360
Albums Rated
3.56
Average Rating
33%
Complete
729 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Hard-rock
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
75
5-Star Albums
15
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
|
5 | 2.62 | +2.38 |
|
Mask
Bauhaus
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
|
Eternally Yours
The Saints
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Country Life
Roxy Music
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
|
Truth
Jeff Beck
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Close To The Edge
Yes
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
School's Out
Alice Cooper
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
Pink Flag
Wire
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
|
1 | 3.62 | -2.62 |
|
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
Stankonia
OutKast
|
1 | 3.55 | -2.55 |
|
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
|
1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
|
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
|
1 | 3.22 | -2.22 |
|
Like Water For Chocolate
Common
|
1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
|
Survivor
Destiny's Child
|
1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
|
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
|
1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 5 |
| Yes | 3 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 5 |
| Beatles | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 4.67 |
| Talking Heads | 3 | 4.67 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Rush | 2 | 5 |
| The White Stripes | 2 | 5 |
| The Band | 2 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 2 | 5 |
| Funkadelic | 2 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Common | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (75)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Alice Cooper
5/5
I've always been a big fan of Alice and, of course, heard the title track of this album many, many times. Oddly enough I have never listened to this album in its entirety. Many of the tracks are superior to the title track. While I do not like it quite as much as, "Love It to Death", it is still solid. I can hear the Ezrin and Zappa influences here. 5 stars.
2 likes
Flamin' Groovies
5/5
I'm surprised I have never heard of this band before. They play excellent early garage rock. I gave this album three listens, and each time was better than the last. I am going to check out their other stuff.
2 likes
Funkadelic
5/5
Excellent album. It is both funky and hard rocking. I had never listened to this album before the list, and I have added it to my favorites. 5 stars!
2 likes
Syd Barrett
5/5
I have always loved this album for its whimsical nature and interesting lyrics. Sadly, Syd was somewhat of a mad genius and the architect of early Pink Floyd. It is a shame that he succumbed to mental illness. His predicament influenced many classic Pink Floyd albums to come. With an unfiltered and raw production, this album is a lot of fun to listen to and can elicit many emotional responses. RIP Syd!
2 likes
Jeff Beck
5/5
Fantastic blues-rock album. Jeff Beck is one of the guitar greats with several other fantastic musicians ripping through this set of mostly blues covers. A classic.
1 likes
4-Star Albums (108)
1-Star Albums (15)
All Ratings
The Velvet Underground
4/5
An eclectic group of songs, some of which have very haunting melodies. These are supplemented by Reed's chanting vocals. The lyrics are the highlight of these songs which are very clever and gritty. Nico's vocals are best when complementary to Reed's instead of in the lead. Some of songs (i.e. European Son) have instrumental sections reminiscent of free form jazz.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Depeche Mode was never one of my favorites growing up in the 80's, but no one can deny, that they have that iconic 80's sound that defined that decade's music. I tended to 70's music and the goth rock bands of the 80's (The Damned, Bauhaus, and The Sisters of Mercy). While a little too synthpop to me, I did enjoy some of this record, notably the lyricism and the song "To Have and to Hold".
Aretha Franklin
5/5
"The Queen of Soul", nuff said! Awesome album by one of the greatest female rhythm and blues vocalists ever!
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to jazz, but I know the significance of this record. I purchased a Canadian first press of "Jazz goes to College" for a dollar but haven't had a chance to listen. As I get older I am looking for new musical experiences that I have yet to discover. This record was one of those experiences. The musicianship is superb. A very enjoyable listen.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I am not a huge fan of the Beach Boys, but cannot deny that they have many catchy tunes, that I like very much. This album shows growth in musical direction away from their standard beach party music. This album was Brian Wilson's response to the release of Rubber Soul by the Beatles. He has definitely taken the Beach Boys to a new musical level with this, but I still give the edge to the Beatles here. (IMO). I find that as the Beatles moved away from "The Fab Four", their music grew increasingly better. With the Beach Boys I like several songs on this record, but tend to like their party fair a little better. I listen to both the mono and stereo mixes of this (2016, 50th anniversary mixes). I liked the stereo mix better in terms of sound quality.
Parliament
5/5
First time listening to this record. I was familiar with a few of the tunes on this record, growing up in the seventies. My mother would expose me to funk and R&B. Great listen, a lot of fun. Added to my favorites.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I have to admit, not a big fan of Bob Dylan. His lyrics are thoughtful and interesting and the band's musicianship is on point. This music just doesn't draw me in and is quite frankly is a little dull.
Prince
4/5
Excellent album from the 80's. Brings back a lot of memories. I don't think I have ever actually listened to this album from start to finish before. Prince had a wonderful grasp on R&B and could lay down some rock and roll as well. A great listen.
The xx
3/5
Good techno-pop music. Hypnotic beats. I liked the songs Lips, Replica, and I Dare You. Overall not my cup of tea.
Coldplay
3/5
This album has a lot of critical acclaim but didn't do it for me. I liked a couple of songs but for the most part, meh!
Suicide
3/5
First time listening to this. Definitely see where this record had many influences on electronic music and goth-punk going into the eighties. A bit of a depressing listen. You have to be in the right mood for this.
Linkin Park
3/5
First listen to this. Good hard rock sound. I like several songs. it is a good listen. I will listen to it again.
R.E.M.
3/5
Never been a huge fan of REM and this is the first time I listen to this album all the way through. It definitely reminds me of the 80's and still has a couple of catchy tunes.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
First time listening, to this one. I like several songs. It definitely has a 70's vibe.
The Specials
4/5
First time with this one. I liked it a lot. Interesting play on Jamaican music influences and lyrical content applicable to 70's urban London.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Great album. I have been a fan of Peter since the MTV days. Love his work with Genesis as well.
Otis Redding
5/5
Fantastic record! The King of Soul, gone too soon! Awesome cover of Satisfaction. Added to my favorites!
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Great album. Very familiar with the band having been into Goth Rock in the 80's. Never have listened to this album from start to finish. Love the hypnotic rhythms and the smoky, dark flavor of Siouxsie's vocals.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Very easy listening record. Melancholy vocals were both sad and dreamy with hypnotic music. Overall very good but I would need to be in the proper mind to listen.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Not really my thing. There are a couple of good songs.
Common
1/5
Not my thing. Only one song that I sorta of liked, otherwise....no.
Rush
5/5
I was exposed this album in my mid-teens. I liked it, but my musical tastes were starting to expand from the sixties and seventies rock, R&B and easy listening music that I was had been exposed to by my mom as a kid. It wasn't until Rush released Moving Pictures that they started to become one of my favorite bands. When I rediscovered this album later in life I began to know how great it is. One of my favorites.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
This is my first time through this one. I have heard of the band but couldn't have told you what songs they are known for. There are several good songs on this record but I find it a touch commercial sounding. I will give this a second listen to see if it grows on me, along with checking out some more of the catalog.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
My first listen to this. I have a handful of hip-hop records that I like to listen to. I will be adding this title to that list. I liked the influences on this record, it was very musical with a rhythm and blues vibe. The lyrics had a lot to say without the "gangsta vibe" that has been used on the other two records that I have listened to on this list. This one has been my favorite rap record in the list so far. I will listen to this again.
OutKast
3/5
I am only 26 albums into this project and this is the 4th hip-hop record that has come up. When I saw this one pop up. I read the Wikipedia entry and saw that this consists of 39 songs, I resigned myself to a long listening session, also seeing the warning label on the cover of the album I knew I was in for a bumpy ride. I must admit the album was not what I expected. There are songs here that take influence from all manner of genres and I have to admit there was a lot here to enjoy. Many songs get their roots from funk, jazz, soul, and some of the lyrics are just downright funny. There were a couple of songs on here that had a Frank Zappa vibe. There were also a few songs that I could barely muck through. If you cut out some of the weaker songs, this would have been a very solid album but with some of the lesser material, it makes it a bit of a marathon listen.
FKA twigs
2/5
Ok, techno-pop with naughty lyrics. I'll give it a go........
Not for me. I found this somber and uninvolving. Music to sleep by.
The White Stripes
5/5
What do you get when you take two weird kids from suburban Detroit and have them meet at a bar in Royal Oak? One of the greatest garage rock bands of all time. The White Stripes started with a simple blues and punk-based influence and a minimalist approach of only guitar and drums. They were relatively short-lived releasing only six studio albums but their albums sold millions of copies and have had a lasting legacy. Jack has continued as a solo artist and with numerous other projects supporting other bands. His musical ability is no less than genius. Meg has been very controversial as an artist, with many believing her playing to be rudimentary and with very little technical ability. Say what you want to about her ability but her playing had a distinctive sound that was integral to the White Stripes' music. When she decided that she had enough, Jack knew the White Stripes were done. This album is a testament to how great a band they were.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Paul's Boutique was not as commercially successful as Licence to Ill. But sonically this is a far superior record in all regards and it established the Beastie Boys as legitimate hip-hop musicians. Now when I say hip-hop, I do so with a grain of salt. I find that the Beasties have a hard rock and punk kinda vibe as opposed to several other hip-hop records in this list. I would classify this more as Alt hip-hop. The Beasties started as a punk band and the music and attitude of punk musicians shines throughout this record. The lyrical interplay is top-notch, and the lyrical content is very amusing even if it has an angry adolescent quality about it, same as License to Ill but, rawer and introspective. There are some shining stars on this record, Johnny Ryall being a particular favorite.
