1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

Contributor
953
Albums Rated
3.47
Average Rating
88%
Complete
136 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

2000
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
141
5-Star Albums
17
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

Top Styles

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
5 2.6 +2.4
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
5 2.85 +2.15
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
5 2.85 +2.15
Street Signs
Ozomatli
5 2.88 +2.12
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
5 2.91 +2.09
Kala
M.I.A.
5 2.91 +2.09
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
5 2.98 +2.02
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
5 2.98 +2.02
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
5 3.03 +1.97
Ray Of Light
Madonna
5 3.03 +1.97

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
1 3.3 -2.3
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
1 3.04 -2.04
Ingenue
k.d. lang
1 2.95 -1.95
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
1 2.94 -1.94
Cut
The Slits
1 2.71 -1.71
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
2 3.71 -1.71
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
1 2.71 -1.71
Slipknot
Slipknot
1 2.68 -1.68
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
1 2.65 -1.65
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
2 3.63 -1.63

Artists

Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Led Zeppelin 4 4.75
U2 4 4.75
Pink Floyd 4 4.5
Madonna 3 4.67
The Doors 3 4.67
Nirvana 3 4.67
Johnny Cash 3 4.67
Stevie Wonder 3 4.67
Beatles 7 4.14
The Flaming Lips 2 5
Pulp 2 5
Fleetwood Mac 2 5
The Smashing Pumpkins 2 5
Bruce Springsteen 5 4.2
David Bowie 8 4
Radiohead 6 4
Pixies 3 4.33
Paul Simon 3 4.33
Bob Marley & The Wailers 3 4.33

Least Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Slipknot 2 1.5

Controversial

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistRatings
k.d. lang 1, 4
Miles Davis 3, 1, 3, 5
Kate Bush 3, 5, 2

5-Star Albums (141)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Seventeen Seconds by The Cure

Love The Cure, but this one is too broody for me. Didn’t have a single song I could say I actually liked, unfortunately.

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper

This feels very avant garde and also like the soundtrack to an overly dramatic musical. Not that either is necessarily a bad thing. But this was pretty tough to listen to, and I will definitely never make the choice to listen again.

The Rise & Fall by Madness

What a delight. I’ve never heard of this band, other than knowing Our House (didn’t know who sang that). But the music is fun and lively. I like the blend of new wave, pop, and wacky. Our House is so great, and this is such a refreshing collection of songs in general. Love so many of them. This album made me feel good, and that’s a good way to feel. Had to find the album on YouTube, it was mostly missing from Spotify.

There was nothing offensive about this, and it was relatively pleasant to my ears, but I just can’t relate to being an old-timey cowboy.

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

This album rocks! Was already a fan of the first two hits, and I found the whole thing very engaging and interesting. It’s fun and dancy and soulful and something I just wanted to keep listening to. Great stuff!

1-Star Albums (17)

All Ratings (953)

That's The Way Of The World by Earth, Wind & Fire
Jan 10 2024

Dig the funky vibe, great instrumentation and vocals. Just not sure it would be one that I’d have in rotation, it doesn’t necessarily make me want to groove like I hoped it would.

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Jan 11 2024

I enjoy the unique sound and style of The Police and Sting’s vocals, and it’s cool to hear one of their early albums and how it all began. I was only familiar with one song from it. The album as a whole doesn’t necessarily grab me or speak to my soul but I like it nonetheless!

Ramones by Ramones
Jan 12 2024

I mean, this is pretty iconic being the Ramones’ first album. True garage/punk rock. Love the early grit vibe. That being said, all the songs start to sound very similar as the album goes on and the sound quality is lacking, but loved hearing their first album.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Jan 14 2024

Seems like a pretty epic show to have attended. You can definitely feel this band’s soul. Puts me in the mindset of a flower child of the 60s on acid. Dig the beginning of the show, started to fall off a bit for me at Space Truckin…great instrumentation but the jams get really long and drawn out. I’m also a little confused by the end because there are a couple repeat songs. Solid show overall!

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Jan 15 2024

Great album, definitely a journey he takes you on. This is the first time I’ve listened to a full Jimi Hendrix album. Nice variety of song styles and of course awesome guitar playing. Not a huge fan of the vocals, because they feel far away and kind of like an afterthought but overall, feels like a true classic.

Jan 16 2024

Really liked this performance, though I wasn’t familiar with these particular songs. He has such great energy and this feels like getting transported back in time. Quality soul for the soul. The audio recording is great too.

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Jan 17 2024

I don’t consider myself a ZZ Top fan, and this album pleasantly surprised me. Hot, Blue and Righteous was probably my favorite discovery. A great classic rock listen!

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Jan 18 2024

I really wanted to like this album. As someone relatively new to the GBV world, I haven’t heard many of their full albums. I’ve seen them live a couple times and thought the last show I went to was great. I even went to a GBV cover show last summer and had a blast. Their bigger hits are really fun live. But this album didn’t do it for me, sadly. A lot of songs felt unfinished and the sound quality wasn’t good. Giving them a 3 because it’s GBV, but I had higher expectations for this.

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Jan 19 2024

This album immediately made me feel happy when it started. Despite never hearing of the band or album, it kind of felt like comfort food. Definitely recognize that early 2000s indie vibe but with its own unique instrument blend that give it a bluegrass charm. Love the banjo and harmonica. His vocals aren’t my favorite and leave me wanting a little more passion/variation as the album progresses, but really enjoyed this overall.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Jan 20 2024

Great album, loved it. I didn’t explore the Pixies much when they were really blowing up, I only know a few of their songs, so I was excited to really enjoy a full album.

Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings
Jan 21 2024

Love this so much. Country is not high on my genre list, but his style of country hits different, and this album is just beautiful. Feels like home. Waylon is a gem.

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Jan 22 2024

I prefer the psychedelic Beatles and their less poppy stuff in general, but this is solid, classic Beatles.

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Jan 23 2024

Love the flower child era vibes. Teach Your Children is a true classic. This record really takes you back in time to life during the Vietnam War, and the profound impact it had on society.

I rolled my eyes when I saw this was the album of the day. All I remember from them is the song Nookie from the late 90s, which got way overplayed. But when the album started, I found myself grooving to their intro and the first song with the NIN mashups made me laugh. Then all the songs started to blend together a bit. Has an immature kind of feel to it but it did kind of make me nostalgic for that era of weird pop culture yell rock. I dunno. I’m all over the place with feelings on this one lol. It’s fun for what it is, but it’s lacking some serious depth. Dude laughing in the outro was so annoying. That outro put a bad taste in my mouth. I thought this had potential in the beginning but damn.

Jan 25 2024

I was a bit disheartened to see Korn come up this morning after Limp B yesterday. As lawdogg remarked, “Did these cards get shuffled?” 😆 It’s not terrible, just not the type of music that moves me. I do like this one a bit more than Chocolate Hot Dogs. Hoping to have a break from this genre after today though.

Jan 26 2024

Despite a few problematic lyrics, I kinda love this. Have been a semi-fan of Eazy E and Dr Dre for a long time but their N.W.A. work is mostly new to me. Lots of great moments, great raps, great samples, and important commentary on racial injustices in policing.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears by The Mamas & The Papas
Jan 27 2024

Feel-good 60s hippie pop, a pleasant palette cleanser after a week of full-bodied flavors and textures.

Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction
Jan 28 2024

I thought I would like this more than I did because I like the two hits on it. Those were really the only two songs I liked. And I was confused by the long songs and just wanted them to be over. This album didn’t do it for me.

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Jan 29 2024

Despite the shoe-gazing vibe, I can appreciate what they’re doing here, and their contributions/influence in this genre. They clearly influenced the Smashing Pumpkins. Feels more like a meditative/experimental journey than a musical destination. I wish I could understand ANY of the words they’re saying, but pretty solid nonetheless.

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Jan 30 2024

There are far better Radiohead albums than this in my opinion. Surprised this made the list. I like the jazz loungy vibe of the last track, and I Might Be Wrong has some fun grooves. Overall, the album is a little too experimental/slow/melancholy for me. Radiohead tends to depress me the older I get, and this album in particular leans into that vibe. But there is beauty in sadness too, especially when the music is well composed. Anyway, it’s Radiohead, so even though it’s not my favorite, it gets a 3 because they are iconic and they make beautiful music.

The Rise & Fall by Madness
Jan 31 2024

What a delight. I’ve never heard of this band, other than knowing Our House (didn’t know who sang that). But the music is fun and lively. I like the blend of new wave, pop, and wacky. Our House is so great, and this is such a refreshing collection of songs in general. Love so many of them. This album made me feel good, and that’s a good way to feel. Had to find the album on YouTube, it was mostly missing from Spotify.

Cut by The Slits
Feb 01 2024

Oof. This album was a fairly painful listen. It had a few tracks that actually sounded like music, and I did enjoy their Grapevine cover. Props to them for this somehow being influential though.

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Feb 02 2024

The lyrics are melancholy, but the end product is a warm, pleasant listen. Elliott died from an apparent self-inflicted stab wound to the heart (WHAT?!) at 34, after an argument with his girlfriend, so he clearly dealt with a lot of demons. There’s also speculation he was murdered so who knows for sure I guess. Sounds like he talked about (and attempted) suicide a lot, and also had addiction issues. RIP to this tortured soul I’m just now hearing of. Thanks for the tunes.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Feb 03 2024

A lot of classics here, and RHCP’s fun and funky vibe is pretty infectious. Solid grooves all around. And fun fact I didn’t realize until now: this album that’s largely about California was also released right after my first trip to California with slashing lumpkins!

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols
Feb 04 2024

This is another new band to me. Totally dug the vibe when it started. It fell off for me a bit at Orange and never entirely regained its momentum, though it still has some great moments after that. The Creep Out is a solid finale.

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Feb 05 2024

Damn, his voice just does it for me. This is such a smooth and silky listen. I’m Your Man (the song) is super sexy. Take This Waltz is another one of my faves. Overall - interesting, strange and beautiful. Jazz Police is an unfortunate outlier. I’m pretending in my rating that one isn’t on there.

Feb 06 2024

Oh yeah, love me some Fatboy Slim. Was excited to see this pop up today. This is a party. There are a few tracks I don’t love, and some of the songs go on a bit long, but had a blast with it. If this don’t make your booty move…get that booty checked stat!

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Feb 07 2024

Gotta love when a new (to me) album kicks off with an iconic Dirty Dancing ditty. This album is packed with soul, and apparently a lot of relationship drama. I think every one of these is about breaking up, hooking up, or someone he’s in love with. In addition to his musical genius, he had 21 kids, four wives, and countless lovers, so that tracks. Lots of inspiration for song writing no doubt. You can’t love ‘em all…or CAN you? He sure can try. Totally dig his voice and his vibe. Great listen!

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Feb 08 2024

Despite his riches, Springsteen somehow manages to feel very authentic when singing about the plights of the less fortunate. This album is pretty sad, but deep and beautiful too. In general, I prefer more upbeat tunes, but this is a great album for what it is. I especially love the sound the harmonica brings. It feels both ethereal and strongly rooted in southern blues. Very moving.

Music by Madonna
Feb 09 2024

This is around the time I stopped listening to Madonna as much because her early aughts evolution was a bit jarring to me at the time (though I LOVED Ray of Light). I know the hits from this album, but I really enjoyed it as a full listen. Amazing is a great song I wasn’t familiar with. She really layers a lot of funky and interesting beats and sound effects throughout these songs. It’s a bit more forgettable than her 80s catalog, but still a good Madonna time. Queen’s gonna queen.

All Directions by The Temptations
Feb 10 2024

For someone who had an 11 minute song made about him, Papa sounds like kind of an a-hole. I enjoyed this album, but it didn’t grab me in the same way as Solomon Burke’s style of soul. It feels more composed but a bit lacking in personality. Still some beautiful tunes though!

Kenza by Khaled
Feb 11 2024

This was ok. I appreciate world music but this one didn’t do a whole lot for me.

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Feb 12 2024

This album was nice easy listening, but I found it a bit boring. Darkness, Darkness was a great start, and Smug was pretty good, but it felt like the energy dropped off after that. Also, totally forgot to give the Imagine cover by Khaled a shout out in my review yesterday, so I’m doing that now…despite my low rating on that album, that cover was sensational!

Transformer by Lou Reed
Feb 13 2024

This one is a mixed bag for me. Perfect Day is a song I’ve loved since Trainspotting times. It’s so good. And Walk on the Wild Side is a classic. I enjoyed a few others too - Vicious, Hangin’ Round, and Goodnight Ladies - but the rest just kinda felt like not a lot of effort was put in. Definitely interesting music though.

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Feb 15 2024

This probably falls into the ‘most famous albums ever’ category, and for good reason in my opinion. It has so many hits, awesome vocals and drums, and some of the most iconic guitar playing in history. Wish we could’ve experienced his musical evolution over time.

For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music
Feb 16 2024

Kinda dig its weirdness, and I like the lead singer’s voice. Makes me think of Anthony and the Johnsons (his voice)

Feb 17 2024

Hmm, this guy kinda sounds like Dave Matthews in a British way. Vibes are great, songs are beautiful. I'm sitting on the beach drinking a mimosa and waiting to see Dave Matthews later tonight so that might be skewing my judgment but great stuff!

Moby Grape by Moby Grape
Feb 18 2024

Not too shabby. Beatles vibes for sure.

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Feb 19 2024

I appreciate the influence this album had on the evolution of rap music but this didn’t necessarily age the greatest for me. Found it to be just an ok listen, it got kind of boring.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Feb 20 2024

Is there a more iconic album than Thriller? This was a childhood favorite, and it has most definitely stood the test of time for me. It doesn’t get more classic 80s than the Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean trio. And Human Nature and Pretty Young Thing are just so good. A lovely moonwalk back in time.

Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Feb 21 2024

It’s cool, pretty legendary butt rock. Transports me to my Midwestern small town beer tent. That being said, it all kinda sounds the same and I don’t know that I’d ever choose to play this again.

Van Halen by Van Halen
Feb 22 2024

This is an impressive debut by the Van Halen crew. The hits keep coming and the guitar keeps shredding. First half is better than the second, but pretty epic album!

Take Me Apart by Kelela
Feb 23 2024

I want to like R&B music more than I do. This is good music to put on during sex, but it didn’t do much for me otherwise. Nothing I disliked about it, it was very technically sound, but also nothing I loved about it. Sexy album cover!

Back In Black by AC/DC
Feb 24 2024

This one is a step above Highway to Hell from two days ago. Feels a little tighter. Though RIP to Bon Scott, so many musicians leave us way too soon. Bonus points for You Shook Me All Night Long. Makes my American thighs want to dance.

Repeater by Fugazi
Feb 25 2024

The first couple songs weren’t bad. In fact, the first song’s vocals remind me of the lead singer of Los Diablos Blancos (check out their album Golderado if you haven’t heard of them, they rock). But overall, just couldn’t get into it.

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Feb 26 2024

Perhaps this would hit different if I had experience driving on the Autobahn. Update 5.20.25: Ok so I was having a really stressful day the day that I got this album last year, and I always felt like I didn't give this the attention it deserved. After getting a different Kraftwerk album today that I really enjoyed, I decided to revisit Autobahn. I didn't enjoy it as much as The Man-Machine, but it still deserves a bump from a 2 to a 3. Pretty cool stuff in here, and so far ahead of its time.

Melodrama by Lorde
Feb 27 2024

Not always a fan of woeful heartbreak music but I love Lorde’s artful take on it. Her funky beats and beautiful melodies mixed with raw emotions and occasional dance vibes are sad and uplifting at the same time. A delightful journey of sound! She rocks.

Seventeen Seconds by The Cure
Feb 29 2024

Love The Cure, but this one is too broody for me. Didn’t have a single song I could say I actually liked, unfortunately.

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Mar 01 2024

Super interesting that they were mainly a backing band for famous artists. I found this to be groovy and a pleasant listen. Title track has become pretty iconic over time. The album had me wishing they would’ve experimented with adding vocals, but a good time nonetheless.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Mar 02 2024

To borrow a phrase from my dad and uncle, “That’ll put hair on your chest.” One of those albums that’ll really wake you up in the morning and then send you into a dark and confusing place. I really like NIN, but the older I get, the harder time I have enjoying this kind of dark energy in the music I listen to.

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Mar 03 2024

A peaceful easy feeling with a gal and her guitar. I like her croons. Would’ve loved a livelier track or two thrown in, but it was a relaxing listening experience.

Remedy by Basement Jaxx
Mar 04 2024

Red alert, red alert, it’s a Sunday dance party!

Mar 05 2024

And today is a guy and his guitar, with the occasional harmonica, which I always enjoy. Cool to hear Dylan’s early musings. Really dig his lyrics and the simplicity of the guitar. Love Girl from the North Country!

Mar 06 2024

All the 60s vibes here. Nothing specific really grabbed me, but I dug the album anyway.

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by The Incredible String Band
Mar 07 2024

Well this is interesting and weird, and kind of fun. Made me feel like I chased a white rabbit down a Scottish rabbit hole. Not necessarily an album I’d ever come back to unless I was tripping on acid, but it gets an extra star for being unapologetically bizarre.

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
Mar 08 2024

This is just, pretty terrible. If you only wanted to be loved, that last song isn’t helping your cause.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Mar 09 2024

Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up on a Friday morning to Pet Sounds being the album of the day? Love this album so much. Sloop John B makes me emotional with how much I love it, it’s just so great. Their departure from bubble gum surf rock (which is also fun) while still feeling like The Beach Boys is just a delight. Everything is so well composed and thoughtful. A beautiful wall of sound. And it even ends with a train and some dogs, chef’s kiss. Easy 5 for me!

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Mar 11 2024

I gave this a triple listen and the more I listened, the more I wanted to be its friend. Blister in the Sun is a classic, and I knew a couple others, but the rest was new and fun to discover. Perfect blend of weird and catchy. Cool bass playing too!

good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Mar 12 2024

Kendrick is a fantastic rapper. I like m.A.A.d. city and Swimming Pools, and it’s fun to hear Dr. Dre in Compton. Some of the album was hard for me to get into because a lot of the rapping is accompanied by kind of a boring steady beat. That being said though, I appreciate how well crafted and well written this is, and how intentional the storytelling is. It feels like a journey that evolves in kind of a beautiful way. I liked it better on my second listen, which is always a good sign. Except…the “bitches” gets old, we are ladies dammit.

Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
Mar 13 2024

I’m always a mix of cautiously optimistic and mildly wary when I see artists I’ve never heard of pop up. Especially when I see their roots are in the post-punk genre. This album was a pleasant surprise. Such a variety of song compositions, instruments and interesting lyrics. Dug it!

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Mar 14 2024

Interesting. I guess I thought I would be semi-familiar with Emerson, Lake & Palmer but apparently not. Maybe you had to be there. The Great Gates of Kiev wasn’t too bad, but overall this was sort of a yikes for me.

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers
Mar 15 2024

I mean, I might call Pablo Picasso an asshole if he was being an asshole. But I get the point, lol. This album is fun, I enjoyed the lyrics. Nothing was particularly moving or catchy, but it was likable nonetheless.

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Mar 16 2024

I’m a big word person, and Bob Dylan just writes great lyrics, which really shine in his work. Even with songs that don’t really grab me, I’m a fan of the stories he writes with music. And the harmonica just always does it for me. Lots of great stuff on this one!

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
Mar 17 2024

Really enjoyed this, she kind of reminds me of a mix of Olivia Newton John and Barbra Streisand, but with her own unique soulful style. Been a big fan of the Preacher Man for eons, but the rest was new to me. Really dug So Much Love and Don’t Forget About Me.

Kimono My House by Sparks
Mar 18 2024

Well this was a delightful surprise. I had no idea what to expect and I was afraid it might venture off into the “too weird” realm, but it was so fresh and enjoyable. A great Sunday Funday soundtrack!

Homework by Daft Punk
Mar 19 2024

This takes me back to living in my first college apartment, and to the 90s EDM/rave culture. Wacky times! I love Daft Punk, but this album as a whole is a little lacking for me. Some of the tracks feel too repetitive and go on too long (and the album itself is long), but songs like Around the World and Da Funk are classics. I enjoyed it fine, but it’s not nearly as polished and interesting as their later work. Definitely not of the same caliber as Random Access Memories, or even Discovery, but it’s a fun dance party. Get me some glow sticks!

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Mar 20 2024

Blondie is so great. This album is perfection. That is all.

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
Mar 21 2024

Damn, sure would’ve been fun to be at this show. Jerry really rocks and rolls and shreds that piano. His energy is wild. I love it. Feels like his whole soul comes out on stage. Definitely a party!

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Mar 22 2024

Second time getting Elliott Smith. This album was a pleasant listening experience, but nothing terribly memorable came from it. I get Garden State soundtrack vibes from his music. Makes me want to cuddle with an emo Zach Braff.

Morrison Hotel by The Doors
Mar 23 2024

I had a Doors Greatest Hits album once, but most of this was new to me. It grew on me after a few listens. The Doors have a pretty unique sound, and Jim Morrison sings with a lot of soul. I get psychedelic undertones sprinkled into this mostly bluesy rock collection. Enjoyed it a lot!

Mar 24 2024

I’ve never really listened to Pavement, and this was better than I thought it would be. Some funky tunes on here.

The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett
Mar 25 2024

There seem to be some conflicting stories of exactly why Syd and Pink Floyd parted ways. Did he really go crazy? Sounds like maybe he just took so much LSD so regularly that he wasn’t a reliable band mate. Hard to say for sure. Creative geniuses are often a little mad. This is a beautifully composed album with poetic lyrics. If he did go mad, he certainly reined it back in for this.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Mar 26 2024

Well this is just lovely. Transports me to a dark, smoky jazz club of that era. It’s so groovy and chill and silky smooth. Love the vibe, and totally dig the sax playing. It’s not something I’d jam out to with the car windows rolled down, but certainly would be a great Sunday morning type listen.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Mar 27 2024

Was excited to wake up to this today! Damn I love this album. It’s such a journey. Fight Test and Do You Realize are such freaking masterpieces they make me cry, and the whole thing is so creative. Lyrics are incredible, musical compositions are unique and beautiful. An exploration of the complex simplicity of universal questions and truths. It’s truly a work of art. Do you realize how lucky we are to be able to experience this music and this life? Sunbeams and starlight, it’s all a mystery. All we have is now.

Connected by Stereo MC's
Mar 28 2024

The first song (Connected) is such a blast from the 90s past. A fun kickoff. This album has a pretty unique sound. Feels like it straddles a line between the 80s and 90s, with a fusion of pop, new wave, and hip hop. It’s fun and bouncy and a good time.

Greetings From L.A. by Tim Buckley
Mar 29 2024

It’s funky and groovy and lustful. I like his voice and soulfulness. Not really something I’d come back to, but it’s good music.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Mar 30 2024

I love how the Beatles evolved over time. This album is such a great example of them becoming more profound, with richer sound, exploring deeper lyrics. I’m ok on their early stuff, but this is where it gets really good to me. The last song is a bit psycho, but somehow they even make a song about raging jealousy catchy. This is an exceptional collection of Beatles tunes.

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Mar 31 2024

This isn’t as bad as I thought it might be, but just not my genre.

Apr 01 2024

I like her vibe and energy but don’t really love her voice. It was hard to get past that the more I listened to it. I do like experiencing the 60s through a woman’s lens though.

The Bends by Radiohead
Apr 02 2024

Ahh, this is more like it. Amnesiac was rough, but this is the Radiohead I know and love. It’s Radiohead, so it does still send me into a mild state of despair, but in the best way possible. It’s passionate and deep and hits me in my feels. Beautiful album from start to finish.

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
Apr 03 2024

Scooby Snacks! Totally forgot about that song. I feel like this band/album was on the perimeter of my college life, but aside from some band stickers I remember having, and Scooby Snacks, I never actually had a musical relationship or familiarity with them. Now I wish I had! Super groovy stuff, it’s fun and cool with some great raps.

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
Apr 04 2024

This isn’t the type of music I normally gravitate towards, but this is pretty beautiful. She has such a unique voice, and it feels like her entire soul is coming out of her body in her vocals. The instrumental compositions are really nice too.

Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Apr 05 2024

I don’t love the sound quality, it sounds too muffled and that’s kind of annoying. Most of the songs are cool enough when they start, but they get pretty chaotic with all the background noise that gets added in. Kind of hurt my ears after awhile. Really liked Some Candy Talking.

Different Class by Pulp
Apr 06 2024

Love it! This album is freaking awesome. It’s catchy and broody and dancy and sexy and hopeful and lustful and just all the things. I was familiar with a couple of the songs, but damn, this whole thing is just perfection to me.

Moving Pictures by Rush
Apr 07 2024

This was fine, some good classics on it. Not a lover or hater of Rush, and the same goes for this album.

Tom Tom Club by Tom Tom Club
Apr 08 2024

I wanted to like this, but most of it was either too weird or too boring, and Booming and Zooming was super annoying. Really dug the Under the Boardwalk cover though.

In Rainbows by Radiohead
Apr 09 2024

Hats off to you again, Radiohead. Great stuff, and super cool for it to be released as a pay what you want album. Pretty revolutionary for that time!

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Apr 10 2024

Really dug this! It’s so soulful and a real journey of ebbing and flowing energy. Feels very intentionally put together. It’s full of both haunting heartache and rockin’ jams. Hero gave total Jimi Hendrix vibes. Beautiful stuff.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Apr 11 2024

This had a fun energy. Weird, but not unlistenably weird. Had some good grooves! The 50s/60s bop vibe was neato in some of the tracks too.

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Apr 12 2024

This feels pretty unique and fresh for 1988. It’s the second Sonic Youth album I’ve listened to recently, and I’m right in the middle with them. Quality music and vocals for sure, but nothing totally grabs me and makes me want to love them yet.

Apr 13 2024

This was a tough one. I REALLY liked this album back when it came out. Listened to it a lot. Hearing it today, it’s hard to separate the art from the artist because I really can’t stand him as a person and have made it a point NOT to listen to him anymore. So it was hard to get through from that aspect. But my feelings towards him aside, there are songs on this I still like (there’s something still moving to me about All of the Lights and Runaway in particular). It felt like his peak. Even though he sucks, this album doesn’t and I’m gonna strike a balance and just give it a 3. This one really fucked with me. 😭

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
Apr 15 2024

She has a nice voice and writes pretty songs, but this fell kinda flat for me. Nothing about it was very interesting or moving, almost had a generic feel or something. Can’t quite put my finger on it, it just wasn’t really my thing.

Apr 16 2024

My goodness, this album is just beautiful. So many deeply moving and emotional tracks, and some great rock tunes too. It’s all heart and soul and rock n roll. Loved every second.

Live! by Fela Kuti
Apr 17 2024

This is definitely a vibe and love hearing some African music on this list because I haven’t sought out much world music in my life. Sounds like he was incredibly influential and created his own path (AND music genre). Fun and spunky and hip-shaking. I dig it.

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
Apr 18 2024

Never heard of these guys. This was a cool chill album. Made me feel floaty.

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
Apr 19 2024

I really enjoyed this. There were some songs where I wanted them to rock a little harder and belt out the lyrics a little louder, but it still had a good energy. Lots of catchy tunes and overall a super fun listen!

Fragile by Yes
Apr 20 2024

This album is a little odd. Roundabout is a classic, but the rest was new to me. Some of the songs are too long and drawn out and others are weird interludes. It was a boring listen but might be more interesting on drugs.

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Apr 21 2024

I’m finding R&B music isn’t really my thing, but this album was solid for the genre. Nice easy listening.

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Apr 22 2024

Well this album was quite a lovely surprise. Not knowing of him, I had no idea what to expect, and really got into it. Quite a journey of heartache and love and quirk and even Sigourney. So beautiful in its emotion and its weirdness, I loved it!

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
Apr 23 2024

This style of broody music doesn’t do a lot for me. It wasn’t bad, just felt kinda flat footed and meh.

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Apr 24 2024

This is a pretty creative album and felt very intentional and cohesive. Great raps, good storytellimg, lots of cool hooks. I dug it.

In It For The Money by Supergrass
Apr 25 2024

I get a mix of Strokes and Smashing Pumpkins vibes from them. Super fun rock music, but it went on too long. I feel like they could’ve edited this into a one disc album. I was excited about it at first but then got annoyed because it wouldn’t end. Enjoyed their overall sound though.

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Apr 26 2024

This was a really fun listen, nice variety and lots of catchy tunes. Enjoyed pretty much every song, what a great find!

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Apr 27 2024

Love his voice and groovy style. Great messages about war and society too. It does kind of sound like one big long song though.

The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets
Apr 28 2024

This album really starts off at a gallop and doesn’t let up. Super awesome rock and roll, enjoyed it a lot!

The Blueprint by JAY Z
Apr 29 2024

This is a solid Jay-Z album. All the guest stars are fun, loved Eminem making an appearance. He is pronouncing himself king, and he wasn’t wrong. Crazy that it came out on 9/11.

With The Beatles by Beatles
Apr 30 2024

I lean towards later era Beatles, but this was a happy, old-timey vibe and the covers were a fun addition.

More Specials by The Specials
May 01 2024

This album started off so great. Loved the first track and was hoping the rest would follow suit. I still enjoyed its energy and oddness, but nothing quite measured up to that first tune. Still good stuff, and especially love the horns.

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
May 02 2024

I like Beautiful People, but he’s just too over the top for me. We get it, you’re dark and edgy. Feels like he’s trying too hard to play a character, which takes away from the music. Plus it’s just loud and angry, and I don’t relate to this level of ire in my middle aged life.

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
May 03 2024

Great musicianship, and nice “vibe” music, but nothing stood out that I loved. Kinda bored me.

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
May 04 2024

I want to love this because I am all about their message, but it’s delivered through a genre that’s hard for me to get into. I appreciate them raging against the machine and taking a stand though.

Gris Gris by Dr. John
May 05 2024

Had a couple good grooves, but was just kinda weird.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
May 06 2024

Super groovy and funky. Love when the guitar talks. I’m a fan.

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
May 07 2024

I love this. I’m a big fan of Louis Armstrong, and it’s clear this Louis was heavily influenced by him. Really fun jazz, this is the New Orleans vibe I am all about. (Sorry, Dr. John)

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
May 08 2024

Beautiful piano playing, but also kind of a snooze fest. Listening to straight piano just isn’t my jam. Appreciate the quality though.

May 09 2024

I really like the three-song run of The Walk, Sweet Dreams, and Jennifer. I didn’t love the rest of the album but it was still kind of fun and funky. Totally 80s!

Odelay by Beck
May 10 2024

Nice score today. I listened to this album a lot in college and was pleased to find it’s stood the test of time for me. Beck has a quirkiness that I dig, and his songs are unique and fun and rockin. Loved it.

Hotel California by Eagles
May 11 2024

The Eagles are not a band I seek out, but this album is such a staple of classic rock that giving it less than a 4 feels wrong. And I also enjoyed it!

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
May 12 2024

Instrumentation was nice I guess, but I found this boring and aimless.

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
May 13 2024

This one is interesting because I was actually pretty familiar with this album already. I think if I was listening to it for the first time right now, I’d think it was too weird. But I have memories attached to it and enjoyed listening to it when it came out, so it’s fun and nostalgic and I like the weirdness of it. I especially like the songs when the woman is doing the main vocals. Groovy stuff!

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
May 14 2024

This was a pretty cool album. The trippy instrumentals on either end were interesting, with some funkier tracks in between. Felt like a complete journey. The chaos of the last track felt like a great representation of the maddening and violent struggle for equality.

May 15 2024

This album absolutely rocks. Muse feels like a must-see live experience if this is the kind of energy they bring to their recorded music. Lots of passion here. Definitely hit me in my feels today. Loved it! (Is it dorky to love this? I don’t care!)

Metallica by Metallica
May 16 2024

The hits on here are some pretty awesome classics. Metallica rocks it! The non-hits were just so-so for me, but still a super solid album.

Pretenders by Pretenders
May 17 2024

I really like the Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde has such a cool voice and the band has a very unique sound. We have Get Close on vinyl, which I love. This is a good one too! Brass in Pocket, Mystery Achievement and Stop Your Sobbing are great standouts.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
May 18 2024

I love the comforting croons of Paul Simon, this album feels like a warm and soulful hug. His voice is so uniquely him and there’s a nostalgia to his music that draws me into that time period. Me and Julio is a favorite, that song just makes me happy. I’m a fan of this whole thing too!

Faith by George Michael
May 19 2024

The music gods have smiled on me this week. Love this album, such an 80s throwback and so many classics that are still as great today as they were then.

May 20 2024

I love how this is such a complete album and we’re all invited to the circus. There are so many great tracks, it’s fun and creative and trippy and insightful and just a delightfully good time.

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
May 21 2024

Take all my 5s, album generator! This has been a good run of music, damn. Of course this gets a 5, it’s about as classic as it gets, and for good reason. Zeppelin rocks. Stairway to Heaven is still an absolute treasure, and there are so many other total bangers on here too. It could pretty much be a greatest hits album.

