the 90s. Dylan still makes great music and this recording is fantastic
ABBA
4/5
I feel like this album helped me understand ABBA and why everyone loves them. This is just a fun singable album.
Green Day
4/5
I’m sick of the “hits” from this record. They make physically ill at this point I’m so tired of them. Thankfully the rest of the album is really good. This album is better than the “hits”.
Faith No More
4/5
I forgot how much I liked this opening track. Ok, so apparently I know the first 4 tracks pretty well. Ok loved that album. Especially “woodpecker from mars”.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Opening track is great right off the bat. I really like “New York, New York
Songhoy Blues
5/5
I love the opening track. This album is fantastic. This is a must listen.
Neil Young
3/5
Good record. Don’t know if I will listen again.
PJ Harvey
3/5
This sounds like the 90s. Opening track, the guitar groove. Palm muted and dark. Total 90s. Good record. So 90s.
The Beach Boys
5/5
This album is a masterpiece
Fatboy Slim
5/5
Right off the bat I like these beats.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
It’s good. But I wonder what the hype is about. The live tracks are great.
Duran Duran
4/5
I wish I would have paid more attention to this album. These are some great bass lines. Ok. I never gave that album the credit I should have. It’s better than the “hits”.
Boards of Canada
2/5
It’s good electronic music. I don’t know if I’d listen again though.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
This album gets better as it goes.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Good album. Very sad mood.
Frank Zappa
4/5
This is a great album. It really frames up for me what makes Zappa great. He’s weird and out there, but this album shows he is first and foremost a musician.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
It’s CCR. I feel like I am preprogrammed to like this. Wrote a song for everyone is just hitting me this morning. Something about the delivery in the vocals.
The closer is is just great rock and roll. Night time is the right time.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
I guess this is ok. I know people love this band. But neither album so far has done much for me.
Eric Clapton
2/5
This is good, but I still don’t see the hype around Eric Clapton.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I know almost every Hendrix song but I’ve never listened to full albums. This is a great album. I know people are over Hendrix, but he really was a master and pushed the limits so we have what we have today.
Portishead
4/5
This album is really good. Didn’t know what to expect. I like the experimental sounds blended with melody
Daft Punk
3/5
I have to be in the mood for this. Good club music for sure.
Queen
4/5
Really good album. Has stone cold crazy
Fela Kuti
5/5
This album is amazing. The opening track “Zombie” grabs me right away. This whole album is great. I need more by this guy.
Doves
4/5
I really like vibe of this album. I love the tremolo on “rise”. “The cedar room” is fantastic.
Koffi Olomide
4/5
No idea who this is, but I really like this album.
Scott Walker
3/5
So far this reminds me of Tom Jones. Still reminds me of Tom Jones. Good album. Don’t know I would listen again though.
5/5
These first three songs are just gold. How did anyone come up with this string of an opening. This album is so good.
I can’t believe I had not listened to it before start to finish. This album is amazing.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
I did not expect to enjoy this album this much. This is a solid album.
Depeche Mode
3/5
I’m surprised how much of this album I know. It sounds great. But it’s not really my thing. I wouldn’t put it on again. But I also would not turn it off. I might listen again to study the production.
The Youngbloods
3/5
Talking Heads
3/5
Not for me. But got better.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
4/5
This was a surprise. It was really good. Each song was a journey
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
I don’t recognize the songs, but I recognize the sounds. It sounds like 80s country. So far this is still not for me. Ok, the intro to “buenos noches from a lonely room” has a very nice intro. I think it’s the vocals that I really don’t like. I liked the last song. I’m torn on this album. I like some of the songs and guitar work, but overall there is something cheesy about the sound that is not sitting well with me.
James Taylor
2/5
Steamroller is a surprise. The other stuff is good. It’s just background music.
Foo Fighters
4/5
I’m a Dave Grohl fan, but not really a foo fighters fan. I love what he does for music. This album is better than the hits and worth the listen.
Madonna
4/5
I remember when this came out. Don’t remember the songs. This opening track is great. This is a really good album. I do remember “Ray of light” once I heard it.
Rocket From The Crypt
5/5
I e heard of this band, but this is the first time I’m listening to them. I think I was expecting more psychobilly, but this is 90s rock with some horns in there. I dig these guys. Great album. I want to check out more of their stuff now.
Pretenders
4/5
Great album. More punk rock than I expected. But more polished towards the later half of the album.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
I love this album! It’s so great!!
Talking Heads
4/5
The opening track is fantastic! I would not have guessed this is talking heads. I really like this album. It’s all over the place.
Elliott Smith
2/5
This is good. I don’t know if I would listen again.
Depeche Mode
4/5
I know personal Jesus from this. That’s all. These other songs are really good. This is a great album. I need to listen again to study the production.
Beatles
5/5
Fantastic album. I don’t know what else to say.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Never heard this album, but I know “badlands”.
This is ok, but nothing exciting. I dig promised land. I knew that. I’m enjoying factory.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Great album. Berry Oakley is amazing.
Ice Cube
4/5
I has zero interest in this album when it was released. And listening now it’s fantastic.
Suicide
4/5
This is droning on a bit, but I’m still excited to hear the original version of “Ghost Rider”. Ghost rider and the second song sounded the same like the first one never stopped. Third song is cool so far.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
I don’t think I like vocal jazz. This sounds like every vocal jazz thing I’ve ever heard. It always sounds quiet and gentle. No energy or excitement.
Norah Jones
4/5
Ok, so this also seems like vocal jazz, but I like this better. Maybe it is more singer/songwriter? This is a good album. It’s a chill record. Like a relaxing Saturday record.
The La's
4/5
This album gets better as it goes. I knew the hit, there she goes. This album is pretty good. I’m surprised I have never heard of them before.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Nice dance album. I would not have pegged this for the 90s
Janis Joplin
5/5
I was not impressed by the big brother and the holding company record. This sounds like a masterpiece from the first note. I’m really enjoying this record.
Michael Jackson
4/5
I really can’t believe how many songs I know from this album. I’ve never listened to it before. This is really good.
The Yardbirds
4/5
Everyone talks about the yardbirds, but I really knew nothing about them other than Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. This album is great. I actually did know “over under sideways down”. This album helps me understand the hype on the Yardbirds as well as just British music evolution. This is a great record.
Moby Grape
4/5
I wish I would have heard this album in my teens. I really dig “Hoochie”.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Listening to this I get why they were so influential. This album was wild. I wish I had heard it sooner.
Steely Dan
3/5
Never been a big steely Dan fan. But I really only know reeling in the years. I recognize this song. Had no idea it was steely Dan. This is 70s easy listening. It’s great, but not my cup of tea
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
Right off the bat this is great. The kid from redbank swings fast and hard and then “duet” slows it down. This is possibly my favorite jazz album now.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
The opening track was ok, and then it got better. This album is really good. Haunting.
Incredible Bongo Band
5/5
This album is fantastic. I had no idea this is where a lot of drum samples came from.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
It was ok. Kind of forgettable
Pulp
4/5
I’m excited to listen to this because of Shatner’s version of common people. I like the first track. Off to a good start. I’m bummed I missed this band in the 90s. I really like this record.
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
The music is pretty good. It’s all spoken dialogue.
Deep Purple
5/5
I’ve always heard about this album, but never listened. Kicks off with highway star. What a record so far. Ok, the drum intro to “pictures of home”. Ozzy’s band clearly ripped this off for “over the mountain. This album is great and had a quite an influence. The bass playing on this record is amazing and over the top. Clearly this had to be an influence on Steve Harris.
Rod Stewart
5/5
I know the first two songs, but I feel like I’ve heard better versions of both by Rod. This is not the best example of his work so far. Ok, “only a hobo” is a good song. Now I’m starting to dig this. And now my way of giving rocks. This is a great album. And now country comfort. Just wow.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
This is my first time listening to solo McCartney. Band on the run is a Beatles song.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
I think I know all these. I lived this album in real time. I forgot about the opening track. But once I heard it it came back. I love the expressiveness of her voice. The more I listen the more I remember. This album is phenomenal.
Tim Buckley
2/5
I can’t say this is awful, but its mot for me. Ok, so the last track on the album is pretty good. All the rest were just background to me.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
This opening track is great. And I didn’t not expect to like anything on here. Really looking forward to this now. Thanks his album is fantastic. It still feels fresh even though it’s 37 years old as of today (10/23/24).
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
This album was ok. I like the sounds better than the songs.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Never listened to this album, but I knew the first five songs so far. On track 7(our house) and I know this whole record so far. This blows my mind. No wonder CSNY has always been talked about so highly. This is an albums worth of hits. First track I didn’t know was “4+20”. Great song. Now I’m on “country girl”. This one I don’t know either, and the first song where I’m not “wow”. So country girl starts slow and builds to a great song. Great album
Radiohead
4/5
The bends will always be my favorite. This is a good record. They touched a lot of different genres here.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Little bird is as if the Beatles recorded today. It’s fantastic
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
This is a good album. I don’t know if I would seek it out, but it’s good.