Johnny Cash
5/5
This album is one from my personal collection. I'm not a huge fan of country music, but Johnny's music transcends any labels that could be used to describe his style. Johnny's music takes influence from country, rockabilly, folk, and blues. This album is a great listen from start to finish. The songs here deal with many unhappy subjects but Johnny does justice to them all whether the lyrics are sad or humorous. His rapport with his audience of inmates is undeniable and he seems to have enthralled the prison staff as well, which is why they kept bringing him in to do prison shows. I am somewhat surprised by some of the things he gets away with on this record, knowing what the censorship of the time was.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
My mother exposed me to The Beatles when I was around 10 and my cousin and I would listen to them for hours. We would play air guitar and sing along to the music, both of us wanted to be Paul. My first exposure to the Wings was the album "Wings at the Speed of Sound", which was a favorite of mine. I was also aware of the songs "Live and Let Die" from the James Bond film and of course the eponymous, "Band on the Run" from the radio. It wasn't until much later that I listened to this record from start to finish. I think this record has a similar feel to "Abbey Road" which is one of my favorite records. You really can't go wrong with Paul McCartney. Great listen!
Pixies
3/5
I had never been into the Pixes and had never listened to this album before. My first exposure to the band was a few years ago when a friend invited me to see a Pixies/Weezer concert. I was not very impressed with the Pixies set. It seemed lackluster and uninvolving. So ok, I had to give this a second listen, to be fair, but I am afraid it did not improve my overall impression of this. I find this to be a mix of college rock and garage, too many repetitive lyrics and some spots are just unintelligible screaming. I never really felt this one, a couple of good songs. Bright spot "Where is my Mind?"
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I have, of course, heard a couple of songs of this one. But first, listen from start to finish. Stevie is definitely worth a listen. Love the soul and funk influences and the Motown vibe. Good listen.
Dr. Dre
1/5
Well I listened to this,.....um.....not......my.....thing.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
Ugh!
Happy Mondays
4/5
First time with this one. Excellent Indie rock. Funky dance beats with interesting lyrics. Some tracks can be a bit repetitive, but I enjoyed this record. I will listen to it again.
Laura Nyro
3/5
First time with this one. I have heard some of the songs done as covers by other artists. Laura's vocals are spot on and musicianship is very well done. Definitely hear the jazz, blues, and gospel influences. I tend toward the more bluesy numbers. I will be checking out some of Laura's other releases. Good listen.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
I have never even heard of Janelle. When I saw this record pop up, I admit I had a preconception of what this would sound like. I was wrong. Taking in all manner of influences and a pretty cool concept, I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I will definitely listen to this again, and check out her other stuff as well.
Beck
4/5
Excellent album. A very introspective side of Beck. It shows his versatility as a songwriter and his ability to blend many musical genres. This one has a more folksy sound with the lyrics dealing with the loss of a relationship and loneliness. You may need to be in the proper mood for this one, I think it is grey rainy-day music. Great listen.
Fred Neil
3/5
Never heard of Fred Neil before getting this album on the list. I have, of course, heard the song, "Everybody's Talkin'", before but never associated this song with Fred Neil. This is a good folk-rock record with some good songs, but others are somewhat uninvolving. It's ok.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
This one brings me back. These songs were in heavy rotation back in the day and were enjoyable enough although became a bit overplayed. I haven't listened to this in many years, so coming back to it felt fresh again. Alanis is raw and unfiltered and tells it like it is, which is why the lyrics were appealing to so many. She wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind. Say what you will, but I like it.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
41 albums into the project and Siouxsie and the Banshees is the first repeat artist I have received. While this album is not as refined as Juju, the influence that this will have on early 80s post-punk music is undeniable. The guitar and drum combination on this is very raw and unlike anything before it. It works well complementing Siouxsies' rhythmic, screeching vocals. Good listen.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Iconic folk-rock record with some very memorable songs of the Woodstock era. A couple of fluff songs with less substance, but overall a very good listen.
Björk
3/5
I liked this better than I thought I would. Eclectic and quirky with some interesting lyrics, it was a fun listen. I would listen to it again. Bright spots..."Come to Me" and "Violently Happy".
Robert Wyatt
3/5
I am not quite sure what to make of this one. I had to listen to it a second time. It has a couple of tunes that I enjoy and a few that work only as background music. I noted similarities in a couple of tracks that reminded me of Syd Barret's solo stuff, but not quite as fun. I will pick this one up again in a few to see if it grows on me. Bright spot: "Shleep"
David Crosby
3/5
This one is a pretty good jam session for some big names. There is a lot here to enjoy, but some of it can be uninvolving. Bright spot: "Cowboy Movie", a bluesy Grateful Dead-influenced jam. Good listen.
Tom Waits
4/5
I would say I am a fan of Tom Waits, but I have not delved very far into his catalog. I am glad that some of his releases are included in this list. I have not listened to this before but I found it very enjoyable. Waits gets his inspiration from all manner of jazzy and bluesy influences with a vaudevillian atmosphere and lyrics that stem from the darker, seedier side of life. Also being a fan of Captain Beefheart, I can also note similarities with Waits' music there as well. A really good listen, looking forward to experiencing some more from Mr. Waits.
Dire Straits
5/5
Amazing album! Dire Straits' music takes insperation from several genres and the track list on their debut record is solid from start to finish. I would only give the nudge to "Making Movies" as my favorite DS album, but this one is close.
Santana
4/5
I have always liked Santana and Carlos is a fantastic guitar player. They were the opening band at my first concert in 1981 with The Rolling Stones. I am of course familiar with the radio hits of this album. This is the first time I have listened to this record from start to finish and I enjoyed it very much. Classic rock with Latin influences and I like the deep track' "Hope You're Feeling Better". It had a very Deep Purple vibe. Great listen.
Jeff Beck
5/5
Fantastic blues-rock album. Jeff Beck is one of the guitar greats with several other fantastic musicians ripping through this set of mostly blues covers. A classic.
Queen
4/5
One of the good things about listening to the albums on this list is getting a deeper dive into artists that I have always liked but never had listened to their albums in their entirety. I have always been a fan of Queen, but only ever knew their music from the radio. I was really taken by some of the lesser-known songs on this album, like the track "Tenement Funster", which was both written and sung by Roger Taylor. Queen was a great band and this album is a very good listen.
Bee Gees
3/5
I have to say that I'm not familiar with any of the Bee Gee's music other than the disco hits of the 70s. (which is excellent btw!) So this was my first listen to this record. Billed as a concept album, this attempt falls short of an album like "Sgt. Pepper's" or the rock opera "Tommy", but it is good sixties rock and a very enjoyable listen. I think the production is very high quality but overdone and some of the musical interludes could have been scrapped for a tighter finished product.
Eminem
2/5
This record has some good songs but it is not something I would listen to regularly. Some of the lyrical content is overly violent but completely tongue-in-cheek. Although you cannot deny Eminem's talent for rapping, it is still not my thing. A bright spot is the track "Stan".
Queen
4/5
I'm getting this as my second Queen album on this list. I've never listened to this album before and was not familiar with any of the songs on it. This is a very good progressive rock record and I can hear Queen developing their signature sound. Comparing this to "Sheer Heart Attack" which was the other record I have had on the list, I would give the nod to the 3rd album, but this one has several shining stars. One thing that I came to realize from both of the records was that I enjoy Roger Taylor's contributions as some of my favorite Queen songs. Highly underrated.
5/5
One of my favorite bands, a pioneer band in the progressive rock scene along with early Genesis and King Crimson. I have loved this album since I was a teenager. This album along with, "The Yes Album" and "Fragile" are definitely on my desert island list, as masterpieces of prog rock.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I like Frank Sinatra, but I have not heard this record before. It is smooth jazz at its finest and a great selection of hit songs with a bossa nova flair. I think just about everyone has heard "The Girl from Ipanema". It's a great tune and well done on this record. A very relaxing listen, which would definitely be playing in the background while lying on the beach.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I have to say that I did not expect to like this album. I have not listened to it before and if I would have heard any of the songs off of it in the past, I didn't remember them. I have never been a fan of Elvis and didn't really like "Armed Forces", which is the only other album I have ever listened to. I was pleasantly surprised with this record, and think it definitely deserves another listen.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This is another example of finding a gem on this list. I have never heard of this album before or even heard of Fela Kuti before. This is a great listen. Jazzy and political, I listened to the version with bonus tracks. I will be listening to this again and checking out his catalog.
Joy Division
5/5
I have to admit that this is the first full listen to this record. I'm sure that in my youth I did hear these songs, as my friends and I would spend time in punk and goth clubs. This is exactly the type of music that I listened to in the early and mid-eighties. I love the dark and moody atmosphere with the hypnotic rhythms and chanting vocals. That being said there are a few tracks on this record that I don't really like and can be somewhat repetitive, but they will deserve another listen. It is a shame this band was so short-lived. This is another example of a record that this list has brought my attention to.
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
This is my first time listening to this. Never had much exposure to this band back in the 90s. To be fair, I listened to it twice. I really enjoyed it the second time around and think it is deserving of the acclaim. It takes you on an emotional journey with some dark undertones and a Velvet Underground feel.
Public Enemy
3/5
Well.....I liked this more than I thought I would.
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
To be fair, it is really hard to grade this without multiple listens. this is an eclectic and diverse group of songs and it is long......really long. That being said, it is mostly enjoyable so I would put this between 3-4 stars. 3 for length and the songs I don't like and 4 for the musicianship and the songs I do like. I plan to revisit this several more times but on first listen the song that stands out the most to me is, "No One Will Ever Love You".