May 22 2024

The 5 streak has ended, but this was an ok listening experience. Just kinda chill and vibey. Didn’t really do a lot for me, but it was fine.

Smile by Brian Wilson
May 23 2024

Are we at a carnival? Are we on a farm? Are we on a serious acid trip through Brian Wilsonville? I’m confused as to what kind of vibrations I’m picking up, but I’m ok with that. This was strange, that’s for sure. There’s nothing super catchy about most of these songs, but they were interesting and he obviously had a vision of … something. I appreciate the social commentary in Roll Plymouth Rock and I did enjoy a few of the other songs. Definitely creative. Mrs O’Leary’s Cow felt like it could’ve been played during the twister scene in Wizard of Oz. The second listen made me appreciate it more. Torn between a 3 and a 4 bit I’ve been feeling generous lately.

OK Computer by Radiohead
May 24 2024

This album is so famous and highly regarded because it really just is that awesome. Beautiful lyrics, unique and creative musical compositions, everything just works pretty perfectly together. Every song on this is great.

May 25 2024

This was certainly lively! Lots going on. Appreciate the talent and the emotional chaos of this, but jazz has yet to find a special place in my heart. I could see this being a favorite of jazz fans though.

The Doors by The Doors
May 26 2024

This album is pretty spectacular. Jim Morrison’s vocals are so smooth and intimate and at times emotionally raw, and the instrumentation is composed and executed really beautifully. Love the keys. It’s a particularly perfect album to vibe out to with a little greenery. I listened to the Doors in college but they haven’t been part of my regular rotation over the years since, so it’s awesome to hear them again after such a long time…loved!

New Wave by The Auteurs
May 27 2024

Um, is he dissing thrift shopping? Blasphemy! That aside, I couldn’t really get into this. It felt kind of bland and boring and I’m not surprised I haven’t heard of this group.

American Idiot by Green Day
May 28 2024

Awww yeah, love how much Green Day rocks out against the fuckery of society, while being so catchy too. The lyrics are as relevant now as they were then. So many great songs on here, and as a whole, it’s a very complete feeling rock opera. They are so fun live, and this was also a cool show to see on Broadway :)

1999 by Prince
May 29 2024

“Don't you just love Prince?” Yes, yes I do. I’ve never listened to this whole album before. Love the hits on it, and the others are fun and groovy too, though they take kind of a weird turn and go on a bit too long without any obvious purpose for being so long - feels like a little bit of editing could’ve been done. Regardless, he has a way of making his music sound very effortless and cool and sexy. I enjoyed this a lot. And I love how encouraging he is about letting your freak flag fly. RIP you sexy mother fucker.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
May 30 2024

This feels whimsical and fresh. More of a vibe than something that hits at my soul, but it was a fun and groovy listen. It started off a little meh but got better as the album went on. Lots of fun samples.

Lost Souls by Doves
May 31 2024

This wasn’t bad, but it was hard to hear a lot of the lyrics and I’m not really a fan of that. Some level adjusting would’ve been nice. I dug some of the sounds, but it was pretty forgettable overall.

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Jun 01 2024

This album rocks! Was already a fan of the first two hits, and I found the whole thing very engaging and interesting. It’s fun and dancy and soulful and something I just wanted to keep listening to. Great stuff!

On The Beach by Neil Young
Jun 02 2024

Loved the energy of the first few songs and then it takes a pretty slow turn that gets a little humdrum. I wasn’t sure what I’d think of a full album of Neil Young’s voice, and I liked it better than I thought I would, but the melancholy second half was just kind of a downer.

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Jun 03 2024

This was a fine enough listen. Good chill Sunday vibes. Nothing really wowed me, but it was pleasant.

Nevermind by Nirvana
Jun 04 2024

It’s very moving to hear this 33 years after its release, knowing the impact it made on people and on the future of music. Makes me emotional (shocking!) This album is a masterpiece. So many great songs. RIP to Kurt and his beautiful tortured soul.

Jun 05 2024

Post punk continues to not be my thing apparently. This album was annoying. Thankful for its short length though!

Liquid Swords by GZA
Jun 06 2024

This is a cool album. I dig the vibe, and the raps and lyrics were pretty great.

Jun 07 2024

I really like Elton, and this album has such a rich tapestry of instrumentation. Hard not to love.

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Jun 08 2024

I dig the lounge act vibe of this. Nothing totally knocked my socks off, but it was a cool album.

Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
Jun 09 2024

I’ve become a fan of Paul Simon through this project but this album was just ok. I’m surprised this one made the list. Cars are Cars and Allergies were particularly silly songs.

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Jun 10 2024

I didn’t know Iggy was the first to record China Girl. Cool version of it! I dug this album. It was cool and feels innovative for its time. He has a pretty unique sound.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Jun 11 2024

This was pretty and vibey but started to get annoyingly boring towards the end.

Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson
Jun 12 2024

So many iconic songs on this album, and some great messages too. It’s one of those albums that feels like a greatest hits compilation. The interludes are a nice little touch to help with smooth song transitions. Really love this as a whole package!

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Jun 13 2024

Never heard of these guys or any of these songs, but this was pretty funky fresh!

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Jun 14 2024

As this album progressed, I went on a journey from “What the hell is this?” to “Ok, I kinda dig it, it’s getting better” to “I think I love him.”

2112 by Rush
Jun 15 2024

Rush just doesn’t give me a rush but this was fine for what it was. Didn’t love it, didn’t dislike it.

Pyromania by Def Leppard
Jun 16 2024

I was a big Def Leppard fan in my youth, so their music is nostalgic for me. A few fun hits on here, and definitely love me some Photograph, but overall this just sounds like any other 80s hair band now.

All Hope Is Gone by Slipknot
Jun 17 2024

I know some people really connect with this type of music but I am not one of them. This could not be further from my vibe. The lead singer’s over the top vocals sound ridic to me. But at least overall it sounds like music I guess. And the other guy’s vocals are ok sometimes. Or maybe it’s the same guy changing his voice. I don’t know.

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Jun 18 2024

It’s pretty cool he decided to bring a small amount of joy to prisoners’ lives by performing for them, and even taking their requests as he played. I’m sure it was a very special experience. Fun show!

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jun 19 2024

I really enjoy Ella Fitzgerald, and this was a very lovely listening experience. She’s pretty awesome. Total Sunday morning soundtrack. In the context of this project and my general attention span however, it’s soooo long. I listened to the whole thing, but it started to feel like a slog. Some really great songs on here though!

Woodface by Crowded House
Jun 20 2024

The first song felt very fat shamey, which set a weird offensive tone at the start of the album. That song aside, I really enjoyed a lot of the songs on this, especially the last several. It felt interesting and reflective and was pretty catchy too.

Jun 22 2024

Really impressed by this album. Love the nostalgia in a lot of the songs, and the desire to hold on to their upbringing and culture. There’s something very genuine feeling about it all. Super fun and catchy and lovely.

Black Metal by Venom
Jun 23 2024

Maybe my expectations were just way low, but this wasn’t as bad as I was anticipating. Definitely not my genre, but they rock out pretty hard in some of these songs, and it wasn’t as over the top as some of the metal albums I have a hard time even getting through. Lots of serious guitar shredding!

The Stooges by The Stooges
Jun 24 2024

We Will Fall seemed unnecessarily long. I dug the first couple songs and like the instrumentation but overall it felt middle of the road for me.

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Jun 25 2024

This starts off with some serious hits! A bangin’ beginning. It’s practically a 5 with just those three songs. It gets deeper and more reflective after the first few tracks, but I really enjoyed the lesser known songs too. Each one takes you on a magical little musical journey. Love!

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Jun 26 2024

I’m torn on this one. I love her voice and the drama and beauty she brings to her music. She makes even the slowest songs feel very alive. But a lot of this was so slow that it’s not something I’d choose to listen to very often. She is super cool though.

High Violet by The National
Jun 27 2024

This album was ok. I didn’t dislike it but it was a little depressing, and not in a way that emotionally moved me.

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Jun 28 2024

I was a little confused about what to listen to. The Spotify link was a compilation list, and I found an album on YouTube called This is Fats that was different than the Spotify link…but regardless, totally dig him, and his influence seems to be incredibly far reaching.

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Jun 29 2024

Super funky grooves! I’m into it.

Jun 30 2024

As someone with moderate flying anxiety, I appreciate that he made something designed to calm the airport/flying experience. Super cool that it’s known for sort of creating the ambient genre. Not an album I’d crank up in the car on a road trip, but it’s very pretty and soothing for what it’s intended to be.

Strange Cargo III by William Orbit
Jul 01 2024

I really dig the vibe of this. It’s ambient but funky. Great chill music. It’s something I would’ve listened to in college for sure. I’m surprised I didn’t know of this group then.

Doolittle by Pixies
Jul 02 2024

I’ve listened to this album a couple times recently, and after today’s listen, I have to say…this album RAWKS. So many awesome songs. It’s fun and different and makes my pants want to get up and dance.

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Jul 03 2024

They put a lot of heart into their jams. I can put my inner flower child at their show pretty easily, swaying to the psychedelic sounds. That said, I got a little bored with some of the jams too.

Dust by Screaming Trees
Jul 04 2024

This was one of those muffled vocals albums that I struggle with. It was fine, there was nothing I necessarily disliked, but it was mostly forgettable and nothing grabbed me.

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Jul 05 2024

Running Up That Hill has become an iconic song, and I liked a couple of the other earlier tracks too, but this got weirder and weirder as the album went on.

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Jul 06 2024

I like the vibe of this album. It’s smooth and funky and kinda sexy. It didn’t wow me, but I enjoyed it.

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Jul 07 2024

I’ve never explored Black Sabbath beyond their hits. For being in the heavy metal genre, it had a lot more diversity than I expected. I enjoyed it but it was also a little weird.

m b v by My Bloody Valentine
Jul 08 2024

Didn’t love the last album by them but went into this one with a totally open mind, and again, I just don’t get it. It’s like there’s a fuzz over everything and it kind of ruins the listening experience for me. I want to like them, but ugh.

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Jul 09 2024

This was super beautiful…not sure how it was influential since it’s an album of covers, but I enjoyed the Willie croons regardless.

The Slider by T. Rex
Jul 10 2024

Super fun album! I enjoyed grooving along to it. It’s lively and made me happy to listen to.

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jul 11 2024

It took me until disc 2 to realize he totally reminds me of Neil Diamond, not only in singing style/voice, but Neil also has some super weird songs mixed with more classic Neil jams. It’s almost like a variety show with the range of different tracks. Really enjoyed the backup vocals when they’re present. This grew on me a lot. Kinda love it.

Jack Takes the Floor by Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Jul 12 2024

Despite being born into a Jewish doctor’s family in Brooklyn, this man sure seems to have the heart of a cowboy. He apparently had a huge impact on Arlo Guthrie and Bob Dylan, which is pretty neat considering I had no idea who he was. This album is a little strange and the song about bugs made me laugh, but I appreciate the old timey vibe and the creativity. He should leave the yodeling to the Swiss though.

Green by R.E.M.
Jul 13 2024

Really enjoyed this, especially the lyrics. It’s not quite of the same caliber as Automatic for the People, it didn’t have the same deeply emotional energy to me, but still great stuff!

Jul 14 2024

The first song is so freaking beautiful 😭 I dug this album overall. It was kind of all over the place, from slow and dreamy pieces to songs they just sort of banged all the instruments to. Felt pretty cohesive despite that, and I liked the emotion of it. Interesting stuff!

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Jul 15 2024

This album is fantastic. She is an amazing writer and her voice is truly one of a kind. Love the social and racial messages too.

Station To Station by David Bowie
Jul 16 2024

I enjoyed this. He’s got such a cool and sexy sound and almost an effortless quality to the emotion he evokes. Apparently he was super coked up during these recordings, so maybe that helped.

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 17 2024

The emotions run deep in this album, and so do the layers of sound. I kinda love Bruce and the storytelling in his songs. There’s a comforting nostalgia to his style of rock and roll. I dig it!

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Jul 18 2024

I’m feeling the Illinoise! Let’s face it, Illinois doesn’t get a lot of love, so the fact that this entire album is inspired by it just warms my little heart all up. I was pretty familiar with the album already thanks to my cousin, and we even saw him live around the time of this album. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. So many of the songs just keep building into these orchestral feeling masterpieces. There’s kind of a magical quality to it. Love!

OK by Talvin Singh
Jul 19 2024

I love the concept behind this album, and I feel like he’s successfully blended various world music in a really interesting way. Kind of a little journey around the planet. It didn’t connect with me in a very deep way, but I enjoyed all the different sounds.

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
Jul 20 2024

This album is pretty rockin. I appreciate their style of rock. Child in Time and Flight of the Rat were my faves. Not something I’d really come back to, but glad I’ve heard it!

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Jul 21 2024

Kendrick is such a talented writer and rapper, and this really feels like a complete album and not just a bunch of songs that sort of go together. Love his depth and his creativity.

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
Jul 22 2024

This was a feel good indie album for a Sunday morning. I didn’t realize these guys have been around for so long. Love the horns, those remind me of Sufjan’s music. It’s a vibe. Listened to it twice in a row, and that was starting to feel like a bit much. Maybe they are best in smaller doses.

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
Jul 23 2024

This was a really great album. Thoroughly enjoyed! It’s catchy and groovy and cool, and it feels different and fresh for that era.

Jul 24 2024

I didn’t care for this, it was a little too strange for me. I appreciate the conceptual aspect, and it does hang together as a complete creepy forest feeling album, but was ready for it to be over after a couple songs.

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Jul 25 2024

This was solidly in the middle for me. Had a cool new wave vibe and it was a pleasant listen, but nothing wowed me and I got a little bored with it.

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Jul 26 2024

It was cool to hear Paul’s first solo album and learn the story behind it. I’m sure it was a wild time with the Beatles breaking up. It felt a bit disjointed but it was pretty decent for being so lo-fi.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Jul 27 2024

This got better towards the end, but I found the beginning kind of dull.

Horses by Patti Smith
Jul 28 2024

This album was pretty great. I love her voice and her energy and the music is cool and creative.

Low by David Bowie
Jul 29 2024

The first half of this was pretty cool and funky. Then things went super ambient, which I didn’t mind, but it felt like two different albums. Sounds like he was really going through it at the time with trying to get sober, and this was sort of a mish mash of his experimentations in the face of all that. Cool grooves overall!

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Jul 30 2024

If this album was just disc 1, it would be an easy 4. Then disc 2 fell more into 3 territory. The Apple Jams of disc 3 really went off the rails to a 2. Just had McCartney’s first solo album, and now Harrison’s. It’s really interesting to hear their individual musical styles coming off such massive Beatles superstardom.

I love hearing old timey country through a woman’s lens. She’s pretty great. Her songs have a fun energy and totally dig her voice. This has a comforting nostalgic vibe, despite all the drunkenness, cheating and heartache.

Aug 01 2024

This album was a pleasant surprise. Never heard of these guys and I was intrigued when I saw Paul Oakenfold had a part in this production. I assumed it would be more heavily electronica than it was. I enjoyed the funky grooves. Great vibes!

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Aug 02 2024

This was interesting and quirky. I enjoyed the uniqueness. Fave songs were the first couple and the last. Some of the other tracks sort of blended together and sounded very similar, but overall, cool and chill.

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Aug 03 2024

Well this was quite nostalgic. This was the first “official” album I ever owned on cassette tape and I was so damn proud of this thing, lol. Was fun to hear the lesser known songs again. It’s probably been almost 35 years. Wowza. Lots of classics on here, but aside from the tried and true, it’s not THAT outstanding of an album. It still has plenty of the typical hair band sound. Want to give it a 5 just because of my connection to it, but musically I gotta knock it down a star.

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Aug 04 2024

I’ve never wanted to listen to an album less, but I am committed to this project. Kid Rock is a POS, but in a quest to separate the art from the artist as much as I can, this does have some catchy tunes on it. Definitely remember a lot of them from back in the day. However, there’s also a lot of gross misogyny and it’s just generally over the top. It started making me angry as it went on, especially towards the end. And if I have to keep my car windows rolled up while driving because I’m too embarrassed to be listening to someone, that’s also problematic. Fuck Off, Kid.

Aug 05 2024

This was pretty great. I enjoyed the depth of the lyrics and a couple killer classics on here too. I continue to swoon for the harmonica.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Aug 06 2024

This is a pretty special album. Great year too. It’s fresh and funky and even some of the songs that start off “just ok” have fun little surprises to them as the songs go on. There were a few songs in the middle that didn’t draw me in as much, but super solid overall. Love the Talking Heads!

Colour By Numbers by Culture Club
Aug 07 2024

Karma Chameleon is such an 80s staple, and I was hoping this album would just knock my slouchy socks off. My socks stayed in tact, but it was still catchy and fun and got better on the second listen.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Aug 08 2024

Wow, Elvis’s first album. Pretty cool to hear where it all began for him! I enjoyed this, it was a fun blend of rock and ballads. What a time it must have been when this type of music hit the mainstream. And while it sucks that it took a white man to make the music of black artists so popular at the time, I appreciate that he acknowledged their influence and didn’t actually consider himself king. Thanks for rocking and rolling, Elvis!

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Aug 09 2024

He was really going through it. I hate that he had a childhood that messed him up so badly, but he made some pretty kickass music from his trauma. These songs are deeply emotional and angry, and the anger is kind of beautiful. A lot of the songs sound pretty similar and almost formulaic, but I really like how they’re composed. A little more variety would’ve been cool though, and I needed a break after a first listen. I like a lot of the songs individually, but listening to the whole album at once got pretty depressing. It’s a heavy one. RIP to another tortured soul.

Aug 10 2024

This show is so incredible it brought tears to my eyes. His energy is big and bright and infectious, and his songs are just fun. Amazing voice and sounds too. Loved it all! Easy 5!

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Aug 11 2024

This is some of the better 70s punk I’ve heard. These Australians are pretty rockin!

Raw Power by The Stooges
Aug 12 2024

Super confused about what to listen to here. Bowie and Iggy both have versions they mixed? Then there’s a four disc version with a live version of the album and then some other rando songs? I went with the Iggy version for my review. Anyway, it was pretty good. Had some rockin grooves. Nothing super wowed me, but it was cool enough. Kind of forgettable though.

Aug 13 2024

Damn, this was really great. Love the funky beats and lyrics and storytelling. I’m a sucker for samples, and I love how they weave them in so seamlessly. I dig the chill and positive vibe of it too. Super impressed by this!

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Aug 14 2024

I appreciate the message in their lyrics, and this album grew on me as it went on. It rocked pretty hard. Post punk has been one of my lowest rated genres to date, but this might actually be my favorite album so far in that category. That’s not really saying much, but it wasn’t bad!

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Aug 15 2024

I liked this album a lot. There’s something about old country that’s comforting and nostalgic, even though I don’t have specific memories associated with it. His voice was soothing, and the music was just really nice to listen to.

Post Orgasmic Chill by Skunk Anansie
Aug 16 2024

Wow, what a great freaking album. Really dig the lead singer’s voice and the emotion and passion she injects into these songs. It felt very deep and genuine. I had no prior knowledge of this band, which always makes me a little wary, so it was a wonderful surprise to enjoy it so much. Love the blend of rocking out hard and soulful ballads. Gives me all the feels!

The Cars by The Cars
Aug 17 2024

This starts off with some hits! I like The Cars, they have a super classic vibe but with a sound that still feels unique to them. Moving in Stereo is my fave on here, but lots of great tunes. Super solid album from start to finish. Quite a debut!

Aug 18 2024

I know his lyrics can be ridic, but I’m an Eminem fan. He’s such a talented rapper and I love that he doesn’t give a fuck. I don’t like this album as much as The Eminem Show though. It doesn’t have the same lighthearted catchy vibes that kind of soften the problematic things he sings about. This one feels a lot darker.

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Aug 19 2024

I love Bob Marley. He sings of deep cultural experiences and his reggae is perfect for campfires, weed and straight chillin. He has a calming effect on my human spirit, and he really is pure Jamaica. Thanks for the great tunes, Bob.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Aug 20 2024

This was fine, but it kind of bored me.

Aug 21 2024

I dig some older honky tonk, as I’ve discovered through this project, but this album didn’t do a lot for me. Feels like it’s missing the soulfulness of a Waylon or a Willie or a Loretta. It felt a little generic to me compared to the legends. It was perfectly pleasant and had a decent energy, but something was missing.

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Aug 22 2024

This album is effing awesome! Totally 80s, totally Cyndi, and totally perfect. Every song pretty much kicks ass. Love love love.

Abbey Road by Beatles
Aug 23 2024

The Beatles have a lot of masterpieces, and this is definitely one of them. It’s obviously iconic and for good reason. They were close to the end, and this is such a great example of how they evolved as a band and as people over the course of their time together. It feels like a culmination of their journey from bubble gum boy band to trippy acid hippies to this more mature and sophisticated sound. It’s deep and emotional, and musically, it’s pretty damn amazing.

Disintegration by The Cure
Aug 24 2024

I guess maybe I don’t like The Cure as much as I thought. The hits on this are great, and I enjoyed some of the earlier songs, but this felt like it got worse as it went on. I dunno. The songs are long and drawn out and all start to sound the same. It’s ok.

Clandestino by Manu Chao
Aug 25 2024

This was a fun chill vibe. I liked it!

Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton
Aug 26 2024

This is a great show. Big fan of the hits, especially the closer. I wasn’t super wowed by the rest but still super solid. He can play a guitar.

My Generation by The Who
Aug 27 2024

This was a good debut album. Some fun tracks in here, feels very 60s, even got a Beatles vibe here and there.

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Aug 28 2024

Well this was fun and interesting. Feels pretty creative and innovative for its time. I like the psychedelic aspect, it adds a lot of character without being over the top. And I do hear Bob Dylan in him. Good stuff!

Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Aug 30 2024

This is very original. I like the world music aspect, and just the overall variety and creativity. There’s a lot of talent in these compositions, and I love that Sinead is in the first song. I especially liked Ungodly Kingdom too.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Aug 31 2024

I love this so much. Crazy Diamond is just perfect and beautiful. The whole album is a work of art and makes me cry. Pink Floyd is timeless, and there is really nobody else like them.

Rio by Duran Duran
Sep 01 2024

This was super 80s and super fun.

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Sep 02 2024

Well. At least that’s out of the way.

Dummy by Portishead
Sep 03 2024

One of my college roommates had this album, and after listening today, I’m assuming it was just on repeat in our apartment because I know the whole thing pretty well. It’s chill and slow, but has a lot of beauty and emotion in its pace. Also feels different and cool for that time. I enjoyed it!

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Sep 04 2024

I know I’m generalizing here, but was the post-punk movement basically an excuse to just make a bunch of weird noise and call it music? I consistently feel this way about post-punk albums in this project. And this is Nick Cave?? I gave his last album a 5, and this was a wildly different experience. Yuck.

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper
Sep 05 2024

This feels very avant garde and also like the soundtrack to an overly dramatic musical. Not that either is necessarily a bad thing. But this was pretty tough to listen to, and I will definitely never make the choice to listen again.

Low-Life by New Order
Sep 06 2024

I like New Order’s vibe. Nothing super duper grabbed me on this particular album, but it was a fun and groovin’ listen.

Bossanova by Pixies
Sep 07 2024

This album was rockin…becoming quite a Pixies fan through this project. Didn’t love this one as much as Doolittle but still super solid.

Debut by Björk
Sep 08 2024

This was a cool album. I love the variety of instruments and types of songs too. I gravitate more towards the dancy ones, they are super fun, but the slow songs are unique and interesting too. Overall pretty great!

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
Sep 09 2024

This was super fun! It was catchy and rockin’ and I was already singing along to some of the songs on first listen. Great vibes, really liked it.

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Sep 10 2024

This was a little bit of a hot mess in my opinion. It’s still Jimi Hendrix, and he’s still a cool cat, but if felt too chaotic to really get into.

Apocalypse Dudes by Turbonegro
Sep 11 2024

I kinda dug the garage rockin’ vibes of this one. They don’t seem to take themselves too seriously, which makes it more fun. However, they do seem to be confused about their relationship with the derrière. Are we rendezvousing with it or rocking against it? Either way, this was better than I expected!

Immigrés by Youssou N'Dour
Sep 12 2024

This was some cool African jamming. I liked the second song a lot. Overall, I got a little bored with it, but it was super chill good vibes.

Moon Safari by Air
Sep 13 2024

I recognize some of these songs, kind of a blast from the past. The album is really beautiful and complex … deep and rich. It’s also super chill and dreamy. Feels like something you could really get lost in. Kinda loved it.

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Sep 14 2024

Ok this is better than the Marshall Mathers LP. He’s still totally inappropriate and misogynistic, but it’s less angry/dark and just way more likable and lighthearted. Also like the early Dr. Dre appearances, and the overall creativity. Can’t help it, I’m a stan.

Sep 15 2024

I really liked the classic rock blended with old country vibes of this. Great road trip music!

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Sep 16 2024

Not really sure how to categorize this music, but it was both chill and rockin’ and I dug it!

Harvest by Neil Young
Sep 17 2024

Neil Young has a voice that can get a bit grating after awhile, but overall, I thought this was pretty good. A few quality classics on here, and gotta love the harmonica. Though I like Dylan’s harmonica sounds a little better. Super chill vibes. The one song I really didn’t care for was A Man Needs a Maid.

Roots by Sepultura
Sep 18 2024

Ugh, I really don’t like this type of music. Even if it has deeper meaning in the lyrics and decent instrumentation, I can’t get past the loud noise and yelling. I do appreciate the few tracks that were more tribal and not metal. The things this project is doing to my Spotify algorithm, lol. Can we be done with nu metal now?

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Sep 19 2024

This is easily my favorite Bowie album so far in this project. Love the musical compositions and lyrics and emotions. I like that the piano is featured in a lot of it, and the layers it adds. Just a quality album overall, and feels very David Bowie!

Dare! by The Human League
Sep 20 2024

This is SO 80s. Definitely makes me want to dance. Do or Die felt like running through a happy video game. I didn’t care for a few of the songs, but it was overall a pretty fun time!

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Sep 21 2024

I love Dre and Snoop together. I know there are misogynistic lyrics, but this is just such a well done, storytelling kind of album, and there’s more depth than just bitches and hoes. And being openly horny was very fashionable in the 90s anyway. Nuthin But a G Thang is such a party. The $20 Sack Pyramid is hilarious. This album is pretty epic. I’m a fan!

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Sep 23 2024

This was interesting and pretty. Nothing I’d listen to again, but I appreciate the talent and creativity.

Parachutes by Coldplay
Sep 24 2024

I can never quite decide how I feel about Coldplay. I want to feel the emotion he’s feeling but can’t quite get there, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because his voice isn’t my favorite, maybe there’s just something that feels too manufactured about it. It’s fine music, it just doesn’t hit my soul like I want it to. I do like Yellow a lot, and Shiver was a nice surprise. Overall don’t love it though.

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Sep 25 2024

This had some cool sounds, the trumpet is great, and I like how it’s mixed, but jazz continues to bore me. And because of the electronic influence, it almost feels like a more boring form of jazz.

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Sep 26 2024

This was quality Elton. The first couple are solid classics and I also really liked Indian Sunset and Holiday Inn. Didn’t quite reach 5 territory, but I love learning more of his lesser known works. So much talent between him and his lyricist.

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Sep 27 2024

This is a great reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same. So many of these lyrics could’ve been written today. Love the depth and everything he’s standing up for. The problems he describes in society are very on point. I like all the real sound bites he uses from the news and such too. And this is Michael Franti, wow! Had no idea about his earlier career. I’ve never heard of this before. It felt a little lacking musically, but the lyrics were really the star here.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Sep 28 2024

Loved this. So much fun energy and hard to find any flaws. Just a boppin’ great time!

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Sep 29 2024

Wow. The sounds in this are so rich it almost feels decadent. It’s creative and sexy and just super freaking cool. Love love love.

Dub Housing by Pere Ubu
Sep 30 2024

A couple of the earlier tracks were tolerable, and this wasn’t awful overall. It had some interesting variety and creativity, but it’s not my thing.

Heroes by David Bowie
Oct 01 2024

This album started off great! First track was a banger, Heroes is a total classic, and I mostly enjoyed the first half of the album. But what the hell with a few of the second half songs. It came back around with the final track, but he really wandered off into a weird, ambient forest after V-2 Schneider in a way that felt totally disconnected from the rest of the album.

E.V.O.L. by Sonic Youth
Oct 02 2024

This was pretty creative, but also kind of weird. Goes a little too much into the experimental world for me. There wasn't anything I felt I could really grab onto, and some of it was just too noisy.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Oct 03 2024

This album is incredibly nostalgic for me, and I haven't listened to it in a really long time. At some point in my 20s, Pink Floyd started to feel like a downer. I haven't avoided them, but I haven't sought them out all that much in the last twenty years. Revisiting The Wall now, it is an absolute freaking masterpiece. The narrative is dark, but it has an incredibly rich tapestry of sound, and it's such an intentionally crafted storybook. I could not get enough of listening to this today, and I loved that it was long because I didn't want it to end. On top of all that, any album that gives me chills and makes me cry multiple times is an easy 5! Also, watch their Live in Berlin 1990 show if you somehow haven't like me before today, played at the site of the recently demolished Berlin Wall, with so many awesome guest stars. Bonkers and mind blowing.

Arc Of A Diver by Steve Winwood
Oct 04 2024

Really like While You See a Chance, such a good message that gives me the warm and fuzzies. The rest of the album was pleasant enough, and it's impressive he played all the instruments, but nothing really measured up to the first track. I did like Slowdown-Sundown. Hits tend to be hits for a reason, and that stands true with this one. But it was a nice listen!

Arrival by ABBA
Oct 05 2024

What's not to love about Abba? This is just feel good music that makes me smile. Obviously Dancing Queen and Fernando are iconic, and Happy Hawaii was my favorite surprise on the album. When I Kissed the Teacher lyrics were cringe, but whatevs, it was the 70s and she had a crush on her teacher, and the song is super fun.

Oct 06 2024

Never heard of these guys. This was a cool enough album, it feels very of its time. Street Worm and Morning Will Come were particularly rockin' tunes. I dug it.

Oct 07 2024

This album was super funky and cool. I love the variety of instrumentation. Really like The Cisco Kid, Where Was You At, The World is a Ghetto, Beetles in the Bog. City, Country, City was a fun enough jam session, but that one went on too long for my taste. Overall really quality music.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Oct 08 2024

This is such quintessential 70s psychedelic rock. Sunshine of Your Love is a solid classic, and Tales of Brave Ulysses and Take it Back (that harmonica, man) are my favorite tracks on here. Curious about what they were on when they wrote Mother's Lament, lol. Love the overall vibes and how the album transports me into an era of history I didn't experience, but can totally feel through the music.

Maxinquaye by Tricky
Oct 09 2024

I like the super chill vibes of this, feels a lot like Portishead, and they even share one of the same samples. That being said, I don't have the same memories/nostalgia attached to this as I do to Portishead, and I did get a little bored with the pace of things. My favorites were the two faster songs, Black Street and Brand New You're Retro, because the tempo was more interesting to me. Suffocated Love was pretty good too, and overall I enjoyed the sexy coolness of the whole thing.

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Oct 10 2024

This really lacked any kind of personality for me. Felt like underwhelming, bland garage rock. And I could barely understand any of the lyrics. Not a fan.

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Oct 11 2024

So much tragedy that befell Jeff and his bio dad Tim. This album is beautiful, and it feels like it could've been the beginning of an incredible music career. He plays and sings with a lot of heart and soul. His voice is captivating, and his Hallelujah cover is pretty mind-blowing.

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Oct 12 2024

Love me some Dave Grohl and the Foo Fiighters. Just a cool, grungy rock and roll album with some great hits on it. Fave song I didn’t know well was Floaty.

Future Days by Can
Oct 13 2024

This was cooler than I was expecting. Nice chill vibes and interesting sounds. Really liked Moonshake.

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Oct 14 2024

This was a really pretty album, nice Sunday morning listening.

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Oct 15 2024

This sounds like the same song on repeat. And why are the songs so long. Tough one to get through.

Oct 16 2024

My favorite part of this album was his Amazing Grace cover at the end of That's All Right. I wish he would've done that as a separate song instead of at the end of a song I didn't really care for. Overall, it was fine, but I'm not sure I'm much of a Rod Stewart fan. I don't love his voice. I like (Find A) Reason to Believe, not a huge fan of Maggie May. I'm definitely failing to understand how he had the highest attended concert in all of human history. It wasn't an unpleasant album, it was just kind of average to me.

Kenya by Machito
Oct 17 2024

I would really enjoy this at a jazz club in Cuba.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Oct 18 2024

Love the energy! Their music is pretty infectious. Take Me Out has been a fave tune of mine for a long time and I was vaguely familiar with a couple others, but the album as a whole was new to me. They really rock it out from start to finish.

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Oct 19 2024

Sexy and cool, I like his voice and his vibe but it all kinda sounded the same.