Sonic Youth
5/5
This is a band that on paper I should like. I keep hoping to find “the album”. So far I like the opening track. Ok. Three tracks in. This is what I imagined when I read articles about sonic youth. This is the album I was looking for. ‘Cross the breeze has elements of what would be used for metal break downs later. This is a really good album. It’s almost punk New Age music. “Total trash” is another standout. I love the intro to “Trilogy a: the wonder”.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I’m excited to listen to this album. I don’t know any of the songs. So far I like “candy”. Ok so I’m not sure when it started. But from pale blue eyes into the next song, the songs sound the same with different words. Could explain why I thought “pale blue eyes” was so long. 😂ok, beginning to see the light is clearly different. 😁
I really like the beginning to murder mystery.
Talking Heads
5/5
This album is fantastic. I read about this in his book and really wanted to give it a good listen.
Brian Eno
4/5
I seriously thought this was the talking heads album from yesterday. And then remembered that album was yesterday and that David Byrne worked with Eno at some point. There has to be a talking heads connection here. I really dig this album. I can’t believe this is from 1977. It sounds more like the 80s. Now I get my people gush over Eno. What a record.
Donald Fagen
4/5
For 1982, this sounds like the 70s. I don’t know the name but these songs sound familiar. It’s possible I confuse these with steely Dan. Ok. So it sounds like steely Dan because Donald Fagen is half of steely Dan. 🤣😂
The United States Of America
3/5
This is so trippy. This is somewhere between other 60s groups and just noise. I really like cloud song. Ok. This must the ring mod song (garden) it sounds like doctor who. From garden 🪴 n the album finds a groove. I’m enjoying this. Track 13 has great fuzz. This was a pretty good album.
David Bowie
4/5
I’ve never really listened to a Bowie album. Just the hits and singles. The opener was an instrumental and really good. This is a really great album. It surprised me with the amount on instrumentals. It sounds modern still today and it wa recorded in 1977. That’s quite a feat
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I know the Bob Marley Hits, but have never listened to an album. So far it’s reggae. Nothing against Reggae, but I don’t see the excitement around it. “High tide or low tide” is a stand out track. I like the groove and melody. It was a good album, but in general I wouldn’t seek out Reggae on a regular basis.
American Music Club
4/5
The song starts out strong. “Marcello Semeraro” I seriously thought this track was a Springsteen track between the voice and music. I’m enjoying this album. I’m curious how I have never heard of this band. Ok. This was a great album. It does not sound like the 80s even a little. It could be from almost any time, and I hear Radio Head in here. I wonder if this album had an influence on them.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
There are song on here that I thought I knew. I knew titles and associated them with other songs. I really don’t know these songs like I thought I did. Apparently all I really know is I, II, and IV. This album sounds so much more produced than IV. It’s kinda wild that they stepped back sound wise. Tangerine is probably my favorite song on this album.
Ok, it might me Bron-Y-Aur stomp. Wow is this a great album.
The Human League
4/5
The first track was ok. Second track, open your heart, is really good. Track three is good right off the bat too. The lead single was the closer on the album?!? This album is really good.
U2
4/5
I like U2 but I’m not a rabid fan. I knew the “hits” from this, but not the other tracks. This is a really good record. “40” is a standout track.
R.E.M.
3/5
The only song I knew was the opener “radio free Europe”. I would have probably enjoyed this tour. All these songs sound songs on this album sound kind of the same. I love the bass lines. Shaking through is a great track. I don’t know if I would be a n a hurry to hear this again.
Elvis Costello
3/5
So I I think I like the music, but not his voice. The longer this album goes the more I like it. The album finished strong. I really like what can on auto play player “every day I write the book”.
Björk
3/5
This is a good album so far. But at the same time it feels tired. And I’m not sure if it was because everyone at this time used sounds like these or because she did it first and everyone copied. “Aurora” is a wonderful track. Bjork really has a beautiful voice.
Air
4/5
This is fantastic. Mellow, trippy, almost jazz. I like the vibe.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It’s a really good album. “Higher Ground” is the one I know from the Chili Peppers.
Jurassic 5
3/5
This is pretty good. Probably wouldn’t seek it out again. But I like the groove and probably wouldn’t seek not turn it off.
John Martyn
4/5
Os Mutantes
5/5
No idea what’s going on here, but I like it. Track 2 just finished and I loved it. I’m really enjoying this album. This album is just wonderful.
The Who
4/5
This album is wild. They were doing effects I didn’t know existed at that time. The production sounds so modern, it’s hard to believe it was in the 60’s.
George Harrison
4/5
I don’t realize how many of these songs I knew.
The Stooges
4/5
Dennis Wilson
4/5
The opener River Song is something I will listen to again. Track two sounds like The Beach Boys. This is a good album. Track five has a great groove. Ok, I like this album.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Slow start, but once it got going I liked it. I’m four tracks in and I really like this. It sounds more like the 80s than 2007 though. I love the song “all my friends”. This is a great album. The last song does not even sound like it should be on this album, but I love it.
Steely Dan
1/5
There have been a lot of steely Dan records on here. I’m realizing I’m not a fan. Nothing wrong with it. Just not for me.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
Apparently I know the opening track. I really don’t know what ELO that I knew. So far this is great. On track 4. This album is great. I love everything about this album so far.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Not sure how I feel about this. Very big 70s electronic music sounding.
The Fall
3/5
The opening instrumental was cool. Digging bombast so far. This sounds like if the punk bands of the 70s had people that could capture what they wanted.
Dirty Projectors
5/5
Never hear of this band. This is great. I don’t have words to describe it. I hear so many influences coming together and it all sounds and feels so fresh. “The bride” is a great track. At 5:40 in “useful projector” I love the fuzz sounds. Seriously I love this album.
Tricky
5/5
I don’t understand why Apple is restricting songs, but what I can hear is really good so far. I really like this record. I love the sounds and the production.
Paul Simon
5/5
I know song but this might be my first time with a complete listen.
Fela Kuti
2/5
I know this is blasphemy, but I’m not a Ginger Baker fan. So far the opening track is great. Ok. Track is good, but it feels like 30 seconds looped for 6 minutes. This would be great at a dance club. It got repetitive listening to it. Well, I’m more of a Ginger Baker fan now. But this album is still repetitive.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
I find this album tired. I know the hits, but the rest sounds cheesy like when a guy who have never played the blues wants to show he can play the blues. Maybe it’s the era? The sound choices? Maybe I just don’t like Clapton.
Paul Weller
5/5
The opening track is what I thought Derek and the dominoes would sound like based on the way people I knew and radio DJs would describe the band. This is pretty good. Ok, on track three. This album is great
Gorillaz
4/5
I’m aware of the imagery of this band and maybe a hit. But I don’t get. My first inkling was to skip this album. But I hear about them all the time so I figured I should give it a go. First track is good so far. I didn’t not know if I’d listen again, but this is good. Ok. “Clint Eastwood” is the song I know.
So this is a good album. I still don’t know if I will listen again, but I definitely don’t hate it.
Little Richard
5/5
I know the hits, but not much else. His voice and delivery is what I like about him. The piano does not seem to get pushed forward in the mix the way Jerry Lee Lewis was. And apparently I know track 2 “true fine mama”. I recognized the piano intro. I don’t know if these are all his hits on here, but I know the songs more than I expected to. I just know know the titles. This album is fantastic and just pure rock and roll.
G. Love & Special Sauce
5/5
This opening track is amazing from the get go. I was familiar with the third album, but not this one. I really like this album.
Green Day
5/5
I can’t say there is anything wrong with this, but by this point Greenday had a “formula”. Listening now after getting back into all the 50s rock, that’s what I hear. I hear the same sensibility that the Ramones were drawing from. I want to hate this but I can’t. I love the melodies and song structure. It has punk energy and elements of gentle 50s pop.
I’m over the “hits”. I will probably skip those. Although, again I like the approach to the sounds. It’s very produced. And that’s not bad. It’s just from a time where there formed a sound template and everything after sounded the same.
I really hate that I like this album. 🤣 “we are the waiting” is an amazing anthem and I would love to experience this live. “Homecoming” is a great song. I hate that I really like this album. 🤣
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
So far this is good. I like the groove. It’s a good album. I don’t know if I would seek it out to listen again.
Prince
4/5
I know “let’s go crazy” and I love it. I’ve never listed to this album before. Only the singles.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
There are interesting pieces to this musically, but each song gets monotonous quickly. Ok, a couple more songs in and I’ve realized every song starts with a new idea. And each one is good. But then it never develops. It’s like spinning in a circle so you can’t tell where you are. “Look sharp” is my favorite song so far. There was more variety in it.
Solange
2/5
I’m not sure I’m in the right mood for this. There are elements I like. But nothing is grabbing me. I don’t know if it’s me, and just my state of mind, but this really feels repetitive. A lot like the album yesterday. Maybe I’ve reached the age where new music all sounds the same to me?😂
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Ok. I knew the first two songs for sure. And I’m surprised how much I recognize of the other songs. I know I know the name wooden ships, but this song is not ringing a bell. I get that this album is a big deal. But listening now I realize I’ve heard it all at some point. It’s the soundtrack to the end of the 60s. So many of these songs were played for me by other people. This album really had a huge impact on people. The last song, “49 bye-byes” is really great.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I feel like Hendrix has lost his luster for me. I like this album. He’s amazing. He took what Chuck Berry did and went further.