5/5
The Beatles were my first excursion into rock and roll. My mom raised me on them along with R&B, Motown, and a sprinkling of other rock recordings. It was when I heard the Beatles for the first time that I began to be really hooked on music. As a kid, I listened primarily to the "Fab Four" stuff. But when I first heard this album, I knew the possibilities that music provides. That being said, I would say this album is not my favorite in the catalog, preferring "Revolver" and "Abbey Road". But no one can deny the impact that this record has had on popular music. I still love to listen to it every time.
Frank Zappa
5/5
This is one of my favorite jazz-rock fusion recordings. I have always loved Frank Zappa's music and this is one of my favorites. Frank's guitar prowess has been underestimated and his ability shines through on this record. I also love the "Willie the Pimp" with Captain Beefheart's gravelly vocals. I was disappointed back in 2020 because I had tickets to see Zappa-plays-Zappa on the Hot Rats Tour which was performing this album for its 50th anniversary. The concert was canceled due to COVID. I hope Dweezil will be out to perform this album on his next tour.
MC Solaar
3/5
It's funky, it's fresh, and.......it's French. Definitely not what I expected. It has great rhythm but I don't know what he is singing about, but then again, that may be a good thing. It was a fun listen. C'est bon.
Mercury Rev
3/5
I have never listened to this or heard of this band before. I listened to it twice. I enjoyed it. I like the dreamy quality of the lead singer's voice, but it can be somewhat sing-song at points. The musicianship is on point. Particular favorites are: "Goddess on the Hiway" and "The Funny Bird".
Paul Weller
4/5
This is another great album that I had never been exposed to. I have heard The Jam before but never delved deep into their catalog. I was not aware of Paul Weller's solo music or his music with The Style Council. I will be checking out some more of his stuff.
AC/DC
5/5
Classic rock and roll recording. This has been a favorite of mine for many years. When it comes to AC/DC, I prefer the Bon Scott-era of the band. Not to say they didn't have some pretty good releases following his death. Many people claim that all their songs sound the same. I disagree regarding the music produced in the earlier days of the band. They had a formulaic style, but the earlier music was much more rooted in the blues. Bon Scott's lyrics were well-crafted and tongue-in-cheek. I feel that this is somewhat lost in the music produced after his death. Although I would not call this album my favorite AC/DC record which I would say is, "Powerage", this is probably the runner-up.
Favorite song: "Walk All Over You"
Least Favorite: "Love Hungary Man"
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Psychedelic with roots in the blues the seminal album by The Experience has had a profound influence on many musicians since the sixties. Whether or not you agree or even like Jimi's music there had never been an artist even vaguely close to him, he was definitely a one-of-a-kind and a pioneer for those who came after. He left us too soon.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Not bad.....but also not for me.
3/5
I first heard these songs when MTV was a thing. I liked the video for "The Look of Love", so I went out and bought the album. I think it is still in my collection, but I'm not quite sure because I haven't listened to it in 40 years. It's a good album of 80's pop. It's ok, but I'm not really that into it.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Cool and funky R&B record. I was not aware that this album was the origin of the track, "Back to Life". Fun listen.
Van Morrison
3/5
An excellent, well-recorded live album. Great R&B and rock record. The band is on point and Morrison is in his heyday. I will listen to this one again!
Elvis Presley
3/5
Very good album from Elvis. I have not heard this album, in its entirety before and found it enjoyable. It is unlike any of the rock and roll-based Elvis that I am used to. It is a very soulful and country-based Elvis that shows what an excellent performer he really was.
Grateful Dead
5/5
Excellent Americana folk recording. There are no bad songs on this record. I don't know if it is my favorite Grateful Dead album, but it is definitely close.
Favorite track: "Brokedown Palace"
Ramones
5/5
Purely punk. A great album. Thrashy and messy but comes together in a blaze of sound. Every song on the album is classic from a classic band. Hey Ho let's go!
D'Angelo
2/5
Soulful R&B recording, it's not bad but doesn't leave any type of lasting impact. The most memorable song on the album is a cover of "Cruisin'", the rest is mostly forgettable.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Although I am not a big Fleetwood Mac fan, I was familiar with the songs on this album when it was released. My mother had a copy in her collection. While I have liked many of the songs on this it is a tad "poppy" for me. That being said it is a very iconic album and well worth a listen. I find I enjoy some of the deep cuts better than the more well-known numbers.
Billie Holiday
4/5
I have always been a fan of female vocals. I find that music is a perfect emotional outlet, which is why many songs resonate emotionally with their respective fans who are feeling the same. I also find that women are often more in tune with emotions and are able to musically convey this. I am not a huge fan of jazz, but one cannot listen to this album and connect with the world-weary lady. You can feel how sad and run-down by life she feels as she works her way through these songs of love and loss. Her voice is still amazing, although you can hear how years of substance abuse have taken its toll on it. I will listen to more of her catalog to get a taste of her earlier music.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This is exactly the kind of music I am hoping to be exposed to on this list. I had heard of Nick Cave before but never listened to him before or looked into his catalog. I gave this album several spins and enjoyed it thoroughly. I will be exploring the rest of his catalog and adding this album to my favorites.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
So was Peter Gabriel's most commercially sucessful record and has a lot to offer. Excellent writing and musicianship. A definite classic, although not my favorite as far as PG goes, I prefer his earlier albums as well as his work with Genesis. Still a fun listen.
Radiohead
4/5
There are several records in this list that I can judge immediately after listening to, but this is one of those records that requires multiple listening to make an accurate judgment. There is a lot here to enjoy and overall, I would rate it between three and four. The music and lyrics I give high marks, but Thom Yorke's vocals can be a touch whiney and sing-song but even with that, I would listen again.
Pink Floyd
5/5
As the follow-up to the seminal 1973 album "Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here" is more jazz-forward with a completely different feel than its predecessor. Although some songs here deal with the subject of mental illness, it is a more personal and introspective album. A lament to the band's old mate and friend who had succumbed to it. It is also a criticism of the music industry's approach to tailoring musicians to make money rather than follow their art. This was also the last album by the band before Roger Waters began to exert increasing control of the band's output. This is not to say that the band's next albums were a letdown over the previous records. Waters is a genius, even if he is a bit of an asshole. I find that I prefer the albums based on his concepts more than the previous material, as well as his solo material over the Gilmore-led Pink Floyd or the other band members' solo music. All that being said, I find each Floyd album to be a unique and enjoyable experience.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Another gem found on this list. I have not heard this before and I enjoyed it immensely. I love the grungy, garage sound. Similar to the White Stripes, although I still would give the Stripes the edge overall. I also love Karen O's vocals, as I am a huge fan of female-fronted bands. A lot of fun!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Good mix of country-folk rock. I'm not a huge fan of Neil, but he does have some iconic songs. "Hey Hey, My My", is definitely one of those. Overall, it is a good listen.
The Doors
5/5
Poetry in motion is the best way I can describe The Doors. I have always been a huge fan of this band from the moment I first heard them. I have always been partial to music with a dark and surreal tone and lyrics. It is the reason this is one of my favorites. Although I prefer "Strange Days" to this album, their debut still ranks 5 stars!
Chicago
4/5
Good R&B record. I never listened to Chicago much growing up but I was familiar with many of the iconic songs on this record. I would say that this album is overly long and they could have left the improvisational Hendrix-like guitar tracks off. I am not saying that the guitar tracks are bad but they seemed out of place with the tone of the rest of the album.
The Darkness
4/5
I had never listened to this before nor heard of this band. It's a fun rock record. It has definite Queen and T-Rex influences. I will be checking out their other material.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Iconic 80's album. I heard much of this on the radio and its songs were a MTv staple. It definitely brings me back, but ultimately a little too "poppy" for me.
Paul Simon
3/5
Paul Simon is a great songwriter. I prefer his music as part of S&G. I'm not as big of a fan of his solo work. There are some definite bright spots on this album, namely "Me and Julio...." I also love that this album has Reggae influences. Good album.
The White Stripes
5/5
Fantastic record. The White Stripes are one of my favorite bands! This is 6 stars out of five!
Lana Del Rey
4/5
I have not listened to much of Lana's music before, but I am a huge fan of female vocals. For me, music is an emotional experience and women can express their emotions in song. Lana's voice has a hypnotic, dream-like quality and her lyrics tell a story that one can follow along and feel what she is feeling. If I had any criticism it would be all of the songs on this album have the same tone, and I am looking for her to really let loose and belt out a few tunes, but this may not be her style. I do really like when the tunes have an Americana influence. Overall a very enjoyable listen although not my typical go-to.
Tim Buckley
3/5
First time with this one. Buckley's vocals are excellent. The music is melancholy and subdued. This is a good rainy-day record. Overall not bad.
Radiohead
2/5
This one is not for me. I found listening to it relegated to background music, I was seldom drawn in and the vocals were irritating at times. There were a few bright spots but otherwise......no.
The Beau Brummels
4/5
I am familiar with this band, having first heard as The Beau Brummelstones on an episode of The Flintstones. I have not listened to this album before. Overall a very enjoyable folk/country/rock fusion. 60's psychedelia with a very San Francisco sound. Musically several tracks have a very cool atmosphere and well-crafted lyrics.
Marty Robbins
3/5
While I have heard the song "El Paso" before, I was unfamiliar with this album. I enjoyed this record thoroughly. Simple songs that draw you in and lyrics that tell a story. It was an enjoyable listen.