Lazer Guided Melodies by Spiritualized
Oct 20 2024

This would be fine music to fall asleep to. That being said, this was boring and made me sleepy.

Oct 21 2024

I guess his thing is that he samples stuff, which I am all for, but he doesn’t do it very well. His samples are just way too repetitive.

The Kinks have a kooky fun vibe, and I dig their sound and their energy. Appreciate the conceptual aspect, though it made it feel a little more like a storybook than a music album. Good times though!

The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers
Oct 23 2024

I didn't know anything about this band or Richey Edwards before today. He was going through a next level tortured existence. The story of his disappearance is pretty wild. While suicide by drowning is the most obvious and probable outcome, I like to think he disappeared into obscurity and somehow escaped his demons. As far as the album goes, I didn't really know what to expect, but it was actually pretty good. The political topics and mental health themes were solid (though I couldn’t really understand the lyrics so I followed along with some of them on the app), and it wasn't over the top musically. I liked how they started some of the songs with different snippets to set up the theme of each track too. Not too shabby at all!

Suzanne Vega by Suzanne Vega
Oct 24 2024

Whoa. I was JUST having a conversation about her with a friend yesterday, and this album popped up today. Kinda wild! Anyway, my main memory from Suzanne Vega from the 80s is the Luka song (and its video that used to play a lot on Friday Night Videos). I felt so sad for Luka on the second floor. So I always associated her with sadness and this album fit right in with that melancholy vibe. She has a pretty voice and the songs were cool enough, but nothing was very catchy and it was a lot of spoken word. It’s not something I would listen to again because it’s kind of a downer.

What's That Noise? by Coldcut
Oct 25 2024

This is a funky fresh dance party! And sampling that's actually done well. It's a shame it's not on Spotify because I'd like to add a few of these tracks to my playlists. Stop This Crazy Thing was my favorite.

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Oct 26 2024

Wow, this album is really damn good. So many interesting change ups, and the layers of instrumentation and vocals make for such a rich sound. It has great energy and diversity in sound too. Love the saxophone! I've never dug into Paul's solo work so wasn't entirely sure what to expect outside of the hits, but this whole thing was pretty spectacular to me. New-to-me songs I especially loved are Mrs Vandebilt and Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Oct 27 2024

This was a fun listen, lots of good rock songs.

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Oct 28 2024

I kinda love the country / punk rock fusion and also how obviously British they are. Totally dig the fiddle too. Though a bit strange and a little messy and chaotic at times, it all just works somehow. I’m a fan!

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Oct 29 2024

I've heard so many great things about this album, so was very excited to see it pop up today! It has kind of a magical quality to it, I think in part because of his soothing silky voice, and also the almost ethereal way the songs are composed. It's also a really nice blend of beautiful love songs, musings on life, and important racial and political issues. Stevie is one of a kind.

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Oct 30 2024

I love all the hits on this album, and the rest of it was pretty interesting too. It's kind of broody and introspective, but with totally radical, totally 80s new wave vibes. Had a great time listening, it's aged like a fine wine!

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Oct 31 2024

This album is rockin! I was hopeful when I saw it was British glam rock, and it did not disappoint. Great energy, a lot of super catchy, rock ‘n roll jams, and seemingly heartfelt emotions. This whole thing feels like a story about the rise and fall of love and sex and relationships. So that was an interesting thread throughout it too. I was familiar with I Believe in a Thing Called Love, which is a great song, but the rest was new to me. Really enjoyed this!

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Nov 01 2024

This started off as quintessential 70s easy listening, but there was a lot of variety in style as the album went on. It's impressive he pretty much recorded all of this himself. He's incredibly talented, and I like his voice and his vibe. The little behind the scenes moments were kind of cute too. As a double album without a unifying central concept, it does feel long and drags a bit though, and I found myself getting pretty bored in a lot of places.

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Nov 02 2024

I'm not sure what it is about this album I don't care for. Despite there being several hits on here, the whole thing just feels kind of boring and uninspired to me. Even the hits are kinda meh. Sharp Dressed Man is ok, and I kind of liked I Got the Six. Otherwise, this is a pass for me.

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Nov 03 2024

I love Fleetwood Mac. There’s something so comforting about them. I didn’t know most of the songs on this album, and it probably isn’t top-tier Fleetwood Mac, but they can kind of do no wrong in my eyes. It was all very beautiful to me. I love Stevie’s voice so much, and Christine and Lindsey have incredible vocals too. They are such a special and absolutely one of a kind band.

Nov 04 2024

Frank Sinatra has a gorgeous voice and the songs are beautifully composed. This was good Sunday morning music, but nothing really grabbed me and made me want more. A nice listen but probably won’t return to it.

Brothers by The Black Keys
Nov 05 2024

Tighten Up and Howlin' for You have been regulars on my personal playlists for so long that I'm almost tired of them at this point, lol. I really liked the Black Keys when they arrived on the scene, I dug their unique sound and catchy beats. I'm a little more so-so on them now, I feel like I've somehow outgrown them a little. This is still a solid album though. Everlasting Light and The Only One are my two faves on here. It does all start to sound a bit samesy as it goes on, and some of the slower songs where he's talking more than singing get a bit dry, but it was an enjoyable listen overall!

Fever To Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Nov 06 2024

This is the kind of chaos that feels appropriate for Election Day. This is messy and raw and weird, but I'm not mad at it. I like how hard she rocks.

Basket of Light by Pentangle
Nov 07 2024

Not sure how I'd feel about this album on any other day, but today sucks. And this album wasn’t my vibe. It wasn’t horrible though.

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Nov 08 2024

This was … interesting. Some of it was just really weird, but then songs like Wowie Zowie and Anyway the Wind Blows were fun. Go Cry on Somebody Else's shoulder was funny with the sock hop vibe. Trouble Every Day sadly hits home still today. Help, I'm a Rock and It Can't Happen Here were way bizarre. As was the last track, which also felt unnecessarily long so they could fill up the end of the record, but probably they were just enjoying jamming and being weird. Is cream cheese a metaphor for something that also involves an orgy in the jungle? The album intrigued me enough to give it a full second listen once I got a feel for what it was all about. Its weirdness did grow on me a bit.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Nov 09 2024

She sings with pretty much every fiber of her being. Such a soulful rock star. Love the hits on this so much. The rest didn’t draw me in QUITE as much as I was hoping for, but it was still great.

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Nov 10 2024

This is the first full RS album I think I’ve ever listened to. I really liked all the instruments in it, but the vocals were kind of weird to me. It was hard to understand a lot of them and they got kinda lost sometimes. The first half of the album was super solid, the second half had a “is this over yet?” vibe. Stuck between a 3 and 4.

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
Nov 11 2024

Lots of emotion here, it's pretty but also kind of depressing. This isn't something I'd ever put on unless I just wanted to feel sad. And even then, I'm sure there are plenty of sad albums I'd enjoy more. If I'd found just one song to add to my playlist, I might give it a 3, but I didn't.

War by U2
Nov 12 2024

U2 has a sound that's all their own. This doesn't feel like it came out of the 80s. Really loved it...deep, impactful lyrics, emotional vocals, rockin' instruments. It hit me in my feels. Enjoyed every song.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Nov 13 2024

I like this, it's such an old-timey vibe, and would be great music for a hipster retro Sunday mimosa brunch party. Frank has a beautiful voice, and I like the band too, but this just isn't music I can relate to very much. It feels so far away in time. There's no edge to it. There's no commentary on society. It’s lacking depth and emotion. It's almost too perfect and happy. So while I appreciate the vibe and the vocals and the sounds, there's a disconnect that's hard to get past.

The Sensual World by Kate Bush
Nov 14 2024

Wow. This album was really powerful and beautiful. So many layers of sound and emotion. I was so-so on her last album, but this one kind of knocked my socks off. I got very immersed in the soul of it. I like how a lot of the tracks built as they went on. The first and last tracks were my faves, but so many great ones in between too.

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Nov 15 2024

Love their sound! They would be so fun to see live. The blend of rock and country, Irish and Scottish...it all just works. And there's something about Irish music that makes me feel warm and fuzzy in general. There are so many great songs, hard to pick a favorite. Meet Me at the Station is awesome. World Party is super fun. The Stolen Child is really beautiful. LOVE the sax in You in the Sky. Easy 5 for me.

Stankonia by OutKast
Nov 16 2024

Love this album so much! I was familiar with a lot of it, but if I've heard the whole thing at some point, it's been a very long time. Anyway, Andre and Big Boi are both awesome, and they jive so well together. This album is creative and catchy and diverse in sound and topics and feels like such a complete piece of art. Bombs Over Baghdad has been one of fave songs for years. Special shout-out to the Kim & Cookie Interlude, cracks me up. So much talent in these guys!! There should be a special category for albums that are 6/5.

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Nov 17 2024

This was ok. Not bad, but a lot of bitches and hoes with less meaningful songs to balance that out. And I could’ve done without the sex SFX, especially at the end of the reggae song, which I rather liked until the end. Also hard to listen to those sounds knowing how much Puffy was involved in this album. Anyway. There’s a reason I’m west side apparently. Give me Tupac!

Slipknot by Slipknot
Nov 17 2024

This immediately made me want to turn it off. But nevertheless, I persisted. It's violent and ridiculous and I cannot relate to this level of anger and rage. Me no likey.

1984 by Van Halen
Nov 18 2024

This album is super fun. Lots of guitar shredding. Love Jump and its intro, and there are a few other rockin’ classics on here too. The non-hits kinda lost me, but overall it was a good time.

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Nov 19 2024

It's hard to imagine being forced to flee your home and start a new life. It's amazing they channeled their story into something beautiful and positive and continued to spread the sounds of their roots. Kinda dig the Mali blues!

Beyond Skin by Nitin Sawhney
Nov 20 2024

I thought this would feel darker based on the description, but it's actually super pretty and chill despite its theme.

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Nov 21 2024

I liked the old school punk of all this, and especially loved the sax. The added layer of sound brought some fun and funk. Recording quality isn't great, but overall I quite enjoyed this!

Nov 22 2024

This album was nice and chill but also confusing. It didn't seem to have a concept or direction, and overall, it just felt too restrained. And it was kind of a snooze fest. And what the heck with that ending.

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Nov 23 2024

This was really great. I love his voice and vibe.

I See You by The xx
Nov 24 2024

I like xx’s earlier album (xx) much better than this one. This one feels like one big relationship drama broken out into individual songs. The songs are pretty and well composed, but just kinda feels over the top and sappy and like a lot of the same thing over and over.

The Infotainment Scan by The Fall
Nov 25 2024

Feeling middle of the road with this one. It was fun and fine.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Nov 26 2024

This album was pretty familiar to me, apparently I listened to it plenty at some point! I really like it, it has its own unique spin on electronic music. A lot of fun and interesting sounds they play with, and good lyrics too. Had a great time listening again.

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Nov 27 2024

Dangit, I had a whole rather long review written out that didn't save. Sigh. The summary: this was bizarre but I kind of liked it. The end.

Synchronicity by The Police
Nov 28 2024

This album is pretty flawless, aside from the unfortunate Mother song. What the hell is that? Feels very out of place, but the rest makes up for it. King of Pain is one of my favorite songs ever. So many other great hits (including the stalker song!) and non-hits on here too. Love love love.

Movies by Holger Czukay
Nov 29 2024

This was pretty cool listening. I was vibing with it.

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Nov 30 2024

This was pretty great. Not sure which songs are covers and which are originals but she does them all well and lots of fun old hits!

Sister by Sonic Youth
Dec 01 2024

My hearing is starting to decline a tad as I age, and this felt like it amplified that muffled feeling I get sometimes. And that was very distracting and made this music hard to get into. Also just didn’t like it that much.

Dec 02 2024

Usually an album of mostly covers gets a little extra scrutiny in the context of this project, but this is pretty incredible. It’s just so good and he really makes these songs his own while feeling like he’s honoring and celebrating each one. The collaborations with other singers is super special too. Love it so much.

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Dec 03 2024

So many classics on this, plus Springsteen's butt! What's not to love? I’m a sucker for his Americana rock ‘n roll.

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Dec 04 2024

If the contents of a garbage truck formed a band and decided only the least talented among them would get to play and sing, this is what I imagine it would sound like. I suppose it could always be worse, but yikes.

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Dec 05 2024

This was ok. Kinda liked the vibe when it started, but nothing really grabbed me and it felt largely forgettable.

Technique by New Order
Dec 06 2024

I wanted to like this more, and listened to it multiple times in hopes of that happening. But it just kinda sounds like the same thing over and over, without any particularly catchy tunes. It’s still New Order, and I like their sound and their vibe, but wasn’t grabbed by anything.

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Dec 07 2024

I guess the universe wanted me to have a good cry today. This is an alternative rock masterpiece. It's filled with emotion and absolute banger songs. Mayonaise is my #1 on this, though Disarm is a very close second. And Geek U.S.A. holds a special place in my heart as part of a glorious Greatest Hits compilation once created on cassette tape. I've been adjacent to a certain someone's Smashing Pumpkins obsession my whole adult life, which has also made me a pretty big fan. A lot of nostalgia here for me too. Saw them live 25ish years ago, and then again this past summer. They still rock it hard! And this album is their crowning jewel.

Pink Moon by Nick Drake
Dec 08 2024

This was very pretty and had a warm and comforting vibe.

Kid A by Radiohead
Dec 10 2024

This isn't my favorite of theirs. It's a little too slow and experimental for me at times, but they do create some pretty magical soundscapes and there's an ethereal quality to it. I really like Idioteque, it's a standout for sure. Also really dig the horns in The National Anthem.

american dream by LCD Soundsystem
Dec 11 2024

Really dug this album! Funky fresh beats, and they don't feel like anyone else out there. They've made their own sound that's very LCD Soundsystem. Love their blend of rock and electronic, with emotional and thoughtful lyrics too.

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Dec 12 2024

I imagine this is what hitting rock bottom sounds like musically, so I guess if that's what the concept was, kudos. But this was almost unlistenable to me.

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Dec 13 2024

Almost a year in, and this is my first Costello album, I was wondering when the onslaught would start! This wasn't bad, but there was a blandness to it that's hard to define. There wasn't anything musically wrong with it really, it just didn't evoke anything in me. It feels too "professional" or something, like music you'd hear at a corporate event.

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Dec 14 2024

This is super rockin...I dig his music style. It took a minute to appreciate and then got better and better with each listen. I'm Shakin' is a party! Apparently that's a cover. Love all the piano in the album. Adds a unique touch to all the rock and roll. Fun lyrics too. Great stuff!

Illmatic by Nas
Dec 15 2024

I really liked this. Great lyrics, great raps, great beats. I was groovin.

Solid Air by John Martyn
Dec 16 2024

It’s hard to pinpoint a genre for this. It’s dreamy and folksy and bluesy and a little trippy. The blend of sounds works really well, and I very much enjoyed listening. He’s a little mumbly at times, but that kind of adds to the dreaminess of it. Also like how he lets a lot of the songs breathe at the end. It all felt like a warm bath for my ears.

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Dec 17 2024

Some of the songs on this felt a little too restrained to me, especially the first few. It did get better as it went on, and I do really love The Weight (was lucky enough to see Mavis Staples and Dave Matthews perform it together earlier this year). I'm familiar with wildly different versions of Long Black Veil and This Wheel's on Fire (Ab Fab, anyone?), versions I prefer over the ones on here, but they were still good in their own right. Also liked Chest Fever.

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Dec 18 2024

This felt like pretty standard 60s fare. Nothing really grabbed me and made me love it. It was enjoyable enough in an average sort of way though.

Destroyer by KISS
Dec 19 2024

Detroit Rock City is a banger. Apparently I'm so clueless about Kiss though that I didn't even realize they sang Beth, lol. The juxtaposition between the "hardcore" God of Thunder and the more ballady Great Expectations right after it cracked me up. These guys don't take themselves too seriously, right? They are over the top with their "edgy" image but their music just feels like poppy rock and roll. Anyway, it was fine.

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Dec 20 2024

This album is far too nostalgic for me to give it anything but a 5. I listened to this cassette SO MUCH as a kid, and if I had to pick my #1 favorite song from childhood, it would most definitely be Pour Some Sugar On Me. I was obsessed. I definitely listened to side one more than side two, based on my familiarity with each side, lol. Really bringing back all the memories listening to this. Also, it totally rocks!

Parklife by Blur
Dec 21 2024

I was familiar with a few of Blur's hits but never explored them beyond that. This album was super fun, enjoyed it a lot. It didn’t feel totally cohesive but it was great energy.

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
Dec 22 2024

I really liked the diversity in these songs and especially enjoyed the instrumentation. Lots of super pretty sounds from horns and violin and even some flute action. I don’t love the lead singer’s voice though and that kind of made the whole thing feel a little too fluffy and soft for me.

Space Ritual by Hawkwind
Dec 23 2024

This was long and felt like the same jam over and over and over. And over. With some trippy stuff about space sprinkled about. Not terribly impressed with this show overall. A little too noisy and samesy.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Dec 24 2024

I really liked Arcade Fire when they first got popular and am pretty familiar with this album. I liked their indie/anti-establishment vibes. They're a bit on the emo side for me now, but this is still a solid album, and it was cool to listen to it again after so long. They have a unique sound and I dig it.

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Dec 25 2024

This was so chill it made me sleepy. Also his voice is SO gravelly in this album.

Dec 26 2024

Gawd. ANOTHER album of all covers?? Jk, this was a great Christmas album. Love the song selection and how each group or singer put their own spin on the tracks they did, while all still hanging together as a cohesive holiday delight. A fun Christmas surprise!

Dec 27 2024

There was nothing offensive about this, and it was relatively pleasant to my ears, but I just can’t relate to being an old-timey cowboy.

So by Peter Gabriel
Dec 28 2024

Well. I'm pretty torn on this album. Huge fan of the hits on it, especially Sledgehammer, and Red Rain and Don't Give Up are pretty ok lesser known tracks. But I really didn't like a few of them, and that brought this down a notch for me. The songs I do like are special enough to keep this at a 4 for me though.

Dec 29 2024

This was a cool punk album, and I enjoyed the first run through. I wanted to give it a second listen but my heart wasn’t in it after a few songs. Just kinda blended together. So while I appreciated it for its genre, I wouldn’t come back to it.

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Dec 30 2024

This is so groovy and silky and sexy. I really love their lyrics too, and there’s a lot of cool layers in their sound. And the blending of hip-hop and reggae and electronic chill vibes (and more!) is pretty awesome. It all felt very creative and unique. So great!

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Dec 31 2024

I liked this! Total 70s vibes and great energy while having that chill Steely Dan feel. Dug the song compositions and instrumentation too. The St. Louis Toodle-Oo was a fun departure from the rest of the album.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Jan 01 2025

I like the vibe, but it’s a LOT of jazz. Hard to get super into it because there’s a lot of jamming and not a lot of catchy beats. Totally appreciate the talent though. If I was a big jazz fan, I’m sure this would be really great.

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Jan 02 2025

Two days in a row of live jazz. Wasn’t excited about that when I saw this album, but I actually really enjoyed this. So chill and smooth and you could feel the emotion in the songs. It hasn’t converted me to a big jazz fan yet, but it was quite good!

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Jan 03 2025

Apparently the universe thinks our group needs a lot of jazz in the new year! Three days, three jazz albums. I actually recognized the song Take Five, and the first track sounded semi-familiar too. I enjoyed it fine overall. In general, jazz is more of a vibe to me than something I can really fully absorb though. It doesn't move my soul the way I'd like. I have a hard time actively listening to it, although when I do, it CAN be very pleasant and lovely. This album kind of transports you back in time and space, it's easy to imagine being in a dark smoky jazz club in that era. Which is pretty cool. But can we rock out again here soon?

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Jan 04 2025

This feels like pretty revolutionary sound for that era. Amy was doing something different and creating her own style. Some of this does feel a tad over dramatic for my taste, but she's in her feels, and that's all good by me. While there weren't any songs I really grabbed onto and loved, this had good energy, good vocals and good musical compositions. Fave song was Amy, Amy, Amy. She's a vibe.

NEU! 75 by Neu!
Jan 05 2025

This album was weird and confusing. It went from soft instrumental rock to music you’d hear while getting a massage, and then it moved to rocking out (sorta) in German. Didn’t feel cohesive and it was also pretty boring.

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
Jan 06 2025

I really liked this. There’s something beautifully raw in the first half or so of the album and what seems like a lot of complicated emotions in a complicated relationship. Enjoyed the politically themed songs too, and the song compositions were all cool and unique. Favorites were Family Snapshot, And Through the Wire, and Games Without Frontiers.

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Jan 07 2025

These guys feel like Metallica and Ozzy blended together. A lot of it sounds the same to me, and kind of meh. The guitar rocking is cool though. And I do like Rooster and Would?, those were big hits back in the day and still fun listens. Overall, it was fine and a solid 3, but not a band I'll explore more, unless of course they come up in the project again!

Nixon by Lambchop
Jan 08 2025

This drags a little at times, but I really dig their vibe. I'm getting a more chill version of Pulp from them (and it's no secret I'm now a big Pulp fan), even though they're not British. Interesting that they're American, but they were more popular in the UK than the US. Maybe the Brits got the Pulp vibe from them too. Anyway, love the creative and introspective lyrics, love his voice, the horns are really great, and this is just a comforting and warm kind of album to wrap up in. It did end on a rather depressing note, although I really liked that song in general. Also, this is album 365 for our group! Made it a whole year already, it's been quite a ride!

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Jan 09 2025

Madonna is a queen. The major hits (Like a Prayer, Express Yourself, Cherish) are all pretty damn perfect works of art. I didn't have this album growing up, and this is the first time I've listened to the whole thing. I loved it all from start to finish. She sings about very real emotions and situations and weaves in great messages too (about falling in love, what to expect from a relationship, the pain of heartbreak, complicated family dynamics, the comfort of family, etc). The songs flow really well as a complete album, and there are so many different, fun and creative compositions. Some of my other favorite songs were Till Death Do Us Part, Oh Father, Love Song, and Keep it Together. Promise to Try is really beautiful too Easy 5!

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Jan 10 2025

So much great energy! I had no idea whose song Mannish Boy was, now I do. And did they base the Babysitting Blues from Adventures in Babysitting on that riff? I don't know if blues is typically my thing, I've never dug into the genre much, but I really loved this album. It overflows with heart and soul, has great lyrics and vocals, and the band totally rocks! What's not to love about this? Hearing him live would've been so fun. Also, special shoutout to the Crosseyed Cat lyrics, and to this lyric from Bus Driver: "He used to give her rides in the daytime, now she gives him rides at night."

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Jan 11 2025

I guess I thought I didn’t like Jethro Tull, but maybe I do. Really enjoyed this. The songs were big and interesting, it felt like a rock opera. And the themes of religion and homelessness had a lot of depth and meaning. The whole thing just felt very relevant to the human experience, and they rocked it out the whole time.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Jan 12 2025

I didn't dislike this, the songs were interesting, but nothing particularly grabbed me and it was kind of depressing. Not something I'd return to again.

Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow
Jan 13 2025

All I wanna do is have some fun too, Sheryl. Love the opening track, and it sets the tone for a solid debut album. I enjoyed this a lot. Obviously several of these songs were hits in the 90s, and it was cool to hear the whole album from start to finish. Never listened to it before. It was a good blend of fun and introspection. I dug her heartfelt lyrics and the emotion in her songs. I Shall Believe is a particularly beautiful and emotional one. The Na-Na Song is my favorite ‘new to me’ song. Great stuff!

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Jan 14 2025

I have a deep appreciation for Radiohead, but I don't love everything they do. This one was middle of the road. I like the emotion and the themes in the album, but a lot of the songs felt kind of flat and boring. Their experimentation is always interesting, but this one didn't really hit the mark for me.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Jan 15 2025

Well. I guess I'm an Alice Cooper fan now too. This is a super fun and thoughtfully crafted collection of songs. There's a lot of cool and interesting things happening. Blue Turk is quirky and feels like it's out of a spy movie. Big fan of Gutter Cat vs. The Jets too. Because cats. And because the song is also super cool. Love how he rocks out and how the guitar shreds in My Stars. Public Animal #9 is boppy and catchy and rockin. Alma Mater and Grande Finale both felt like the ending to the album. I guess he decided to do a lyrical finale and an instrumental one. Cool by me, I vibed with them both! Loved how big and dramatic Grande Finale was, and chef's kiss to the POW closure. School's Out (the song) is kind of played out, but I have a better appreciation for it now in the context of the album. This was a great time!

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Jan 16 2025

This one was weird for me. I've never seen this movie, and obviously the album was primarily created to set the tone and background for Shaft. Not having the context of the movie felt like I was missing part of the whole picture. That aside, this is cool vibes and good music. But it gets a bit long and boring on its own, and the 20 minute song was pretty grueling. The lack of lyrics in most of the songs really does make a lot of them feel like a movie score rather than music simply for music's sake. When I heard his voice in the first song, all I could initially hear was Chef from South Park, lol. I do love his voice! Wish there was more of it in the album. Ultimately, not really sure why this one is on the list.

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Jan 17 2025

This is pretty funky and groovy. Long instrumental songs can be a lot to digest, but they mix the sound up enough that the lengths are tolerable. However, coming off of a long Shaft soundtrack yesterday is making me a tad less tolerant. Need to compartmentalize here though! Really liked the funk of Chameleon, it was my fave of the album. The wooden flute in Watermelon Man is cool too, and I can get down with the piano jams in Sly. Vein Melter got slow and I was kinda over it at that point. Overall, I dig the vibe and the jams, but this isn't really the type of music that moves my soul.

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Jan 18 2025

More instrumental jazz music. yay. They are obviously talented musicians, and it's so old-timey that it really takes you back to a totally different era. So that's neat. I want to FEEL jazz more though, I want it to move me and shake me and bop me. And for some reason, most of it just doesn't. I appreciate the vibes here, but it continues to feel like music I might put on in the background of a hipster happy hour, and not something that works its way into my soul.

Medúlla by Björk
Jan 19 2025

This was very avant-garde and too weird for my listening palate. I did like that the last song actually had a beat and also what sounded like meowing cats. The rest of it, no thanks.

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Jan 20 2025

This is quintessential new wave 80s for sure. Lots of good bops here, especially What Have I Done to Deserve This, It’s a Sin, and Heart. I enjoyed the album and it’s probably a 3.5 for me, but not sure it quite reaches 4 territory. I really like their sound and there are a lot of interesting lyrics, but the diversity from song to song is a little lacking. I feel like once you’ve heard a few of these, you kind of know what to expect from the rest. Still a good time though!

Diamond Life by Sade
Jan 21 2025

This is so super silky smooth. She has a very warm and sensual voice, and the music feels almost like it envelops you, and it's something I found myself getting a little lost in even. Favorites were Smooth Operator, Hang on to Your Love, and Cherry Pie.

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
Jan 22 2025

I really love Cat/Yusuf and his exploration of life and love and meaning and death. He has a very calming effect on me, and I admire the emotion and wisdom he sings with. The instrumentation really adds more layers to the feelings he evokes too. Especially love the piano and violin in Sad Lisa and the violin again in Into White. Wild World is a classic and a great song, and my fave 'new to me' songs were Miles from Nowhere and Father and Son. This was really beautiful from start to finish. While his life is certainly not free of controversy, and I'm mildly confused at where his spiritual journey led him, he somehow makes it feel like it will be perfectly ok to float away someday after this journey is done.

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Jan 23 2025

This is a pretty great album. Lots of classic hits (Movin' Out being my fave), and I really enjoyed most of the songs I was unfamiliar with too. Only song that was kinda meh to me was Get It Right the First Time. Lots of creative instrumentation and good variety of sounds. Just super solid stuff from a legend! I'm at a 4.5, but I'm gonna bump this one up. 0.5 bonus for the month and year of its release.

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Jan 24 2025

I enjoyed this. Listened a few times, and it grew on me more with each listen. It felt a bit disjointed, but it was cool to hear some early Neil Young and Stephen Stills. Their story of finding each other in an L.A. traffic jam, forming the band, and performing live five days later is pretty neat. Broken Arrow is a great classic, and Mr. Soul is a fun rock tune. I also especially liked the lounge vibes of Everydays, the dreaminess of Expecting to Fly and the funk of Good Time Boy. Even though it didn't feel terribly cohesive, the variety was interesting!

Moondance by Van Morrison
Jan 25 2025

There are some really great songs on here. Into the Mystic is such a beautiful tune and I’ve always been a big fan of Moondance too. However, in listening to a whole album of Van, I found myself growing tired of his voice. So while I like pretty much all the songs individually, I didn’t love them all collectively.

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Jan 26 2025

This album is rockin! Loved the emotion and the songs are super catchy and make me want to dance. Just really fun Welsh rock and roll.

Vivid by Living Colour
Jan 27 2025

They sound so much like Lenny Kravitz to me, but this album actually came out a year before Lenny’s first one. So kudos to them for this unique version of rock and roll. It’s an interesting style. There’s some serious guitar rocking going on and some big drums too, but then the vocals are more friendly/poppy than edgy rock and roll. But hey, it’s kind of their own thing and it works for them. Cult of Personality is a great hit, and there are a lot of other fun tunes on here too.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Jan 28 2025

Live Irish rock the week I leave for Ireland, let's go! Perhaps I'm a little biased based on the timing, but I thought this was pretty awesome. I knew very little about Thin Lizzy before this, including that they're Irish. I know this is all spliced together and not one specific show, but I especially love how they transition from Cowboy Song into The Boys are Back in Town. Sounds like they liked it too, and started ACTUALLY doing that at their shows after this. Some other faves were Jailbreak, Southbound and Dancing in the Moonlight. Warrior had total Jimi Hendrix vibes. So much energy in this whole thing. I'm sad Whiskey in the Jar isn't on here, but this was a rockin' good time regardless. It's interesting how much controversy there is about how much or little this is overdubbed. I guess I really don't care that much if the finished product is a quality piece of art.

We're Only In It For The Money by The Mothers Of Invention
Jan 29 2025

I'm all for political commentary in music, but this whole thing just felt like a mess. It's noisy and weird and lacks structure and general pleasantness. And framing your album around dissing another band feels kind of immature. Isn't making money a hopeful part of any profession, including creating art? Does that mean it's the "only" part? Anyway, I'm not going to pretend to know all of the Beatles' motivations for Sgt. Pepper, but it's a beautiful piece of art compared to whatever this is. And if you're going to make fun of hippies (which I'm not necessarily opposed to, even as a hippie at heart), then make better music than them.

Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
Jan 30 2025

This was really interesting and creative. I've heard of these guys, but knew very little about them until today. I was expecting hard screamy music and was happy that wasn't the case! As a mega fan of the Trainspotting soundtrack, I was excited to hear Trainspotting on here. I also really liked Burning Wheel and Motorhead, and loved the message in Star. Most of this is a little slower and spacier than I usually go for, but it really grew on me because of all the cool sounds to get lost in.

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Jan 31 2025

This album is pretty rockin! Only reviewing the first nine songs (ending with Whiskey Woman) per the original album track listing. Sounds like this was compared to the Rolling Stones at the time, and there are obvious similarities. And Evil Hearted Ada has very Elvis vibes. Love the overall energy and the blend of blues and rock. I'm surprised I've never heard of these guys, they're pretty great. Really enjoyed this!

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Feb 01 2025

Dig their sound and energy on this! Mansize Rooster is a total jam. And Alright is such a classic from the Clueless soundtrack, I didn't know that was Supergrass. This was a hard one not to love. Made me want to rock out and dance.

Gold by Ryan Adams
Feb 02 2025

This album is very polished...super tight musicianship and his vocals carry a lot of emotion. Sounds like he's been a pretty big jerk in his past, but trying to look past that. I think in the early aughts, the emotion in his music would've moved me more than it does today. It just feels very much of that time period. Not taking away from the talent here, but not sure this is so much my thing anymore.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Feb 03 2025

As fate would have it, I was on holiday in Glasgow (where Donovan is from) when this was my album of the day! I didn't have a chance to listen until I returned from my travels, but given I also had Thin Lizzy and Primal Scream in the few days leading up to my trip to Ireland and Scotland, this serendipitously completed a trifecta, which is pretty darn neat. That being said, I really like the two big hits on here and also liked The Trip, but while pleasant enough, the rest was a bit slow and boring to me. He has a unique and creative sound though.

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Feb 04 2025

Damn, that harmonica makes me swoon. And I'm a sucker for any song about a llama. Really loved how sentimental most of this was. It felt very Americana, in a lovely way, not a 'Merica way. Except Welfare Mothers, that was a weird song and not sure exactly what he was getting at there. This borders on 4, but not sure I'm quite there with it.

The Hour Of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy
Feb 05 2025

This was a nice listen. Super chill vibes. I like P'ing in the Wind, Disillusion and Say it Again. The variety in sound was creative and refreshing, and I'm impressed he wrote, produced, and did a lot of the instrumentation on this. Quality production overall!

Nothing's Shocking by Jane's Addiction
Feb 06 2025

I liked this a lot better than Ritual de lo Habitual. It felt more raw and genuine and was good solid rock music.