3/5
Hard to believe this is 25 years old. It’s doesn’t sound it. This is good. I’m just not in the mood for it. In 2000 I’m sure I would have loved it.
Gram Parsons
3/5
I recognize the name. This opening song is not what I expected 😂 I had a completely different sound associated with this name in my head. I need to look this guy up. Still not sure what’s happening here but this is a mix of Americana like I’ve never seen before.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
I’ve never heard of this album before. I started listening around independent worm saloon and electric Larry land. This is wild so far.
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
I have no idea what they are saying, but I like the music and melodies. Apparently my Spanish studies are not going as well as I thought. I’m not sure what to call this other than Jazz/traditional music. I’m really enjoying this album. Looked this band up. It was the Cuban influence I could not put my finger on and I should have known because of the songs we played in jazz band. I know the style. This is the album I don’t know I was looking for. I love this and want more.
Nick Drake
4/5
I really like the album from the first track. Ok, this album is great. There was a lot of hype around “ pink moon” 20 yeast ago, and not I get it. “The cello song” is fantastic!!
Bob Dylan
4/5
I own this album. The opener is a classic. Simple twist of fate always makes me nostalgic for a rainy day or rainy night.
Stereo MC's
3/5
I know the band name. I don’t know if I know any of these songs. Ok. I know the first song “connected”. This is a really good record. I could listen again.
Missy Elliott
2/5
This album was pretty forgettable for me.
Tori Amos
2/5
Opener was ok. I really like “girl”. “Silent all these years” sounds like what I have come to expect from Tori Amos. Great song. “Winter” is where everything starts to sound the same with Tori. It’s well written and arranged, but I know she has other songs that sound like that. This is a good album but it is not for me.
Beck
3/5
Not what I expected from Beck. But I really only know the hits. I like “paper tigers” a lot. There is a lot happening in there. I really like “lost cause”. I really like the last song “side of the road” for the use of tremolo.
M.I.A.
3/5
Ok, I’m on track 5 and these all sounded the same to me. I can understand the appeal to this is a club. Or even a track on a playlist, but the whole album feels excessive. Maybe that’s not the right way to describe it. I do like what I’m hearing and I love the energy.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
I don’t know if I’m just not in the mood, but the last couple albums here have not done much for me. This one is good, but just not grabbing me. And just like that, the songs have shifted and they are grabbing me more now. I appreciate an artist trying different things. “The Conference” is absolutely wonderful! This took me by surprise and I love it.
Blondie
4/5
I know the hits from this record. Never listened to the album. “Fade away and radiate” is a wonderful song. I can’t believe this is the first time I’m hearing it.
The Black Keys
4/5
I know “howlin for you”. I love the sounds. This is just rock and roll. All fuzzed out and crazy sounds. I definitely get the hype wound this record. I love the groove and swing.
David Crosby
2/5
It was good, but forgettable. Nothing jumped out at me.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Never cared about this band. Have tried to listen over the years because on paper they sound like a band I would like. Maybe it’s my mood, but I am really digging the sounds on this album. “Only tomorrow” has really grabbed me.
This is a really good ambient album.
The Pogues
3/5
Sounds like Flogging Molly. And now that I know this was here before Flogging Molly, I know I have been missing out.
The Temptations
4/5
This is really good and sounds more like James Brown than the temptations.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I have to be in the mood for hip hop. Parts of this album get me and other parts do not.
10cc
3/5
This sounds familiar, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard them. “Hotel” starts strange and trippy and then sounds like “uncle John’s band”. I didn’t like this when it started, but songs keep popping up that grab my attention. The production of this album does not sound like 1974. It feels pretty modern. This gets so weird at times. Sometimes it feels like when tv writers who are out of touch write songs for an “era”.
Shack
4/5
Never heard of this band ever. Sounds like the 70s more than the 90s. So far I like this. Ok. I’m halfway through and I really like this. The sounds capture me. Great album. 4 stars
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
I know “Black Boys on Mopeds” and “Nothing Compares 2 U”. Other than that I have never listed to her much. I’m on track two. I’m so disappointed this is my first time listening to this album. This is really good. At the time her image in the press deterred me.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
Never listed to this album before, but it looks like I know most of the songs. I enjoy this album. I think I miss when records sounded like this. And I don’t mean song writing. I mean sonically. There was a sound to these recordings. It’s been lost.
Willie Nelson
4/5
I’m excited to say I know nothing of these songs or this album. I already like the opener. That was a really enjoyable album.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
This is better than I expected it to be. Fun songs. Good grooves.
Nick Drake
4/5
I’m really enjoying Nick drake. This is a good album.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Never been a Thin Lizzy guy. Opening track did nothing for me. “Rosalie” is a different story. I want to hear more of that voice. And less of the “boys are back in town” voice. I’m enjoying the songs I have not heard on the radio.
From the first beat of “Jimmy the fox” I liked this one. This album is way better than I expected it to be with the first song.
Barry Adamson
5/5
The first song has a very appropriate title. I’m definitely not relaxing 😂
Did not know what this was or what to expect and now I love it. How have I never heard this before?
The Stooges
4/5
I like this album in general so far, but “dirt” is a stand out.
So this is the one of the albums everyone talks about. Now I’m seeing why.
I love the sax at the end of 1970.
The Verve
3/5
I know “bittersweet symphony” and I like that one. The rest sounds the same so far.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
This comes under the heading for me as “modern” jazz. It’s mostly the sounds though. I really notice a shift in the way instruments sound as the years change. Sometimes it’s just the recording technique or lack there of because everyone is still learning.
I think Minawa is my favorite track so far.
The Temptations
3/5
It’s good. But not memorable yet. Papa was rolling stone. Is that moment. The whole album is very 70s. It’s good. Not sure I would seek this one out.
Beach House
4/5
I like the opening so far. I like zebra and silver souls a lot. Really nice tracks. I’m not a fan of the drone sound on Norway. It sounds like a test oscillator. The sounds are cool in Norway, I like the bending but it kinda makes me feel queasy. 🤣ok, now I’m up to stereo. This song feels like I’m flying across a country side. I love this song so much.
Real love has a haunting melody.
Sam Cooke
4/5
I was not looking forward to this because I don’t tend to enjoy a lot of live live records, but this is great. It sounds great and I feel like I’m at the show. I’m very nostalgic for live music like this. This is a great album!!
R.E.M.
4/5
I’m skipping all the tracks that were singles that I could not escape in the 90s.
I’m not sure if I’m not enjoying this because the non-hits are not good songs, or because I’m still just exhausted from hearing the hits 24-7 and the sound is still the same.
I like New Orleans instrumental no.1. And sweetness follows is off to a good start. I’m definitely enjoying the non-hits the later it gets into the album. I still really like man on the moon. Night swimming does not get enough play. This is a great track.
Find the river is a great closer. Lots of tracks on the album that did not get radio play but are still great!
Wild Beasts
4/5
The opener is good. Very dense and atmospheric. The second track, “Hooting and Howling”, has my attention right away. This is really good.
This album is really good. Listening to “this is our last” now.
Mariah Carey
3/5
I was not looking forward to this at all and yet the first track has my attention. This may be enjoyable after all.
I’m enjoy the performances in the record. Sound wise it’s so 90s. And that not bad. I feel like this sound set a blueprint. Unfortunately that blueprint was left outside for birds to poop on and no one can read it now. But the production here is great.
Astrud Gilberto
4/5
I guess the title should have clued me in that this would be a samba or bossa nova, but I wasn’t paying attention. This sounds like the 60s. It’s very relaxing and pleasant. I’m really digging the parade song. I miss good marching band arrangements.
I miss arrangements like this. I love flutes and horns.
I love electric music and crazy sounds and synths, but I do miss these kinds of albums.
The Sabres Of Paradise
4/5
This already has my attention. Not sure what’s going on but I like it. Eerie dance grooves. This is a really good album. Really fun and suited for Halloween for sure.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
This is good, but I’m not sure if I like it. It’s depressing and I’m in the mood for depressing currently.
Winter lady was very enjoyable towards the end of the song.
Sisters of mercy is great.
I’m definitely taking a journey with this album. I feel like I need to explore more to really get it.
Now I’m on “hey that’s no way….” And I’m noticing a trend that a lot of times I don’t enjoy the first couple tracks on an album, but towards the end I’m all in. That’s happening here.
I’m not sure if I require a warm up period or if that’s how the albums were designed? And just like that stories of the street lost me. 🤣
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
Ok. Never liked this when it came out. “Things done changed” is super monotonous. Meaning it’s just the same loop and no variation of pitch. I’m going to try, but not sure if I will make it through. Gimme the loot is better. More variance on pitch for me. I didn’t realize how simplified the looping was for this album at the time. Listening now I can articulate what I don’t like. “Machine gun funk” is my favorite so far.
This album definitely gets better as it goes, but it’s still not for me.