Pulp
3/5
Musically this is not bad and it has provocative lyrics but overall didn't really do it for me.
Janis Joplin
4/5
It is a shame that Janis didn't live longer to create more music. She had an iconic voice that was unmistakable. She was broken inside from the start, and her music showed her pain. I think she was lost and didn't know how to find herself so she looked for ways to fill the void, and it ultimately killed her in the end. Even though her career was short, she has a lasting legacy on music. Great album!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
This is my first exposure to this record. This list has exposed me to Nick Cave's music. This album is unlike the previous "Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus" which was my first exposure. This album is much more atmospheric and lyrical than the other but also requires the proper frame of mind to listen. It explores the emotinal side of grief and will reqire addtional listening sessions to truly appreciate it. While it is an excellent album, I would not see it as one I put in heavy rotation on my play list.
Public Enemy
3/5
An adrenaline rush from start to finish. As far as hip-hop goes Public Enemy is one group that I enjoy listening to. Can be repeatative at times, but overall a good listen.
Common
2/5
This is better than the first offering I got on this list from Common. Still not my thing.
Prince
4/5
This one brings back memories of my high school days. A great album and the movie was pretty good too.
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
First time with this one. I have to admit I expected more from this. It's pretty good generic rock but not very memorable. It is possible that I may have heard some of these tunes on the radio when this was released but like then I don't remember them. I am really not a fan of the Seattle-based bands of the 90s, they have a few good songs but it's not my thing.
Orbital
2/5
I'm not sure if I would put this on the list of albums you should hear before you die. Is it bad?.........It's not horrible, but it is one long dance party rave. It's not really the type of music that I like to sit down and listen to. It is background party music.
Paul Simon
3/5
Again, I am not a big fan of Paul Simon. This album isn't bad but it is not very memorable for me. It's ok.
The Black Crowes
5/5
Excellent album. Great Blues-southern rock from the 90s when there were many grunge rock bands. The Crowes were a throwback to bands like Zeppelin and the Stones. I prefer their sophomore effort, "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion" to this, but it still rates 5 stars.
Metallica
3/5
I'm not a big fan of Metalica, but oddly enough I have seen them in concert several times. They always put on a good show. That being said I found this album to be underwhelming. With that I mean they sound like they normally do and the album is a well-recorded live album, however, the SFSO does very little to enhance the band's music and seems out of place at times. I was very disappointed in the orchestration for the song "One" which is one of my favorites. I think the highlight of the fusion here was on the song "Bleeding Me" to which the orchestration was a welcome addition. Overall, it was ok.
Baaba Maal
3/5
This was an interesting listen, although I am not into world music that much it was still fun to follow along. I definitely like some of the funkier bits. "Hamady Boiro" was my favorite track.
The Verve
3/5
I liked this more than I thought I would. The musicality is very good but with most of the Brit-pop bands in the 90s, the vocals can come off as whiney. I will listen to this again and reevaluate.
Tangerine Dream
3/5
Atmospheric, moody, and at times hectic. It's good electronic music that could easily be incorporated into a 70's sci-fi movie. It's good if you're into it....me, not so much.
Miles Davis
4/5
My experience with jazz is minimal. I have listened to "Kind of Blue", by Miles and like that very much. This is a collection of songs that for lack of a better word are "jazzier", than KOB. I still like KOB better, but enjoyed this very much. The musicianship is truly on point.
Paul Simon
4/5
This is the third solo album by Paul Simon that I have received on this list. Again, I prefer his music with S&G more than the solo stuff. This album is upbeat with a happy vibe, and fun to listen to. It is probably my favorite of his. Reading some of the comments left by others (which I do for every album) I see many comments attacking Simon's character for what they call "cultural appropriation". This is funny to me since cultural appropriation is a way to introduce the world to other cultures as long as it is done without taking advantage of the culture which the music is borrowed from. Apartheid is the act of keeping cultures separated so that one may have mastery of the other. If we truly want unity why not blend all cultures and remember the histories of the cultures where music came from? Most of my favorite music has been derived from southern delta blues and it has had a profound effect on the development of rock and roll and pop music. If white artists had not taken these influences where would we be now? I for one enjoyed listening to the African musicians on the album and I am glad that their contributions were recorded. If they were not, then many people would miss out on what they have to offer. As long as they were treated fairly and compensated accordingly, then I think we all win. Is Paul Simon a good person? I don't know him or what he has done one way or another. I don't judge the music based on the artist's character. If I did, many on this list would be graded poorly.
Roxy Music
5/5
I've always been a fan of Roxy Music since I saw them on "The Kenny Everett Video Show" in the 80s. I have all their records on vinyl in my collection. Amazing glam rock and Brian Ferry is the poster boy for "suave". Smooth as well-aged whisky. I also love their album covers. 5 stars!
Aerosmith
4/5
Excellent 70s rock. As far as Aerosmith goes this is probably their best with some classic tunes that are radio staples for what is now considered classic rock. This record along with "Get Your Wings" are my favorites.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This is my first time listening to this record from start to finish, but I have heard a majority of these songs before. This is a great R&B and soul album. Stevie is an incredible talent. I enjoyed it very much.
The Cars
5/5
It's an awesome album that brings back memories. I was in middle school when this came out. I love just about every song on here. It's not my favorite album by The Cars, I still prefer "Candy-O", but this one is definitely a favorite.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Excellent blues rock album. Led Zeppelin is arguably one of the greatest rock bands of all time and they came onto the scene like a force of nature. The rhythm section of Zep is second to none. The combination of John Bonham and John Paul Jones is what gives the band their heavy sound, "The hammer of the gods". Add in Jimmy Page's amazing guitar riffs and Plant's powerful vocals and you can't wrong. It's the stuff of legends.
Spiritualized
3/5
It's a pretty good album for 90s fare. I sometimes found it a bit repetitive, but the production and musicianship are very good. It is worth another listen, my rating may improve after hearing it again.
Stan Getz
4/5
An excellent Jazz/Bossa Nova record and a fun listen. The music is soothing, relaxing, and excellent for listening while lying on or walking along the beach. The musicianship is top-notch.
Slipknot
3/5
I like heavy metal, but I like it more when it leans toward hard rock. This album is an all-out assault on the senses. It's pretty good but I would prefer it in smaller doses. Is this a good band? I think they are a very good nu-metal band. Overall not really my schtick.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Interesting lyrics but the music is a little flat. It's not a bad album. Minimalist music with poetry. My favotite track was, "So Long, Marianne".
The Only Ones
4/5
I have never heard this before. It was a fun listen. I see these guys have influenced many bands that I like. I will listen to this again.
Muddy Waters
5/5
'The blues had a baby, and they called it rock and roll', so true! My favorite genre of music is the blues and blues-based rock and roll. This album is awesome from start to finish. Muddy Waters is the king of Chicago blues. I added this to my favorites.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
I am a big fan of Frank Zappa. He draws on many influences and his satire and parody are on point. This is not my favorite by him or the Mothers but was still a fun listen. One needs to listen to this several times to get all the nuances and jokes, it's not just background music. It requires the listener's active participation to receive the full experience. Favorite of mine: "What's the Ugliest Part of your Body?". 'I think it's your mind', words of wisdom. It seems to fit a lot of folks. Whether you like him or hate him, agree or disagree, Frank was a genius.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
This album surpasses, "Are You Experienced". I think every track here is golden. It is one of my favorites and a definite desert island pick.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
When it comes to the music of the 90s, it is very hit-and-miss for me. There are many very popular bands from that decade that people rave over. For me, they are mostly....just meh. This album was a hit for me and got a lot of airtime back in the day. I have not listened to it in many years, but listening to it again brought back many memories. I'm glad that this list gave me a chance to pick this one up again. It seemed fresh and I remembered why I liked it so much back then.
David Bowie
5/5
As a fan of David Bowie, I have to say that this is one of his albums that has slipped under my radar. I am, of course, familiar with the tracks with the most radio play but I don't think I ever listened to this album from start to finish. I find that it is not as strong as "Ziggy" and is less cohesive but several of the tracks here are very strong and show a diverse range of influences. The influence of The Rolling Stones is evident even aside from the cover song which is pretty good, but little more than filler. The other songs on this record are well worth the price of admission, and Mick Ronson's guitar work and Mike Garson's piano are sublime. "Panic in Detroit", is one of my favorite Bowie tracks.
The Incredible String Band
3/5
It's definitely not as bad as some other reviews lead me to believe. It is experimental and a product of its time. These were musically uncharted waters in the '60s and they would have an impact on future music. It's not always good or not always bad, but always quirky and eclectic. It was an interesting listen.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
This album is not bad, but not very memorable either. It also is very repetitive at times.
Michael Jackson
3/5
It's a definite classic. It is funky and has some of Michael's best songs. I prefer "Thriller", to this album, but it was still a fun listen.
Norah Jones
4/5
This is the first time I have listened to this album. I thought of picking it up several times in the past but never got around to it. Smooth and soulful with beautiful, intimate instrumentation and an amazing voice. It is worth the listen. A little too mellow to be in my regular playlist but it is a definite listen for when you want a relaxing experience.
M.I.A.
2/5
It's not bad but, it's not for me.
808 State
1/5
I would not sit and listen to this type of music for enjoyment. I listened to the album in its entirety, it's not all bad but it got on my nerves after a while.