Feb 07 2025

I was already pretty familiar with this album. Really great hits on here! There aren’t any songs I dislike, I feel like this is all quite well done. Their high notes get a tad grating after awhile, but I’m a fan regardless!

Queen II by Queen
Feb 08 2025

Big fan of Queen here, but not of this album. It had some rockin' moments, but mostly I was just bored with it and it was often too noisy for me. A lot of big sounds, but lacking in good hooks. Not surprised there are no hits from this. Appreciate this anyway though! I mean, it's Queen.

Sea Change by Beck
Feb 09 2025

The songs on here are really pretty and heartfelt, but the melancholy of it all is kind of depressing. I don’t know that I’d ever listen to this again.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Feb 10 2025

Ah, Fiona’s debut, brings back memories! I love how a lot of the songs start slow and simple, and then the layers build into a big emotional energy even as the pace stays similar. Criminal and Shadowboxer are standout hits, and Never is a Promise is a favorite on here too. Just really beautiful music, I love her.

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Feb 11 2025

Prince's voice is almost like its own instrument. He brought such a cool factor to whatever he touched, and this album really highlights the range of what he was capable of. It's funky, it's jazzy, it's soulful, it's poppy. It's emotional, it's fun, it's sexy, it's reflective. There were a few songs that didn't really grab me, but as a whole album, this is a pretty special piece of art.

I See A Darkness by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Feb 12 2025

I like his voice and the simplicity of what he's doing and also appreciate the layers he builds into the tracks. It grew on me a little as the album went on, and I found the later songs to be more palatable than the earlier part of the album. I do prefer songs about death and sadness to be a tad more upbeat though. I'd have to be in a rather dark emotional state to want to listen to this again.

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Feb 14 2025

It's pretty interesting this was created almost entirely of vinyl samples. And although it's not original music, he seems to have tinkered with it enough to make it his own, and rearranging and building music like this is a creative art and impressive endeavor in itself. That being said, this was mostly just chill mood vibes, and it didn't super resonate with me on a deeper level. Enjoyed listening though!

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Feb 15 2025

Are you ready for a revolution? It’s time to get hot! What a lovely Friday surprise. This album feels like such a party as it addresses serious topics. So groovy and funky and hip hoppy. This was a lot of fun. I can see why it won a Grammy! Discoveries like this are why I love this project so much.

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Feb 16 2025

This was some solid classic Beach Boys. But I thought I would love it more.

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Feb 17 2025

This album gives me Meatloaf vibes. He really brings the drama and I have no idea what he’s singing about half the time. But I love Meatloaf for that, and I kinda loved this too. I guess it’s all a dream and that’s why it’s so strange? I like the first four songs best. Would be a 5 if the rest hadn’t fallen off a little after that. Another great discovery!

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Feb 18 2025

Oh jazz, I long to love you. Every time we get a super famous jazz musician, I'm hoping THIS will be the one that makes me fall hard for the genre. But alas, despite the obvious talent, this just sounds like a long jam session that doesn't really take me anywhere special. It's cool and chill and good Monday vibes though.

Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Feb 19 2025

So I've apparently never paid attention to the lyrics of Brown Sugar before. They seem...problematic, to say the least. But that aside, this is a solid Stones album. I enjoyed almost every song.

Beautiful Day is one of my favorite songs and the perfect track to start an album and a day with! This is really front-loaded with the four best songs in my opinion, but the rest is pretty damn good too. The more times I listened, the more songs I loved. It's interesting to see how songwriting evolves as artists age and gain new and different perspectives on life. U2 is just an outstanding band who showed how powerful they still were 20 years after their first album. Can't believe this is now 25 years old!

Phaedra by Tangerine Dream
Feb 21 2025

This album feels more like an immersive soundscape, rather than intentionally composed "songs." Which presents the philosophical question, What IS a song? Anyway. It sounds like something they'd play at the Van Gogh (or other such artist) experience. It's pretty interesting to hear early experimentation into what was possible with electronic sounds though, and I appreciate their contributions to the genre! It was pleasant enough, but this isn't an album I'd probably return to, unless I was in one of those salt baths you can float in or something.

Feb 22 2025

This wasn't so much my thing. He's a talented rapper, but it all sounded kinda samesy, and it felt really long. I appreciate the topics he addresses (minus the misogyny), but the music compositions just didn't hold my interest. Side note, loved Ice Cube in Boyz in the Hood, which came out a year after this album. They carry very similar themes!

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Feb 23 2025

Didn’t really like this. They sound like a lot of other bands in this genre/era. I thought this could be interesting based on the concept, but it was really just dark and kind of annoying.

Close To You by Carpenters
Feb 24 2025

This is pretty perfect Sunday morning music. A couple cool covers on here - Help and Reason to Believe. I thought they did a nice job making those songs their own. There’s nothing ground breakingly deep here, lots of simple love lyrics, and it’s VERY 70s, but it was a nice refresher after such a dark album yesterday. And there IS depth and complexity in the instrumental compositions, more than I expected. Enjoyed this a lot!

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Feb 25 2025

These feel more like stories than songs. I'm really not familiar with Joni Mitchell's music, so I wish I had listened to an earlier album first to get a better idea of how her music evolved to this. She has a pretty voice and is a good storyteller, but as music, nothing really resonated with me. I did do a good amount of reading on her today since she seems like someone I should know more about. Her story and career are absolutely impressive, and she was an incredible influence on so many other artists. I'm gonna assume there's more Joni in this project, so maybe some of her other work will make me a fan. This was almost a 2 for me, but it didn't annoy me in the way that most of the 2s I dole out do.

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Feb 26 2025

This album is super fun. It's a nice mix of celebrating their music and themselves, addressing societal/cultural issues, and even honoring women (and also Stevie Wonder)! All in a funky fresh, totally early 80s way, and every song sounded different. Great listen!

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Feb 27 2025

I'm a big fan of Supertramp's hits, so I was excited to hear a whole album of theirs, especially one with lesser known songs. I enjoyed it! Their lyrics are great, and the instrumentation and compositions were creative and fun.

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
Feb 28 2025

Ah, another 'separate the art from the artist' kinda day. Not a fan of the human, but this was a solid album. Also glad that his I Shot the Sheriff cover helped Bob Marley gain the international recognition he absolutely deserved. Love me some Marley! The Hand Jive cover on this was pretty interesting too. Let it Grow was my favorite 'new to me' song.

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Mar 01 2025

This is pretty low-fi garage heartbreak rock. Their Wiki page compares them to bands like Guided by Voices, which I didn't pick up on until I read that. But now I can definitely hear it! Anyway, this wasn't terrible. I jived with it here and there and I thought the lyrics were pretty well done, but it's probably not a new favorite band. I was definitely ready to be done by the end of the second listen. Favorite song was Flood, the closer. I liked how screamy it was.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Mar 02 2025

I thought this was a pretty quality album. Lots of great rockin going on!

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Mar 03 2025

This album is quite lovely, and it’s really sad how mired in tragedy it is. Dig the Brazilian lounge vibes.

S&M by Metallica
Mar 04 2025

Seeing that this was performed with the SFSO, it seemed like it could be pretty damn cool. And it was! I loved all the rich epic sounds the symphony added. It made the thrash metal way more pleasing to my ears. This feels like it needs to be big and loud to appreciate, so I was glad to WFH today so I could immerse myself in it. Always love to hear the crowd singing on a live album too. The length was kind of a lot, but can't really fault that on a live album. Good stuff, Metallica!

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Mar 05 2025

If music was a raincloud, it would be this album. I'd be interested to hear it the way she wanted it, with drums and more guitar. It sucks she didn't want strings and flute, but the producer added them anyway. I generally like the sound of those instruments, but that wasn't her vision, and they didn't help make this any better. It's very drab and a bit of a downer. Even Nico didn't like it! It's also just her singing other people's songs, and her voice isn't even that great. This wasn't my thing.

Mar 06 2025

This album definitely has a "cool" factor to it as he commentates on society and black culture. The songs are creative and well composed, and he's super talented. The guest collaborators add a lot of interesting layers to his storytelling too. Overall, I thought this was super solid!

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
Mar 07 2025

I've known of G. Love & Special Sauce for a long time, but I've never sought them out to see what they're all about. I kind of recognized Cold Beverage, but all else was new. Cool vibes for sure, but it's mildly annoying when it sounds too sloppy. It sometimes gives an air of not trying very hard. Not hating on it though, it was still fun.

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Mar 08 2025

I'm a big fan of I'm Your Man so was excited to get Leonard again. This one feels like a stripped down version of that. I love his voice and his drama, and I like when the backing vocals come in. Overall though, this album is a little too simple, and I don't really know what he's singing about. Diamonds in the Mine was the standout song for me, and Sing Another Song got pretty interesting as it went on. Despite not loving this, I like his style and he still makes me swoon.

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Mar 09 2025

Obviously a 5! This album was so unique and fucking awesome when it first came out, and it has aged like a fine wine. Alanis kicks ass.

Bad Company by Bad Company
Mar 10 2025

I'm forever surprised how many musicians I didn't realize are from the UK lol. These guys have always felt so classic American rock to me. The Wiki page describes them as a hard rock group, and I also don't get those vibes. Anyway, lots of classics on here and this was a great debut. I was not expecting to like this so much. So groovy and rockin' and just pretty special. These guys are super talented. Don't Let Me Down is my fave on here, but really enjoyed the whole thing.

White Light by Gene Clark
Mar 11 2025

I'd never heard of Gene Clark until today. An album that starts with a harmonica-forward song is automatically at least a 3 for me. Only ranking the original track list through the song 1975, as the rest are bonus tracks added in 2002 (though I really loved his Stand Be Me cover in the bonus). The Dutch have good taste, I thought this album was pretty damn good. He has a lovely voice, and the songs were really moving and heartfelt. At one point during For a Spanish Guitar, I felt like it was wrapping me up in a warm blanket. Great discovery!

Mar 12 2025

Only knowing Brimful of Asha prior to listening to this, and knowing nothing about Cornershop, I'm not sure what I was expecting. Some more 90s indie jams I guess, that would conjure up the vibes of ye olde college days, like the hit single did. I was not expecting the creativity, the Eastern influence (had no idea where these guys were from), or the diversity in sound. Fave song is Good To Be On The Road Back Home Again. Other top songs: Candyman was fun and funky, the Norwegian Wood cover in Punjabi was really pretty, Brimful for nostalgia and overall groovy-ness, and Good Ships. Pretty cool stuff!

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Mar 13 2025

I've never explored the Dead, so was kind of excited to have an excuse to do so today and see what all the fuss is about. I'm mixed on it. I really liked Turn on Your Love Light, they totally rocked that one and I didn’t care how long it was. Death Don’t Have No Mercy was pretty cool too. Did not at ALL like Feedback. That one just felt like noise, which was maybe the point but why. And the rest...overall cool vibes, but most of the tracks get too long and jammy. Like, some of the songs feel like ONLY a jam without a centering substance. But if I was at a music festival and feeling good, this would be great music to lay back on a blanket to and let myself get lost in.

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Mar 14 2025

Note: I think the order of this album on Spotify is messed up after the first three tracks. The lyrics of some of the songs weren't lining up with what they were singing, so I switched to the full album on YouTube. Update: the full album order also seems messed up on YouTube, so I am absolutely confused and don't know if I'm listening to the full thing or if half of these are even songs that are on this album. Update to my update: I sought out the individual songs on YouTube and think I finally listened to the right songs, which are most definitely wrong on Spotify and the YouTube full album. The first three and last three tracks are correct, but the middle four (Tooting Bec Wreck, Until I Get You, Sailing Down the Tears, and Lick Summer Love) are not the right songs. Despite the confusion and excessive toiling I had to put in to listen to the correct thing... This is a pretty lovable album. Feels like they just rock hard without thinking or trying too hard. And that's ok. An album doesn't have to be a masterpiece to be thoroughly enjoyable. I also appreciate that they reflected on Lick Summer Love and correctly assessed it being an awful slime-ball. Shows growth! Also, RIP to their drummer Razzle, whose death seems to have stopped the band in their tracks, just as the train was really getting rolling. Another tragic loss in the music industry.

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Mar 15 2025

I was hoping to like this more than I did. Some solid classics on here, and of course I love a harmonica, but overall it felt too long and like too much Dylan at once.

25 by Adele
Mar 16 2025

Dammit Adele, I’ve enjoyed letting you annoy me over the years. But listening to a full album and trying to put my bias of you being overly dramatic and extra aside, I actually really enjoyed this. Beautiful emotional vocals and lyrics, super polished production, hits me in my feels more than I thought it would…especially since I most definitely do not consider myself an Adele fan. Maybe I do now. Maybe.

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Mar 17 2025

The lyrics and rapping are great, these guys are so talented and the songs are meaningful testaments on society. I also love all the creative ways they craft their tracks, the SFX and samples are super fun. Overall really enjoyed, though it did feel overly long.

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
Mar 18 2025

This is definitely chaotic, and these songs definitely rock, and she definitely has a lot to say. I think I would enjoy this a lot more live where I can just get lost in the chaos, but it was a bit jarring for me today as a home listen. That's not a bad thing though. There's just a lot to unpack here.

evermore by Taylor Swift
Mar 19 2025

This is very dreamy and felt a little like a fairy land. I tend to enjoy the Taylor songs I know, but I'm not a Swiftie and don't think I've ever listened to a full album of hers. Always fun to dig under the surface of someone's hits, and she has a way of making even the slowest songs catchy. She's also a great storyteller. no body, no crime was a particularly fun story. I also really loved her tribute to her grandmother in Marjorie. This was a beautiful project.

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Mar 20 2025

Is it a curse to be a musician? Another album, another tragic death story. These guys are very Oasis-y, even though they came before them, so I guess Oasis is very Charlatans-y. Which also makes them very Bri-ish, which I do have a soft spot for. Enjoyed the rockin' guitar vibes and overall sound, but there was nothing I found particularly special about this unfortunately.

Mar 21 2025

Despite being a big Pink Floyd fan, I've never listened to this album before, so I was excited to experience where it all began. It's pretty cuckoo, but I don't mind that. I've been to cuckoo places too. In general, the songs will start off with a cool beat or sound, and then change direction to a place that doesn't hook me, leaving me a little disappointed. But it's still creative and intriguing and a fun listen.

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Mar 22 2025

"Just stop playing that bad mood music." Take your own advice, man. I don't really know what he's singing about, sometimes he seems pretty angry at women, but I'm not sure I really care because it has a very sterile feeling to it. It doesn't make me happy, or reflective, or emotional, or angry. It just makes me feel nothing. The only other group I can think to liken that feeling to is Coldplay. It's fine. And that's it.

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Mar 23 2025

Not really sure what I just listened to, but pretty sure I don’t want to listen again.

Mar 24 2025

It’s like the 80s themselves created this album. It’s dripping with the decade, but I found it pretty lovable because of that. I also love all the drama the singer brings to these songs. It’s cheesy but it’s the type of cheese I find endearing. Like Cobra Kai, if I had to equate it to a show. Anyway, I’ve never heard of ABC and had no idea who sang Poison Arrow or Look of Love. Now I know., and I enjoyed!

LP1 by FKA twigs
Mar 25 2025

Dreamy. Sensual. Intoxicating. These are the adjectives that rose to the top as I listened a second time through. Wasn't sure how I felt after the first listen, but it had a way of wrapping me up and entangling me up once I gave into it.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Mar 26 2025

Love ELO! They have such great energy, and they create music that's big and interesting and super fun. Love all the different instrumentation they use and the variety of sounds they create. I've always been a big fan of their hits...Sweet Talkin' Woman is my fave on here, and Mr. Blue Sky was my special song for my late sweet kitty cat. Favorite 'new to me' songs are Summer and Lightning (so freaking good!) and Across the Border, but this is full of other terrific tunes too. A double album delight, and not a song to skip in sight. I had a fabulous time listening, easy 5!

Mar 27 2025

I was jiving with Side 1, but then Moonchild happened. It was just a really long song with barely anything going on. What even was that? And it takes up more than one-fifth of the album. Kick that track outta here, and this album is overall kinda cool and groovy. The songs were long and felt a little unpolished, but I liked where they took them for the most part. Epitaph was the standout for me on here. Reminded me of the Moody Blues. I was also gettin' down with 21st Century Schizoid Man and The Court of the Crimson King.

Mar 28 2025

This was pleasant to my ears and rather catchy, and I appreciate the variety in songs and the different reflections on life they address in their lyrics. I was feeling like it lacked a little "heart" after the first listen, but I gave it a second spin through, and it really grew on me. Favorite tune was Dirty Dancehall. Runner-up goes to Moons and Horror Shows. And that sax in Confusion, swoon. Surprisingly lovely new discovery!

Mar 29 2025

Lana Del Rey's music has always kind of annoyed me. I tried to brush that aside to give this an unbiased listen. Conclusion: gag me with a spoon. She's a talented lyricist, but the album feels like one big song that's slow and sad and painful to listen to. It was an excruciatingly long 45 minutes. The only part I found interesting was about 10 seconds of Dance Till We Die around the 3:00 mark. I don't get her appeal. Usually if an album at least sounds like music to me, it gets an automatic 2, but I was incredibly annoyed by the time this was over.

Django Django by Django Django
Mar 30 2025

There were a lot of interesting things going on with this album. Really enjoyed all the fun sounds they played with. It was upbeat and a good time. I didn’t love the vocals though. Something with how they were treating their voices got a little grating and brought this down a notch for me.

Aja by Steely Dan
Mar 31 2025

This was very Sunday vibes—groovy 70s easy listening. Beacon Blues is a classic and my fave track on here. A song with a saxophone that talks about a saxophone! The rest was kind of forgettable, but in a pleasant way.

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Apr 01 2025

Maybe I'm not enlightened enough to understand anti-music music. But isn't one key pillar of music to be listenable? I know that "listenable" is subjective, but good grief, what is the draw here? This has apparently received a lot of accolades from reputable people and publications over the years, which I am thoroughly confused by. It had a few ok(ish) moments, but I found it incredibly messy and generally unpleasant, and the ok(ish) moments are easily overshadowed by the overall awfulness. It also sounds like Van Vliet was a pretty terrible person, at least during the recording of this album, so I guess it tracks that this drivel would come out of someone like that.

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Apr 02 2025

I struggle with his voice. Maybe he sounds too stuffed up, like if he only blew his nose, his vocals would open up and become a beautiful symphony of sound. But alas, I think this is just what he sounds like. I actually liked this album better than the first couple we've had though. There's a good energy and bounce to it, and I can feel his soul in this one, which I haven't felt until now. This was earlier in his career, so maybe he was just more raw and real then. I actually knew a song on this one too! Pump It Up is a fun ditty. But I have Kleenex if you need it, Elvis!

Boston by Boston
Apr 03 2025

Boston really came out swinging with their debut. Kudos for creating a greatest hits compilation right out the gate. It's rare to encounter an album I haven't listened to before, and to know almost every song. Great stuff, fun lyrics, and the instrumentation and song structures are very well produced. I don't care if this is considered cheesy by some, I think it's a pretty fantastic classic rock album. It's interesting too, because am I excited when I hear some of these songs on the radio? Some of them, sure, but not all of them. And I've heard some of them so much that Boston just feels overplayed. But when I put the overplayed thing aside and listen to this as the full album they created that was once new and fresh, this is an easy 5 for me for the sheer number of hits it produced.

Wild Gift by X
Apr 04 2025

They remind me of a Pixies/Blondie mashup, but a little more rock focused and messier. Definitely a departure from most vibes that come out of the 80s so they feel pretty unique for that era. I like when they change their sound up a bit in Adult Books and Beyond and Back. Overall cool sounds, but the lo-fi vocals and general lack of catchy hooks gets a little tiresome by the end.

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Apr 05 2025

So Pharrell Williams is in this group, interesting. I've never heard of N.E.R.D. There's kind of an immature feeling to it, and it’s less edgy than it feels like it could be. And I was hoping for more bop. And what's with three hidden tracks, lol. That seems a tad much, and isn't the point of a hidden track to be at the very end of a CD that surprises you when you think the album is over? I do want to shout out Thrasher though, that did have edge AND bop AND Lenny, yum. Overall not terrible, but not really my jam.

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Apr 06 2025

I want to like this more than I do and it makes me feel like I’m not a cool enough 90s kid. It’s very 90s grunge and has some great hits on it. And he sings with a lot of heart. I find him hard to understand though, and it’s not easy for me to feel “hooked” by a majority of the songs. They’re certainly rockin’, and it’s very well done overall. Just can’t really get into it.

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Apr 07 2025

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about this, even though I wasn’t familiar with any of these songs. A lot of them remind me of a song the sexy bear at Disney’s Country Bear Jamboree might sing. I love the heart she puts into her vocals too. The songs are simple but sweet and soulful. Very enjoyable listen!

Play by Moby
Apr 08 2025

I had this album and played it a fair amount back in its height of popularity. I've loved revisiting it. It came out at a time when I had just graduated college, with life and adulthood spread out before me like a blank canvas, and I'd probably consider this part of my life soundtrack at that time. What Moby was doing felt fresh and interesting and inspiring and emotional. He creates beautiful soundscapes in songs like Everloving, Inside, Porcelain and Guitar Flute & String, but then has total bangers on here too, like Machete and Bodyrock and South Side (such a great song!). And then you've got the fun little ditties like Honey and Run On. Some pretty great variety, and I find the music behind the lyrics to be the star here. The lyrics he writes are great though too, they're just sometimes repetitive -- it's the soulful beats he puts together that give this music its life. Play is almost like a storybook, and feels like an explorative journey of the human spirit through its beauty and pain. It feels meaningful and nourishing, love it!

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Apr 09 2025

This just sounds like a lot of noise to me. It feels like the musical equivalent of several people doodling a bunch of random stuff on their own pieces of paper, and then haphazardly affixing the pages together and calling it art. Perhaps these doodlers are even talented artists, but the finished product has zero structure and makes no sense as a whole. Also, this was painfully long. Whatever Miles was brewing here, it was really tough to swallow.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Apr 10 2025

The Gallaghers sound like insufferable children. Gawd. Here's to their 2025 tour being drama-free! Perhaps their old wounds and rivalries have finally healed. We shall see. That aside, the album itself is what's really at hand. I found it bright and catchy and pretty rockin'. It was nothing groundbreakingly deep, but I really enjoyed it for what it was. I found the whole thing very lovable and liked pretty much every song.

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Apr 11 2025

This was cool and had some interesting funk to it. A lot of the songs were a little slow and hookless for my taste, but in general, the vibes are up with it, and it was pleasant to ye olde ears. The song with Bonnie was my fave!

Young Americans by David Bowie
Apr 12 2025

This is my favorite album we've had of Bowie's so far (still haven't gotten Ziggy Stardust so that could end up taking its place, but for now this is tops!) Bowie's vocals, while perfectly fine, might be the least impressive thing about the album. I love all the backing vocals and how much richness and life they add to the songs. The instrumentation is all so lush and funky too, and the songwriting is solid. Everything just works incredibly well together. Fame is such a classic, and my new favorite discovery is Fascination, that song is amazing. Really loved the whole album!

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Apr 13 2025

I was excited to get this because I love the title track and have heard good things about the whole album. I really liked The Passenger, and Success and Tonight are cool too. It was hard to get past Sweet Sixteen though. What is with so many dudes wanting underage girls? And then writing a whole song about it to include on your album. Ick. I wanted to love this, but the creepo factor in that track tarnished the listening experience for me a bit, sadly.

The Predator by Ice Cube
Apr 14 2025

This was a near 5 for me. Great lyrics, important racial issues addressed, so many incredible hooks. Favorite was Check Yo Self. Is that where Shoop (one of the best songs of all time) came from?? To answer my own question after a deeper dive, seems they both sampled an old song called I’m Blue (The Gong Gong Song) by the Ikettes. Today I learned…maybe, seems to be some conflicting info on this. Anyway, then the bitches and hoes became a thing later in the album. Which was annoying. Overall really enjoyed though!

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners
Apr 15 2025

I thought these guys rose from the ocean like Mariah Carey at Christmas time, made Come On Eileen, then descended peacefully back into the sea. Happy to know I was wrong, this album rocks! Love all the horns throughout. The fast songs bop and the slow songs are cool and soulful. Fun listen!

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Apr 16 2025

Sadly, music about war is always relevant. Today had me feeling dark and broody about the state of the world, and this album fit that mood really well. I thought this was a pretty creative and poetic take on universal truths about the history of violence, the human nature of people who cause it, and the people who are affected by it. It's not a happy album, but the messages ring as true today as ever, so I'm glad someone is out there singing about it. Side note: I thought it was cool the marching sounds in The Words That Maketh Murder sounded like the Wizard of Oz soldiers.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Apr 17 2025

This was kind of a snoozefest and a little hard to follow. It wasn't terrible, there was certainly some interesting instrumentation and it had a few pretty rockin' moments at different builds of the tracks. But overall, the songs were long and all over the place, and it just didn't move me or groove me.

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Apr 18 2025

This was very beautiful, though listening to an album that's THIS slow (and mostly sad) in its entirety calls for a certain mood. It's not something I'd throw on at a party, or a road trip, or while I'm making dinner. MAYBE if it's raining and I'm making soup. But there is something very dreamy and hypnotic in the melancholy here, and I'm a big fan of their lyrics in the original songs. I really loved the Blue Moon Revisited mash up of their own music and Elvis's. So cool. Sweet Jane is an incredible cover too. Favorite original tracks of theirs are Misguided Angel, I Don't Get It, and To Love Is To Bury. Also love the story of where and how they recorded this, it adds to how special it feels.

Wonderful Rainbow by Lightning Bolt
Apr 19 2025

If this is considered their "most accessible" album, it's terrifying to imagine what the rest of their catalog sounds like. That being said, I've heard worse and started realizing I didn't hate it when the second half of Dracula Mountain kicked in. Then I started hating it less with each passing song. Overall, there's something weirdly cathartic in the chaos. Will I ever listen to this again? Unlikely. Am I about to give it a 3? I think I am. That was not what I expected when this started!

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Apr 20 2025

I really liked this. I have no idea what he’s singing about but the beats were fresh and fun, and I loved all the layers of instrumentation. It felt very creative and joyful.

The Next Day by David Bowie
Apr 21 2025

Despite a lot of deep and introspective lyrics, I think I was expecting something a little more epic for his return after a long hiatus. The album was technically very good but left me wanting more from an emotional perspective.

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Apr 22 2025

Listening to this was a chore. The Spotify link is not at all correct according to the track list on Wiki, so I found most of the full album on YouTube, though four songs were missing, so I looked those individual tracks up on Spotify and listened to each when it was their turn in the lineup. (#4-One & Only, #6-Danny's Song, #16-So Long, #20-Mind Games). Having to do all that extra work tarnished the listening experience for me a tad. Plus it was REALLY long. All that fuss aside, I like this music...cool, chill and spacey. It's a vibe. Takes me back to days of yore. Drum and bass was never really my jam, my preferred EDM used to be more dancy and/or "housy." But I appreciate this style more now for the atmosphere it creates. Also, there are some beats in the first song that sound like Survivor (the show) music! So that's neat. Overall, the length and repetitiveness were a bit much though. I can only listen to this type of music for so long before I'm ready to move on, and I was ready to move on well before this album was. Link to YouTube album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENdq1xmtVWo&list=PLvatuzVxjPwF2wC2Fe7D4QjS-10AMSGg6

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Apr 23 2025

I liked this. It’s super raw in its exploration of toxic relationships, and shows the darker side of certain dudes’ brains (not all of them of course)! It’s seeing a bad relationship from the “gentleman’s” perspective, who seems to be self-aware of how destructive and shitty he is, and he continues to be that way anyway. A well executed concept! Favorite song was the one NOT sung by the guy though, My Curse. That song rocked!

Apr 24 2025

Having movie soundtracks in this list is a little strange to me. This is another example of the album clearly being written for a specific cinematic experience, so part of that is missing without the visuals and the story. I’ve read the book and seen the movie, so I’m familiar with the general plot, but it still feels like there’s a piece of the puzzle missing when you can’t see and hear it all together. That being said, I don’t want to knock it too hard. The album stands mostly fine on its own, it’s super chill and cool and atmospheric. Still a very pleasant listen!

Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
Apr 25 2025

Knowing nothing about this band until today, my first impression was that it consisted of the two people showcased on the cover, who are in fact the lead singer's parents. Still hard to shake the image that they're not the ones performing this, lol. Also RIP to Martin Lamble and Jeannie Franklyn, who the band tragically lost before the album was even released. Anywho, I dug this. It's described as their transition from American folk to British folk, and there's clearly a mix of both on here, which is neat. I thought they included a nice variety of sounds and songs, without feeling totally disjointed, and it almost feels beautifully suspended in a specific moment in time. I love Sandy Denny's voice, and the instruments all connect so well together. A couple random shout-outs: Really like the guitar riff breaks in Autopsy, and I was jiving with the jams in the second half of A Sailor's Life too. Favorite full songs were: --Genesis Hall (great message) --Who Knows Where the Time Goes (love the sentiment) --Percy's Song (great storytelling from Dylan) --Million Dollar Bash (a fun party to end on, and love this lyric: I took my potatoes down to be mashed, and I made it right on to that million dollar bash)

Central Reservation by Beth Orton
Apr 26 2025

Another day, another artist I've never heard of but delighted to have found! Beth is a masterful lyricist, I love her beautiful reflections on life and love, and the emotions she evokes. Despite the overall gentle nature of this album, a lot of songs feel very empowering and fierce. She sings of accepting pains of the past and how fleeting it all is, living for now yet yearning for more, and in being a butterfly you can't pin down (love that line). This was a near 5 for me, I was wishing for a little more variety in the tempo though. For instance, I really enjoyed the more dancy Central Reservation Then Again Version. Would've been cool if a few more of the songs were treated that way. Still an amazing find! "You're here just a while. You might as well smile." I love simple universal truths like this, and it reminded me of another of my fave lyrics - "Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think."

A Seat at the Table by Solange
Apr 27 2025

I loved all the lyrics and messages in this, especially in the interludes, and she sings beautifully, but there’s something about this slow style of R&B that doesn’t hook me. It got a little boring after awhile.

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Apr 28 2025

This was kind of strange, haunting and cool. I've never heard anything quite like it. I really like the atmosphere it creates, and the lyrics and instrumentation are super creative. Fun discovery!

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Apr 29 2025

This would probably be a 5 if I was tripping on acid. The sounds were cool, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for listening to that much sitar in one sitting (or would that be a sittaring?)

Ctrl by SZA
Apr 30 2025

She seems to date a lot of toxic men. This is good music and quality production, it's just hard for me to get into the style of R&B. Feels more like storytelling than songs I can really groove to, which gets boring.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
May 01 2025

Today I learned he's still "just a rat in a cage," NOT "just a-ready to cage." Anyway, from the softest love songs to the absolute ragers, this album rocks so hard. The guitars and drums are just incredible, and the lyrics are so well written and impassioned. Tonight, Tonight always gives me the chills and the weepies. Galapogos and Starlight are my favorite "new to me" songs. And I’d probably add Muzzle in there too. I also totally adore Thirty-Three, and 1979 is just so awesome and classic. And then the total bangers like X.Y.U. and Tales of a Scorched Earth are so headbangingly satisfying. There really are so many great tracks on here. Every song is special in its own way, and it almost doesn't feel right to only call out a few of them. I love the mix of emotions throughout...the album is filled with sadness and rage and love and longing, and it all blends together so well in this delightfully tasty Pumpkin soup. Sure, it's REALLY long, but I'll forgive it that sin because of its general epic-ness. He's got a lot of feelings to get out. But please say a few Hails Marys and an Our Father, Billy. We have a lot of albums to get through here, and this is a catch-up day for me!

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
May 02 2025

There's a pretty rockin' good time to be had in this dark world they've created. I've never listened to a Siouxsie album, so this was all new to me. I usually scoff at post punk, but these songs felt more polished and structured than a lot of music in the genre. I love her vocals, and the band sounds really tight. Dug it!

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
May 03 2025

Why is there so much Tim Buckley in this list? I found these songs way too long, sloooooow and largely dull. Buzzin' Fly was the only song I thought was ok. Dream Letter is pretty cringey since it seems he basically abandoned his son for his musical career and then proceeds to write music about said abandonment. Kinda gives me the ick. And Love from Room 109 was way too much ocean. We get it, you're singing about a beach experience. Wasn't a big fan of this.

New Boots And Panties by Ian Dury
May 04 2025

Hmm. I’ve never encountered a song in the wild that I share a name with, not sure how I feel about this being the first, lol. But I’m not mad at it. You do your thing, Plaistow Patricia. And the song has cool horns. Serendipitously, I was also freshly born when this was released. Plus the guy liked to thrift shop! My obvious kinship to the album before I’d even heard it may have clouded my judgment and helped me enjoy it more than I would have otherwise. I thought it was fun and quirky, sometimes unseriously raunchy, with a lot of creative lyrics and instruments. Feels like it’s in a little world all its own. Standouts were Sweet Gene Vincent, Billericay Dickie and PP. For its uniqueness and other reasons stated, 4 it is.