4/5
I now understand where Primus came from. And just like that after three minutes it totally changes direction and opens up the chords and melody. Didn’t expect it to go here.
I like the journey this takes you through. This might be the album where I understand Yes. I was not thrilled about 10 minute tracks, but this is really good so far.
Does Yes have a huge following? If so how did music not progress more? I can see a line from this to TSO and don’t understand why it took so long?
Manu Chao
4/5
Never heard of this, but I’m enjoying it. This makes me feel like I need to go on a world music journey and search popular and folk music from other countries. The melody is super catchy.
This album was a lot of fun and great to listen to first thing in the morning.
Beatles
5/5
It’s crazy that I know the songs but never heard them in context of an album. This is fantastic and inspiring.
I’ve never heard “don’t pass me by” and I definitely missed out. Great song.
I definitely don’t know the second disc as well as the first disc.
Is there a modern Beatles? And not just writing songs but these sounds. They pushed the clarity of recordings.
I just love “revolution 1”.
Björk
4/5
I’m aware of Björk from MTV, but only the video hits. The opening track, “Human Behavior” has my attention. I really like this track.
Brian Eno
4/5
I read about this album in David Byrne’s book “How music works”. This will be an interesting listen. First track “America is waiting” has a wood block that sounds too much like someone left the click track on when they did a mix down. 🤣😂
Ok, “Mea Culpa” is great. I love this track. 3rd track, “regiment”. As soon as it opened with that bass line I heard in my head “biggie, biggie, biggie, can’t you see….”😂
This album keeps getting better song my song. On track 4 now.
Track 6 “very very hungry “ was great.
I know this album is not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.
R.E.M.
4/5
I think I prefer this album to the massive albums they had later. This album still has the college radio alternative vibe. I don’t think I’ve listened to this since college. This album has so many folk elements. This album is better than I remember it.
Air
4/5
No idea about this band at all, but wow this opening track!! The bass on this opener is fantastic!
This album is mellow but not boring or depressing. Lots of interesting things happening musically.
This is a great album
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This album gets a lot of hype. And I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to it.
There are great moments on this album. Shake your hips and ventilator blues. Still not sure if this lives up to the hype.
I really like all down the line.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
I know so many songs from this album but never listened to it as a whole. Opener is great! The amount of hits on this album is staggering. What a great record this is.
Brian Eno
5/5
I’m excited to listen to this. Brian Eno is a name I’ve only been hearing more recently. But given how people describe him, on paper I should be a fan.
This opening track, Sky Saw, is weird and I love the bass.
Over fire island is wonderful from the start. I need to find out who is playing bass on this album.
I can’t believe this album was from 1975. Normally when I hear old recordings of people with a modern approach it sounds “old”. This sounds like it could have been recorded in the last decade. And I’ve heard some of these ideas in albums after it. This had to be the influence.
“I’ll come running” is a pop song and it blends the Beatles with modern sounds. I love this song.
This is a great album.
Digital Underground
5/5
I only know the Humpty Dance. Let’s see how this goes.
“The way we swing” is a great song. I may end up loving this album.
Just finished the third track and I really dig it.
I love underwater Rimes. This album keeps getting better. It’s a shame it’s only really known for Humpty dance. This is so good.
Finished the album. It’s fantastic.
The Crusaders
2/5
I can’t say this is bad, but there is something that is not gelling with me. It feels almost too slick, too produced. Like they are holding back emotion.
Is “carnival of the night” where Lizzo got “about damn time” from?
This is a good record, but I don’t know if I would listen again.
David Bowie
2/5
I only know Bowie “hits” and I’ve never listed to any of his albums before now. I’m sure if I like any of this?
“Kooks” is interesting. I’m liking this so far. “Quicksand is trippy”.
This album is not doing much for me. I tend to like the Bowie hits. And normally I like his voice, but this seems to be that weird punk rock atonal thing coming out of the UK. Something about the sound of his voice I don’t like here.
Dire Straits
2/5
The only song I know from this is sultans of swing. I’ve never listed to a dire straits.
The only thing I can say so far is it sounds like Dire Straights. I’m starting to think I don’t like Mark Knopfler’s voice. Musically this is pretty good, but something is just “off”.
I don’t hate this album but it’s not for me.
So “wild west end is a great song”.
Napalm Death
4/5
I’ve never listened to a napalm death record ever. Very aware of the band though.
28 songs in 33 minutes. This definitely the early days of death metal and blast beats.
Joan Baez
2/5
I know who Joan Baez is, but never listened to an album. I can’t even say I know any songs. “Silver dagger” is folky and yet I hear modern artists like Ani Difranco at the same time.
I definitely see why this album was important to the 60s and I love the guitar work.
Peter Frampton
3/5
I know this album is a big deal, but so far it’s not grabbing me.
This definitely gets better as it goes. Still not sure about the hype, but I am enjoying it.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Another artist and album I have never heard of. This one is grabbing me right from the beginning. The soulfulness and expression in her voice is amazing. “Love and affection” is an amazing song.
Just keeps getting better “join the boys” is a greave funk groove.
This album flew by. Great music, great album!!!
Nirvana
4/5
I only know a couple songs from this record. I owned it in the 90s. We’ll see how this aged for me.
Ok, opening track “serve the servants” sounds like “Big Me” from Foo Fighters.
“Gentleness apprentice” sounds like “my hero”. Have the foo fighters just been Nirvana re-treads? From “Heart shaped box” on sounds like nirvana.
I really like “Milk it”. I love the noise at the end of “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter”.
“All apologies” is the best song on this record. This is the song that makes me believe that they all loved the Beatles. This song is raw and ferocious while retaining the song writing sensibility of Eleanor Rigby.
The Replacements
3/5
“I will dare” didn’t do much for me. It sounded like The Clarks from Pittsburgh. “Favorite Thing is a great track. This band gets talked about a lot. I don’t know if I’ve ever listened before now.
I was not expecting “Black Diamond” to be a cover of the KISS song. This is one of my favorite KISS songs and I’m not sure how I feel about this cover. Ok. The cover was alight. Not my favorite, but the spirit was there.
“Unsatisfied” grabbed me from the start. Great tune.
“Seen your video” is a fantastic instrumental.
“answering machine” sounds like Kurt Cobain singing. At the end of this record I’m understanding their influence.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Never listened to a Fleetwood Mac Album. Opening track is grabbing me right away. Does not appear to be any hits on this record. I’m excited about that. I really like the song “Sara”.
Jeff Beck
5/5
I always associate Jeff Beck with instrumental music. “Shape of things” is a great opening track. If the rest of the album is this good, I’m a fan. Second track “let me love you”. What a sick groove. I wasn’t sure about the song at first and the. It hooks you.
Morning dew, what a track. Geez this album is amazing. How have I never heard this before.
Ol’ man river was a great track. Green sleeves is the most boring thing on here so far. And it’s a good track, I’m just tired of here that song.
Rock my plum soul. What a track. Each track just gets better. This album is amazing.
Now I appreciate “Bolero” more hearing the rest of this album.
Listening to “I ain’t superstitious” I now understand the Megadeth version. I don’t realize they cover this version.
Love this album.
The Isley Brothers
2/5
Nothing wrong with this album but it’s not doing much for me.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
So far it’s ok. I really like “ex-factor”. “To Zion” starts off amazing. This album is getting better. “Doo woo” is another great song. This keeps getting better.
Ok. This album did not resonate with me at first, but it keeps getting better. The musicians are great. The songs are great. This is a great album.
The version of can’t take my eyes off you is wonderful.
Great album.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Never hear any of this before. This sounds like the Beatles. I’m intrigued already. Ok. Turns out I know “without you”. This is a great album. And this is the “lime in the coconut” guy. I had no idea. I love being surprised.
This is a great album. I love the song writing and arranging.
Sonic Youth
4/5
I always try to listen to Sonic Youth. On paper I should love them and I never find songs I like. Hoping this goes different.
Ok, I’m really enjoying this record. I love the sounds, the noises, the chaos, and the organization of it. This is fun.
I really like “shoot”. I love “Sugar Kane”! “Chappell Hill” is another great song. I really like this album.
I feel like maybe I have heard “Purr” before?
“Crème Brûlée” is so out of tune, I don’t know how she sang to it. 🤣😂
The Magnetic Fields
5/5
I like the first song so I’m intrigued, but this feels like a big commitment today. 😂🤣
2nd song is great too. If they can keep this up the whole time this will be great, but that will be a feat.
Only on the third song and this is really great.
I think it’s the instrumentation selections on these songs that are making this so much fun. Each song is unique.
There is so much variety here and yet it’s held together like a good mix tape. I’m glad I didn’t skip this one.
Halfway through the second collection of 23. “Long forgotten Fairy Tale” is brilliant. This record is amazing.
This arrangement on “the way you say goodnight” is just fantastic!
Last song on the second collection “I shatter” is like a twisted Leonard Cohen and I love it.
I truly can’t get over what a great collection of songs this is.
When I saw 69 love songs and then realized it was really 69 songs, I was going skip this one. I’m almost to the end now and cannot believe how many great songs are on this one collection. This album should be the focus of songwriting curriculum in music schools and classes. This album is brilliant.