Fishbone
4/5
First time with this one. It was a fun listen. The band draws on many influances and puts them together into a solid rock album. I will listen to this again.
4/5
My first time with this one. To be fair I gave it a couple of listens. This is an album that will get better with repeated listening time. Eclectic and punky and PJ has an excellent voice. I liked it.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Gritty and "in your face", rock and roll record. Most of the songs on the album are catchy and fun to listen to. I prefer the "Use Your Illusion" pair to the debut but there are many memorable songs, other than the three that garnered massive radio play. My favorites are, "Mr. Brownstone" and "Rocket Queen".
The Smiths
4/5
This one brings me back to my early college days. My tastes had tended toward gloomier music with depressing lyrics. So bands like the Smiths, Bauhaus, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Damned were in heavy rotation. I revisited several of those bands over the years and some still strike a chord, but some songs are no longer relevant to my current situation. I was happy to hear that this album has aged well and was still very enjoyable.
Peter Frampton
4/5
Classic and iconic live album. I've heard the popular selections from this album many times on the radio over the years. I have always liked these tunes and Frampton's work in Humble Pie as well. Reasonably well-recorded and mastered with good sound overall for a live album. A great listen.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Never listened to this album before. It was an interesting and eclectic mix of songs. Several of them I liked very much and some I did not. To be fair I gave it back-to-back listens. I liked it better the second time around, maybe a couple more times might raise its star count, for now, I'm going to say 3 stars.
Pink Floyd
5/5
This album is the culmination of what music can bring to someone's life and allowing for a connection with the artist. I am a big fan of Pink Floyd, specifically Roger Waters' music. Even though I feel Waters is a bit of an ass, I cannot deny the effect his music is had on me, and I feel an emotional connection with his music. I was exposed to this album in middle school with, "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2". What 13-year-old schoolboy wouldn't be walking through school singing, "We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control.", but the power of this album continued to grow on me as I saw the film and continued to listen to it in its entirety. For me, this is not only the greatest album by Pink Floyd, but it is also in the running for my favorite album of all. I give it 5 stars, but this one goes to 11!
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Excellent folk-rock record. I enjoy S&G's music much more than Simon's solo music. It is a shame that this act was relatively short-lived. Even though they only had five albums they had many iconic hits. "The Boxer" and "Cecilia" are my favorites from this album.
The Gun Club
4/5
It is my first time listening to this album. I'd never heard of this band before, so I missed them completely in my youth. I'm glad this album is on the list. I listened to it twice. It is a fun rockabilly and punk fusion. I will listen to it again. I can see the influence of this on Jack White's music, which I enjoy very much.
Morrissey
3/5
I have never listened to this album before, but I am familiar with Morrissey's work with The Smiths. Overall, it is not a bad album, but it didn't really draw me in. I will listen to this again; repeated listening might improve the score, but for now, I give it a 3.
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
Interesting Lolita-esqe concept album. As it is in French I could not follow the story and relied on the Wikipedia entry to fill in the plot. Disturbing and tragic as it is I think it is an excellent album musically and I listen to it twice before making any judgments. The subject has been used in other musical compositions, such as The Police's song, "Don't Stand So Close to Me". Which is a very good song, enjoying the music does not mean condoning or emulating the artist. That being said I enjoyed this album, the music has a cool, funky groove and the French spoken word does not detract from it.
Eagles
3/5
While I'm not a big fan of the Eagles. This album contains some iconic songs. It's fun to listen to it occasionally but it's not one of my go-to albums. It's ok.
Elton John
4/5
This is a great album. I am a fan of the 70s Elton John having recorded many great songs. Some tracks on this album are fluff and not my favorites, so I give it four stars.
Rush
5/5
My favorite RUSH album. This is the first album that I listened to back in 1981 when I was 14 years old. I have seen RUSH several times in concert and they remain one of my favorite bands.
Love
3/5
This is my first exposure to this band. I have heard of them but never listened to an album before. This was a soulful mix of psychedelic rock and folk music. I listened to both the mono and stereo mixes and liked several songs, including the side-long, "Revelations" along with, "She Comes in Colors" and "7 and 7 is" preferring the mono mixes. I put this at a 3, but my rating may improve with more listening time.
The La's
3/5
I have never listened to this album before. I am familiar with the song, "There She Goes" which is okay. I can hear influences from The Beatles and The Kinks. Unlike those bands, this seems a little too redundant and "poppy" for my tastes. It's okay.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
I am familiar with Thin Lizzy's big songs that received a lot of airtime on the radio, but I never delved very far into their catalog. I have not listened to this album before. It is a good live rock album and the sound quality is not horrible. Based on my enjoyment of this record, I think I will dig into their studio recordings.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I haven't listened to much of Joni Mitchell's work, but I know many of her songs. Especially those that are covered by other artists. I am also aware of this album's reputation, which has always been discussed in audiophile groups and the title has been re-released on many audiophile labels. The first time listening to this for me. I find that it is very good but not really my go-to type of music. To be fair I listened to it twice. I give it a 3.5.
OutKast
1/5
I had higher hopes for this one. I had previously given "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below", a three-star rating. As far as this album goes it's a "No" from me. Musically, it is not bad, but I cannot connect with the lyrics here.
Suede
3/5
I am not a fan of Britpop. This album was better than I expected. I can hear the Bowie and Pink Floyd influences and I liked several songs on the album. The rest didn't really resonate with me, so I gave it a 3. My favorite tracks are: "The Asphalt World", "The Power", "The Wild Ones", and "Heroine".
The Kinks
4/5
I am a fan of many bands that started in the sixties. The Kinks are a band that slipped under my radar. I am familiar with several of their most popular songs that received a lot of air time on the radio, but I never delved into their catalog much. This is a great album with songs that are based on people and events in the everyday life of Ray Davis. Each song tells a story and it is fun to listen along. I will be listening to more of The Kinks.
The Band
5/5
This album is one of my favorites. I have been a fan of The Band since the mid-eighties when I first watched, "The Last Waltz". Since then, I have increasingly appreciated The Band's music more and more and can see how influential they are to other musicians. The Band was formed by five extremely talented musicians who started as a backing band to Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan. I am glad that they broke away from Dylan, who is a very talented songwriter, but I don't think he is that good of a performer. 5 stars for sure!
ZZ Top
4/5
It is an iconic eighties album and the backing videos were great for a guy in his late teens. It is not my favorite ZZ Top album, preferring the older more blues-driven songs from their seventies output. Excellent musicianship. Billy Gibbons is still a fantastic blues guitarist and the rhythm section backs him up beautifully. RIP Dusty Hill.
Basement Jaxx
1/5
I am not a fan of EDM. I would never just sit and listen to it. Is it bad? It is what it is and it is not for me. I will never listen to this again.
Talking Heads
5/5
Great album. I love the funky, experimental jive of this record. I am a fan of Eno's work and I can definitely hear his influences here. The musicianship is top-notch. This is one of my favorites!
Destiny's Child
1/5
Now I love both female vocals and R&B, that being said this album does not satisfy me. Beyonce is vastly overrated and this music is the worst kind of canned pop music I have heard on this list thus far. This isn't a musical statement, it is a product mass-produced for teenagers to be sold for a profit. The songs here do not elicit any emotional response and are generally irritating. Can these ladies sing? Yes, they can sing, but for me, this is soulless-soul music. The best song on the album is the cover of the BeeGees' "Emotion", and even that falls flat.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I liked this album better than "Highway 61 Revisited", but I am still not a huge fan of Bob Dylan. He is an excellent songwriter, and I can see how the lyrics here touched upon many of the issues the generation of the early 1960s was facing. As far as his performance, it is minimalistic music, which his lyrics are set to, and it is okay. Generally with music, I prefer a bigger sound than one person with a guitar and harmonica.
Talking Heads
5/5
While this is not as strong a record as "Remain in the Light" it still has some excellent songs anchored on a fantastic rendition of Al Green's "Take Me to the River". The record's first half is pretty good and gets stronger as it progresses.
Violent Femmes
5/5
Excellent album and a fun listen. Oddly enough this band comes off as a folk-punk, acoustic power trio of teenage angst, and they pull it off in style. I was sixteen when this album was released, and it fit my worldview at that time perfectly. It is still a lot of fun to jam out this one even now.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This is my third Nick Cave album on the list. Like "Ghosteen" it is somber and contemplative. The songs focus on the loss of a relationship and it is easier for me to relate as I have experienced a break-up more than grief for the loss of someone close, but both records explore the emotions related to a loss and its effect on oneself. It is a stripped-down instrumentation, so I still prefer, "Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus" to this, because I prefer a bigger sound with music. It works here because of the intimate nature of the songs. I am glad for this project because before this I had not listened to Nick's music before. I don't like every song on this album but the ones I do are fantastic, so for me, it's 5 stars.
It is a classic early blues-based rock record. Although this group of musicians formed from the Jeff Beck Group and the Small Faces were not quite as good as either band. This album has some really good tracks. "Stay with Me" has always been a favorite.
Adele
3/5
This album is much more pop-oriented, with highly polished production. Adele is an extremely good vocalist, but this album didn't resonate with me as much as "21" which was far superior. 25 had less soul and R&B influences than "19" and "21" did.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Taylor is the undisputed reigning "Princess of Pop." No matter what everyone says, she makes her music on her terms and fills stadiums with crazed fans who pay hundreds or thousands to see her. I like several of the songs on this album, but they are pop songs, not my favorite genre. There is no dispute that they are good pop music, but generally, I would go for something less pop-oriented.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I had never really listened to Elvis before this list. I was familiar with his hits, which I liked, but the first full album I tried was "Armed Forces," which I didn't care for. This album, along with "Imperial Bedroom," has been much better, and my impression will likely improve after repeated listening.