This was dripping with 80s cheese. It did have some nostalgic songs that were fun to hear again (Wishing Well, Seven More Days, Sign Your Name). And I enjoyed If You All Get to Heaven. Ultimately though, despite some good societal commentary here and there, the song structures felt pretty basic and formulaic, and it’s just hard to take this album very seriously.

May 06 2025

I can see why this album has so many accolades. The lyrics are very meaningful and important, the rapping is next level, the samples all weave so well into their tracks, and the music under the lyrics is pretty impeccably produced. And while I appreciate how well done and influential this is, I have to go with a 4 because it's not necessarily something I'd choose to listen to all the way through very often, solely based on personal preference. This type of musical structure doesn't totally move me. I wanted to love it, but didn't quite get there.

Sound Affects by The Jam
May 07 2025

A few of the catchier songs caught my ear, but I found most of this kinda bland and flavorless.

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
May 08 2025

This was an interesting one. I wasn’t very impressed by how it started, but I felt like the songs got better as the album went on. Baby was the first one I perked up a little on, and then Bat Macumba kinda slapped. I also really liked Trem Fantasma and Tempo No Tempo. Lots of unique and quirky sounds swirled this into a fun collection of tunes. 3.5 but didn’t quite reach 4 territory for me.

Rapture by Anita Baker
May 09 2025

Weird that this album isn't on Spotify, but YouTube with the save again! I love the soul she brings to her music, and Sweet Love is a lovely classic. I like No One In The World too. Overall though, this kinda bored me as it went on, and there wasn't anything else that really grabbed me.

The Specials by The Specials
May 10 2025

This was ok. It felt a little all over the place, making it kind of hard to focus on. And some of the messages were odd.

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
May 11 2025

This was pretty eerie, but I enjoyed the layers of sounds. Aisha was the standout song for me, despite its dark creepiness. Solid 3 zone.

Nowhere by Ride
May 12 2025

This is pretty great. I haven’t found shoegaze to my liking much in this project, but this was a delightful exception! There’s so much emotion in the music, and it rocks hard (especially love the end of Seagull). A fabulous new discovery!

B-52's by The B-52's
May 13 2025

I've never done a deep dive into the B-52s, so it was fun to get this today. They are so funky and weird. The songs crack me up when they pick a topic and then incorporate a list a lot of items under that topic into the track (women's names, dances, aquatic animals, planets, etc.) They really go all in with each song's theme, lol. This is all very creative and fresh, and I love their style and their vibe. I'm sure it made a huge lobster splash in 1979!

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
May 14 2025

This was a lovely album, it had a soothing quality and a nice variety of musical compositions. My favorite track was Soukora, it's the kind of song that can heal your soul and make the ugly in the world fall away. Also really liked the bluesy Amandrai and Ai Du, they're so chill and hypnotic. I would've loved to see him perform live.

Country Life by Roxy Music
May 15 2025

I was pretty meh on this after the first listen but didn’t feel like I gave it enough of a chance, so I listened twice more and found more things I liked each time. It didn’t quite reach 4 territory for me, but definitely enjoyed it more than I did at first. Standout songs for me were If It Takes All Night and A Really Good Time.

The Sounds Of India by Ravi Shankar
May 16 2025

One of the many things I love about this project is getting exposed to world music I’d never know about otherwise. One spin through was enough of this particular album for me, but the sounds were cool and it was fun that he was explaining the music as he went along.

Da Capo by Love
May 17 2025

This was pretty good. I didn’t even mind the long song at the end, it was a vibe and had enough change-ups to make it interesting. Nice variety throughout the album too. It didn’t wow me but was a perfectly pleasant listen.

Machine Head by Deep Purple
May 18 2025

TIL the story of Smoke on the Water, fascinating! I had no idea what that song was about, turns out it’s just a very literal story of what happened to the venue they were supposed to record at. I like the last three songs of this album the best. It’s not an album I’d just decide to put on, it’s not totally my thing, but I appreciate their influence on rock and heavy metal. Very classic!

May 19 2025

This was a nice surprise! Never heard of this band and was digging the sounds. Especially liked the first three songs.

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
May 20 2025

This went from a 3 to a 4 to a pretty easy 5 by my third listen once I really sunk my ears in. They have such a cool sound, and I love David Byrne’s vocals and vibe. The best way I can describe this album is that it feels very fluid. It’s not spacey, but it’s never really on solid ground either. It ebbs and flows and drips and ripples and splashes. Which is funny since Once In a Lifetime is water themed. So super good!

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
May 21 2025

These are some pretty cool electronic jams, especially for 1978! I was grooving the whole time. They were quite the musical pioneers. Favorite track was The Model. Makes me want to dance like the Sprockets on SNL. I was having a stressful day the last time we had Kraftwerk, so I think I'll revisit Autobahn to see if my opinion on that one changes.

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
May 22 2025

If I run a vegan taco truck when I retire, I’d like to pipe this into the seating area. This has a really nice energy, and I especially enjoyed the last few songs. Enjoyable listen!

Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl
May 23 2025

Album #500, let's go! This kind of reminds me of the xx album I See You in its theme...a wave of songs about a complicated relationship and the highs and lows of the emotional rollercoaster that ensues. I enjoyed this one a lot more than the xx though. It's softer in a way but also more groovy, and the emotions feel more genuine and less overdone. And I really like her voice. This also feels so mid-90s, which I love. The blend of electronica with actual vocals and storytelling is pretty great. I was left wishing there were a few more faster/dancier tracks like Wrong, but even the slow songs took you on a cool journey.

May 24 2025

These guys sound like more of a hot mess than Oasis! I appreciate the variety and quirkiness they bring to their music. There's always something interesting going on, even in the more 'meh' songs, and I enjoy the stories they tell. Overall, I really enjoyed almost all of this. A few of the songs were so-so, but I'm generally pretty drawn to their sound!

May 25 2025

This had a fun sparkle to it. Cool upbeat jams to vibe out to. It got a little samesy as it went on, but an enjoyable listen!

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
May 26 2025

Sometimes I really like an album and it’s hard to articulate exactly why. This was one of those. It just felt real and heartfelt and lovely.

Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys
May 27 2025

Funny that this starts with a song called Being Boring, because that’s a pretty good description of this album. It wasn’t offensive or bad, but I didn’t find it good either. Just kinda there. And like I was having a conversation with that person who’s always a negative Nathan. Even when the underlying musical structure seemed interesting, the vocals brought it down a notch and sucked the energy out a little. Nearly a 2, but I’ll be nice.

The Yes Album by Yes
May 28 2025

I think I'm a Maybe on Yes. The songs are sooooo long, and I don't find this musical style very interesting. They have some cool jams, but the songs tend to lose me the longer they go on. I do like the track I already knew, I've Seen All Good People. And generally it's not unpleasant, just not totally my jam.

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
May 29 2025

There’s something very earthy and pure about the simplicity of Joan’s voice and her guitar. Her style also feels very Americana, despite the Scottish and Spanish influences at the end. I didn’t fall in love with her vocals but was very intrigued and comforted by them.

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
May 30 2025

Not really sure what this was. It kind of feels like the dollar store version of Leonard Cohen. That sounds mean, but that’s how it comes across to me. The lounge vibes were interesting though, and I liked some of the later songs. This might grow on me if I listened more, so I will give a 3 for potential!

Timeless by Goldie
May 31 2025

When I was part of the late 90s/early 00s rave scene, I never really felt like I fit in. Mainly because I wasn't sure of myself enough back then to let loose and dance (plus the clothing style was NOT me lol). I felt more like a spectator than a participant. I enjoyed the music and the lights and the people watching though, especially when My Dear Miss Annie was around. Drum and bass, however, was my least favorite sub-genre at the time, and that seems to still hold true today. Today's version of me would totally let loose and dance, but not to this. This music isn't terrible, but it's incredibly repetitive and it's very easy to forget you're even listening to it. Plus this album is painfully long.

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Jun 01 2025

This has such a vintage feel to it. I want to listen to it in a big old convertible driving down Route 66. Certainly an improvement from the travesty that was Trout Mask Replica!

Urban Hymns by The Verve
Jun 02 2025

Bittersweet Symphony is such a 90s anthem and one of my fave songs, but I’ve never listened to this album before and wasn’t familiar with any of their other work. Bittersweet is definitely the star. There were a few other standouts, but overall the vibes were a little too melancholy.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Jun 03 2025

This album gets a lot of buzz on the subreddit, so I was pretty stoked to finally get it today, and was prepared to strap in for the long ride. I was pleased to find it lives up to the hype! The songwriting is so incredibly creative, and it never seems to drag on because there's so much variety in sound and style. You never know what you're getting next, and there wasn't a single song that felt like a disappointment. It just all works so well together. Such a fun journey! I feel like I need to pick a favorite of the 69, and I'm going with Long-Forgotten Fairytale, but the whole thing was truly a delight. Definitely falls into masterpiece status in my book!

Jun 04 2025

These guys seem fun, I want to be their friend. Also RIP to D. Boon. This isn't the kind of music I normally gravitate towards, and most of the songs are almost comically short and feel unfinished, but there's an interesting balance struck between how unserious they seem while also singing about (sometimes) serious things, with this different take on what "punk" sounds like. What it lacks in catchiness, it at least makes up for in uniqueness. I think I like "Side Mike" the best for its goofy factor, and because Corona is the best song on the album.

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Jun 05 2025

So I guess this is just her covering songs that I wasn't familiar with, and the songs aren't that great. This might be ok to sit in a hotel lounge and listen to, but it wasn't very interesting to me. I'd prefer to hear one of her later albums with her own music on them.

Picture Book by Simply Red
Jun 06 2025

I’m mixed on this one. Until I did a deeper dive, I thought I was listening to a soulful black woman sing, so that was a confusing pivot I had to make in my brain. The music is still good though, I dig the soul and the disco vibes, it just threw me off. Overall I enjoyed it, and there was a lot of cool instrumentation and song composition, despite some elements that had a little bit too much of an 80s cheese feel.

Jun 07 2025

I really like this, it feels like a grand celebration of funk and a party everyone's invited to! Super fun and groovy and gets better with every listen. Bummer that it's not on Spotify.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Jun 08 2025

This is about as 3 as it gets. The songs would be better if they weren’t so depressing.

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Jun 09 2025

After two listens, this album is pretty rockin! Feels so grungy and raw for its time and I really enjoyed jamming out and doing a little head banging to it today.

D by White Denim
Jun 10 2025

I found this rather chaotic and confusing and all over the place but gave it a second listen to see if I was just missing something on my first pass. It didn't improve my opinion. They're obviously talented musicians, but nothing felt like it "went" together, and the vocals sometimes felt like a whole different entity than the band. Some of the songs had moments of okay-ness, but for the most part, their jams weren't my jam.

Face to Face by The Kinks
Jun 11 2025

I’ve been all over the place with the Kinks and this one felt pretty average. It was fine but did not feel very inspired or creative to me.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Jun 12 2025

Enjoyed this a lot. The concept on side 1 is moving and emotional, especially on a day when we buried our uncle. Especially loved America on that side, and the sound bites from all the older people, though I wish some of them were more audible. And side 2 is a lot of fun! Mrs Robinson is great of course, I had no idea they did Hazy Shade of Winter, and At the Zoo was a goofy good time. They packed a lot into 29 minutes!

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

Seems a lot of people had a Beachy day today! After a few listens, I feel much more of a kinship to this album than when I began. It's got important messages about being kind to our water and our feet, and reflective musings on life and death. And the societal topics are just as relevant today as ever. There's a riot goin' on. I enjoyed the mix of quirky and chill and introspective and even bluesy. The album was weird, but it definitely grew on me. A Day in the Life of A Tree and 'Til I Die felt like Brian was already preparing goodbye songs. I'm glad he still had 54 more years to enjoy! RIP to Mr. Wilson, and thanks for all the tunes.

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Jun 14 2025

This was pretty great. It felt transportive to the era, but also fresh. I had fun grooving with it.

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Jun 15 2025

When their best song on here is a cover, an album can feel pretty average. Which this one did. Nothing I hated about it, it was just rock music that never really reached a level that made me want to rock out.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Jun 16 2025

One of my college roommates was very into the Beastie Boys, so they were playing a lot in those days, but I never took the time to really dig into their music catalog myself, aside from their hits. So now that I have one of their full albums under my belt... Pros: They are very talented rappers and performers and lyricists. They have a great energy that always comes through in their music. It's hard not to like them simply for who they are. The album had a lot of great variety too, and I liked the blend of punk and hip-hop and even some jazzy feels in the instrumentals. Very well produced too! Cons: The voice distortion was annoying. It's hard to hear what they're saying when they're making their voice so fuzzy. They write great lyrics, but then I can barely understand a lot of them. Their voices are also kind of a lot sometimes, and honestly, I liked the song with Q-Tip best because his voice isn't so harsh. And I could actually understand him. I was surprised by the number of instrumentals on here, but also I kind of liked them because it was sort of a way to relax after a big song and big voices. I especially liked the one with the violin. Overall, this is still a great album from an iconic group, I have mad respect for the Beastie Boys.

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Jun 17 2025

I think my tolerance for post punk music has gone up as a result of this project. Or maybe there are just some albums in that genre I like more than others. At any rate, this was enjoyable enough for one listen through, and the lyrics and instrumenting were good. Solidly in 3 territory for me!

Foxbase Alpha by Saint Etienne
Jun 18 2025

I really liked this! It grooves so smoothly. Loved the variety of songs and sounds too...some dancy, some chill, some in between, and all very ethereal feeling. Fave track was Stoned to Say the Least, and Only Love Can Break Your Heart was a close second. She needs to lose that dude though!

Jun 19 2025

So I actually really liked this. I only listened through the Yarbles song because that’s where the original album ended. Barmy was my favorite (and weird coincidence that BARM was a Connections word today! I’ve never seen that word before and had it twice in one day). But I liked the lyrics and all the guitar riffs and for post punk, this is pretty damn good stuff.

Dookie by Green Day
Jun 20 2025

Green Day is always a good time! They just rock out and create a fun environment while singing about all the angsty, anxiety-inducing things felt by the youth of the 90s. Hard not to love. There are so many great hits on here. I wasn’t as enamored with the non-hits and I do think American Idiot is a better album, but this is still a near 5.

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Jun 21 2025

I love how much soul Elvis sings with on this album. Even though these aren't his songs, he really pays homage to them, and the backing vocals and richness of instrumentation just makes this whole thing very beautiful.

La Revancha Del Tango by Gotan Project
Jun 22 2025

This had a really unique sound, and the bandoneon is new to me. Interesting that it's common in tango music. There are definitely tango undertones throughout, with electronic and jazzy inspiration too. The blend of instruments and beats works so well to my ears. Favorites were Triptico and Santa Maria (the beats on the latter were so fun). This album is definitely a VIBE, and not like anything I've heard before.

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Jun 23 2025

This was pretty great. It's rockin' and soulful and full of emotion. I wish he would've chosen a different direction for You're the One for Me, Fatty. Even if the intent was kind, using that name even in an endearing way is icky. I also thought Seasick, yet Still Docked was a little dull. Those two aside, I am a big fan of the rest!

All Hail the Queen by Queen Latifah
Jun 24 2025

Hip-hop, like many music genres, is very male-dominated, so it was refreshing to get a female hip-hop artist for once. And I’m all about women power and fucking the patriarchy, which she clearly is too. The issue I had with this is that 90% of the time it just feels like she’s singing about how awesome she is, and also how awesome whoever this guy Mark is. She got a little deeper in songs like Evil That Men Do and Ladies First, but it primarily feels a bit narcissistic in nature. I do appreciate her rhymes and her vocals. She can lay down some great raps. And she obviously had a point to prove to the industry, which is what it feels this was largely about. I’m sure it was a huge struggle to get to where she was as a woman in hip-hop in the 80s. But I just couldn’t connect to a lot of it because it ultimately felt like a brag fest, and aside from a few of the more reggae sounds, it felt like a lot of the same thing.

Quiet Life by Japan
Jun 25 2025

This sounded so much like Duran Duran, and turns out Japan was a big influence on them! Who knew? Not me. That's a pretty impressive mark on their resume. I thought the album was pretty good. They really experimented with a lot of cool sounds. I like how "synthy" it is, and then some of it feels very noir too, especially songs like Despair and Other Side of Life. I liked the first half better than the second. It might've been a 4 if it didn't start to bore me towards the end. Cool find though!

Electric by The Cult
Jun 26 2025

This kinda felt like British butt rock. Nothing particularly wrong with it, they cranked out some nice guitar riffs and drumbeats, but there was something kind of generic feeling about it to me.

Protection by Massive Attack
Jun 27 2025

I really love the atmosphere Massive Attack creates. It's mysterious and lush. It's like you're stepping into their world and wandering around admiring it. Not sure they really nailed Light My Fire, but it was cool to hear where they took it.

Roger the Engineer by The Yardbirds
Jun 28 2025

This was great! Super cool rocks and jams, especially for this era. I'm a fan.

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
Jun 29 2025

This album starts off with a banger, and I was hoping it would continue that way. I want more Honey! Unfortunately most of it veered into ballady R&B and wasn’t really my thing. Mariah is awesome though, and she has a beautiful voice.

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
Jun 30 2025

I really liked this. I’ve never heard of Marianne Faithfull and she just died earlier this year. RIP, I wish I would’ve discovered her sooner. Her voice has Cyndi Lauper vibes, and turns out Cyndi was influenced by this album and had a lot of love for it. Neat! I like her sound and the feeling and depth she performs with. The Working Class Hero cover was so dark and cool. What’s the Hurry and Why’d You Do It were other faves. I dug this.

Sheet Music by 10cc
Jul 01 2025

This album cracked me up. The lyrics are super funny and creative, and the musical compositions are interesting and catchy. Great variety in sound too. It was a fun surprise, never heard of these guys.

The Score by Fugees
Jul 02 2025

This is one of the greatest hip-hop albums I've heard. It's also very nostalgic, as it was part of the fabric of my sophomore year of college. The production quality is impeccable, and I love the synchronicity with their vocals. The lyrics are so good too, plus they crush the covers. Hard to pick a favorite track. The title track might take that title for me, but I'm a big fan of Ready or Not and Family Business and Fu-Gee-La too. Huge fan of Marley's No Woman No Cry, so that one holds a special place as well. But every song is great in its own right. I love how complete of an album is too...from the intro and outro to the ends of songs flowing into the beginnings of the next ones. It's all just so COOL. I love it. Easy 5.

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Jul 03 2025

It's pretty cool these guys started paving the way for the grungy garage rock sounds that eventually took the world by storm. I didn't find their covers to be better than any of the originals, but they were interesting versions of them. And their original songs were pretty good. Overall, I wasn't wowed, but kudos to garage rocking in the mid-60s.

Winter In America by Gil Scott-Heron
Jul 04 2025

I really like his voice and his vibe. Some of the songs are a little too sparse, and it leans more into talking than music at times. Overall, it's cool stuff though! The Bottle was my favorite song on here, and I like the soul and meaning in what he sings about.

Ys by Joanna Newsom
Jul 05 2025

I appreciate the creativity of her lyrics and the artistry and soul in her performance. But this largely feels like a storybook being read/sung, and it's not a story I want to hear again. Her voice got annoyingly grating by the second song, and this was a slog to get through.

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Jul 06 2025

This isn’t what I was expecting from our first Bee Gees album in the project. I’m all for an overly dramatic sorrowful heartbreak song when it’s done well, and the ones on here were done pretty well. But an entire album of “epic” heartbreak music got to be a bit much with nothing else to balance it out.

1977 by Ash
Jul 07 2025

I really enjoyed how rockin' this was. Overall, it was a bit muffled though, and it left me craving a crisper sound and crisper vocals. Loved jamming out to it despite that!

Arise by Sepultura
Jul 08 2025

After catching up on an album of a completely different vibe that was hard to get through because of the vocals, my ears officially feel assaulted and I kind of want to cry. I don't mind the hard rock/heavy metal instrumentation, and the lyrics offer meaningful commentary on society and soul searching that’s as relevant today as ever, but the "I am singing heavy metal in a dark creepy voice" voice is super annoying and overshadows the positives of the album.

I’m a Lonesome Fugitive by Merle Haggard
Jul 09 2025

I was a little confused on my first listen. It felt like it was missing an "edge" of some sort, despite the fugitive theme, and the lyrics didn't seem to go with who I assumed Merle Haggard to be. Turns out, they go EXACTLY with who Merle Haggard happened to be. He was IN San Quentin (as a prisoner!) when Johnny Cash was there singing Folsom Prison Blues. So yeah, this was pretty legit lol. That being said, I didn't feel like I fully connected with any of the songs, though I like his voice and the country sounds of yesteryear. It was still a super pleasant listen and props to him for evolving from a convict to an icon.

British Steel by Judas Priest
Jul 10 2025

Meh. This was just too much, it feels like 'try too hard' rock and I feel nothing from it.

Caetano Veloso by Caetano Veloso
Jul 11 2025

This album had fun vibes and a cool variety of sounds and instruments and vocals. Favorite song was Soy Loco Por Ti America.

Vespertine by Björk
Jul 12 2025

It's Not Up To You kinda blew my mind, what a beautifully dreamy song, and I really loved the lyrics. I love her writing throughout the album too, and she creates such an ethereal yet deeply emotional atmosphere that it feels like you've landed on some magical Bjork moon. This was pretty special.

Jul 13 2025

Totally dig the indie / pop / new wavey-ish vibes of this one. I like the heart Morrissey sings with, even when he wants to strangle his girlfriend in a coma, or when he won't be sad for the birthday celebrant to die. Fun instrumentation too.

Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees
Jul 14 2025

The first song that really grabbed me on here was A Minha Menina, and it sounded familiar, which is funny because it's a cover by Jorge Ben, whose album we had in April. But that song isn't even on that Jorge album, so maybe I've heard it in a different setting. At any rate, it's a fun track! In general, I liked the simple, chill vibes throughout this album, but nothing totally wowed me.

Marquee Moon by Television
Jul 15 2025

I liked this a lot! I tasted Violent Femmes flavors and turns out, Television was an influence on the Femmes. Neat!

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Jul 16 2025

Felt a little blast of nostalgia with this one, it took me back to a very specific time and place in my life. My Girls has been a song in my regular rotation over the years, but I haven't listened to this whole album in probably 15 years. It's always interesting to see if and how time changes our perspective and our listening experience. No idea how I would feel about this if I was hearing it for the first time, because it's kind of weird, but I love the way it radiates with a unique type of sunshine while also having a dreamy quality about it. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy and makes my heart happy. Bonus points for a cover that moves!

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell
Jul 17 2025

I wasn't particularly fond of the last Joni album we had, but I enjoyed this one a bit more. She creates cool jazzy atmospheres with these songs, it's not just her voice telling stories. I especially enjoyed the unique and dark sounds of The Jungle Line and really liked Harry's House with the piano too. Her lyrics can feel a bit like abstract art, I don't always understand what she's singing about, but apparently some of these are standing up to patriarchal norms, so I'm all about that! Overall, while this was an intriguing and thought-provoking journey, this style of music just doesn't move me. The songs meander so much and there's no rhythm or beat that gives them shape.

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
Jul 18 2025

I love that this was made in 2005 but feels like a vintage record. His voice makes me swoon. He's like Frank Sinatra, Leonard Cohen and Jarvis Cocker all wrapped up into one. Maybe even a little Johnny Cash in Wading Through The Waters of My Time. There's a lot of emotion in these songs created by both the instruments and his vocals, and they're also very gentle and tender. Easy to get lost in. The Ocean is particularly special, but I loved so many of them. Great discovery!

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Jul 19 2025

I can certainly see why this makes its appearance on the Lowest Rated Albums list. My goodness, it's terrible. It wasn't to a level that made me angry though, possibly because it's not painfully long. Even one more song might've sent me over the edge to a 1, but it eked out a 2 for me.

Eagles by Eagles
Jul 20 2025

Nothing like starting a day on the open road out west with Take It Easy! The three hits on here are pretty great, but the rest was just ok to me.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Jul 21 2025

Despite being somewhat appalled by Nico’s solo album, Femme Fatale is my fave on here. She works well with others. I don’t love every song, but overall it’s pretty damn cool, and it might even be a 5 if it didn’t sound like their instruments were broken half the time. And if the last song wasn’t annoying filler.

Very by Pet Shop Boys
Jul 22 2025

I like the 90s Pet Shop Boys better than the 80s Boys. There’s a richness and lushness to these songs. I like the layers that build on each other, and the emotion in the lyrics. The dancier electronic vibes suit them well!

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

I really like the song Changes, and the first track gets pretty awesome towards the end. Overall though, I felt like this album was keeping me at arm’s length somehow. It’s just wasn’t something I felt connected to. RIP to Ozzy the legend though!

Heavy Weather by Weather Report
Jul 25 2025

This had some cool moments, I liked the 70s-ness of it all, but it mostly melted into background noise. Jazz tends to do that for me.

Jul 26 2025

I really liked this. He has a unique old timey style and I love how his emotional reflections on relationships, families, politics, society and war are all woven together in what feels like an album that captures the essence of someone’s lifetime.

Jul 27 2025

I’ve been excited to get this one because I’ve heard great things but never gave it a listen before. It was super fun and rockin’, but it was missing a little depth in the lyrics for me. It was largely about party culture, which I have nothing against (obviously), but it was hard to emotionally connect to, and it didn’t reach 5 territory.

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
Jul 28 2025

Always cool to be pleasantly surprised by bands I’ve never heard of, and this is a good example of that. Love the British new wave/psychedelic vibes, and his commentary on the expectations of boys in society. Lots of catchy tunes and fun instrumentation here.

Jul 29 2025

Perfect Monday morning music! Also great rave music, at like 5am-ish, when the wildness is winding down and the light of dawn is starting to peek over the horizon. I really enjoyed this, and it's super impressive he was making some of these sounds as early as 1985 at such a young age. It's mesmerizing and comforting and feels so warm and lush. An electrifying hug.

Cross by Justice
Jul 30 2025

Interesting to get two electronic albums back to back that are so different. This album was as rough and edgy as Aphex Twin's was soft and soothing. It reminds me of music from an artist I like named DJ Icey, and I like the "opera-disco" theme. I love the hard beats and party atmosphere it creates. We'll put this one at 2 am rave time, when the party is peaking, and the dance floor is alive and raging. So many funky beats and dancy grooves. I dig it!

Jul 31 2025

This was really interesting and artsy. Each song felt like its own little journey and had a lot of layers to peel back. Lots of diversity in sound! My favorite was On Some Faraway Beach. Not sure I'd return to this because it was a little too avant garde for me, but it was neat to hear his debut solo creation.

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Aug 01 2025

Another movie soundtrack I’m confused is on the list because it’s missing so much context. The music is fine for what it is, but it was obviously made to complement what we aren’t able to see while we listen, and because of that, it doesn’t feel complete.

Aug 02 2025

Mr. Wendal is serious nostalgia! I was only familiar with that song and Tennessee, so it was fun to hear this entire album. I like its sparkly, optimistic nature and really love the lyrics and how many topics they speak so poetically and meaningfully on, especially the songs about spirituality and finding your way in life.

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Aug 03 2025

Missy is a great rapper and this album is very well done, but unfortunately none of the songs really grabbed me.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Aug 04 2025

The title track is so iconic, but it’s always been in a “haha that song is ridic long” way. I’ve never bothered to give my attention to it, and I actually really liked the long jam and was digging the rest of the album too. He really loves this woman! She apparently didn’t love him as much, poor guy. The album was a pretty great portrayal of a tragic love story, and an epic ode to a true love.

Let's Get Killed by David Holmes
Aug 05 2025

This has a good variety of interesting sounds but as a whole, I got bored with it.

Aug 06 2025

The 20-minute intro to an album in a genre I didn't know existed felt like I'd voluntarily stumbled into a rather aimless abyss. I can see why this is categorized as post rock. It kind of sucks all the fun and grit and words out of rock and mostly leaves a gentle, calming experience with rock instrumentals instead. It was fine enough though, nice ambient mood music.

Shleep by Robert Wyatt
Aug 07 2025

I am mixed on this one. He writes really interesting lyrics, but he just sounds so SAD. Which makes me feel sad. And his songs are more folksy with the way they meander, and that's not music I typically get very excited about. But overall, the words and arrangements were creative and I didn't hate it like I hated his last album. Either that or the music I'm willing to tolerate keeps expanding.

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
Aug 08 2025

This is the second day in a row I've had a second album by an artist whose previous album in the project was a 1 for me. And I don't hand out many 1s! So I wasn't terribly excited going into either day. But this is also the second day in a row I haven't hated this next album. Again, is my musical mind expanding, or are these albums actually more pleasant to my ears? Hard to say for sure, but I liked how rockin' this was, and I didn't mind how long a few of the songs were. I did listen to the Second Edition version though, as I couldn't find the original Metal Box on Spotify, and that version breaks up the last 12-minute song into three parts. At any rate, I enjoyed Rotten's dark, broody lyrics mixed with a lot of really cool instrumentation. It's not an album I'd probably choose to listen to again, but I appreciate the artistry!

Roxy Music by Roxy Music
Aug 09 2025

This was a good one! It's one of those albums that doesn't necessarily grab me right away but when I give time and attention to it, it's got a lot of interesting, creative sounds going on.

Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear
Aug 10 2025

No matter what reggae music is playing, it's always a vibe, but sometimes it's easy for it to blend into the background (for me, not saying this in general). This album deserves all the attention one can give it, there's so much great storytelling around Jamaican culture and history and philosophy. It just really showcases the beauty and depth of reggae, and of Jamaica itself.

Aug 11 2025

I've never listened to Chicago's debut before, so this was a fun one to get today! Some classic hits on here, and I really dig the jazz/brass/rock fusion they're working with. It was long, and a lot of the songs were long and very jam bandy feeling, and it feels like maybe this could've been edited down to a single album. But they were doing their thing and seemed to really have fun jamming out. A single album probably wouldn't have captured that.

Aug 12 2025

The first song on this album was certainly an appropriate one to get today. We're just kicking the poor out of DC now? I wonder how Jane Fonda feels about that. A lot of this album is still very relevant today. The world keeps spinning, but so many things never change. Aside from its lyrical relevance, I also enjoyed how rockin' and raw and manic this was. The Elvis cover at the end felt very right for this too, lol. Great debut!

Aug 13 2025

I guess this is supposed to be one of the defining heavy metal albums of the 90s. Cool. I don't like it. I HAVE heard worse heavy metal, but that doesn't change the fact that I was annoyed by it and couldn't wait for it to be over. They sound like Metallica but screamier and angrier. Their front man sounds like a real piece of work too. This is my least favorite genre of music to get, and every time we get one, I hope it's the last. So we'll see if my wish finally comes true. It probably won't.

Tical by Method Man
Aug 14 2025

I really liked this. Great raps, and it has dark undertones while still maintaining a sense of lightness in the song compositions and lyrical delivery. At least that's what it sounds like to me. At any rate, I enjoyed the method.

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Aug 15 2025

This was really fun and indulgent feeling. I couldn't have told you before today who sang Relax, now I know! An 80s classic. I also really loved their takes on the covers in this. It was an eclectic mix of songs to cover, and they did a great job. Overall, this was very 80s and pretty epically over the top, but in a way I very much enjoyed.

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Aug 16 2025

I told a friend who really likes this group that I had this album today, and she described it as "ear candy." I have to agree! It has all these pretty layers to it that create a dreamy and delicious soundscape. The lyrics are mostly impossible to understand, so much so that apparently even Spotify doesn't know them. But I kind of like how her vocals became more of an instrument in all the layers because of that. She has a beautiful voice, and these songs carry so much feeling and soft intensity, if that's a thing. Really enjoyed!

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Aug 17 2025

I've never heard of this band or album and had no idea what to expect. This kinda blew me away. It was so lovely to my ears and felt like a delicious meal from beginning to The Beginning And The End. I'm giving a quick rating based on my first listen since I'm trying to get caught up today, but I think the 5 would still stand after a couple more listens.

Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney
Aug 18 2025

This was pretty rockin and props to its major influence in the Seattle grunge scene. Definitely has some Nirvana vibes. I also appreciate that I can mostly hear the lyrics. It was missing something for me to really connect to and want to keep listening, but still a solid album.

Oar by Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Aug 19 2025

I had no idea what to expect based on the description and was surprised this was so pretty and chill. He seems to have lived a tragic life plagued by addiction and mental illness, and I'm happy he was able to leave his mark on the world and create beautiful music despite his troubles. I thought this was a cool album.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Aug 21 2025

I’ve never listened to this album and wasn’t familiar with any of the songs, so I listened three times in hopes of finding a deeper connection to it because I really like R.E.M. I love their unique sound but I didn’t love this album. It feels very much like them getting their feet wet with their debut, instead of coming out guns blazing. There wasn’t much that really grabbed me. I also didn’t understand what he was singing about most of the time.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Aug 23 2025

No Woman No Cry has always been one of my favorite Bob Marley songs, but I've only ever heard the live version from Legend. I love the studio version just as much. I wasn't familiar with the rest of this album. I like how he takes his time getting the messages of the songs across (which highlight a variety of struggles in a beautifully poetic way), while cool instrumentals and backing vocals carry the jams in such a chill, funky way. The vibe and life of Jamaica is so perfectly captured in this, which makes sense since he basically IS Jamaica. Great jams, I really want to be on the beach now!