Beatles
5/5
I love the Beatles and I’ve never listened to this album. I already love the sound. This is classic Beatles sound. “All my loving” is such a great song. Every bit of it. This album is so great. And it’s a great snapshot of how the music industry worked at that time and how it was changing.
Neil Young
3/5
Afrika Bambaataa
4/5
I know the name only. This album is great!! It’s so much fun!!
Aphex Twin
4/5
I have never listened to Aphex twin before. First track is great! Ok, I need to seek out more Aphex twin. I was aware of them but never really listened and I really like this so far.
The Stooges
4/5
I only know “I wanna be your dog” from this album. Listening and putting in perspective what was happening in America at the time both culturally and musically, I can’t believe this album even caught on and yet I can.
This album has a great groove.
The Zombies
5/5
Oddly I know nothing about this band. I have heard of them. I like the first song. Off to a good start. This is a great album. I need to dive into this catalog. Ok, time of the season is the song I know by this band. So many good songs on this album.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I feel like I’ve listened to this record in its entirety on my own lately. So I could probably skip it and give it 5 stars. But the drum groove on war pigs alone is worth it. I love the bass on “Planet Caravan”. I really love this record.
Love this album.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Never heard of this. It’s weird and vibes from the start. I don’t hate it. Not sure I would listen again though. The vocals get a little droning and repetitive for me.
I really like “who knows where time goes?” This is a great tune. “Percy’s song is also really good.
This was a good album.
Spiritualized
4/5
Never heard of this. I like the opening song which is also the title track. And now they are blending in “fools rush in”. That track was fantastic! 2nd track is good so far. I think I’m really going to like this album.
I love the vibe on “stay with me”. I love the sounds on this album. It takes you on a journey.
David Gray
4/5
No idea who this. I like the first track. This was a really good album. Mellow. Good tunes. I’d listen again.
Neil Young
2/5
I’m not a Neil young guy. I just realized I can’t stand his singing on “after the gold rush”. This is one of those moments where I don’t get how he has been so popular. There are good things here song wise, the voice is nails down a chalkboard to me.
Only love can break your heart is an amazing song. The rest of this is mediocre.
I also like Helpless. I don’t know why I find this album so polarizing song wise. I either love it or hate it.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
This album is great. What a groove. This is one of those albums that starts strong and then each track gets stronger. This is so great. It’s hard to sit still. I want to get up and dance.
“Africa talks to you” is such a killer song. “Spaced cowboy” is the coolest yodeling I’ve ever heard. This is so great!!
Even the closer is a killer song. Albums like this amaze me. How can there be so many great songs on a single album?!?
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
Never heard of this, but I’m enjoying it. This album is really enjoyable. I think I recognized some of the songs.
King Crimson
4/5
I’m not sure I would seek this out again, but I do understand its draw and hype. It’s good.
I love “Moonchild”. It’s weird and fun. “A man a city” has a great groove!
Slint
3/5
This feels like the opening to a dark movie. This sounds like the 90s. I would never have guessed they came from Kentucky. It’s gets better as it goes.
I like “for dinner”.
Charles Mingus
3/5
This album is going to take a couple listens for me. There are parts I like and parts I don’t understand. I need to learn to listen differently for this one.
Baaba Maal
4/5
What I love about album a day is how may great albums I’ve never heard of like this one that show up. Never heard of this at all and I’m really digging it. “Salminanam” is just wonderful. I love the sounds here.
This album is great. I really like the way the different instruments come together with the vocals.
Steely Dan
2/5
I’m starting to realize that I know way more Steely Dan songs than I realized. And they are good songs, but I associated them as being other artists. Like “Do it again” I write off as being a Santana follow up to “Black magic woman”.
And I know dirty work but never realized it was Steely Dan. Looking back, stylistically I should have picked that up.
Skipping reeling in the years. I think I thought this was Thin Lizzy for years because of the “boys are back in town” guitar solos.
This album is almost over. I’m kind of indifferent to it. It’s not bad. It’s just sounds like a backing track for a 70s montage.
Jack White
4/5
I’ve never listened to this album. The first track opening not what I expected at all. And then it’s gifts to what I expect from Jack white. I’m digging this already.
This album is such an amazing blend between old time classic sounds and modern sounds. What does it is the songs are solid. It’s modern production without making it sound like it is fixed in a time.
Classic riffs and vocal harmony. I love this album.
Great album!!
Soundgarden
4/5
This album was everywhere. The sound still holds up. Chris Cornell’s voice is amazing. I will be listening only to the non radio hits as I’ve heard those enough. The stuff I don’t know on this album is great so far.
Love the opening on fresh tendrils. “Half” is a must listen.
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
I’ve heard of this band but could not name a song. The opening track “the shining” is just wonderful. Bowed strings pizzicato strings and a horn. Love it.
I love the choice of instruments for these arrangements. Both folky and modern. “This song” is fantastic.
Kate Bush
4/5
I know the opener thanks to stranger things. And so many people love that song now. It’s a good song. It’s a little over done for me right now. Looking forward to the rest of the album.
Track two “hounds of love” is also good. I’ve heard long time fans rave about her and I’m seeing why.
I really like “The Big Sky”.
The intro to waking the witch is beautiful.
I love the folk feel of “jig of life”.
The Doors
4/5
This album is great from the get go. I don’t think I’ve ever listen to an album. Just the hits collections.
ZZ Top
4/5
Had I heard this album before I heard Eliminator I would have been a huge ZZ Top fan. It was years before I knew the songs on this album were done by the same band that did “Legs”.
I have never heard move it on down the line before today. Great song.
John Grant
3/5
Never heard of this artist at all. Opening track sounds like something from the 60s. It’s the voice in the background. It’s making me think of Star Trek. This whole album feels like it came from the 60s. The harmonies, the arrangements.
It was a slow start because it sounded like I should know it. Now that I am understanding why I felt like that, it’s making more sense and I’m enjoying it.
And by the third track I think I’m hooked. I love the discovery of not knowing anything and the being blown away.
So the album moved from classic to modern. Especially with lyrical content. This is a really good album.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Really enjoyed this album. It’s interesting to listen to these now and reflect on how many cover songs were involved in the music business in the 1960s.
Radiohead
4/5
I already know I love this album.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
This album is fantastic. This is my second time this year listening to this album. The arrangements and songs are great! I didn’t “get” this album when I first listened, but “take five” stuck with me. After a year trying to understand jazz and bebop, now I get it.
Suede
3/5
“The power” sounds like David Bowie. This is a good album. It’s sounds like all the popular English groups. At least vocally? I’m surprised my friends who were Smiths fans aren’t into this.
808 State
2/5
I feel like heard this before? It sounds like a groove armada record until the beat kicks in.
I like this album but I don’t think I would seek it out. It’s definitely a good dance record.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
I know the name Rufus Wainwright, but I don’t know the music. I dig the tuba though. This is a good start.
This is a fantastic album. I need to dig through his catalog. I’m really enjoying this.
David Bowie
2/5
I just don’t think I’m a Bowie guy. I thought I was. But the more I hear the less I like it.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums. Dead flowers is my favorite track. Listening again makes me want to find the original album cover with the zipper. “Sway” has such a great groove. Bill Wyman is a great bassist. I love his lines on this record.
“You gotta move” is a great song.
Al Green
4/5
I know the opening song but I’ve never listened to this album.
Three tracks in. This album is great. Great grove great swing. It’s fun to listen to and yet relaxing at the same time.
“Old time loving” is just wonderful. What a great song.
Tom Waits
5/5
A friend introduced me to Tom Waits in the 90s. I believe we started with “pasties and a g-string” and then “diamonds on my windshield”. Because of that I’m already digging this album and the grooves.
I absolutely love “shore leave”. This album has such a great jazz feel but also incorporates the best things I like about John Cage.
“In the neighborhood” just grabs me. Like we should be singing it as a group at a bar toasting each other at closing time.
This album is amazing.
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
I was never big on Lenny, but after listening to this I need to give him a second listen.
Beatles
5/5
I did not realize how many of the hits were on this album. I knew almost every song.
Queen
4/5
I know the songs but have not listened to this album. This is great.
I love the song ‘39. Queen has such a great and diverse catalog. What a band.
Fred Neil
4/5
Never heard of this guy. I like the first two tracks a lot. These sounds are so modern and the mix is so clear I had to double checked what year this was released. I can’t believe I have not heard of this guy before. How many other great artists are lost to history?
This album is amazing
The Band
4/5
This album is great. I only knew one or two songs. I really enjoyed this.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Struggling to listen to this. It’s good, but there are events of my life associated with this band and. So I never listen to them. Never listened to the full first or last “shine on you crazy diamond”. Skipped “have a cigar”. I’ve heard that one a lot. I’ve always loved “wish you were here”. Listening again and I still love it.
I hate admitting that I like this album. Some of the songs are really overplayed or were where I grew up. The second “shine on” to close the album is really great. I think I’m a third through it and I love it. Vocals just kicked on. No one sounds like Pink Floyd.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
I’ve never really listened to the faces. So far so good.