Alice Cooper
5/5
I've always been a big fan of Alice and, of course, heard the title track of this album many, many times. Oddly enough I have never listened to this album in its entirety. Many of the tracks are superior to the title track. While I do not like it quite as much as, "Love It to Death", it is still solid. I can hear the Ezrin and Zappa influences here. 5 stars.
Syd Barrett
5/5
I have always loved this album for its whimsical nature and interesting lyrics. Sadly, Syd was somewhat of a mad genius and the architect of early Pink Floyd. It is a shame that he succumbed to mental illness. His predicament influenced many classic Pink Floyd albums to come. With an unfiltered and raw production, this album is a lot of fun to listen to and can elicit many emotional responses. RIP Syd!
The Velvet Underground
4/5
This was my first time listening to this album. It was a very laid-back and somber listen. Overall I liked it except, for "The Murder Mystery" which was a little out there. It was interesting to listen to the song with vocals by Moe Tucker, which reminded me a lot of when Meg White would sing in the White Stripes.
Yes
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums. I have always been a big fan of Yes and think this is their best. After reading other reviews (I read both the good and the bad ones to get others' perspectives on the music I like or don't like), I have a pet peeve. The acoustic piece by Steve Howe is called "Clap," not "The Clap." It was written to celebrate the birth of his son, not as an ode to sexually transmitted disease. Get it right people! A definite 5-star.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
This is an interesting album. It's not really something I would get into, but it was a fun listen. I can definitely see the influences that this had on early '60s folk rock.
The Birthday Party
3/5
When I first heard this album, I was surprised that it slipped under the radar because I would have been into this type of music around the time of its release. It is an interesting group of songs, several of which I like a lot. I prefer the more gothic songs with a bluesy feel. There are a few here not so much, some of the more thrashy tracks. I will listen to this again to see if it grows on me. For now, I give it 3 stars.
Ray Price
4/5
I am not usually a fan of country but I enjoyed this record. Ray was an excellent vocalist and the musicianship and production quality are top-notch. It was also interesting to learn that Willie Nelson was a backup musician on this record. I would listen to this one again.
The Strokes
4/5
It's a good garage rock record. I can hear the influences of 70s garage rock bands, like The Velvet Underground.
Pretenders
4/5
This is an excellent album. It is musically on point, and Chrissie Hynde's sultry vocals are amazing. "Brass in the Pocket" has always been one of my favorite songs. Although I like Nick Lowe, I am glad he decided to leave this project. As far as his contribution, I think "Stop Your Sobbing" is one of the weaker tracks.
Aphex Twin
1/5
It's not bad, but not for me. I would not listen to this for enjoyment as there is no emontional connection what so ever. It's ok for background music.
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
This is a pretty good album. I like female bands, and these ladies do not disappoint. I have never listened to this before, so I gave it two listens before rating it. The vocals are a little grating but okay, and the musicianship is very good. I am going to check out their catalog.
Tim Buckley
4/5
This is the second offering from Tim Buckley on this list and I enjoyed this album more than the previous one. There is a lot to enjoy here although not perfect. Tim Buckley was an amazing vocalist. 4 stars.
Beck
5/5
This is an excellent album by Beck. It is funky and eclectic. Very fun to listen to.
Best Track: "Go It Alone", with Jack White on the bass, but most of the tracks here are awesome. 5 stars.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Psychedelic, funky, and bluesy, this album has some of it all. The Dylan cover of "All Along the Watchtower" is a classic and another example of a Dylan tune that sounds better when performed by someone else. "Voodoo Chile (A Slight Return)", has been covered by numerous gutairists. 5 stars easy.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
On Amazon Music, this album is paired with "Wings of Love," so I listened to both. This is pretty good. I like the funky 70s vibe. Shuggie also played with Frank Zappa, so that's cool. I am a big fan of Frank. I give this 3 stars, but I will listen to it again in the future, and the rating might change. For the original release, I would say "Sparkle City" is my favorite track. When you add the extra tracks the standouts are: "Miss Pretty" and "Magic".
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
First time with this one. High energy and a fun listen. It makes you want to move. I will listen to this again. I give it a 3.5 stars.
Kate Bush
4/5
I have never really listened to Kate Bush before so this is my first serious listen. This is an interesting and eclectic listen. She strikes me as a bit like a female version of Peter Gabriel. She is pushing the boundaries of music. I liked it. I will check out her other releases.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
First time with this one. It is funky and soulful, overall a very good listen. I will listen to this again and check out Curtis' other releases. My favorite track is "So in Love".
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
This album is an OK collection of post-punk and garage rock, but a little too poppy for my tastes.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
This is an interesting listen. It works as background music but doesn't really move me. It's good, but not something I would have in heavy rotation. It can be a little weird between the spooky "The Exorcist" theme, the calling out of the instruments, and the grunting. It does make it worth a listen.
Bon Jovi
2/5
I am not a fan of Bon Jovi, and it's not that they are bad. I'm just not into pop-hair metal. If I listened to hair metal, I would tend toward Motley Crue. I have never heard this album in its entirety, and apart from the hit radio songs, I find this one mostly forgettable.
John Martyn
3/5
This is the first time I listened to this. Musically it's not bad, but the lyrics are repetitive and the vocals are lacking. It's ok.
The Notorious B.I.G.
1/5
It's a "no" from me on this one. Musically, it's pretty good, but nothing in the lyrics here appeals to me.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
This is an excellent blues-rock recording. I have never been a huge fan of Eric Clapton, but I enjoy this record and Duane Allman's contributions. It has some fluff, but overall a very worthwhile listen.
3/5
This is a pretty good rock album. I can hear the Queen, Bowie, and the space rock influences. Overall it was not a bad listen and had some good tunes.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
Loud and angry. I was a big fan of this album in my 20s. Now in my 50s, the lyrics strike me as somewhat juvenile. The tunes still rock.
The Avalanches
1/5
It's dance music, so I don't want to listen to it if I am not clubbing. There are endless repetitive samples.
The Who
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums by The Who. It is a classic that holds up well and is always fun to listen to. Moony and The Ox are amazing here and on, "Live at Leeds" if you get the full concert version which features this album. They were an incredible rhythm section. and Townshend's writing is excellent.
Blur
4/5
This is my first time listening to this. I had heard "Song 2" many times but did not know the name of the song or the artist before today. I thought this was OK and could hear the Beatles' influences on some of the songs. I was happier with the songs that had Ian Hunter/ Mott the Hoople influences. I will listen to this again.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
It is an interesting listen, even though it is not something that I would listen to regularly. Miriam had a great voice and it was interesting to learn about her.
Portishead
5/5
This is another example of a gem I found on this list. I have never listened to this band before and was very impressed with this record. Moody and atmospheric beats with Beth Gibbons' dreamy vocals make for an amazing listening experience. I will listen to their other releases. Highly recommended!!
Talking Heads
4/5
While not quite as strong as the two albums produced by Eno. This one is still funky and a lot of fun to listen to.
Iron Maiden
4/5
This is classic heavy metal at its finest. I remember when this album came out and I also saw Iron Maiden live in support of this album. It is not an album I have in heavy rotation but it is still fun to give a spin now and then.
The Band
5/5
This is one of my all-time favorites. The Band (They called themselves that because they used to be the backing musicians for Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan and that is what everyone referred to them as.) were five of the most talented musicians in the history of rock music. Everyone in this group was a phenomenal instrumentalist with three also very talented vocalists. Robbie Robertson was an excellent songwriter. There are no bad tracks here and the cover photo is very haunting, considering that all but one member has passed on. This album along with "Music from Big Pink" are definite desert island pics.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
Not bad, but not really for me. Amazon Music is missing 4 tracks off this record.
Flamin' Groovies
5/5
I'm surprised I have never heard of this band before. They play excellent early garage rock. I gave this album three listens, and each time was better than the last. I am going to check out their other stuff.
Wire
5/5
Excellent album. This is my first time with this one, I will add it to my favorites.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
I am familiar with ELO and their iconic songs but I have never been a huge fan. I have never listened to this album in its entirety before. It's pretty good but is a little too much over-produced pop music for me.
Nick Drake
3/5
This album is very melancholy and atmospheric. A soothing rainy day listen. I don't see it being in heavy rotation but it was worth a listen. I will revisit it. My favorite track was "Saturday Sun".
The Monks
3/5
This was an interesting listen. I had not heard of this band before, but I can see how they have influenced later garage rock bands and punk and post-punk music in general. I was disappointed that this album was not available in its entirety on Amazon Music and had to listen through YouTube. I will revisit this one.
David Gray
3/5
This is a pretty good album. It is not typically the music I listen to. It is a little on the poppy side for me but I enjoyed it. Favorite track, "Sail Away" 3.5 stars.
The Blue Nile
2/5
This is a very well-recorded album. The production is top-notch. That being said it is 80s synthpop which is not my favorite. I may try this one again to see if my impression changes.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
The Rolling Stones are a great rock and roll band. Many American music genres, including blues, country, and gospel influence their music. This record contains it all—one of my favorites.
Duke Ellington
4/5
This list is exposing me to music I haven't listened to much in the past, including jazz. I have never listened to much jazz until the last few years but I am acquiring a taste for it. This is a solid live recording and a lot of fun to listen to. I will listen to this record again.