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Aug 24 2025

This sounds way more Americana than I expected, given that he is British. But I'm always surprised by who's British, so what else is new! There are a lot of musicians that come through my town with this same vibe, so while the sound feels familiar and not terribly original, I imagine this was a pretty innovative and modern take on the bluesy/folk rock/Americana genre when it came out in 1993. It's cool music overall, I feel like Ben Harper was the first artist I heard that was comparable to this, and I really dug his sound at that time (early aughts). This album is well done. I like his soulfulness and the instrumentation is rockin’. And this style of music has stood the test of time, I dug it!

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Aug 25 2025

TIL he recorded Through the Wire while his jaw was wired shut after a car accident. Wut. How did I not know this. He's one that's REALLY hard to separate the art from the artist, but this is a good album, except for The New Workout Plan. That song is gross. Overall though, I'd give this more accolades if he wasn't awful. I was a big fan of several of these songs back in the day.

American Beauty by Grateful Dead
Aug 26 2025

Ok, I love this. We had a live album of theirs awhile back that I didn't connect with all that much, but this was a much different experience. I love Ripple SO much. One of those "makes me cry" songs. The rest of this was pretty great too. I can't come close to claiming to be an official deadhead or anything, there's far too much of their music I'm still not familiar with, but I get the appeal! This makes me want to be on a road trip in the middle of nowhere.

xx by The xx
Aug 27 2025

This album is so chill and vibey that it makes me want to fall asleep in a cuddle puddle and miss half the album. I do like it, but it gets samesy after awhile. It’s one I’m familiar with and that I don’t like as much as I used to.

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Aug 28 2025

This was fun and funky that made me bippity bop, but it also had a cheese factor that made it hard to take very seriously.

One World by John Martyn
Aug 29 2025

He sings with such restraint in his voice that it somehow felt like work to listen to this. I guess some of the instrumentation was cool, and he has a nice voice, but it felt like too much of a slog for me to really enjoy.

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Aug 30 2025

Back with another of those block rockin' beats! The Chemical Brothers always felt like the group that brought rave culture music "mainstream," or at least as mainstream as it was ever going to get. I'm familiar with a few of the tracks on here, and early 2000s me probably would've given this a 5. I enjoy the kind of hard edge they give to electronic music, but a whole hour of this felt long and a little tedious and repetitive. Still enjoyed though!

Aug 31 2025

It's hard to do any justice to this album with words. It is flawless from beginning to end and feels less like a traditional album and more like a living, breathing piece of art that brilliantly encapsulates the beauty and tragedy of the passing of time, and of all that is life, better than anything I've ever heard. It's so moving and creative and timeless. The first minute and a half of Eclipse is such a beautiful and emotional set of lyrics that it makes me cry just typing about them. I feel so grateful to live in a time where music like this exists.

Sep 01 2025

It's cool to hear what Jamiroquai was creating before Virtual Insanity became wildly popular. They have a cool factor to me from that video alone, lol. This is jazzy and funky and has great social commentary in the lyrics. It veers a little too much into jazz land for my taste at times in the first few tracks, but the funk helps bring it back and keeps it fun and interesting. I really like the horns, and the didgeridoo too! Lots of creative instrumentation that I think get better and better as the album goes on. Especially loved Revolution 1993. This was pretty great!

In Our Heads by Hot Chip
Sep 02 2025

I really enjoyed this when it started, but the synth pop vibe got a little tired as the songs went on. It was fun and boppy but it feels like there's a complexity missing in their effort to give this an 80's vibe, and there's nothing that feels very original about the music. There wasn't a lot to connect to in the lyrics either, mostly a lot of relationship musings that didn't feel that emotional to me. Overall, it was a good time and I can get down to their beat, but it lacked any real wow factor.

Sep 03 2025

Oh wow, so this is the guy that died in the fire saving the Bebel Gilberto album we had. Another musician lost way too soon. Also another reminder about all the fascinating connections between people in the music industry. I really like the vibes of this album. It's chill and spacy and floaty, and very technically well done too. It's not the type of music I'd normally listen to, but I really enjoyed it!

Sep 04 2025

I don't even know what to think of this, lol. I guess it's an interesting concept to create a "jazz club" in a studio with a live audience, but there's an authenticity missing for me because of that, which clouds the experience. It has a weird fakeness to it, and the audience laughs at a lot of things that really aren't that funny. Plus I'm not getting a lot of actual "songs" here, which is also an issue. It's too many stories where he's just droning on about some nonsense or another, and not nearly enough singing. At least the backing band was good, but this isn't something I'd listen to again. I can't pick out a single track I'd add to a playlist. I gave Rain Dogs a 5, so this might finally be the first artist on my controversial list!

California by American Music Club
Sep 05 2025

Had to seek this one out on YouTube. I really like their sound! It feels like very down home comfort music. It didn't wow me into 4 territory, but it was a pleasant listen.

Tonight's The Night by Neil Young
Sep 06 2025

Loved the piano and harmonica and all the other instrumentation in this album. It had a lot of depth and richness of sound. Enjoyed the vibes and Neil’s singing too. Overall very well done!

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Sep 07 2025

So loungy and jazzy, this is the kind of jazz I really enjoy. Perfect for Sunday morning listening. It was fun that they kept the introduction to the audience and her mistake in there too, feels all the more genuine.

Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby by Girls Against Boys
Sep 08 2025

Maybe I didn't give this enough proper attention, but it just felt a mediocre college garage band version of Nine Inch Nails. I couldn't understand much of what he was saying, and there wasn't a single song that drew me in.

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Sep 09 2025

So I guess this is mostly an album of her singing other people's songs. Ok, cool, I'm not opposed to that. But oh my, she sure picked a roster of songs that really showcased how sadly she could sing. The first song had a little pep, which I was hoping would pave the way for a nice mix of down home old country bops. But that didn't happen again until the last Silver Dollar Queen song, and I was so downtrodden by then that it failed to pick me back up. She does have a very pretty voice, so it wasn't entirely an unpleasant listen.

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Sep 10 2025

This felt a little too sparse and soft to be compared to Nirvana, though I can hear it in the vocals sometimes. But it was pretty good in its own right. I liked Get Free and Factory a lot. And they really rocked it out in 1969.

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Sep 11 2025

That first song wasn’t a comfy listen, but I felt better to discover the actual meaning behind it. Quite a tale really. Overall, this was an interesting album. It addressed some important topics. It’s hard to separate him from Toy Story at this point, but that’s ok. I enjoyed the themes and vibes.

Scissor Sisters by Scissor Sisters
Sep 13 2025

This was pretty great. I like how indulgent it feels, and it's a nice blend of fun dance/party songs and introspective ballady type tracks. I'd like to spend more time with this one.

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Sep 14 2025

I dig this cool jazz sound, and I like it a lot better than a lot of the jazz albums we've had.

Next by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Sep 15 2025

So Bon Scott and Nick Cave were both influenced by these guys, neat! Bonus they are from Glasgow! This was funny and weird, but I really liked it.

Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Sep 16 2025

I like the lyrics in this one, a nice mix of life reflections and storytelling. His voice gets kind of grating, but I still enjoyed this overall. Especially liked Dirt in the Ground and the last song on the album.

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver
Sep 17 2025

This had a pretty ethereal quality to it, but it all just kind of ran together for me and nothing was very wowing.

The Coral by The Coral
Sep 18 2025

Super fun discovery! Loved how catchy and rockin' this all was, and really creative instrumentation and song structures too.

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Sep 19 2025

This is such a fun celebration of Latin culture. All the layers of instruments and vocals create a really rich soundscape, and it's just a party! The country shout-outs at the end of the first track made me smile. Enjoyed this a lot!

Konnichiwa by Skepta
Sep 20 2025

The only thing I've heard that sounds similar to him is the song Hi, Ren. So apparently I've never really listened to British rap before! I like his accent, it definitely creates a unique sound, and I enjoyed his lyrical pacing too. There weren't necessarily individual tracks that stood out more than others, but I thought this was really well produced as a whole album, and it was easy to groove to.

Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes
Sep 21 2025

This is a fun blast from the past. Definitely transports me back to this early 90s era of life. They weren't one of my top bands by any means, but their music was so ubiquitous then. It's nothing mind-blowing but still a rockin' good time with a lot of nostalgic classics! Especially love me some Hard to Handle.

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Sep 22 2025

Ugh, I love these guys so much. I was familiar with some of these songs but have never given this album as a whole a good listen. It gets better with each spin. They create such interesting and creative sounds, their lyrics are great, and so many of these songs are just so MOVING. This hasn't topped Yoshimi for me yet, but still an easy 5!

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
Sep 23 2025

I dig how groovy this is. He has a distinct, recognizable sound that feels very of its time, but also weirdly timeless. This is another album where I wasn't in love with individual songs (except maybe I.G.Y), but it's great vibe music, and very tightly produced. Love the jazzy instrumentation, and I'm a fan of his soothing vocals too. The last few songs dragged a bit. I'm more at a 3.5 with this.

The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
Sep 24 2025

I was so-so on this at the beginning, but I thought the album got better and better as it went on. Great lyrics on race and culture and oppression and I thought it was really creative too.

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Sep 25 2025

I had no idea what to expect with this one, and I thought it had some pretty cool moments and a few tracks I dug. I was confused about what to listen to, because it seems there have been SEVERAL iterations of this over the years, but the one I listened to wasn't too shabby.

The White Album by Beatles
Sep 26 2025

It's been more than a year since we had a Beatles album in the project, so this was fun to wake up to today! I've never listened to this album, so a lot of these songs were new to me. It's quite a cornucopia of sound. If I didn't know they were on the verge on breaking up, maybe I wouldn't hear that in the music, but it does feel more like a compilation of individual projects and concepts, rather than a cohesive whole. Like they reached their peak, and this is the start of their descent down Beatle Mania Mountain. And did this really need to be a double? The fact they chose to include the 8:22 Revolution 9 is almost offensive. All that being said, there's a lot of great songs on here too. It's not on the same tier as Abbey Road or Sgt Pepper for me, but their individual talents still overflow in this, and their ability to make this work through the tension that was festering is pretty impressive.

John Prine by John Prine
Sep 27 2025

I don't know if I've ever heard a song that made me cry the very first time I listened to it. Usually my tears come from a nostalgia I have for it, or from already having an emotional connection to the lyrics or sounds of the song. So congrats Hello In There, you've done it! (Also hormones may have contributed) Today is one of those days I'm so very thankful for this project. I've heard great things about John Prine, but I've never bothered to explore his music. This album has some beautifully heart-wrenching moments - Hello in There wasn't the only one that made me misty. He writes such wise and emotional stories with his lyrics. The songs are also catchy and familiar and DO feel nostalgic, even though I wasn't familiar with them. They also feel humble and unpretentious, which brings an additional beauty. I loved all of it, zero complaints.

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Sep 28 2025

I thought this was pretty great. Somber but lovable. I especially liked the concepts in the first song, and Living in Another World was a banger.

Street Life by The Crusaders
Sep 29 2025

Big fan of the title song and really liked the sax throughout. It was great vibes but started kind of running together a little after the first track.

Miriam Makeba by Miriam Makeba
Sep 30 2025

This was a beautiful album and she was a remarkable person with an incredibly inspiring life. It's wild to have never heard of her after reading what an impact she made on African music and on the issues she was an activist and spokesperson for. Yet another album that makes me grateful for this project.

Oct 01 2025

Sometime during my teenage-ness, I bought an album on cassette, I can't remember which one, and when I popped it in my stereo, this album started playing. I guess they made an error in packaging. I'd love to say it was a happy accident and a life-changing musical experience. Instead, I chose to be upset about it and refused to even give it a listen because Nothing Compares 2 U annoyed me at the time. And I never revisited it. So this is kind of a full circle moment, and I can finally give this album the attention and accolades it deserves. She has a beautifully haunting voice, and her emotions pour out of these songs. The song compositions are really cool too, and I love when you can hear her Irish really come out. I am no longer annoyed by Nothing Compares 2 U, it's an incredible version of that song. Also really loved Three Babies, The Emperor's New Clothes and You Cause As Much Sorrow. She blessed the world with song and passion and persistence to stand up for what's right in the face of adversity. I wish she would've been blessed with a happier life.

All Mod Cons by The Jam
Oct 02 2025

This was a fun time. It’s not top tier music but I liked the song variety and the lyrics and it had some rockin’ moments.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Oct 03 2025

In an effort to separate the art from the artist, I need to separate my attraction to him from the actual music. (Have you SEEN the video for TK421?) Ok, so this album was fine. It touched on some important topics, albeit a little too blandly from a lyrical perspective, and it did get a little too religious for me in parts. It's impressive he did this entire thing almost singlehandedly though. Kudos to that! It's well done from a production and instrumentation standpoint. And he DOES bring the passion in places. I'm not surprised no big hits came from this. The songs were composed in such a way that most of the hooks didn't draw me in much.

Suede by Suede
Oct 04 2025

I love me some British glam rock. This didn’t hit me quite like Pulp but still super fun.

American Gothic by David Ackles
Oct 05 2025

Was this show tunes or Neil Diamond or Frank Sinatra or Nick Cave? Feels like a big pot of soup with varying amounts of those four ingredients. How did it taste? Fine I guess, but it could use more spice.

Bug by Dinosaur Jr.
Oct 06 2025

I feel like these guys would be really fun live, because they rock out really hard. But listening to the studio recording on a home speaker, it feels too muffled and distorted to match the kind of energy I imagine they bring to the stage.

Oct 07 2025

I had low expectations going into this, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Dude can really rap, and the blend of soul and electronica scattered throughout was fun and inventive. Loved all the variety too, it's like a box of chocolates! Really hard not to groove along to, this music has moves.

Oct 08 2025

This is a total blast from the 2003 past. I kinda forgot this album existed and how big 50 Cent was when it came out. I owned it, and it was in heavy rotation in my life at the time so there's plenty of nostalgia here. He was really a breakout star, and this album had serious hype around it! I had a great time listening again after so long, and I'm happy to report I am still a big fan. He's a great rapper and the tracks overflow with his talent, and the skills of his producers and collaborators. Tons of great hooks. His real life experiences are so well told in his lyrics too. Haven't found a skip on here, despite it being a little long. Love it!

Elephant by The White Stripes
Oct 09 2025

This album is bookended by the two best songs, and they are perfect intros and outros. What's in between is pretty great too. I love how much they alternate between rocking out and singing softer love/breakup ballads. There's a storytelling he incorporates really well into his music too. Second 5 in a row for 2003!

Night Life by Ray Price
Oct 10 2025

This was pleasant enough. He has a really nice voice that reminds me of Elvis a bit. I didn't feel much of a connection to it, but it was a nice listen.

Atomizer by Big Black
Oct 11 2025

My expectations were NOT high after reading the Wiki description on here. So I have to stay I was pleasantly surprised. I'm certainly not going to call it great, but I didn't mind it. Even found myself head banging to some of it. Standout track was Big Money. This feels pretty hardcore for the 80s.

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Oct 12 2025

Eh, I was hoping to like this more. I’ve always really liked Sex is on Fire, but the rest just feels kind of average and gets samesy.

There's A Riot Goin' On by Sly & The Family Stone
Oct 13 2025

This is so groovy and chill and I really dig the vibes. Family Affair and Spaced Cowboy were my faves, and I have a special spot in my heart for Thank You too. There’s nothing flashy here, just cool and funky, and I’m all for it.

Oct 14 2025

There were several eye roll moments in this album. More than one song that threatens killing his woman/ex-woman because of her transgressions against him makes him seem like kind of a psychopath. I guess it's a "concept" album, but ok. And are we still romanticizing the rebel south in the late 80s with I Sang Dixie? Maybe I'm reading too much into that one. The last song could've come straight out of the Righteous Gemstones, except that it wasn't a parody. I guess it's sweet that he wrote it for his mom after she passed. The musicianship was good, but I got too hung up on the themes of the songs to actually enjoy this.

Real Life by Magazine
Oct 15 2025

This album had really good energy, and I liked how artsy and abstract it felt. Definitely one I want to come back to again!

Scott 4 by Scott Walker
Oct 16 2025

He has a nice voice but I found this incredibly boring.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Oct 17 2025

I really like the dreamy quality of this and listened a couple times hoping to be wowed by getting a little deeper with it. And while I enjoyed it, there wasn’t enough substance there to really love it. It felt like something was missing. A trusted source informs me their subsequent albums are much better, so I plan to explore those!

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Oct 18 2025

This was a lot of fun. It feels totally 60s but with poppy/wholesome AND hippie/psychedelic vibes, and they blend together well throughout the album. A Place in the Sun is my fave, but How Can I Be Sure, Sueno, Groovin', and It's Love are all so great too.

Oct 19 2025

This was an appropriate album to get on a No Kings day. Felt very inspiring. This came out during another flash point in our recent history and is a great example of resilience and persistence in the black community. The fight for equality is never over, and this is such a beautiful testament to it all. Very powerful and moving. BLACK LIVES MATTER.

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Oct 20 2025

This album feels like a big party. Super fun vibes. It went on a little too long for my taste, especially with the similar back beat that is present through so many of the tracks, but I was impressed with the creativity and the raps.

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Oct 21 2025

Sex packets are an interesting concept! When Digital Underground popped up today, I had a vague memory of seeing them at a Chicago rave in 1999 that was Willy Wonka themed. It's interesting they were there, those parties weren’t heavy on the hip-hop. I don't remember much about the show, but I do remember it being a lively event! These guys have a great energy and a fun sound. And who doesn't love The Humpty Dance? I didn't necessarily love anything beyond that track but I do love Humpty's unique vocals and just the general party they bring to this music.

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Oct 22 2025

This is so deliciously disco-y. I danced and had a great time with it.

Ingenue by k.d. lang
Oct 23 2025

I didn't expect to dislike this as much as I did. I saw that Constant Craving was on here, which was a song I thought I liked well enough, but by the time that track came up at the end of the album, I was so bored and disenchanted with the whole thing that it felt like a flavorless cherry on top of a sodium-free saltine. There was just nothing interesting about this to me. I can't imagine any scenario where I would choose to play this album again. Sorry k.d.!

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
Oct 24 2025

Bob Dylan’s influence knows no bounds it seems. I really liked the first two songs and last two songs but everything in between fell a little flatter so this ended up in solid 3 territory for me.

Group Sex by Circle Jerks
Oct 25 2025

This wasn’t terrible. Bonus points for it being incredibly short. And who doesn’t need a good 15 minute angst session every now and again? But also, it wasn’t great, so I’m confused about what to rate this. It was catchy enough in parts I guess, and interesting enough too. Ok fine, a 3.

21 by Adele
Oct 26 2025

Ok, I surrender Adele. Your drama used to annoy me, but you've managed to convert me in this project. Your throaty vocals have a life of their own, and your music seeps with emotion in all its catchiness. Really hard not to get wrapped up in it all. This album was really great from start to finish.

Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line
Oct 27 2025

This was noisy and mostly annoying.

Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits
Oct 28 2025

Is there too much Tom Waits in this project? I guess that's subjective, and the authors of the book certainly don't seem to think so, but the first thought that passed through my personal head this morning was, "ANOTHER Tom Waits?" Getting quite an education on the guy. I hadn't even heard of him before I started this project! Anyway, it is what it is. I guess I could write my own book. That aside, the album at hand is really why we're here, and I thought it had a vintage vibe that pulled me into a past that felt mostly strange, but sometimes nostalgic, particularly with In The Neighborhood. That song gave me the feels. Down, Down, Down was pretty great too. I found this intriguing overall, and he creates music that really doesn't sound like anything else. His unique voice and quirky style of storytelling are kind of in their own category. It's not something I'd put on for a random listen though. It feels more like a piece of art to enjoy for a bit of time, and then move on from, with two or three songs to bring along into the future.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Oct 29 2025

This album is a party and if they didn’t have fun making it, they did a great job at faking it. Their funk has a cool factor that’s hard not to love. I liked grooving to this.

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Oct 30 2025

I don’t know how I would feel about this album if it wasn’t romanticizing pedophilia, but it is, so fuck that. And fuck all the critics and artists who didn’t criticize it for that. I can’t believe the amount of accolades this album has received. So disturbing.

Oct 31 2025

Tainted Love is always a fun classic (which I just learned was a cover), but yikes to the rest of this. It's pretty cringe 80s music at its finest.

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Nov 01 2025

Any album that starts with an anti-fascist boogie gets bonus points. This should really be one of the anthems of our time. The rest of this was kinda cheesy 80s fare, but I appreciate their efforts.

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Nov 02 2025

I’m still trying to solve the mystery of why this album cover is so familiar to me, but the music beneath the art is pretty cool. Repetitive at times and not exactly sure which direction it was going at any point, but I loved the richness and depth and creativity, and it made me feel kind of enchanted.

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Nov 03 2025

Today I learned the first half of this album was based around a terrible ice storm in 1998 in Canada. That makes the album even more interesting. And the fact a lot of them had recently lost family members was another layer I wasn’t aware of. I listened a few times today, and this got better each time I listened. They cultivated a really unique early aughts indie sound. It’s emotional and rockin’ and the songwriting is quite beautiful. Awesome debut for them!

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Nov 04 2025

I wanted to really like this. I like Siouxsie's vocals, and apparently the sounds they created here were quite innovative and influential so that's cool. The instrumentation was pretty rockin' too. That said though, there was nothing on here I loved. I didn't add even one song to a playlist, and it's not something I'd return to. It could use a little polish and shine. Appreciate the vibes and the pioneering they did though!

Copper Blue by Sugar
Nov 05 2025

I didn't recognize this band's name, but I feel like I've heard Helpless before. Anyway, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it when it started. It's super rockin'. Some of the songs sound kind of samesy because of the layers and muffled vocals, but those didn't bother me as much as they sometimes do. Overall, I dug the sound. I feel like a 3.5 with this.

Nov 06 2025

I feel like I just listened to an episode of Love Island UK. What to say about this...it's pretty juvenile in its story writing. Dude loses 1000 quid and has a broken tv, gets a girl he fancies who happens to have a functioning tv, wonders if he really wants to watch tv with girl, maybe he fancies his mates and their tv more, but maybe he fancies girl more, but he cheats on girl anyway, realizes he shouldn't have cheated on girl, it's too late, he loses girl, he copes with the loss, and for the grand finale...he has an epiphany about taking care of his own shit after a friend fixes his tv and in turn, finds his 1000 quid. Much like Love Island, I didn't feel terribly invested in his romantic escapades because he sounded like kind of an idiot, and she can clearly do better. I felt slightly more invested in where this money went, so I was pleased that story line wrapped up neatly. And until the epic repair, I didn't realize the television would be such a centering element of our hero's journey. Another full circle moment in our tale of tragedy, acceptance and growth. In conclusion, the album was rather dumb, but his accent is charming to listen to, and some of the songs were pretty catchy. And this is certainly out of the ordinary. While I'd never listen to this again, it cracked me up enough to earn a 3 (just barely).

Astral Weeks by Van Morrison
Nov 07 2025

I've learned I like Van Morrison in small doses, but a whole album of him can be a bit much. This album in particular had a specific sound structure to it, and the songs didn't vary much from that structure. One outlier that stood out was The Way Young Lovers Do. And I really like Sweet Thing because it's just a pretty, moving song. Overall, I enjoyed the poetic lyrics, and the instrumentation was quite lovely, but his vocals get kind of annoying after awhile.

Nov 08 2025

I was hoping for more from this. I gave it a few tries but it just kept feeling like a blur. The second half of Chemical World was pretty cool, and Sunday Sunday was probably my favorite overall track.

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Nov 09 2025

Well hey, this guy was born the day before I was. Neat! This was a lot of fun and a bouncin' body rocker. Extra points for the dance party.

Nov 10 2025

With all the awards and accolades this album has received, I was hoping for a masterpiece. It mostly delivered. I liked the structure of a full circle story being told, with the added element of the classroom she was absent from. My favorite thing about the album was her reflecting on having a baby, especially in To Zion. Those felt like deep and emotional moments. And Doo Wop (That Thing) is such an awesome hit. I like the effect she uses with layering her vocals over each other to create a richer, almost instrumental sound with her voice, though that effect feels a tad overused as the album goes on. I don’t think enough of these songs hooked me to give it a five, it’s not an album I’d put on to listen all the way through. But it is masterful in its own right.

Snivilisation by Orbital
Nov 11 2025

I really like the range of sounds they experiment with in this. I especially loved how hard they came out of nowhere with Quality Seconds, even if it felt out of place. This album is cool vibes and feels like ear candy.

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Nov 12 2025

This guy has been a real problem child throughout his life, sheesh. Which is hard to imagine coming from the person making this music. His anger and addiction issues aside, I really enjoyed this. It had a real brightness to it and made me feel good and groovy. Sunday Shining especially shines!

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
Nov 13 2025

This album feels like comfort food. It makes the world immediately feel more cozy and intimate. There's this beautiful orchestra backing her that feels both gentle and grand, while her vocals softly command every moment. Very lovely listening experience.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Nov 14 2025

This is pretty great. Talking Heads are perfectly quirky and creative and unique and David Byrne has a natural coolness to him that’s hard not to love. This isn’t the best of their best, but still had a great time with it.

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Nov 15 2025

This is a creative concept for an album, and the storytelling here is pretty epic. I appreciate the history it dives into, especially the darkness and reality of Southern pride and racism. Weaving in the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd throughout was such a love letter to them too. I think if I listened to this several more times, my appreciation for individual songs would deepen. It's a little hard to get past HOW southern country this sounds sometimes, even though the intent of that sound is different than most. It's not really a sound that resonates with me, but the album as a whole is so well done and captivating that I'm still giving it a 4.

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Nov 17 2025

Do we really need THREE mbv albums in this project? I hope this is the last one. It had some rockin' moments, but overall this band just does nothing for me. Their music feels so muffled and messy and meandering. Good on them for pioneering a new music genre, but it's not a genre I particularly enjoy. This is more of a 2.5, but I'll round up because of their influence I guess.

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Nov 18 2025

Two shoegaze albums in a row. yay. I think the thing that bothers me the most about the pioneers in this genre (mbv) is the muffled fuzziness of it all. This band (or this album at least) clears those spiderwebs a bit into a world where I can actually understand what's happening with the music and the lyrics. Despite the fog being lifted though, I still didn't connect with it much. It was fine, but I wasn't blissfully gazing at my feet either.

At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Nov 19 2025

I wasn’t expecting this to be so bluesy or so jam bandy, but they do both of those things really well. This was just good, solid music to chill to. Special shout out to the Joy to the World riff at the end of You Don’t Love Me. That was a fun little nugget.

Tank Battles by Dagmar Krause
Nov 20 2025

The description says this isn't available to stream, but I found it on YouTube. The songs are a little out of order, but it's there. It's been a minute since we had an album on the lowest rated list. It was definitely unconventional, but I didn't think it was THAT bad. It was very theatrical and not something I'd listen to again, but it had interesting moments, and I appreciate the passion she sings with. It definitely went on too long though, and I got tired of it, which ended up bringing it down a star.

Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney
Nov 21 2025

I was introduced to this band in the early 2010s and even somehow have this album on vinyl (which I discovered going through our vinyl just a couple weeks ago). Their sound didn't hook me when I first listened back then, so I never really explored them. I'm so glad this is in the project, because giving it full attention today gives me a totally new appreciation for them. These songs are so well written, and these ladies rock! Super fun listen and amazing energy, I really fell in love with the whole thing. Little Babies is my fave, but there are so many great tracks here. Added bonus that Carrie Brownstein is in the band. (But you can still have the album CJ, I already offered it..lol and sniffle)

Microshift by Hookworms
Nov 22 2025

I've never heard of this group. They remind me of a mix of Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, and maybe even a little Fun (the band). And then they turn into Underworld in Boxing Day! I was kind of sad that song ended so abruptly. So the sound isn't necessarily original, but who cares, I really liked it. It had reflective emotion that put me in my feels but was also catchy and made me feel dancy. And I like music that makes me feel these things!

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Nov 23 2025

This was cool and chill. For me, it was more Mediumfly than Superfly, but it was a pleasant listen!

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Nov 24 2025

These guys just exude cool. There wasn’t anything here I was super wowed by, but I really enjoy their rhymes and their beats.

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Nov 25 2025

I definitely had song #4 on a Pure Moods cd I owned in college lol. This was cool and ethereal and something I would’ve loved back then. And I still like these sounds, but this wouldn’t be a go-to for me now.

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Nov 26 2025

I really love the three hits on this album. The rest was a little meandering for my taste, but it's still Stevie. I love his voice and his vibe, and it's hard not to enjoy him singing.

Phrenology by The Roots
Nov 27 2025

This really had a lot of layers to it, it was a delightful onion to peel. I loved the creativity and diversity. And ending on Thirsty was such a fun rager.

Mask by Bauhaus
Nov 28 2025

This was a pretty interesting album. Lots of 80s new wave vibes with some edge to it. I liked it.

Nov 29 2025

It's hard for me to really get into prog rock. These songs were so long and kept losing me, but I appreciate the epic feel of it. There's a lot of heart here.

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
Nov 30 2025

This was a lot of fun. It was weird but catchy. Quirky but rockin. Always a fan of albums that just feel like a good time.

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Dec 01 2025

This is certainly creative, and there are a lot of intriguing sounds going on, but ultimately it was hard to get invested in the story of a crazy alien doctor.

Pink Flag by Wire
Dec 02 2025

I enjoyed the music, but most of the songs were so short that they left me wanting more. Pink Flag, one of the few "full-length" songs on here, had time to rage and really rock out. Most of them didn't have much room to breathe, but it was still a fun listen!

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Dec 03 2025

It's funny to think back to how Britney and Christina were queens of pop culture at one point in time, and how the media painted them as arch enemies. And also how popular low-rise jeans were! What a weird time. I never got into Christina's music back then, but this album gives me a newfound appreciation for her. I love the girl power. It's kind of all over the place with a mix of pop hits, slow ballads, hip-hoppish tracks and Latin-influenced vibes. And she certainly took advantage of squeezing almost every second out of the length of a CD. The sheer amount of songs started to lose me a little in the middle but then recovered nicely with Dirty and The Voice Within. Dirty is such a banger. It was fun to hear some of her hits again after 20+ years.

Olympia 64 by Jacques Brel
Dec 04 2025

The only version I found on Spotify was the original 28 minute version so that's what I listened to. I'm sure I'd really enjoy it if I was into French operatic music.

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Dec 05 2025

This is truly of another time and place. And it's 70 years old, so that tracks. It has such an old-timey country charm that it's hard not to like. Its simplicity and samesy-ness stops it from breaking 3 territory though. Side note: I got my Spotify Wrapped results yesterday, and my listening age is 74 thanks to albums like this! At least, I hope that's the case. It will be interesting to see how my stats change in 2027, after a full year of the project being over. I listened to 376 genres this year too, also clearly thanks to this project!

Tago Mago by Can
Dec 06 2025

I don't understand what I just listened to. Maybe that's the point, but I still don't get it.

En-Tact by The Shamen
Dec 07 2025

This was fun enough, it had some groovin’ dancy moments.

Dec 08 2025

This is such an interesting double album. OutKast is this unique duo, and I love that they split up to showcase who they each are musically and to give a sense of their individual contributions to the greater whole. That’s my interpretation of what they’re doing here anyway. I’ve always really enjoyed OutKast. I have specific memories of when this came out, and listening to it in my car a whole bunch. I definitely gravitated towards Speakerboxx over The Love Below back then, and listening again now, that still tracks. Big Boi just brings the beats that make me groove more. Andre’s lyrics crack me up, and I appreciate his unseriousness while still making great music, but his part of the album teeters on being a little too self indulgent and unedited at times. But c’mon, Hey Ya and Roses both came out of that, so I can’t complain too much. And I really enjoy his storytelling. And God is a lady, so yay for that. This is really too long and is missing enough truly awesome tracks to be a 5. But there's still a lot of great stuff here!

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams
Dec 09 2025

I've heard of Lucinda Williams but knew nothing about her music. She reminds me a lot of Sheryl Crow, though she was making music long before Sheryl was. It was pretty and she’s a talented storyteller, but it didn’t really move me in any emotional way. Maybe if I spent more time with it, I’d find more to connect to, but I only had a chance to listen once today, and felt pretty neutral about it after one spin.

Smash by The Offspring
Dec 10 2025

Ok, I kinda love them bringing back instrumentals from Come Out and Play as a hidden track with a Middle Eastern vibe at the end. What to say about this overall, it's a rager! I like the chill dude introducing and concluding this, that was a cute touch. I'm all for a good angsty 90s album. Having come of age in that era, it feels like "comfort punk" to me. There are a lot of great hits on here, and I enjoyed a lot of the songs I wasn't familiar with too. Solid lyrics throughout as well. There's really nothing stopping me from giving this a 5, so...