I had no idea “stay with me” was on this record. Love that song.
“Debris” is really good.
Radiohead
3/5
This is the Album everyone loves. I never got into it. “The Bends” is my favorite Radiohead album.
Starting at the beginning with “Airbag”, this might be the listen that sways me.
I still don’t like “paranoid android”. “Subterranean homesick alien” has potential. That was enjoyable. I’m digging “exit music(for a film)” as well. Exit music is really good. I love the build and the vocals against the fuzz bass tones.
I’m glad I’m listening to this record again. “Let down” is a great song. I think I’m just not a fan of the singles from this record. Like “Karma Police” I never got the hype. Up to “Karma police” now. Just the chord progression turns me off. Skipping this one. “Fitter happier” was a clever piece. Would not seek out as a jam, but I like what they did there.
“Electioneering” starts off with a great intro riff. Digging the vibe of this. Radiohead are a great band.
The sound scape on climbing up the walls is next level.
I love whatever instrument starts “no surprises”.
Still not my favorite Radiohead album but there are a lot good moments on this record.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to this entire album.l, but I know a lot of the songs on here. The first two tracks are just good. “It’s tricky” has been a favorite for a while. I always forget how good Peter piper is. “My Adidas” is so good and I was planning on skipping “walk this way” but I just can’t. These are all so good. So after attack four, I don’t know any of these songs. I’m looking forward to these.
Is it live and perfection both rock and roll the groove on all these is next level. It’s the swing that draws you in on all these.
This album is insane good. “Hit and run” was great and now “Raisin’ Hell” is on. Great tunes.
How I never listened to the entire album before is beyond me. This is a great album!!!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
There is one song I’ve heard by this band and I can’t remember the name of it. I love this opening track. It’s so good. I love the sounds and the energy.
Ok, so about halfway through a en it’s good, but not grabbing me. Not sure I would think to seek this out again.
Ray Charles
4/5
I know who Ray Charles is, I can identify his voice, but I honestly don’t know if I be listened to an album or know his “hits”.
I was not expecting a big band on the opening track. I love this so far.
I’m so disappointed I didn’t know about this album before. This is amazing.
Loved this album.
Magazine
4/5
I love albums that surprise me. Never heard of it. And at first I thought I read the year wrong because of how modern it sounded. Then the verses kicked in and that vocal sound is definitely from the late 70s. This is fun so far. This album is a wild ride and I’m only on track two. It’s fun and provocative at the same time.
For a minute I thought that “recoil” was a ramones song. “Burst” is fantastic and has a David Bowie like composition to it. It makes me wonder which came first.
This is another case where once they hit a groove each song feels like it gets better. This feels like an intentional progression through songs.
This album is great!!
Joy Division
2/5
Never listened to Joy Division. I’ve heard all about them though. Let’s give this album a whirl.
Ok, unpopular opinion. This sounds like demos and not finished recordings. I’m realizing I’m an audio snob. The songs feel like that drag. Some of the recording sound ok. A lot of ideas don’t feel finished. That was all for “day of the lords”.
As I typed the above “candidate” came on. I like this song best so far. And I like the minimalist approach. Not a fan of the vocals still. But musically it’s growing on me.
“Insight” sounds like someone is rubbing against a microphone. I’m trying to figure out if it’s intentional or not.
I’m digging shadow play.
Well, it’s over. 😂. It’s the not the worst thing I’ve ever heard and there are things I like. I feel like I need to listen again to really give it a fair shake.
2/5
I feel like Bowie is hit and miss for me. So far “Five years” is really grabbing me. I wonder if the sounds are intentional or limitations of what the technology could do at that time. It’s sounds think and weak and like it was poorly recorded. The feel is there and the vibe is there, but some of the sounds put me off.
Moonage Daydream and Starman left me flat. “It ain’t easy” is better.
“Soul love” is a great tune. Two songs in and I feel like I might be getting the Bowie hype. This is pretty amazing stuff so far.
And I think the sounds on the first song were intentional. These sounds are “smoother” is the best way to put it.
Enjoying Lady stardust. There are moments I enjoy, but I really think I’m not a Bowie guy.
Ok. Now I’m to the “hits”. Maybe I’ve just heard this stuff too much?
Fiona Apple
3/5
“Sleep to dream” strata so strong like a rocker, then fades into a Beatles song. This is pretty clever. Blended right into sullen girl. I’m really impressed with the production.
Still not a fan of criminal, but I like the rest of the record.
Black Sabbath
5/5
The timing on this album coming up is either intentional or an amazing coincidence with Ozzy passing away yesterday.
This opening track is amazing. I never gave this album a proper listen. I remember reading about the recording of it in Tony Iommi’s book.
Changed has always been my least favorite Black Sabbath song. Now it’s growing on me.
“FX” is clearly the band having a good time in the studio. 😂
“Supernaut” is such a great tune.
All this time I didn’t think I knew the song “Snowblind” and now that I’m hearing it, I do know it. I never knew the title.
Watching the final sabbath show where all the bands covered a sabbath or Ozzy tune, I started realizing I know more of the sabbath catalog than I thought, I’m just terrible with names.
Cornucopia is new to my ears. I’m really digging this song so far.
I think I need to get at least the first four albums on vinyl. These are great records. I’m listening to Laguna sunrise. What a beautiful song. There is so much to these guys as musicians.
St virus dance is not what I was expecting. Still good. “Under the sun” is so heavy.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
Welcome to the jungle is the one of the best album openers ever!! Never been a big fan of “it’s so easy”. “Nightrain” is so underrated. “Out ta get me” is ok.
Overall this album out rock back on the map in a big way.
Mr. Brownstone is a rocker. Paradise city I could skip. I know this song by heart and it was a massive hit.
This is a classic album. Axl sounds nothing like this anymore. At least we have this record with these songs.
“You’re crazy” is a song I don’t listen to enough.
Anything goes is ok. I still love Rocket Queen.
The Kinks
4/5
I enjoyed this album
3/5
No idea who this band is. I swear I’ve heard “nature’s way”. All of this sounds familiar but I can’t place it. “Love has found a way” also sounds familiar. I can’t get a grip on this album. It sounds familiar, but not. Like a faded memory. I do like it though.
So made it to the end. This album is strange because I swear I know it but can’t place it. Buts it’s good song writing.
Tears For Fears
4/5
I know the two hits from this record. Shipping those. I’ve heard them enough. Ok, this record is really great. It should have gotten way more acclaim than the hits. This is a great album.
Burning Spear
2/5
This is a good album. I’m not a reggae guy. I can listen to it. It’s great background music. But it does not have the same impact on me musically that punk and metal do. Also politically charged music. The emotion does not come across the same way. This album is really good even though it’s not for me.
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
“Malibu beach nightmare” is a fantastic song. What a way to open up the album. “Sailing down the tears” is another fantastic song.
I was always aware of this band but never really heard songs by them. Listening to this album I’m guessing it’s because no one knew how to market them. They look like hair/glam metal, but sound like the Ramones with a heavy pop influence.
There are great songs on here and as I listen I wonder how many of these were either in an 80s movie or inspired the song in an 80s movie.
“Beating gets faster” has a UK pop punk sound. And this song reminds me of “out ta get me” by GnR, so clearly GnR were listening to this album. And that makes sense because this leans heavily towards rock.
“Ice cream summer” sounds like “modern world” by the Jam(?). Definitely a UK influence here.
Ok, so the closer and title title track is one of my least favorites, but there are parts I really like.
On the “oooohhh” part is sounds simultaneously like the Clash and the Ramones.
Public Enemy
5/5
I saw Public Enemy live with Anthrax, Primus, and Young Black Teenagers. It was 1991 or 1992. Amazing show. Absolutely a blast. All the bands were amazing. I’ve never listened to a full album though. I know the two opening tracks. I love how heavy they are with just beats and horns. “Bring the noise” will always be favorite no matter what version. Those lyrics are poetry and should be studied is schools.
“Cold lampin’ with Flavor” is the most I’ve heard Flavor Flav say anything more than his accent lines. He’s great. I should have listened to album years ago.
“Edge of panic” is great.
“Mind terrorist” did exactly what it was supposed to. But not my favorite track. 😂
I love that tracks like “Louder than a bomb” have meaning but still make you want to dance because the groove is so strong.
“Caught can we get a witness?” Just grabs you from the start. These guys are like the Bob Dylan of hip hop. There’s deep meaning to the lyrics, but the music still moves you.
“She watch channel zero” has a Slayer sample. How has this not been talked about more? It’s so dark. This album was so far ahead of its time.
“Black steel in the hour of chaos” this groove is hard and swinging while simultaneously sounding like a horror movie sound track.
I need to find a list of all the songs sampled for this record. The composition here is phenomenal and I want to study what they built from.
“Security of the first world” is such a great groove.
I forgot I knew “Rebel without a pause”.
Last two tracks are just so good.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Never knew this album existed. But I never liked country music. Listening to this opening track now, I’m really enjoying it. It’s 50s and 60s sound wise rather than the 80s. I realized I hated the sounds 80s country used. I find it jarring.