Hot Chip
2/5
When I read the Wikipedia entry for this album, I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it........I was right.
Various Artists
4/5
This is an excellent collection of Christmas songs that we have all heard before. I love the Motown vibe and the artists are top-notch. Always a classic.
Hole
4/5
I was not a big fan of the grunge rock movement of the 90s and I have heard several songs off this album in the past which I liked. This is my first listen from start to finish. I like it.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
As far as albums by the Rolling Stones this is one of their best. "Gimme Shelter" is probably one of the greatest rock songs ever produced. The Stones are a fantastic rock and roll band that takes their influences from American music genres and do it in grand style. Fantastic!
Deep Purple
4/5
While this is not my favorite Deep Purple album it has some highlights that were the genesis of heavy metal. DP along with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin began the movement toward a harder rock sound and in all three bands that sound foundation was a great rhythm section. This is where that heavy sound originates. while not my favorite this is still fun to listen to.
The Dictators
4/5
I have never listened to this before or even heard of this band. This was a fun listen early punk and garge rock with a adolencent agnsty feel.
Metallica
3/5
There would have been a time in my younger days when I would have given this a much higher rating. I saw Metallica when they were touring this album and opening for Ozzy. The highlight here is the Lovecraftian "The Thing That Should Not Be." This is a pretty good metal album, but it is no longer in heavy rotation on my playlist.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Christina has an excellent voice and her singing is quite soulful. There is a lot here to enjoy. When she turns on the R&B it's on point. It was an enjoyable listen.
MGMT
3/5
To be fair I had to listen to this one twice. I have never heard of this band before. I can hear the Bowie influences here as well as funk. It was an enjoyable listen, although somewhat repetitive at times. I will listen to this again.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
As far as hard rock records go this is probably the most iconic. It has influenced many bands and still is an awesome listen 50+ years later. Rock on!
Judas Priest
5/5
Judas Priest is my favorite metal band and I have listened to them for many years. They have defined the genre and Rob Halford is probably the vocalist with the widest range of the great metal bands. I highly recommend their earlier stuff as well. Always 5 stars!
3/5
This is a pretty good album. Although I'm not a huge fan of Britpop, I like several songs here. It's worth a listen, and I will revisit it to see if my impression improves.
John Coltrane
3/5
This list is giving me some exposure to jazz classics which until venturing into the list I have had little or no experience listening to. This record has excellent musicianship but is a touch chaotic for my tastes. I think I tend toward smooth jazz but I will revisit this album in the future. My favotite track here is "Psalm".
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
This is a good folk-rock record with iconic songs and fantastic harmonies.
Steely Dan
2/5
I have never been a fan of Steely Dan. I have heard, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number"many times, but this is my first time listening to this album in its entirety. Not really for me.
The Bees
3/5
This is the first time with this one. I was intrigued. I found it enjoyable and eclectic. I will revisit this one in the future.
Rod Stewart
4/5
This is a good classic rock record. It's still a "Faces" record with most of the personnel from that band. Solid blues rock.
Fugazi
4/5
I never listened to this band before. This was a solid record that I will revisit in the future. I will check out their other stuff as well.
The Shamen
1/5
It's dance music, not music for critical listening.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Big band/swing dance music is extremely listenable compared to EDM, which is created using synthesizers and drum machines. The musicians here are top-notch and the music has a soul. This is a fun album.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This album is on my list of all-time favorites. It is arguably the best Led Zeppelin album, although "Rock and Roll" is probably one of my least favorite songs by LZ. Zeppelin's music is like sex: even if it's not the greatest, it's still good. I have heard "Stairway" a million times, and I always enjoy hearing it again. This one goes to 11.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Never listened to this before. It's good 80s pop and reminds me of high school. Overall it's not my thing as I was more into the goth/punk scene in the 80s.
Foo Fighters
3/5
Dave Grohl is a very talented musician, but overall, I am not really a fan of the Foo Fighters. I was never much of a fan of Nirvana or the grunge scene. It's okay.
Pavement
3/5
This is a pretty good album. I was never a big fan of the grunge movement of the 90s , so this is a breath of fresh air. It has some cool influances like the Stones and the Velvet Underground. I will revisit it.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
It is funky and fun to listen to but deep and layered music and lyrics. I have to watch the movie.
The xx
4/5
I never have heard of this band before this list. This is my second album from The xx that I have had. I like this album better than, "I See You" but, I am going to go back to that one again and see if my impression improves. I like the miniamalist approch with the dreamy quality of the vocals.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Never heard of this band before this list. I was never much into pop in the 80s but this one made me feel very nostalgic. I liked it and will give it another listen.
The United States Of America
3/5
I don't mind a bit of hippie music and this was much better than I thought it would be even with the communist undertones. Overall it was worth a listen or two but an ode to fallen communist guerilla leaders are unnecessary. Communism is a failed governmental model.
Aimee Mann
3/5
This is my first time with this album. While it is a bit poppy for my tastes it was still pretty good. I like about half the songs here.
Cream
5/5
This is a psychedelic blues rock experience that is not to be missed. It has some great tunes and some quirky 60s rock that is always fun to listen to.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I have never been a big fan of Bruce. He's ok and this album is ok. It's not my go-to. Although "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" is probably my favorite song by him.
3/5
This is my first time with this one. There is a lot going on in this record, so it will require a few more listening sessions to rate accurately. I was annoyed that this was not available on Amazon Music, and I had to listen to it on YouTube. There is an ad between every track. I'm not sure when I will get around to it again. This one has a Beatles feel, and several tracks were enjoyable. A few were uninvolving. So I give it a 3 for now.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I have never been a huge follower of The Beach Boys. I know of all their big hits. This album took me by surprise. Had I heard this without knowing who it was I might not have guessed. I like this and will listen to it again.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Elvis is as smooth as ever on this one. Although it's not my typical go-to music, it's always fun to listen to.
Dire Straits
4/5
I am a big fan of Dire Straits. Musically this is my least favorite album of theirs. Musicianship and production quality are top-notch. My favorite tracks are, "One World" and "The Man's Too Strong". 4 stars.
3/5
I'm not a big fan of U2, but there are some high points here. I lost interest in them after this album because many songs here were massively overplayed. I saw U2 in the early 80s at a 5000-seat venue and I have to admit it was one of the best shows I ever attended. Then they were filling stadiums and I had no desire to see them again because a stadium show will never be able to top what they did that night in 1983. This album has some great songs, "Bullet the Blue Sky", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "Red Hill Mining Town", and "One Tree Hill". Also, there are some songs I never really want to hear again having been overplayed so many times. "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". The rest is fluff. 3 stars.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
Well........I listened.
Elvis Costello
3/5
In tackling this list, I have listened to more Elvis Costello than I have before. I knew him as an artist but never really delved into his catalog. I like his music well enough, but it is not really a standout.
Def Leppard
3/5
I am not a big fan of Def Leppard, but there is no denying that this record has some of their most iconic songs. There are a few filler songs here. It brings back some memories.
Blondie
4/5
This is one of many albums that brought new wave into the mainstream and always a good listen. I have always loved Debbie Harry's vocals and the rest of the band compliments her very well.
Yes
5/5
While not my favorite album by Yes, it is still a prog rock statement. It could have done without "Cans and Brahms" which was a great vehicle for Rick Wakeman to show off his considerable musical chops. "South Side of the Sky" and "Heart of the Sunrise" are epic. Always a favorite.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
This is my first time listening to this album, or the Arctic Monkeys. I was impressed with this record and found it really enjoyable. I like the mix of garage rock and punk undertones. I will check out their other releases.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
This is a fun album. It would be a great record to listen to on a winter night in front of the fire, just relaxing. Glad of the exposure to jazz that I am getting from this list.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
It was ok, not a stand out by any means, but I would be willing to give it a second chance.
Van Morrison
4/5
Classic R&B record. Iconic songs.
Radiohead
3/5
It is not a bad album, but Radiohead doesn't draw me in. It has a couple of notable songs but many are easily forgettable. I will listen to it again to see if my initial impression improves.
The Young Rascals
4/5
It is very good 60's rock with soul music influences. I saw several people's comments that this recored sounded like a knock off of The Beatles or trying to imulate them in some way. This record came out in 67 when The Beatles released SPLHCB. Now it may just be me but this record sounds nothing like that, not sure what they were listening to. This record is very soulful and had some very iconic tunes and the band definitely had their own sound.
Gary Numan
4/5
Great new wave record. This one brings back some memories. Fun listen.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
Excellent blues rock record. Janis was one of a kind and gone too soon, regardless of whether you like her voice or not; she was unique. For me she could belt it out like no other.
Metallica
4/5
As far as Metallica goes, this is a favorite of mine. I don't listen to it as much anymore but it's always a good one to return to occasionally.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Dusty's voice was wonderful as she sang through these classic blue-eyed soulful numbers. I listened to many of the bonus tracks for this album and I like many of the more blues-influenced numbers that I found there. She has certainly had a major influence on many of the female British artists that have followed.
XTC
3/5
This is a good pop record with some good songs. I can hear the Beatles influences here. All the same not a huge fan.
The Temptations
4/5
Excellent funky Motown record. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is a classic.
Beth Orton
4/5
I had never heard of Beth Orton before this album popped up on this list. I was impressed with it and love her voice. My favorite tracks were "Stolen Car" and "Stars All Seem to Weep." I will return to this album and check out her other releases. It's also interesting to note that Dr. John appears on this album.