Be by Common
Dec 11 2025

This was pretty cool, I especially enjoyed the jazzy moments in a couple of the later songs. There was a lot of diversity in sound overall too, and it kept my ears on their toes. Very enjoyable listen!

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Dec 12 2025

The hits on here are still so great after all this time. And I really like how much sampling they do. Some of the songs I'm less familiar with start to blend together in sameness, and the "yelling" aspect of their vocals gets a bit grating and chaotic at times, but overall, this is a really fun album, and pretty excellent for a debut. They came out swinging hard.

Savane by Ali Farka Touré
Dec 13 2025

This was super chill and cool vibes. It’s not something I’d probably just throw on randomly, but I do love being exposed to world music, and hearing what sounds come out of specific countries.

A Walk Across The Rooftops by The Blue Nile
Dec 14 2025

This wasn’t terrible, I felt like it had Sting vibes, but it was kind of a depressing 38 minutes.

Slayed? by Slade
Dec 15 2025

This was catchy 70s rock, but they kinda just sound like a lot of other rock bands from the 70s and 80s. Nothing really sets this apart.

16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens
Dec 16 2025

Enjoyed this a lot! I like his vocals and all their different instrumentation. I’m at a 3.5, might be a 4 with more listens.

Vulnicura by Björk
Dec 17 2025

I can't with this album. Sorry, Bjork. I appreciate the emotion and processing of heartache. But the music just isn't enjoyable to me on any level. I've rated you highly on two albums and low on one, and this one joins the low club.

Dec 18 2025

Don't Look Back in Anger is my favorite on this, what an awesome song. And me being a dummy, I didn’t realize until today they use the riff from Imagine. Beyond the hits I already knew, I wasn't 5 wowed at first, but after three listens, there's a lot of great stuff here, and it’s hard not to like every song. She's Electric is probably my favorite "new to me" song. Morning Glory is a good one too, and they all have their own unique charm. There's a messiness to some of their songs that might normally annoy me, but they make it work somehow. Pulp still has my 90s Brit pop heart, but this is a winner too.

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Dec 19 2025

Wow, we just had What's the Story Morning Glory yesterday, which was released in the same year and by the same producer as this, small world! Sounds like they were as dysfunctional as Oasis too, due in part to the success of their good friends and kindred spirits in dysfunction. I do hear a lot of similarities in the musical style of each album, especially in the more grungy songs with the messy guitars. This has a much more tortured vibe though, and there aren't many songs I found that I'd want to keep coming back to.

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Dec 20 2025

This was a beautiful unexpected surprise. I've never heard of these guys, and in a day, I'm a fan! I really loved this. It's poetic and emotional and catchy and rockin'...and even groovy and funky at the end. That last song kind of came out of nowhere and went on a bit long, but I didn't mind that. It was a cool groove. I added so many songs to my playlist that it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think This is the One is the one. Easy peasy 5.

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Dec 21 2025

What a soundtrack to a Christmas shopping morning lol. The timing isn’t their fault but hmm. This was unique. I didn’t dislike it as much as I thought I would, but I’d also never choose to listen again. But there was also something likable enough in its ridiculousness that I can’t give it a 2.

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Dec 22 2025

This is perfect music for a winter solstice Sunday morning. This is the type of jazz I’ve been looking for throughout this project and confirms that I do actually love some jazz! This whole thing was just lovely from start to finish. There’s so much life in its gentleness, and I love how unhurried the instruments are. Over and over, each one waits patiently in the background to let another one shine, until their next turn. They all have such a life of their own and speak to each other in a beautiful way. Gorgeous album.

Blackstar by David Bowie
Dec 23 2025

I don't know what I'd think about this if I didn't know it was Bowie's last album, because I'm not sure I'd feel as drawn to it. But it IS his last, so that fact alone makes it all the more fascinating. There's a real chilling, haunting feeling in the death themes throughout, and the backing band elevates those vibes to another level. I listened several times and kept finding myself being almost swallowed up by what I was hearing. And a couple specific shout-outs: I really love the sax in Dollar Days, and I Can't Give Everything Away is just a beautiful ending track. I don't know that this album would ever be in regular rotation, but I was so magnetized to it while I was listening, that nothing but a 5 makes sense to me.

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Dec 24 2025

Why are we hearing him taking so many loud breaths in some of these songs? Is this more common than I realize and I'm just noticing it for the first time? Maybe it's the combo of his breath and how pronounced his esses are that makes it particularly distracting. I also don't love his voice in general. Anyway, there's something that feels kind of pretentious about this. I can't really put my finger on why, I just couldn't connect with what he was putting down in any meaningful way. And some of it sounded like bad Radiohead music. I wouldn't listen to this again but the second song was decent, and the last song came out with some grooves and some Anohni that I guess saved it from Twosville (the parts when Rufus isn't singing).

Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams
Dec 25 2025

I really liked this. It feels more real than his later stuff, and I appreciate his take on rock country fusion. His sexy voice and harmonica riffs add some extra swoon. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would!

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Dec 26 2025

Setting aside the “why are there SO many albums by certain artists in this project” annoyance, this was a good album in its own right. The hits are solid, and the rest is super chill and groovy.

The Clash by The Clash
Dec 27 2025

This was fun punk music, but I wanted to like it more than I did. I appreciate the protest nature of the lyrics but the music itself just did very little for me. The only song I added to my playlist was Police & Thieves, and that was a halfhearted add. I know there’s Clash music that I like, so the sound just needs to evolve from here for me.

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Dec 28 2025

Pure Moods returns. I think some variation of the first song was on that album I had in the 90s. This was fine for what it was. Super chill spa day vibes intermingled with a surprisingly rockin’ jam in track 2, among various other playful adventures as the album went on.

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Dec 29 2025

Nothing I dislike here, but nothing I fell I love with either. It was cool music and fun to chill to.

Dec 30 2025

As the title requested, I made a full attempt to listen without prejudice. Freedom is a great song and Soul Free was pretty good, but I found this largely to be a bit whiny and boring. It felt like one sad love ballad after another. I enjoyed the little Easter eggs of song lyric covers sprinkled throughout though.

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
Dec 31 2025

This wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever heard but I found it very uninteresting.

American Pie by Don McLean
Jan 01 2026

Despite American Pie being one of the most overplayed songs in history, it’s still hard not to love it. It’s overplayed for a reason! And Vincent is a beautiful song. Overall, this was really pretty but most of it was just a bit too melancholy for me to love it.

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Jan 02 2026

I really liked this, made me dance and groove while I was making dinner. I can’t quite put my finger on what drew me in so much, I just really dug the vibes.

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
Jan 03 2026

More jazz I love! There’s such a lushness in the spareness here. It’s music that feels soul nourishing.

London Calling by The Clash
Jan 04 2026

I liked this a lot more than the last Clash album we had. It has more of a rock n roll sound with its punkness, and there’s a fun variety of songs and high energy on here. Good times listening!

Electric Music For The Mind And Body by Country Joe & The Fish
Jan 05 2026

This feels very of its time, kind of a Hendrix/Grateful Dead fusion. It was a pleasant listen but nothing really excited me about it.

Survivor by Destiny's Child
Jan 06 2026

There's so much girl power and nostalgia in the first few songs that I was ready to almost immediately give it a 5. Then it devolved into dissing and shaming other women in the next couple tracks, which negated the empowerment vibes it started with. The rest was mostly more weird turns from the independent woman theme. And overall, the songs after the first three big hits are just mediocre to me. The last track where they're sharing their love with each other was nice.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Jan 07 2026

I really enjoyed this. I guess this was very unrehearsed and they were all new to playing together. He wanted to show the sounds that naturally came out of them without much tweaking. I'd say they vibed well off the bat! There's a softness to this that feels very cozy and homey. He's a great songwriter too.

Shadowland by k.d. lang
Jan 08 2026

I had a visceral reaction to k.d. lang’s last album, which felt like lifeless adult contemporary music, so I wasn’t excited to get this today. But I went in with an open mind! I liked this one so much better. I dig the old timey country vibes she’s got going on, and she pulls it off pretty authentically with songs that feel heartfelt, fun and catchy. This feels like the type of music that speaks to her soul.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Jan 09 2026

At long last! Almost two years to the day since I started this project, the highest rated album finally makes its appearance. Yay. :) Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate comfort food of music. I love them so much, and this album is just another shining example of their brilliance. One beautiful song after another. Drugs and emotional turmoil mixed into a legendary group of talented musicians is apparently a recipe for magic!

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Jan 10 2026

The Killers might not be everyone's cup of tea, but gosh dang, I love them and this album. I even walked down the aisle to an operatic version of All These Things That I've Done. One of my most favorite songs. This is a super impressive debut album. It rocks out hard with great hooks throughout. It's front loaded with the best songs in the first half, but the lesser known songs are still solid. Especially love Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll to close the album.

Dry by PJ Harvey
Jan 11 2026

I really liked this. A raw and rockin' take on being a woman frustrated with men who suck. Favorites are Dress, Victory, Happy and Bleeding, and Sheela-na-gig.

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos
Jan 12 2026

This feels like one long album of Eric Clapton showing how well he can play the guitar. I'm probably biased in general because he sucks as a human, but this album was boring to me and felt too self-indulgent. Layla is a good song, despite its weird roots and the saga surrounding it.

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Jan 13 2026

I don't know what he's singing about half the time, but he certainly writes intriguingly creative songs. I like the energy and the bluesy feel. Sometimes the songs are almost too "spoken" and I wasn't super drawn in by anything in particular. I kept searching for something to really love, but didn't find it. And I usually love a harmonica, but it was a bit too much in this album.

As a Mercury Prize Winner, this album didn't wow me as much as I was hoping for. It feels too restrained for her, and it just wasn't that engaging. The songs were pretty though, and it's interesting to see her veer into this softer, gentler direction.

Elastica by Elastica
Jan 15 2026

These ladies really rocked out, and I thought this was a lot of fun. 2:1 and Connection were familiar to me (great tracks!) and the rest really grew on me after a few listens. I wish I could understand their lyrics better, but still dug their grungy sound.

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Jan 16 2026

He really went there with the title track. Props to highlighting animal rights like that, especially in the 80s! He may be a pretentious a-hole, but at least he's not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. As a fellow vegan, I approve. Now for the music... I struggled to find things that I loved beyond the topics addressed. I don’t love his voice in this album, and the vocals and instruments almost seemed like completely separate entities. He was doing his thing, they were doing theirs, and it didn’t feel like they were connecting. I preferred the parts of the songs when he wasn’t singing because there was some cool stuff going on, and the vocals felt detached and distracting. Maybe it would grow on me after a few more listens, but I’m not confident it would.

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
Jan 17 2026

The commentary was interesting but nothing really felt like a song.

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 18 2026

This wasn’t my favorite Springsteen album. The songs are well written and I appreciate the passion he sings with, but Badlands was the only song that really pulled me in. Also, do they use the intro of Racing in the Street in a scene from Pretty Woman? It sounded so much like the sad scene in the end after they’ve parted ways. Anyway, overall it was fine but it didn’t have greatness to me.

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Jan 19 2026

This was comforting and cozy. Musically, I liked the other Fairport Convention album we've had over this one. This had great storytelling though. I was particularly invested in the Matty Groves saga. I like that they take old folklore and put their own spin on it, while also contributing their own stories for future generations.

Jan 20 2026

Interesting-ish I guess, though this isn't something I'd ever put on again. It feels more like a science experiment than actual listenable music.

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Jan 21 2026

What on earth was going on in music in 1989 if this won the Grammy for Album of the Year? I mean, it's fine, but this was the best that year had? That being said, the songs are pretty enough and I enjoyed the girl power and general female experiences woven throughout. And there's something about her vocals that feel genuine and soothing, with a hint of grit. There just weren't songs here I felt compelled to add to a playlist, and there was something very plain feeling about it all.

Tommy by The Who
Jan 22 2026

This is certainly a creative concept album. Tommy had a rough life! I feel like I should like this more since it’s so iconic. Musically, it didn't do a lot for me. Keeping up with the story distracted me from whatever else was going on with the music, and it seemed like keeping up with the story may have distracted the band too. Aside from Pinball Wizard, there weren't a lot of good hooks or anything that was terribly interesting to latch onto, and this felt like a slog to get through as it went on.

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Jan 23 2026

The instruments felt very lush and full throughout this album. I loved that. I didn’t mind the length of songs either. Between the storytelling and the way the music ebbed and flowed and built, this was a delightful journey through sound. I think my soul is officially hot and buttered.

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Jan 24 2026

I didn’t expect a song about necrophilia to be the biggest earworm of this album, but so it goes. I love that you never know what you’re going to get with Alice Cooper. He keeps you on your toes! This was a super fun album, with a lot of cool variety and instrumentation that kept me engaged and enjoying the ride.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Jan 25 2026

How are there two Christina Aguilera albums in this project and so many other artists are completely left on the cutting room floor? I guess the book author was a fan. I wasn’t excited about this being a double album but it wasn’t a terrible slog to get though. The first disc felt pretty bland to me, but I thought disc two had some fun and heartfelt moments. They felt like two separate albums though. She has a a great voice, but overall, this didn’t do anything to stir my soul.

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Jan 26 2026

I’m glad we got these guys. I’ve wanted to get to know their music better and never made the effort until now. I really like their sound, there’s a beautiful melancholy to it. They create some really moving soundscapes and his vocals really layer on the emotion too. Burning and Red Eyes are my favorites on here, love the energy in those.

Jan 27 2026

Another band I've been wanting to explore more of, thanks album generator! I saw these guys live in 2021 and it was a really great show, but I never took the time to follow up on more of their offerings. I love when the music gets all crazy at the end of some of the songs. It's a colorful contrast to the general soft reflectiveness of the lyrics and overall vibes. I enjoyed the diversity in sound and creative instrumentation throughout the album too. This was pleasing to my ears and soul.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Jan 28 2026

This had its good moments. I feel like I react differently to his voice every time I hear one of his albums. It didn't bother me on this one, his passion comes through in just the right doses. The More You Ignore Me was probably my fave track, albeit mildly creepy. Now My Heart Is Full is a good one too. Some other songs felt a bit too meandering, like he's never getting to the point. Overall, it was certainly enjoyable enough for a 3.

Jan 29 2026

Wow, Richard Thompson was part of Fairport Convention for the two albums we had by them. The small world of music never ceases to amaze me! I liked this more than I thought I would. It feels like they're tapping into a folk sound that feels old-fashioned but also timeless in a weird way. The songs are kind of depressing, but there's also a sense of comfort that we're all in 'whatever all of this is' together.

Jan 30 2026

I really liked this. It had real heart, and it feels like he put a lot of love and respect and personal experience into it. The album is incredibly well produced, and he's a talented rapper and writer. The outro felt like the closing credits on a movie with an outpouring of gratitude, which was kind of cool. Overall really enjoyed!

White Light / White Heat by The Velvet Underground
Jan 31 2026

If this was supposed to mimic their live sound and be kind of loud and chaotic, I can see why the band wasn't happy with the finished product. It felt like I was listening to something in my basement from upstairs. It still had chaos and the essence of being live, but it did feel quite muffled. I thought the songs were interesting though and the album was a strange little trip into the fringes of society. I also thought The Gift was a really well told story, despite the music taking a backseat in that one. This was eclectic and creative enough for a 3, even if I wouldn't listen again.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Feb 01 2026

Well that sure was a honky tonkin’ hootenanny’n jamboree. I felt like I was traveling between O Brother Where Art Thou, A Mighty Wind (The Folksmen specifically), and Frontierland at Disney World. All enjoyable in their own right. It did feel unnecessarily long, especially because it all sounded largely the same, but it was a fun time.

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Feb 02 2026

Joni writes great lyrics, but I continue to have trouble getting into her style of music, and her voice is just ok to me. I know she's an icon, and I have mad respect for her, but this just isn't my thing. It has a drifting at sea quality to it that makes me lose interest. Raised on Robbery was the song I was most drawn to. I liked the energy in that one.

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Feb 03 2026

This was a fun transport back to the 50s. It's funny to see this categorized as rock and roll with how much rock music has changed since then. But I loved hearing some early sounds of the genre, and how this helped shape future generations of musicians. I wonder how Buddy Holly's career and music would have evolved if he'd had a chance to grow older. We'll never know, and his short career and offerings to the world will forever be suspended in time. But he brought some high energy, boppy ditties to the time he was alive.

Feb 04 2026

This was fine, it felt like standard British punk fare. I thought the lyrics were pretty good and it was rockin', but overall nothing stood out as wildly different or groundbreaking.

Pornography by The Cure
Feb 05 2026

Well this was incredibly uplifting. I don’t really have anything bad to say about it. I mean sure, it’s full of despair, but the songs were full and powerful. Not an everyday kind of album, but when the mood strikes, and I need another reminder that we’re all going to die…sure. 3.5

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Feb 06 2026

He seems perpetually mad at the world. Maybe he’d feel more of the love he says he has to give if he wasn’t so full of himself and treated people more kindly. That aside, I actually liked this album. It was the second day in a row with an album chock full of misery, which I wasn’t exactly looking for. But the music was well done enough that I could look past the dreary outlook of it all. The First of the Gang To Die and I Like You were my two faves. Another 3.5

Truth by Jeff Beck
Feb 07 2026

There’s obvious talent here, the music is great, but this blues and soul sound coming from Rod Stewart is hard to wrap my head around.

Skylarking by XTC
Feb 08 2026

This was a slog to get through. I didn’t really understand what kind of music this was supposed to be and it felt mostly boring and uninspired. I do like the Dear God song at the end though!

Musicians typically amp up their energy when they play live. I love live music for this reason. But Bob amped up is just too much. His vocals feel over the top, and I already don’t love his voice to begin with. My favorite parts of this performance were when the band was jamming without him singing, but those moments were sparse. I don’t think I would enjoy going to one of his shows.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Feb 10 2026

We've had a small run of albums lately that I've felt entirely underwhelmed by. This is no exception. It had a few fun moments, and I was hoping a second listen would warm me up to it, but I can't point to one song that stood out as "good" to me. And he keeps trying to make ant music a thing throughout the album, I guess as a nagging reminder about how different and innovative this is? Not my thing.

Yeezus by Kanye West
Feb 11 2026

His music is always so creative and impeccably produced, and these song structures are pretty fantastic. But he's also SO full of himself and misogynistic in his lyrics on this, and he's a really hard person to take seriously because of how he's behaved and also for calling himself a god. This is a really hard one to rate. Musical quality is close to a 5, lyrics are close to a 1.

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
Feb 12 2026

I didn't mind these chill vibes today, and I like that a couple of them get really loud and distorted to break up the monotony. Nothing groundbreaking here, but I didn't hate it.

Graceland by Paul Simon
Feb 13 2026

You can call me a fan of this album. So many well crafted beats and enchanting sounds, and I love his vocals too. My rating will look past him allegedly taking the idea from another musician and pursuing it on his own while leaving her in the dust. And despite the additional controversy surrounding it as well, I find it to be a joyful and beautiful celebration of South African music. At any rate, the album is the album, and it's pretty fantastic!

Slanted And Enchanted by Pavement
Feb 14 2026

This was decent. I wasn’t blown away by any particular song but I liked their sound. I do wish the vocals weren’t so quiet in some of the songs. That was kind of annoying.

Feb 15 2026

Loved the lyrics and messages throughout, and these guys drop the funky beats! This style of hip-hop isn’t totally my thing, but it’s still a great album.

Feb 16 2026

I really loved the synthy dancy sounds in this album. I didn't totally love her voice, it's pretty childish sounding and somehow made the music and the vocals feel a little disconnected from each other. But overall, I still really enjoyed the richness of it all.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Feb 17 2026

It was fun to hear Tom Petty's first album. With songs like Breakdown and American Girl, it's pretty wild this didn't catch on in America until the UK started liking it. I thought it was pretty great. The two hits are such classics, and my favorite new to me song was Anything That's Rock 'N Roll. The rest held the album together nicely too. Solid debut!

Garbage by Garbage
Feb 18 2026

This album is super rockin' from start to finish. Shirley has a cool factor that feels very unique to her. I love the dark edges she brings to her music, while still making it totally accessible and catchy. Not a bad song in the bunch, it's hard to believe this is a debut. I'm a big fan!

Feb 19 2026

Bob Mould sounds so much like Michael Stipe to me, and I often felt like I was listening to R.E.M. throughout this album. This is an album I'd like to spend more time with, because I think it could really grow on me. I like the lyrics and the sounds I'm hearing. After one listen, I'm at a 3 though.

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Feb 20 2026

I was kind of annoyed to see Neil Young AGAIN this morning. But dang, this is a super fun album and more rockin' than I expected. The band brings such a great energy, and this seems faster paced than a lot of his earlier stuff. Neil has a lot of music in his soul, I'm impressed he was putting out this kind of material 20 albums later.

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Feb 21 2026

This is a fun album (aside from Dumb Girl, c'mon boys - do better). Their version of Walk This Way is a classic, and what's not to love about It's Tricky. Overall, it's a little samesy, and it's not something I'd have in my regular listening rotation, but it's solid hippity-hop!

Feb 22 2026

I’m always suspect when I see something like, “people thought this originally sucked but then it gained a cult following years later” in the Wiki description. But I still try to go in with an open mind. The “this sucks” people were correct on this one. The songs feel very self indulgent and pretentious to me. Add that to the length and it’s just doing way too much. It’s a long and boring meander to nowhere.

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Feb 23 2026

This is good smoky lounge music, but it's more of a vibe/background music than something I feel a connection to. It also all sounded very similar, which got a little boring. Alice in Wonderland had some cool moments.

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Feb 24 2026

Good grief, the book author sure has it bad for Morrissey. As the project goes on, it's becoming more difficult to separate my annoyance with how often certain artists appear on this list from what my true feelings would be about an album. But I persevere. As its own separate entity, I didn't mind this album. His voice gets grating, but I like how the songs are structured, and the instrumentation is enjoyable. But when will you die? (From this list, not for real.) Barely squeaking by with a 3 here.

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Feb 25 2026

My tolerance for weird music has grown a bit, but I can only like something I'd never listen to again so much. Points for creativity, but the avant gardeness is just too much for me to get into this in any kind of meaningful way.

Feb 26 2026

This had some cool moments, I liked how big some of these songs get, and there's some cool instrumentation going on. But also the songs are SO long and it veers a little too prog rocky for my taste. I like this marginally better than the Genesis album we JUST had, so I'll bump it up a star.

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Feb 27 2026

This seems like it was probably very cathartic for him. He's had to deal with some serious tragedy in the last decade. The music was haunting and sad and soulful. Props for the beauty he's able to create through grief. Not something I'd just pop on while making dinner though.

The Who Sell Out by The Who
Feb 28 2026

I've learned through this project that I feel very average about The Who. This album confirms those feelings are still accurate. Fun concept but the songs were just ok.

Mar 01 2026

It cracks me up that they named their debut the pronunciation of their name. This is such great southern rock, and Freebird made for a fantastic mid-day kitchen dance party. The hits on here are all so good (Simple Man made me weepy, I never listened closely enough to realize the lyrics are the advice his mom gave him). And my favorite 'new to me' song is Things Goin' On. A great protest song and I love the piano in it so much. There's really nothing not to love about this ... they rock it flawlessly from start to finish. Easy 5!

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Mar 02 2026

These guys were apparently influential in the early punk sound, so that's cool. I can appreciate that they don't take themselves very seriously, it adds a levity to their music. The covers on here were fun, especially California Sun. I liked Weekend too. Nothing to really love, but it was enjoyable enough for a 3.

The Band by The Band
Mar 03 2026

This was a good album, but I find it hard to connect to emotionally, perhaps because it's southern nostalgia they're attempting to conjure up. Or maybe they lack emotion in how they perform their creations. Either way, it's solid music but doesn't make me feel anything special. I do really like When You Awake and Up On Cripple Creek. The rest is just ok to me.

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
Mar 04 2026

"The album was a commercial failure upon release, and its rejection by both critics and the public resulted in the group's disbandment in 1987." An album so terrible it made the band break up. So of course it made this list! The one decent song imo is One of Those Things, where they obviously rip off Werewolves of London, though it does sound like they admitted to that in 1997. I get the sense they knew what a mess they were making and chose to embrace the mess. Or maybe they truly thought this was great. And who's to say it's not, I'm just one opinion in a very subjective world. Either way, it had a few ok-ish moments but was mostly a cringe fest to me. And good grief, do a little self editing! Way too much going on and the vocals were hard to stomach in most of these too.

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
Mar 05 2026

This was a fun live album. I really loved the last Muddy album we had and was hoping for a similar reaction with this one. It didn’t hit me with as much energy and soul as the last one but it was still a good time. Solid rockin’ blues.

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Mar 06 2026

This album is very solidly average. The lyrics are pretty juvenile and there’s not a lot of creative sound going on, but the songs bopped just fine. I liked their Under the Boardwalk cover.

Forever Changes by Love
Mar 07 2026

This has wisps of Moody Blues, but it just doesn’t hit the same.

C'est Chic by CHIC
Mar 08 2026

This was super groovy. Really enjoyed the disco vibes and the smooth silkiness of it all.

Calenture by The Triffids
Mar 09 2026

This was a pleasant little surprise, especially since the Wiki description did very little to bolster it. I liked the drama they brought, ala Nick Cave, albeit a little rustier around the edges. Overall, it really drew me in and kept me interested in hearing more.

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
Mar 10 2026

Not a fan. The lyrics are mostly either gross or stupid or both, and the vocals are so mumbly and annoying. Thankfully it was short. Also, two albums by these guys in this list is ridic. And apparently there's a third one to come?? Serenity now!

Pump by Aerosmith
Mar 11 2026

I've never been super in love with Aerosmith, but they're a band I've always liked just fine. Listening to this now though, most of the lyrics are pretty cringey and juvenile. The songs are fun and rockin' but it's hard to really get into them, especially the ones about sex, knowing he's yet another creepy dude into underage girls (or at least he has been in the past). And there's really nothing THAT special about this music. It had a place in time but I don't feel like it aged well. I do like What It Takes and Janie's Got a Gun though.

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Mar 12 2026

This was a refreshing change from the last two days! This is our fourth Joni album, and either she's finally growing on me, or this one is a step above the rest. The accolades it's received would suggest the latter, but I'm sure it's a mix of both. This was perfect ambience for a drive in the dark this morning with a light rain sprinkling down. Her lyrics exploring love and life and loss and wandering are all really beautiful and easily worked their way from her soul into mine. These are her own deep personal experiences, but from my perspective, it's safe to say it's also an exploration of being a woman in general. River was my favorite on here, what a gorgeous piece.

Mar 13 2026

This was a fun album and I love how influential it was to the civil rights movement, and in bringing people together through music. Music is such a powerful force. His vocals are so good, and I really enjoyed the layers of instrumentation and backing vocals that give the songs lushness and fresh life.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Mar 14 2026

I love the vibes of reggae. It's got soul and depth and spirituality and political protesting … and also makes perfect island music. A lot of it does get samesy feeling, but Bob Marley is the GOAT and this is a fantastic album with some of his best songs. Also brings back fond memories of being in Jamaica. One love, mon.

Bummed by Happy Mondays
Mar 15 2026

This was fun to listen to loud. I enjoyed it but also kept wanting more. It was a bit too fuzzy overall, which made it hard to get completely immersed in. Good music though!

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Mar 16 2026

This album was pretty darn good...very well produced, and the songs had such a cool vibe to them. She's a great rapper and lyricist too. Really enjoyed!

L.A. Woman by The Doors
Mar 17 2026

Today I learned Jim Morrison didn’t know how to play an instrument. That’s ok, his deep sexy voice is instrument enough for me. And he had phenomenal band mates to bring his ideas to life, so why bother? The Doors are so good, they created a blues sound that feels very unique to them, and the band is so tight and powerful. Love Her Madly, L.A. Woman and Riders on the Storm are such classics. I wasn’t familiar with the rest of the songs, but they were cool and rugged and edgy and felt like a journey through the band’s soul.

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Mar 18 2026

As usual, the B Boys are kind of a lot to take in big doses (i.e., a whole album), but they always bring the fun party and are hard not to like. After three albums, I don't have much else to say about them. They B cool.

Two Dancers by Wild Beasts
Mar 19 2026

I liked this a lot on first listen but after a couple more times, it kind of lost its luster and got less interesting. The lyrics and vocals were creative and intriguing, but the rest faded into the background a bit.

Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode
Mar 20 2026

I like Depeche Mode and gave this a few listens in hopes that I would really get into it. I never got there, but it was cool enough music. I was familiar with Strangelove, and the rest was new to me. The only other song that grabbed me was Never Let Me Down Again.

Faust IV by Faust
Mar 21 2026

A couple of the songs were kinda fun, but a lot of them felt listless. I guess I don't have much of an opinion about it at all really. It was fine.

Mar 22 2026

The more Queen albums I hear, the more I realize I really only gravitate to their hits. When they make a banger, they make a BANGER, but I have a hard time getting into their lesser known material. In the Lap of the Gods was my favorite 'new to me' song, but I wasn't wowed by much here.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Mar 23 2026

I really dug this album when it came out and haven't listened in years. In fact, if I had to guess which of the three albums of theirs from this list would be my favorite, I'd assume it to be this one. But I would assume wrong! I like the songs where the woman's vocals are more the star, but the dude has a bit of a whiny factor to him, and it got to be a lot after an hour + of this. It's the same emotional drip song after song, and I'm just not this emo anymore apparently! They need to make more II songs because Sprawl II and Half Light II are my faves on here. Anyway, apparently Funeral wins my top vote based on my reviews!

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Mar 24 2026

We've got this moment now to live, then it's all just dust and dark. Such a great line. This was a pretty rockin' album. I love how much the E Street Band creates a multi-dimensional experience. Such great instrumentation and backing vocals. His lyrics are so good too. This might reach 5 status after a couple more listens, but on first pass, it's a solid 4. Biggest complaint is length, it could've been edited down a bit.

Dog Man Star by Suede
Mar 25 2026

It's funny to see some of the critic reactions in the Wiki article calling this so pretentious. Because it veered away from the Britpop sound to make something different? I don't find it to be arrogant or insincere. If being glam, fabulous and totally extra is pretentious though, sign me up! The over the topness of it all makes for great music. Reading about the drama between the guitarist and the rest of the band cracks me up too. I kinda love their mess. This was particularly funny: Buller [PRODUCER] and the remaining members succeeded in completing the record. Butler [GUITARIST] did finish some of his guitar parts; however, he refused to do it at Master Rock and instead used another studio where he could work on his own. This is where he made a contractual contribution to "Black or Blue". Anderson [SINGER] discovered a covert backing vocal on the song, which he recalled: "I can't remember the exact words but it sounded vaguely threatening."

A Date With The Everly Brothers by The Everly Brothers
Mar 26 2026

This is a wholesome little love album and a fun trip through the highs and lows of relationships from a very 1950s 'young lad' point of view. I had no idea they were the originators of Love Hurts. Neat! This is so old-timey that I can't envision just randomly listening to it, but it was enjoyable while it lasted.

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Mar 27 2026

This was a fun party. Lots of great instrumentation and funky ska-ness. I wanted to love it more than I did, something about it wasn’t totally drawing me in, but it was all good vibes. A couple more listens would probably take it up a notch. Glad to discover these guys!

The Undertones by The Undertones
Mar 28 2026

This was a fun rockin’ punk album. I like this debut better than the other album we just had but it didn’t quite jump up a star.

Mar 29 2026

I’m not sure how I feel knowing that he was the OG for Respect. This is news to me! Like Trent Reznor ceded Hurt to Johnny Cash though, I can only imagine Otis did the same for Aretha. At any rate, this is a great collection of soul. He really chose some iconic songs to cover along with his few originals in here. There’s so much energy and heart in this, that it’s hard not to love.

Mar 30 2026

I always expect to hate metal, and often I do. Maybe it's the state of the world, the state of my own mind or the state of this particular metal...but I didn't hate this. I even added the title track to my playlist. That being said, one time through was enough.

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé
Mar 31 2026

I love what a deep dive this is into the female experience. There is so much power and beauty and fierceness in being a woman, and she just brings it all out there. From ridiculous beauty standards to love and jealousy to empowered sexuality to becoming a mom, this was an impressively produced journey through her soul. The song are very layered and lush. She really is a queen. Favorite tracks were Pretty Hurts, Haunted, XO and Flawless. Spotify only had the video accompaniment for a handful of the songs, which I was bummed about. I'll have to look up the rest of them some other time, but the videos that were there really did add to the power of those tracks.

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
Apr 01 2026

This project can be so funny...in less than a week, we get two different versions of Love Hurts, and neither of them is the one popularized by Nazareth. There are so many interesting and tragic stories in the world of music too, such as Gram dying shortly after they finished recording this, and Emmylou Harris getting moved from being pictured and named on the front cover to a credit line on the back because of an apparently salty and estranged widow. The drama! I thought this was a really nice album. They have great singing chemistry together and I like the old country vibes paired with a touch of rock. A very pleasant listening experience!