The fiddles on making plans. That’s the sound I don’t like. These women are all amazing, but the songs are not resonating with me yet.
Ok “Hobo’s meditation” is a really good song. I like this a lot. And now I’m on “Wildflowers” this is the good stuff.
Travis
3/5
This sounds like the late 90s coffee shop scene. Or some late 90s teen movie. This isn’t bad, but I’m not in a gram e if mind to enjoy it. “Writing to reach you” is a good track, but I can hear every popular 90s band within it. And sometimes I just don’t care about the 90s.
“The fear” is already better. Still sounds like a Starbucks playlist, but better.
“As you are” was essentially “Radiohead lite”.
I like “driftwood”.
“Luv” is definitely a Radiohead song. 😂 I don’t know for sure. I haven’t looked it up. But I seriously had to check and see if the album ended and a Radiohead song came on. It could also pass for the Beatles.
The further this goes the more I like it. But they basically set out to make a Radiohead record. 😂
The 90s were all about hidden tracks. Nice hide at the end of “slide show”.
Apple Music automatically played “while my guitar gently weeps” after this album ended which makes sense.
Heaven 17
4/5
First song sounds like Devo. 2nd song sounds like Bee Gees disco meets late 70s funk. “Play to win” feels like a song that would have been played in the TV show “Buck Rogers” to be “futuristic.
The bass player is amazing on this record. “Would warfare” sounds like devo again.
Let’s all make a bomb sounds like Depace mode. There is so much happening on this album I’m curious about its place in history. Was it a copy? Or did it inspire what we regard as familiar?
Ok. So they were founding members of Human League that came together. That makes sense. This album is brilliant.
CHVRCHES
2/5
I like the intro to the first song. The verse kicks in and it feels like every other pop song. It still makes me want to sing along.
Ok, this is good, but all the songs blend together.
This is good, but also forgettable. Live or in a club it would be a great time.
Each song feels like a variation but man I do like this. It’s just “happiness”.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
This album is killer from the start. “Shining star” grooves hard. Four songs in and this album really slowed down.
Africans had a great groove.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Christina has a great voice, but this is not doing anything for me. The production is so slick it feels like karaoke reproductions. “Primer amor interlude” is my favorite so far. “Infatuation” is really good. I like this track a lot. The next interlude is fantastic. I wonder if those were ideas” that morphed into the song after them? Or written for the purpose of introducing the next song.
So I’m realizing I prefer when music was made when vinyl was the dominant format as they were shorter and had a point. I don’t know if I’m even at the halfway point but there is a lot left.
“Under appreciated” has a great groove. This album get better the deeper in you get. I was not impressed with the beginning stuff, but I think those were the radio things.
“Beautiful” is a good song. This album should have been two separate albums. There great stuff on here. Enough that I want to listen to other albums now.
I remember “Dirrty” being a big deal at the time. It’s ok.
I want to hear more like “keep on singin’ my song”. She has a great voice. I wonder what she would sound like if she did the Stax catalog or some Aretha Franklin covers.
Public Enemy
4/5
This album is fantastic and I love all the samples and call backs to other records. My only complaint is the sound is inconsistent, some songs are quieter than others and some sound like there is a blanket on the speakers. But this album feels like a leap forward creatively.
Simple Minds
3/5
I know the name “Simple Minds”, but I don’t recognize these songs. This Al un is really good. It’s reminding me of the smiths.
The Doors
3/5
As much as I was not in the mood to listen to the doors this morning, this a good album. I’ll never understand why they have bass on the records but no bass player in the band.
I know everyone celebrates Jim Morrison, but looking back now I can’t help but wonder if the Doors were just great musicians with a really weird frontman. 🤣
L’America sounds like noise. And I normally like noise.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I wanted to listen to this after listening to stripped. So far not feeling it. And it’s two discs. So geez is this long.
First song was “meh”. The second song is lady marmalade with different lyrics. I love her voice when she does stuff like this. She has the same expressiveness that Aretha has in her voice. But I don’t feel she taps into enough.
I would love to hear her do a live set of Aretha. But the band has to be killer.
Ok, “ain’t no other man” is fantastic. Killer grove and melody.
Listening to this album and hearing the amazing songs mixed with mediocre songs helps me understand how we got to the streaming model and why “stealing” music was so popular 🤣
Arcade Fire
3/5
I don’t know who I thought this band was, but this first track is not what I was expecting. I don’t know why but I was expecting aggressive music. This is a great mellow album.
The National
3/5
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
I know this band. Never listened to an album. I need to listen to more. I love this. Especially the horns.
Michael Jackson
5/5
I already know this album is amazing. So much great music on here. Almost every song was a single.
Supergrass
3/5
I recognize the band name and the song “Richard the III”. This is a really good album. I enjoyed the songs, but they kind of forgettable.
2/5
This is a band that on paper I should love. And try and try and I just don’t. This album is good, but I would not listen again. I can’t put my finger on why yet. It ticks a lot of boxes for what I like.
Miles Davis
5/5
This album is fantastic!! Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock all on the same record with Miles Davis. This is so good.
The Sugarcubes
2/5
I would see this live and enjoy it. The album gets monotonous.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
This sounds great production wise. Hard to believe it’s 1974. It’s ambient music, so I need to be in the mood for it. These songs are good for a sound track. Each one is long and would enhance a visual. On their own they get monotonous.
Happy Mondays
1/5
I always saw people with shirts for this band. Or maybe hats? But never heard them. I can’t even remember seeing their records at record stores.
“Kinky Afro” is doing nothing for me. But I remember everyone in happy Mondays gear always looking sad. And this song tracks with that. 🤣😂
Second track is better. I like the groove. And I wonder if the lo fidelity all stars took inspiration from this track. It sounds like whatever their hit was (battle flag).
“Donovan” reminds me of a PIL song, right down to Johnny Rotten vocals.
I’m on the 4th track now. So far this album is not for me.
Orbital
2/5
I’m aware of this band. Never listened to a record by them before. This is a LONG one which means the CD era was in full swing. First track is nice. I would prefer this at a club.
This album drones a lot. Good for a dance club.
Track 7 - Leon Tink Wasser is the first track that didn’t sound the same. Track 8 was great too. Maybe this album should have been split in two? Also digging track 9. I wonder if this album was split by mood for club DJs?
Hüsker Dü
1/5
I’m aware of Hüsker Dü, but never listened before today. So far I don’t see the draw. It’s raw and fuzzy. I’m going to try to get past me being an audio snob and listen to the “songs” here.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
I don’t know why but when I saw this cover I thought it was Parliament Funkadelic. 😁 so I’m already operating on a surprise here. 😂
This makes me want to go back through the catalog. I’ve always know the musicianship of Frank and his band to be top notch. But lyrically he’s never pulled punches. He’s like weird Al where he makes fun of the pop culture at the time, but he’s not nice about it. There is no pulling punches here.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
This is the signature record with signature songs. I love his style of rapping. Great flow always easy to understand and he takes you through a story.
This album is really good. One after the other the songs are just catchy.
The Bees
4/5
I don’t know what I expected, but this wasn’t it. I really like the music. The vocals remind me of 60s vocal group harmonies. Which are great, but there needs to be a single voice to stand out too. This album is weird but good. It’s almost at times like listening to pop start trek album. The sounds feel very 60s sci-fi. This album feels less like listening to an album and more like listening to a great radio station.
The fuzz guitar on “A minha menina” is great. This song just radiates fun. While still having the singers sound depressed. 😂.
Elastica
4/5
I know I knew the name, but could not recall songs until I heard “connection”. This has been one of a few records from the 90s and listening to the sounds and production has been interesting. The records are professionally produced, but there is a sense of rebellion against the establishment. I didn’t notice this at the time. But on a lot of these records there are hints of the band just goofing around in the studio. Something you didn’t see before.
“Smile” sounds like a cover of another artist. This is going to drive me crazy. It’s not a cover but it sounds like something else.
This album is way better than “connection”. It’s a good song and was a good single, but man this whole album is really good.
I think I remember “stutter”? It sounds familiar.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
This sounds like mediocre 70s music for the background. I’m hoping it gets better. The end of track one borrowed from Star Trek a little bit.
Track two was ok.
Track three seems more interesting. But there still something about the sound that just feels generic.
I’m about halfway now and it’s better. The further this goes the better it gets. Now it feels like a copy of the eagles a little. Lots of influences here
The Prodigy
4/5
I knew the opening track. I would never have voluntarily put this on, but now I might. It’s pretty good. For some reason I want to hate it and I don’t know why. Buts it’s too much fun to hate. 😂
Serial Thrilla has a great groove!
Sade
4/5
I know “smooth operator” which I think is the only song. When I was kid I think “smooth operator” came out after “Mr. Telephone Man” and I thought that “smooth operator” was a bout a friendly operator helping the guy from “Mr. Telephone man” get in touch with his baby. 😂
Oasis
3/5
I’m excited that I don’t recognize any song titles here. The opening track is good so far.
Turns out I know “live forever”. This is pretty good album so far.
Muddy Waters
5/5
Holy cow this album hits hard from the get go. If the rest is as good as the opener this is going to be amazing.
Track two, bus driver. This is already great. On the third track now. What I love is the raw live feel. This sounds like you’re in a club with good sound seeing these guys live. The energy comes through the speakers.
4th song. The harmonica. Wow. The sound of this album is just amazing. Like a ball of energy through my speakers. And that’s through a streaming service. This sounds so good I want to find it on vinyl.
This album is five stars. Just an amazing record.
Beatles
5/5
I know almost the entire Beatles catalog, but I don’t know albums. I’m aware of this album, but never listened to it. Ok. I know most of these songs, but this album as a collection makes them even better. I love this album.
Deep Purple
4/5
I don’t know any of these songs. Let’s go!!🤘
Ok, this album is just great. Even the “slow song” for track three is powerful. Loving this journey.
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Ok, this is so syrupy sweet, but I love the guitar sounds and the instrumentation. Great album super short. Fun songs.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
Track one was ok. I really like the groove on track 2. Track three is ok. This album sounds like a victim of the production values of the time. Had they made other sound choices I might be enjoying this more. But so far tracks one and three sound dated.
Track four sounds like they pulled it from a karate kid movie. It’s over the top 80s synth sounds.
Ok. This album just sounds dated. Everything sounds electronic and over processed.
“Nobody’s girl” sounds great and is a good song. This sounds like real people playing real instruments.
“The roads my middle name” is a good closer.
Thelonious Monk
5/5
This is one of those jazz guys where I know the name, but not the music. These musicians are top notch. I’m settling in for a journey and enjoying the ride here.
Track 2 “ba-lue…” is my favorite track so far. I love the space, the melody, the fact that I feel like I’m in the room with them. The bass solo in this song is great. Everyone drops out, even the drums. The way he plays with time and still keeps it. Then the drums come back in for a solo.
This album is phenomenal.
Willie Nelson
4/5
This is a really nice mellow album. I’ve never listened to Willie Nelson before. At least not an album. I’m familiar with his work. But all singles and radio hits.
Right from the the start of “unchained melody” I like it.
This album is super mellow. I didn’t think I was going to like it but I really do.
This is an “evening” album. I want to listen to this when it’s dark. Have a nice drink or some sort and a book to read by low light.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
The ballad of Lucy Jordan is really good.
This album is ok. I don’t hate it. I wouldn’t seek it out either.
CHIC
2/5
Miriam Makeba
4/5
This is a great album. Mbube is my favorite so far. It sounds like “the lion sleeps tonight”. I’ve always loved this pulse. Great rhythm and feel.
Miriam is a great vocalist. I prefer the songs not sung in English. They feel more expressive.
One more Dance is hilarious. How she kept her composure is beyond me. 😂
AC/DC
5/5
This is one of the greatest albums of all time. What disappoints me in that since CDs and then streaming people who are hearing this for the first time don’t get the “magic” of having to flip the record or tape and experience side two. Something about that pause. Then pressing play and hearing those clicks to kick off back in black. This album is amazing and side two is pure magic.
Maybe streaming services need an “album mode” tha breaks the album where it was broken on the original media.
And then new artists could set up their releases in a similar manner and bring back curating the album.
I’ve listened to this album recently so there was no need to put it on agin today. But I did. And it’s so great. 🤘🤘
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
No idea who this is, but the first track is great.
“Sleeping gas” is also a good track. I’m digging this. I enjoy albums that I have no clue about and then they surprise me like this.
This is a great album
The Cult
2/5
I know everyone loves this band and I’m trying to give this a fair listen, but it’s never done much for me.
Ok, this cover of born to wild does nothing for me.
Alice In Chains
2/5
This is probably their best album for me at least. Not a huge fan, but great grooves.
I can’t get over how many of these songs I know.
Ash
3/5
This is ok. It reminds of Radio in the 90s. This is the stuff that was background noise and didn’t catch my attention.
This album gets better as it goes. Girl from Mars was good and I also like “Kung Fu”.
And then “oh yeah” goes back to “meh”. And the songs after that are good. This album is hard to get a feel on.
“Angel interceptor” is great!!
The album starts rough and is so much better by the end. I’m torn between three stars and four stars.
The Young Gods
4/5
First song felt like I was being mocked. Second song feels like they are mocking 80s hair metal. Third song sounds like Swiss KMFDM.
I’m on track five. Did some reading on this band and I’m fascinated. Music technology didn’t quite exist for what they were doing. At least not like today or even in the late 90s 10 years after this.
When this album started I wanted to hate it. It just kept getting better.
fIREHOSE
5/5
Never listened to fIREHOSE before this. I’m glad this is my introduction. I love the opening track. I’ve followed Mike Watt on his solo projects and like his playing. This album, had I not known it was him I would not have guessed it was him. I like being surprised like that.
On “vastopol”. I can’t believe I haven’t listened to this record before. But at the same time I can because my mood needs to match.
Today is cool morning in October so this album will be forever associated with October for me.
How is this album just so good? My teenage mind in 1989 was not equipped for this.
Today is the right day to hear this album. Not only do I love it but it’s giving me musical inspiration as well.
Love this album. On the last track now.
Roxy Music
4/5
I only know the name “Roxy Music”. Never listened to them defore. This opening track is making me thinking of the Rocky Horror Picture Show👄.
This will be a wild ride this morning. Ok. Second track. I still have Rocky Horror vibes. I really like the music. The vocals are grating on me a bit and what gives me the Rocky Horror vibes.
This album is wild. I’m enjoying it. “Grey Lagoons” is my favorite song.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I only really know Sledgehammer. I like this better. “Games without frontiers” is on here. Is it weird that I’m not a fan of the “hits”? Other than “Salisbury Hill”, what gets radio play is not my cup of tea.
I’m downright surprised how much I like this album so far.
“Biko” is my favorite song on this album.
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
No idea who this or what to expect. The opening track is making me think of the “Ocean’s 11” soundtrack. The remake that is.
Such a retro sound and still modern. I’m so here for this album.
Sounds like 60s pop and modern music simultaneously. I love this.
The The
4/5
I’ve heard of the band because of the outrageous name. Not sure if I know any songs. First track is not familiar so far. I’m digging the opening track so far.
I know the second track! I think it was used in “Empire Records”.
I really like this album
Happy Mondays
3/5
The only thing I know if this band is their shorts and hats. Skateboarders at the end of the 80s would be in Happy Mondays shirts and those painters hats that became popular in the late 80s. The irony is I never saw a single person in a happy Mondays shirt ever smile. Not once. 😂🤣
So far this album is good. I’m on track two. It sounds like electro Brit pop.
I do like this. I don’t know if I would seek it out.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
I’m really enjoying this record. It’s sounds like a film sound track in the 70s at places, but it’s really good.
Brian Wilson
3/5
I think I need more context on this album. Ok, reading about this it was supposed to follow pet sounds. That explains why it sounds like a beach boys album that someone was trying to reproduce nearly 40 years later. It sounds dated and modern simultaneously. It’s good. Heroes and villains sounds like Brian was copying the Beatles. This is really good.
I can’t put my finger on why, but I like this better than pet sounds.
I don’t like this version of good vibrations. It’s ok, but feels like a demo for the track I know and love.
Ok I went and tracked down the versions released in the 60s. They sound better to my ears.
While this album is the same tunes, it’s not quite there for me.
Coldplay
2/5
I know everyone loves this album. It’s not bad, but it feels like the same thing over and over.
I’m skipping “clocks” I’ve heard that enough. Ok. Album is almost over. It’s not terrible. Don’t know if I’d seek them out.
Tito Puente
4/5
I know Tito Puente by name alone because of the movie Stripes. So far I like the first track.
This is a super fun album.
Paul Simon
2/5
First track. Love the guitar solo. The rest of the song is “eh”.
This album was ok. Not my favorite of Paul Simon by a long shot.
Metallica
3/5
So I do like this album, but I think I like S&M 2 better. Can’t believe this was 1999.
Ok. There is something that’s just off about this recording for me. No idea what.
I hate that I like “90s Metallica” songs on this. 😂 but hero of the day is better with the symphony. Feels like a Beatles song.
Iggy Pop
2/5
This album was good at first. Then Iggy’s voice just sounded monotonous. The musicians are great. But the whole thing is just ok.
Ok, the last song “mass production” is really cool. But that’s the only standout on this album for me.
The B-52's
4/5
Ok, “Planet Claire” is not what I was expecting. Everyone goes gaga for “Rock Lobster”, and I don’t know why. So maybe today is the day. Absolutely love the Sc-Fi vibe of this opener though.
On 52 girls now. This album is really good. I wish I would have heard this years ago.
Rock Lobster still gets in my nerves. And I really think it has to do with the people trying to shove it down my throat at the time.
In reality it’s an instrumental surf rock song with vocals. At the time of first hearing this I didn’t think of surf rock as any more than the ventures. Now I’ve discovered bands like the Surfrajettes and I “get it”. Only took a few decades. 🤣😂
Ghostface Killah
3/5
I really liked “Kilo”.