Paris 1919 by John Cale
Apr 02 2026

I thought this was pretty great...it had a lot of diversity from song to song, and I especially like the big orchestral sounds he busts out. The album has an interesting way of making songs feel both big and sparse, with just the right amount of restraint.

Apr 03 2026

I'm often not excited for some of the repeat artists we get in this project, but give me all the Pulp! I still have more than 200 albums before completing this wild ride, but I can pretty much guarantee they will be the best thing to come out of this project for me. I went from barely knowing of them to them easily being in my top five bands. And I saw them live because of this project too, which was an amazing show. Band gushing aside, this album is also awesome. He's such a talented songwriter, and I love the drama he sings with as he takes us through all his midlife crises and existential dreads and lost loves. He delivers it all in a way that still feels fun and luscious and sultry. I also love how almost every song builds into its own epic crescendo. Just when you think you’re getting a more subdued song, BAM. They bring such an elevated energy to everything they touch. I like Different Class better than this, but this still gets a 5, because Different Class is a 6.

Being There by Wilco
Apr 04 2026

A little bit of country, a little bit of rock and roll. This album feels like it IS Illinois with its mix of urban and rural influence and general Midwest vibes. Pekin even gets a mention. I really liked it, it just made me feel good. Only complaint is that some of the slow songs on disc 2 got a little long and boring. This could’ve been edited down to one album.

Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Apr 05 2026

This is such a raw baring of his soul, and it's hard not to get caught up in his emotional turmoil and heartache. His voice is so gorgeous and these tracks so smooth. Despite its long windingness, I thought it was a pretty beautiful sonic soul journey.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Apr 06 2026

I wonder if living in Iceland feels almost like living on another planet. I've never been, but the landscape and remoteness would lend itself to that feeling I'd think. And the music that comes out of Iceland tends to feel that way too. This particular album is otherworldly in all the best ways. It makes me want to swim in it and fly through it. It's stunning and immersive and feels like the universe breathing and expressing its beauty. What a masterful piece of art.

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Apr 07 2026

I really liked this. She has a lot of power and strength in her delivery, and she’s a great songwriter. My socks weren’t knocked off enough for a 5 but happy to go with a 4.

This sounds way more like American southern rock than British rock. Regardless, it was fine. They're obviously talented musicians and it had some good rockin' jams, plus Stay With Me is a fun hit, but overall it just didn't hit me in any feels.

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Apr 09 2026

He's got some serious pipes! This had a lot of sizzly energy and I'm sure it would have been so fun to be there. Song wise, there wasn't anything I was really drawn into, but it was still a bluesy good time.

Rocks by Aerosmith
Apr 10 2026

This is really rockin' and I appreciate that most of the lyrics don't give me the ick like the last Aerosmith album we had (with the exception of Lick and a Promise, of course they couldn't produce an album without at least one mention of young girls). It didn't do much for me, but the band's talent is on pretty full display here.

Kala by M.I.A.
Apr 11 2026

Despite Paper Planes being one of my most favorite songs, I've never listened to this album and was only familiar with the one song. I'm glad I finally have now! This has so much energy and fierceness. It starts with a banga banga and just keeps that momentum going the whole time. Really creative sounds and song compositions, and I love her unique blend of world music with rap and electronica. Just dripping in coolness all around!

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Apr 12 2026

This was really lovely. I love how old timey the songs sound, and the simplicity of it added to the beauty. Perfect food for the soul, great stuff Willie.

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Apr 13 2026

For something that wasn't meant to be taken seriously, this is super rockin', and I love how totally weird it is. Very cool to hear what Bjork was doing before she went solo too. So fun!

Sulk by The Associates
Apr 14 2026

This was fun emo 80s music...I like the drama they create. Nothing really stirred my soul up, but I enjoyed it just fine.

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Apr 15 2026

I wanted to like this more than I did because I can get down with some female angst. There was something that felt kind of suffocating about this though, and I just wanted it to be over.

Bright Flight by Silver Jews
Apr 16 2026

This was pretty awful at first and got a little better as it went on. The slow songs where it's just him droning on feel like he just wants to hear himself talk. But Let's Not and Say We Did wasn't bad with the backup vocals, I enjoyed the woman singing in Tennessee, and Friday Night Fever was a fun little bop. The lead singer's overall boringness was the star of the show though, so I can't rate this highly.

The Libertines by The Libertines
Apr 17 2026

I really enjoyed this...it had a nice blend of rock, emo and catchiness in a down and dirty kind of way. You can really feel the love and respect they share for each other too, despite what sounds like a pretty tortured relationship.

Celebrity Skin by Hole
Apr 18 2026

This is pretty polished 90s grunge, almost too polished, but I still rather enjoyed it!

Suicide by Suicide
Apr 19 2026

I’m very surprised this isn’t on the lowest rated albums list. I try to keep an open mind but this was too fucked up for me to glean any enjoyment from it.

World Clique by Deee-Lite
Apr 20 2026

Groove Is In The Heart is such a fabulous song. The rest of the tracks don’t really measure up to that one, but it was still a fun and uplifting ride.

Meat Puppets II by Meat Puppets
Apr 21 2026

Today I learned cow punk is a musical genre. I'd say that fits this vibe pretty well! I was familiar with Plateau and Lake of Fire, but I think I only knew the Nirvana versions. So I guess this whole album was technically new to me. It was pretty good. I thought the instrumentals broke up the rest of the album nicely. Sometimes the vocals are a little annoying when he leans into the screamy/whiny thing too much, but I enjoyed it overall.

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Apr 22 2026

I love how cool and chill this is. His raps are silky smooth and flows so naturally. Great stuff!

Manassas by Stephen Stills
Apr 23 2026

The musical quality is good throughout, and I was enjoying it when it first started. But it’s SO long and everything started blending together and sounding the same.

The Man Who by Travis
Apr 24 2026

Yikes. They seem to be in their 'Radiohead but a lot suckier' era here. If we don't get the Wilson Phillips debut album before this project is over in lieu of this uninspired depressing snooze fest, I'm calling the manager. The hidden track was decent.

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Apr 25 2026

Friday is a great day for reggae. Ketchy Shuby might be one of my new favorite reggae songs. The songs were creatively composed and had a lot of heart. Why Must I Cry, Igziabaher, and Ketchy was a fantastic run of three in the middle of the album. I wasn’t a fan of dissin’ on the lady in the last track but really dug the rest of this.

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Apr 26 2026

Get those dancing shoes on, this whole album is a total bop! They are so lyrically in sync song after song, and it's just a hip hoppin' great time with some important messages weaved throughout too.

Listening to this in the car did not do it justice, so I'm glad I listened again at home. This album is a beautiful piece of art. There's so much variety in instrumentation and the songs are so creatively composed. I really love all the lyrics throughout too, and the unique style of dramatics and flair only Bowie can bring. So fabulous!

In Utero by Nirvana
Apr 28 2026

I definitely gravitated to the more known songs on this album (Heart-Shaped Box, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, All Apologies). Those songs are great. The rest, I feel more mid on. Like if it was any other band, I'm not sure I'd like them with how dramatically angsty and rage-y some of them are. But there's a genuine nature in the rawness of his angst and rage. And the guitar and drums are so super rockin' throughout.

Apr 29 2026

The beats on this weren't really doing anything for me, and I just didn't connect with the album at all unfortunately.

No Other by Gene Clark
Apr 30 2026

I was trying to find a good way to describe the reflective and existential nature of this, and then read that a lot of his inspiration came from spending hours a day staring at the Pacific Ocean from his home. That's exactly what this sounds like. Big crashing waves of sounds and thoughts and feelings...of the unknown beyond and of the here and now. Ideas inspired by earth's majesty, and answers only the ocean knows. I really liked it!

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
May 01 2026

I can appreciate their pioneering in the rock opera genre and it was certainly creative. I didn’t really like it though. It was pretty wackadoo.

Music Has The Right To Children by Boards of Canada
May 02 2026

I have a soft spot for 90s electronica, but this felt like amateur hour. It had decent ambience here and there but mostly just felt like they were just playing around with sounds and calling them songs.

Heartattack And Vine by Tom Waits
May 03 2026

I knew nothing of Tom Waits before this project but certainly have had plenty of exposure now. I’ve been mixed on him, and this is one of his I really enjoyed. I like how bluesy and groovy it is. Especially dug the title track and Jersey Girl.

New York Dolls by New York Dolls
May 04 2026

This was a rockin’ time. I can’t say I was super into it or that I’ll bring them into my future, but it was fun while it lasted. I guess they are a one night stand kinda band.

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
May 05 2026

So this album is notable because of their struggles after losing their principal songwriter, paired with it being the first time none of their songs were written by Bob Dylan? So legendary! I guess it's also when they took a turn from a more folksy sound into the psychedelic realm. I might care about all of these things more if I cared about The Byrds more. This is the fifth album of theirs we've had, and apparently they haven't made a big impression on me because I barely remember their other material. All that aside, the album is fine and the songs are pleasant enough, but I didn't find anything that particularly moved me. Pretty interesting stuff considering it was the mid 60s. And Mr. Spaceman was fun.

...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
May 06 2026

It's interesting to experience this album with the Britney journey that has ensued since. It's wild how quickly this catapulted her into mega stardom. It's too bubble gum poppy for me and lacks any real depth, but it was still a fun listen as a throwback to 1999 in general and to all of the sensationalism around her specifically. I like some of Britney's later music better than this, but its impact on the world of pop music at the turn of the century is undeniable. I hope she's able to find peace in her life.

Infected by The The
May 07 2026

I didn't know what to expect from a band that chose the most common word in the English language as their name, but it would've felt on brand for them to make music that felt equally as uninspired. I was happy to find that was not the case! I really enjoyed the energy and vibe of this, and I especially liked Infected and Heartland. The other songs didn't grab me AS much, but they really bring the heat in every track, and it's anything but boring. I'm at a 3.5 but this is one I'll round up.

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
May 08 2026

I enjoyed the sum of this more than its individual parts. It was cool music that was fun to vibe to more than any specific songs being standouts.

Ten by Pearl Jam
May 09 2026

In today's installment of "Fuck Yeah Friday"... I've heard this album so many times and it's difficult to separate it from my cousin, who was so obsessed with Pearl Jam in the 90s that I think they were literally part of the air he breathed. Lots of great memories driving randomly around town in my college years listening to them in his car. Their music felt like such a part of the cultural zeitgeist of the decade. And they were my first Alpine show in 1998! The start of many beautiful memories there too. But I did always love this album on my own as well, and I've got nothing but love for it still. I know he's comically hard to understand sometimes, and this might be the more "mainstream" version of what Nirvana and others were setting out to do, but this is undoubtedly one of the classic albums of that era. Every song is a total banger, and the nostalgia here is next level. So much fun to rock out to today. Very easy 5.

Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti
May 10 2026

I loved how celebratory and festive this felt with its deeper messages mixed throughout. Also loved the sax! Great new discovery.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
May 11 2026

I might need more time with this one, but on first listen, I like the energy but wasn’t generally wowed.

The White Room by The KLF
May 12 2026

It's tragic that the director's cut version of this was the only thing I could find, which had the glaring omission of 3 AM Eternal. What the heck, I was excited to hear that one and it's certainly the only one on here I would've loved. Anyways. This was very average to me.

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
May 13 2026

This was a real cringe fest. Is the whole concept some mega horny guy who thinks he's a real Casanova but is really a bumbling fool? I guess he succeeded if that’s the case. Regardless, this music is genuinely terrible.

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
May 14 2026

I was enjoying jamming out to this and then they had to ruin it with Jailbait. WHY ARE SO MANY MALE ROCK STARS SO GROSS. The rest of the songwriting wasn’t much better. Mostly “I’m a rock star so I’m going to fuck shit up and fuck a lot of women” vibes. Which is too bad, because the guitars are super rockin’.

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
May 15 2026

This was no run of greatest hits like IV, and it was certainly more mellow, but after a second listen, I have a lot of appreciation for this collection of songs. The band is just very talented and that talent shines both in their mellow moments and in the rockin’ ones. I really enjoyed the emotions they conjure up.

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
May 16 2026

This was good stuff. I really like Ray’s energy. It’s so far removed from today that it feels almost vintage at this point and I love me some vintage.

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
May 17 2026

This was cool vibes, but it was too slow and repetitive and chanty for anything to really draw me in.

May 18 2026

This wasn’t painful to listen to or anything, but it was very lacking in hooks and I found it pretty boring despite some interesting moments of creativity. 2.5

Scum by Napalm Death
May 19 2026

Maybe this would hit different if I’d been to Dresden… I appreciate the sentiment here but holy crap. The singer sounds like Cookie Monster freaking out on PCP, and I can’t hear a word he actually says. Thankfully we’re in an age of being able to read along with lyrics so I could get the gist of what this was all about. I’m pissed about what’s going on in the world too, but this is next level dark shit. The manic instrumentation almost made me feel panicky. But I’m giving it a 2 because I was at least entertained by it and was able to laugh through the panic.

The Last Of The True Believers by Nanci Griffith
May 20 2026

This was a pretty album. It leaned a little too twangy country for me, but still a pleasant listen!

First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans
May 21 2026

Lovefool is a great classic, and the Iron Man cover was pretty cool. The rest was creative and quirky and I think it would grow on me after a couple more listens.

Justified by Justin Timberlake
May 22 2026

The hits on here are a pretty good time. The rest of the album is too R&B-y for my taste, but it's very well produced and cool to see his evolution from bubble gum boy pop to a more mature sound.

Imagine by John Lennon
May 23 2026

I was hoping to love this, and it was good, but I wasn't wowed. Imagine is the quintessential peace and love song of the era and a timeless classic. I liked the beats of Crippled Inside, and Oh My Love is a really sweet love song. The couple other hits on here are fine, not great, and overall, it was just a bit too quiet and reserved. It was missing a "powerful" feeling for me.

...And Justice For All by Metallica
May 24 2026

One is a really great song, and I am all for the protest nature of their lyrics. But neither of those things could save this from me generally disliking it. The songs feel pretentiously long, and aside from the one song I like, everything sounds so much alike. I know there’s a lot more nuance to their music than that, but it’s hard for me to pick out. This mostly just felt like headache material.

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
May 25 2026

I really liked this. Cool bluesy rock!

Sincere by Mj Cole
May 26 2026

I had no idea what to expect with this because I've never heard of him and the Wiki description gave nothing. So it was a vibey dancy surprise, and I quite enjoyed it!

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
May 28 2026

This might not be perfect, but it’s pretty great, and I really love Tina. Better Be Good To Me is such an awesome song, and she does such interesting covers of Help and Let’s Stay Together. Help is almost unrecognizable on her version. I love the variety here too, and how her soul just exudes from her. Favorite new to me song was Show Some Respect. Love all the girl power here too!

Achtung Baby by U2
May 29 2026

I really like U2 and there are a lot of great songs on here, but I've enjoyed their other albums a bit more than this one, so this doesn't reach 5 territory for me. Mysterious Ways and One are my fave hits on here, but overall I wasn't as emotionally struck as I've been with them before.

Hms Fable by Shack
May 30 2026

This is remarkably forgettable.

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
May 31 2026

They saved the hits for the end, making me think “how do I know these guys?” until “oh, that song, and that song.” This was fine, I like the little circus act they break out here and there. It’s quirky and hot messy enough to be interesting.

Jun 02 2026

This was so very 80s and had a lot of heart. I like how unrestrained it feels. Take On Me is so great, and The Sun Always Shines on TV grabbed me too. The rest was a good enough time to enjoy the album!

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Jun 03 2026

This album is fun and creative, albeit with ridiculous lyrics. Snoop has a unique unseriousness to him and he brings a charming humor to gangsta rap. Enough so that his bitches and hoes nonsense doesn’t annoy me as much as it usually does.

The Visitors by ABBA
Jun 04 2026

This was obviously a departure from their lighter and airier ABBA-ness, but there was a beautiful depth to this album and it was a moving reflection of where their lives were at that point in time. The songs still felt very “them” as they started to wrap up the end of their original time together. Slipping Through My Fingers was a tear jerker!

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
Jun 05 2026

Knowing the author is such an Elvis Costello fan, I'm not surprised this is on the list, because this felt generic in a Costello kind of way. They're dabbling in some different styles of music, which is interesting and makes you wonder what's coming next. But I found myself not really caring that much about what was coming next because the songs were generally underwhelming. The music is pleasant enough, and nothing was offensive or hard to listen to. But overall, it felt a little lifeless despite the upbeat vibes.

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Jun 06 2026

As with their last album, I like their overall vibes but have a hard time connecting with individual songs.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Jun 07 2026

After seven Neil albums, I think I can safely say that I like a lot of his music, but he's probably never quite getting to 5 territory for me. His music is always technically done well, and I enjoyed a lot of the songs on this, but it wasn't swoon-inducing. Still a good album though!

Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Jun 08 2026

There's a lot going on with this album but I thought it was pretty cool and creative and a rockin' good time.

The Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy
Jun 09 2026

Sigh. They could have picked literally ANY words to repeat over and over in the first song, and that's what they chose. It's unfortunate that sets the tone for the whole thing, because I actually really like this otherwise. It's chock full of cool funky beats!

Blur by Blur
Jun 10 2026

Now I'm wondering if all of their album covers are blurry. I enjoyed this! Song 2 is a classic (and now I know why it's called that), and I was getting down with a lot of the other tracks too. It's low-fi rockin' in just the right way.

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake by Small Faces
Jun 11 2026

This certainly got stranger as it went on. Despite a lot of gobbledygook that was happening, I enjoyed the energy and weirdness of it all. And Happy Days Toy Town was kind of amazing.

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Jun 12 2026

He has a great voice, but this just felt like one very long and boring heartbreak song and it was pretty much a snooze fest. Mix it up a little, Frank!

Make Yourself by Incubus
Jun 13 2026

They don’t really do much for me. Pardon Me is a pretty good song and I liked that they really pushed the energy on the last track. Overall, it feels like they want to be hard core and edgy while still being radio friendly and it comes across a little disingenuous as a result.

Devotional Songs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Jun 14 2026

This was long and kind of repetitive, but sometimes musical enjoyment is very situational. Because it was also a total vibe and a great listen laying in a hammock in the woods.

Peter Gabriel by Peter Gabriel
Jun 15 2026

Solsbury Hill is a tear jerker classic and really stands out in this album. There were all kinds of intriguing sounds going on throughout though, and I was drawn to Modern Love and Down Dolce Vita too. At this moment in time, I’m at a 3.5 but I could see it growing on me with more listens.

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Jun 16 2026

I listened to both the UK and US versions of the album. Both start off with different hits (Mother's Little Helper and Paint it Black, respectively) that are not included on the other version. Those are the best two songs overall, so it's strange they both weren't included on both. Anyway, I was excited after the UK version started, but it quickly devolved into a whole lot of disrespect for women, which was a real turnoff. Musically, I think it's pretty great. Lyrically, it sucks.

Jun 17 2026

I don't love or hate Coldplay. They're kind of a downer, but they're fine. And overall, this album was fine. I do like The Scientist, and In My Place and Clocks are pretty good too.

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
Jun 18 2026

I'm not sure what's weirder...listening to an instrumental soundtrack of a movie that actually exists (but not watching the movie with it) or listening to the soundtrack of a movie that's not actually a movie. At least there's no real context missing here, so that's something. There was some cool instrumentation in this, but it was still a weird experience.

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Jun 19 2026

This was incredibly average to me.

Opus Dei by Laibach
Jun 20 2026

Surprisingly, I didn’t hate this. I just hope these guys aren’t actual fascists.

Soul Mining by The The
Jun 21 2026

This is the second album I’ve had of theirs in close proximity and I might be a fan of these guys. I really enjoy the sounds they construct! Especially enjoyed This Is The Day and Giant.

Spiderland by Slint
Jun 22 2026

Day 896. She was running out of things to say about mediocre albums that are good enough for a 3…but here goes: I guess this was fine. It piqued my interest enough to not be a 2.

Closer by Joy Division
Jun 23 2026

This wasn’t bad but it had a whiny quality that I had a hard time getting into, and it just kind of depressed me. It had enough cool moments to escape Twosville though.

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Jun 24 2026

I'll preface my review with this...I have fully enjoyed this project and am happy I made the choice to do it, and to stick with it. It's been educational and eye-opening and has introduced me to so much music I never would have known existed otherwise. But with album 900 very quickly approaching, I've been struggling. Burning out. I've questioned my sanity. I've cursed the book's author. I've suffered through music that physically pains me for way more hours than I want to admit. But today gave me fresh hope! This album is fun and punky and quirky and totally rocks. It stands out so much among what I've listened to lately that it's an easy 5.

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Jun 25 2026

Modernizing the sounds of a folk legend using his unheard lyrics is a pretty cool music project. And they highly succeeded at this task! I was hooked on this from the first notes. They created some fun rockin' tunes and others that are more sentimental, and it's hard not to love them all. It feels like both a love letter to future generations from Woody himself, and also a love letter from Billy Bragg and Wilco back to Woody. They really honored his words in a lovely way.

New Forms by Roni Size
Jun 26 2026

I dug it!

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jun 27 2026

I really wish I could understand the author's love of Elvis Costello. I just don't get it. His music isn't terrible, but it's just so incredibly average to me and always seems to be lacking in soul, and also interesting hooks to latch onto. He sounds particularly nasally in this one too. The peace and love song at the end was pretty good. Is that even him singing?

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Jun 28 2026

This was really pretty and a lovely album for a rainy day. His voice is very comforting, and I thought the instrumentals complemented his lyrics incredibly well.

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
Jun 29 2026

Love the creativity and flow of this. It was a delightful journey through sound and something I'd like to revisit for a deeper dive. Side 1 was its own cool, trippy little world, and I really enjoyed everything on side 2. I was gonna go with a 4 and potentially up that to a 5 if I revisit it, but eff it, this is pretty great, so I'm just gonna 5 it from the jump.

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Jun 30 2026

Love The One You're With is such a delicious treat to open this with...I actually had no idea that song was his. It set the tone for a pretty darn good album. I love the choral quality of the songs with backing vocals, and this just has cool 70s vibes.

Traffic by Traffic
Jul 01 2026

Day 904. I’ve lost track of how many creepy male rock stars have songs about teenage girls. The losing track part is particularly disturbing. This was fine enough otherwise but good grief I am so tired of listening to an album and then suddenly hearing, “…and you’re only 13…”

Risque by CHIC
Jul 02 2026

This was a fun groovy disco party. Good Times is a classic and I can see My Feet Keep Dancing making it into my ‘dance like no one’s watching’ playlist. I don’t have one of those, but I probably should.

Ray Of Light by Madonna
Jul 03 2026

This album is beautiful and brilliant. I was obsessed with the song Ray of Light when it came out and it still hasn't gotten old. I love how seamlessly she creates deeply emotional and reflective songs and makes them electric. I'm a big fan of her pop music, but I loved this change in direction too. It's a crime this only has a 3.02 global rating.

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Jul 04 2026

This is so perfectly lovely. Stevie is one of the best and this is an easy 5. I really love his music.

Damaged by Black Flag
Jul 05 2026

TV Party was fun but the rest of this was too loud and noisy for me. I appreciate an angry album on the 4th, but it just wasn’t doing it for me.

Jul 06 2026

This was super rockin' and produced pretty flawlessly. Love her lyrics and her energy!

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Jul 07 2026

Now's the time on Sprockets when we dance! This was perfectly pleasant but got a little repetitive for my liking.

Exile In Guyville by Liz Phair
Jul 08 2026

I need to spend more time with Liz Phair because I think her stars would rise, but she hasn’t really grabbed me yet. I like her vibes and style but she leaves me wanting something more. I’m not sure what.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Jul 09 2026

Man, there were some songs on here I really related to. Clinging to a past that can't be relived. It's why I get so sad when traditions end. But life only moves in one direction. Musically, I felt average about this because the vibes were a little too melancholy, but it did make me cry.

Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
Jul 10 2026

Really dug the Cuban club vibes. This was a lovely listen.

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Jul 11 2026

This is the second Zeppelin album we’ve had that feels like a greatest hits compilation. Every song here is pretty damn good. It didn’t hit me in my feels as strongly as I expected but maybe I was in a weird mood. Hard not to give it a 5 with this run of songs.

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Jul 13 2026

Really great album. Love that he performed for prisoners and brought such a positive energy.

Orbital 2 by Orbital
Jul 14 2026

This was a perfect Monday album to shake off the morning cobwebs, with the bonus reminder of the meaninglessness of time. I dug the spacey electro beats.

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Jul 15 2026

I thought this was pretty cool overall. It ebbed and flowed very creatively and it’s one I’d like to spend more time with. Pale Blue Eyes was so pretty. I also really liked I’m Set Free and the last two tracks.

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Jul 16 2026

Ah, good ol' Elvis C again. I've consistently found him fine, but pretty bland, because there's a heart and soul that's missing in his music to me. So knowing that he changed his name to Elvis to align himself with a cultural icon, and adjusted his image to fit the music trends at the times, was kind of a lightbulb moment. Those behaviors could indicate he was chasing fame more than making music he really loved, or being who he really was. Suddenly his music makes more sense. And I'm fully aware that celebrities need to do these kinds of things to enter the spotlight and stay relevant, but he just comes across as more disingenuous than most. As far as this album...I didn't hate it. As usual, it was fine. He seems to get angry at women a lot in it. Maybe they all quickly saw through his facade too. I'm sure he's got a heart and a soul. But it certainly doesn't come out in his music.

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Jul 17 2026

This isn't my genre, at all, but I found this a little more palatable than most hard metal. It wasn't constant Cookie Monster growls and had some surprising variety and creativity. Definitely a one and done listen, but I've heard MUCH worse.

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
Jul 18 2026

I guess gothic rock is a new genre for me because I was bracing myself for something more metal. So a pleasant surprise to say the least! This was ethereal and emotional and catchy. There was a light dreaminess in the darkness of it, and it all really worked for me.

Drunk by Thundercat
Jul 19 2026

I got very little enjoyment out of this, aside from some of the lyrics, and hearing Kendrick’s voice once. Thundercat’s voice really bugged me, and the whole thing sounded like one long meandering song.

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jul 20 2026

I expected a touch more of a reggae/funk/soul feel based on the description but this mostly felt like straight rock music. Not a bad thing, just didn’t match my assumptions. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, I feel solidly in the middle on it. It had its moments. Maybe I’d find more nuance and layers to it upon further listens, because it sounds like it was highly influential and groundbreaking.

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Jul 21 2026

This falls solidly into the “I have no idea what I just listened to” genre. I appreciate their energy and spunk though, so why not, take a 3.

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Jul 22 2026

I really love this. Her voice is like a warm hug and she makes heartache feel beautiful. This is such an emotional journey through life and love and pain, in a swirl of enchanting musical majesty. Easy 5.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 23 2026

CCR! The deeper I get into this project, it's easy to lose track of how many great bands and artists haven't shown up yet, and they are one of them. So yay, I’m glad they made it. They are quintessential classic rock and road trip music, and they feel like comfort food to me. Waffling between a 4 and a 5 because it didn’t blow my socks off, but it made me happy.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
Jul 24 2026

I've never heard of Fred Neil and am happy I now have. I thought this was pretty great. He sings with a lot of soul, and I thought his voice and song compositions were rather captivating.

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Jul 25 2026

And that completes Nick Drake’s discography in this project. His voice is very soothing and the music feels like floating through clouds. I’ve enjoyed him overall. RIP

Jul 26 2026

It was cool to hear where the Wu-Tang all began. This felt oh so 90s rap and it was a lot of fun.

Underwater Moonlight by The Soft Boys
Jul 27 2026

I think I could like this more if I spent more time with it. 3 after a first pass but it intrigued me.

Midnight Ride by Paul Revere & The Raiders
Jul 28 2026

This was nice old timey classic rock. Good vinyl vibes!

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Jul 29 2026

After five of their albums, I'm discovering I feel pretty so-so about the Stones. I liked the bluesy vibes of this one, and it did get better as it went on. I liked the second half from Midnight Rambler on better than the first several tracks, and You Can't Always Get What You Want is one of my favorites of theirs. Wasn't quite at a 4 though.

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Jul 30 2026

I’ve always enjoyed his voice and his vibe, so I thought I would be more into this. There’s an emotion that feels lacking, which is weird, because he wasn’t lacking in emotional life experiences. Maybe it’s just how he delivers his messages that I have a hard time connecting with. Anyway, pretty music but I was hoping to be drawn in more than I was.

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Jul 31 2026

What a debut! It’s wild how many hits Led Zeppelin has. And how not 1969 this feels. Quite a masterpiece they started with.

The La's by The La's
Aug 01 2026

I probably could’ve gone to my grave without hearing this, but it wasn’t bad. It got better as it went along, and I did like how they really rocked out at the end.

Aug 02 2026

This was great music to vibe to. I think I’d need multiple listens to connect on a deeper level, but I liked the groovy sounds.

Mott by Mott The Hoople
Aug 03 2026

This was a perfectly pleasant listen. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing that made me go "pee-ew" either.

Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple
Aug 04 2026

This has such an experimental tribalness to it. Super interesting that most of this was recorded in her home, hence SFX like the dog barks, which I assumed were intentional until I read up on it lol. I like that you never know what you're going to get from song to song. The messages and layers of sound create a pretty captivating album. It's not a style of music I typically gravitate to, it gets a little too experimental for my taste in places, but she still pulls this off well!

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Aug 05 2026

I was surprised to only know one song on here, his cover of Fever. In its absence of iconic hits, this just felt like an old-timey album that was hard to relate to. It's still Elvis, so that gives it a bump, and it's cool that it's kind of a celebration of his return from military service, but it was overall just ok to me.

Revolver by Beatles
Aug 06 2026

I'm a sucker for Yellow Submarine and also a big fan of Eleanor Rigby, Here, There and Everywhere, And Your Bird Can Sing and Got To Get You Into My Life. Their vocals carry a certain silkiness that give these tracks a particularly smooth polish (or maybe that's just the brand new headphones I used lol). They do a lot of interesting experimentation in this too, which doesn't sound so revolutionary now, but I'm sure it felt that way at the time. I love how their music evolved over time as they grew up with the whole world watching and listening. This falls below Sgt Pepper and Abbey Road in my rankings, but it's still pretty fantastic.

Is This It by The Strokes
Aug 07 2026

I thought I would rock with this more. But beyond the hits, it was just kinda muffly and mediocre.

Vento De Maio by Elis Regina
Aug 08 2026

I have nothing bad to say about this, but I didn't really get into it either. I enjoyed her soulful energy.

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Aug 09 2026

I've certainly heard worse, but it's a rare post-punk album that will give me much enjoyment. This one did not break through.

Aug 10 2026

I definitely had a 90s crush on him, particularly because of Going Back to Cali and Doin' It, which sadly aren't on here. Ah well. This was ok. It kind of had a corny factor, but he's still spittin' funky rhymes and the title track is a classic.

Knowing this is currently the lowest rated album in the project, I went in with an open mind but still had low expectations. This did not exceed those expectations. Maybe things could’ve been different if it felt like there was actual music in here somewhere. AB/7A had promise but it didn’t go anywhere. At least now it’s over.

Aug 12 2026

I enjoyed his dramatic delivery and the walls of sound created here (clearly Spector's style). I wasn't super hooked by anything, but it was a nice listen.

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Aug 13 2026

I'm mostly confused by the small smattering of live albums on this list and how they were specifically chosen, but I'll give Van his props. He's clearly a presence on stage and brings a lot of life and heart into his live performance. Great instrumentation throughout too. I especially loved the piano and horns.

Aug 14 2026

Tupac was rather prophetic, he knew he was not long for this world. I really love his voice and rap style. You can really feel the life he lived through his music and there’s something next level about his sound. I’m a fan!

Locust Abortion Technician by Butthole Surfers
Aug 15 2026

The way the first song started off made me laugh and it had a couple decent moments beyond that, but overall, this was a WTF for me. Felt more like noise than songs.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Aug 16 2026

I liked this better than I expected to. It was fun and rockin’ and not obnoxiously noisy. The vocals weren’t anything to write home about, but they were ok.

Guero by Beck
Aug 17 2026

This didn't knock my socks off on one listen, but it had a lot of interesting instrumentation and variety from song to song, and I enjoyed it overall. It might grow on me if I had more time with it.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Aug 18 2026

This was pretty good. I really enjoyed his cover of Without You, and Coconut is a classic that was fun to hear for the first time in eons. Nice easy listening.

Aug 19 2026

It's hard to take this super seriously when I see Ice-T in CarShield commercials now. Despite that, I do respect his influence and contributions to the genre, and he's certainly not a poser. I had a hard time getting into this album though, it was long and a lot of the songs dragged. But it was ok, I liked his raps on societal and cultural issues.

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 100% of albums. Average review length: 301 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.