Massive Attack
3/5
I liked this better than I thought I would. It is electronica but with funky undertones that make it a moderately fun listen.
Funkadelic
5/5
Excellent album. It is both funky and hard rocking. I had never listened to this album before the list, and I have added it to my favorites. 5 stars!
Raekwon
1/5
The best part of this album was when it was over.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Good Samba and Bosso Nova record. Great for relaxing and lounging on the beach,
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
This is a very good album. It has some killer hits and some fluff as well. Overall, it's a good listen. The Peppers are a very talented band with a funky groove. I do not like every song, but "Otherside" is probably my favorite RHCP song.
The Go-Go's
4/5
This album brings back many early teenage memories. Although it is a little too pop for me to have in heavy rotation, it is always a fun listen. It also paved the way for many female-fronted bands. "Our Lips Are Sealed" has always been a standout.
Iggy Pop
5/5
Excellent album by Iggy. I can definitely hear Bowie's hand in this. Yet it works so well with Iggy's brand of punk. Always a favorite of mine.
Madonna
3/5
I am not a fan of Madonna. She was an '80s staple in high school, and I saw her in concert in '84 on the Virgin tour. She was a good performer, but the highlight was that the Beastie Boys were her opening act. All that said, this album took me by surprise, and I thought it was very well done. It is a bit poppy for me, and some of the songs sound very similar, but overall, I liked it.
Haircut 100
3/5
This one certainly brings back the 80s. I am familiar with the hit songs here, but have never listened to this album as a whole. While a bit too poppy for my tastes it is still a funky/jazzy fun listen.
Nirvana
4/5
This was in heavy rotation in my playlist in the 90s. As time wore on, I found that I was not that into the gunge scene, and it grew tiresome. I have not listened to this for many years. It is an enjoyable album, if not somewhat overrated. It was still fun to revisit and the hits alone are enough for 4 stars.
Nina Simone
4/5
Nina's voice is very emotive; you can feel her emotions as she powers through these numbers. I am a fan of her work, but never listened to this album before and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
This is a pretty good album. Some of it can be repeative but overall an enjoyable listen. The more bluesy numbers with Ry Cooder are the standouts.
Carole King
5/5
This is an album I have never sat and listened to in its entirety, but I was familiar with nearly every song. I love her voice as well. Very memorable.
Sade
4/5
Cool and smooth, Sade's voice is fantastic as she gracefully glides through these jazzy and funky numbers. Interestingly enough, I have had a smorgasbord of female vocalists this week with Sade, Carole King, and Nina Simone albums. Each of these ladies has a distinctly unique voice, and I have enjoyed them all. It's been a good week on the 1001.
3/5
This album is not bad, but it's not really good either. There were a couple of tracks that had my attention, but most of it was unemotional, generic Brit-Pop, which was mostly forgettable. Sounds like music that you find in soundtracks of Rom-Com movies.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
This is my first time hearing this. It was pretty good, so I listened to it again. Although it was enjoyable, there was nothing that really stood out. "Your Protector" and "Blue Ridge Mountains" were particular favorites.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Out of the three Elvis albums that I have had on this list, this is the only one I have heard before. It is also my least favorite, which is probably the reason I did not listen to the others. My favorite track on this is "Party Girl".
The Divine Comedy
3/5
This album is pretty good. Not what I would expect from 1997. I never listened to it before, and I ran through it twice. It may grow on me more over time, but for now, I give it a 3.
Kate Bush
4/5
Fun and eclectic. I was not much of a Kate Bush fan in the 80's. But like a lot of current fans I have discovered her music late. Which is thanks to this list. Kate is definitely one of a kind.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Good country album. Great storytelling. Not my usual go-to music, but fun all the same. Willie is a legend.
The Prodigy
3/5
As far as EDM goes, this mix of punk-funk is much better to listen to. I wouldn't say that it would make my playlist very often. Oddly enough, "Smack My Bitch Up" is one of my least favorite tracks on this. "Breathe" is my favorite track.
T. Rex
5/5
This is an excellent Glam Rock album. It is a shame Marc Bolan died so soon. His influence is felt by many artists, even today. Although I prefer "The Slider" to this album. With songs like "Jeepster" and "Planet Queen", you can't go wrong.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
I have never heard of this artist before. It was well done, although somewhat repetitive and uninvolving at times. It will be worth another listen, and I might listen to his other albums as well.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Frank is a smooth as glass in this introspective album of love lost. Great for a rainy day or on the jukebox at your favorite watering hole. You can wistfully meander through these tunes contemplating lost love as the bartender plies you with whiskey.
Black Sabbath
5/5
One of my favorites. The one that started it all. My friends and I would listen to this album in the dark and dig the heavy sound. This one goes to 11.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I had never listened to this or heard of this band before. This was okay, and to be fair, I listened to it twice. Nothing here is a real stand-out out but I did like a couple of tunes, which made it worthwhile. "Month of May" and "Sprawl II" were favorites.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Good jazz album, I like the Afirican rhythms mixed with the American jazz style. This list is gives good exposure to jazz which I was lacking in the past. I like some more than others. There are several bright spots on this album but some of it can run overlong. It was worth the listen and my favorite tracks were, "Nomali", "Maesha", and "Inner Crisis".
Sepultura
3/5
I have never listened to this before. The cover art on this album is a little off-putting. I like some heavy metal but am not really into thrash or death metal. That being said, there are some bright spots here. "Altered State" and "Substraction" are favorites. Some of the others, not so much.
Minutemen
3/5
I never heard of this band before, and I enjoyed this album. As far as punk goes, it's fun but somewhat long as a double album of short songs. I will listen to this again and maybe break it up to give each side a better listen. First impressions, I give it a 3 with the songs on side "Chaff" as some of the more memorable.
Van Halen
5/5
In my opinion, the first four Van Halen albums are their best. It is loud, down, and dirty rock and roll. The music was driven by Eddie's guitar playing, which, like Hendrix from the generation before, we had never heard the like. Many others have copied his style, but he was truly one of a kind. This is not my favorite of the first four albums, but those four make up what I call the essential Van Halen, as their music became more commercial as time passed. I was lucky enough to see them back in 1984, as well as the last time around when they reunited with Dave just before Eddie's passing. This one was easy to grade.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This album often gets a bad rap, but to be fair, it comes bookended by arguably two of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. While it may not have the star potential of either of those albums, it still contains some of Zep's best songs. "Immigrant Song" is one of their best-known songs, and it also includes one of my favorites, "Since I've Been Loving You." Easily 5 stars.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
Not bad musically, and better than some of the others I have heard on here. But still not for me.
Suzanne Vega
4/5
I am familiar with Suzanne Vega from the MTV days and her video for "Luka", but this is the first time I've heard this record. It is a good folk-rock record, I like her voice, and the lyricism is excellent. It is worth another listen.
Bauhaus
5/5
This band was one of my favorites in the early '80s, when I was big into the gloom scene. I always loved Bauhaus's atmospheric sound and Peter Murphy's vocals. I am also a fan of Peter's solo work. Great album!
Metallica
2/5
I haven't listened to this album in over 25 years. My ex-wife loved this, and it was in heavy rotation back then. We saw the band for this tour, and they put on a good show, but fast-forward to now, and I just find it boring and repetitive. I think another 25 years is plenty before I listen to this again. Yawn!
Wu-Tang Clan
1/5
Oh, another hip-hop album. I listened to it. I won't again.
Lou Reed
4/5
I am familiar with Lou Reed, and of course have heard, "Walk on the Wild Side" but this is my first full listen of this album. I can definatly hear Bowie's hand in this. I will listen to this one again.
Frank Ocean
2/5
Not horrible, but not for me either.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
I have never heard of Skip Spence before getting this record. It was interesting that he was an original member of both Jefferson Airplane and Moby Grape (I've never listened to Moby Grape before). This album is interesting and definitely deserves another listen. It is sad that he suffered from mental illness, but good that he was able to channel that into music.
Beatles
5/5
While this is not my favorite Beatles album it is fantastic none the less. The eclectic nature of the songs presented here highlights the fact that the band was coming apart. It is collection of songs that the members were working on individually but they were still able to produce an excellent album supporting each others music.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Excellent collection of classic soul and R&B songs. Sam was an excellent vocalist and the backing band is a group of highly talented individuals. It is a shame that Sam's life was cut short. I give this a 5 star rating but I am going to knock it back a star do to the overall sound of the recording.
Boston
4/5
I have never been a huge fan of Boston, but this album contains so many iconic songs that it is hard not to listen and get nostalgic for the days of yore.
Underworld
2/5
Not a fan of EDM. Repetitive and uninvolving.
Pink Floyd
5/5
It's a masterpiece that never gets tiresome to listen to. Although not my favorite Pink Floyd album, it still rates as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. I first listened to this album when I was 13 or so, and to revisit the song "Time" when I am now 56 certainly puts things into perspective. We spend most of our days focused on our daily activities and petty worries as life rushes by, "and then one day you find...." you're one day closer to death. The song "Us and Them" seems just as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago, as we are caught up in petty squabbles. One should put on this album and reflect on your life and just maybe be a better person before you go to "The Great Gig in the Sky".
Supertramp
5/5
Supertramp can be a hit or a miss for me. This one is a definite hit. Great from start to finish and well recorded.
Funkadelic
5/5
Funky, cool, and rocking, this is my first time with this one, and I loved it. Although I would give the nod to Maggot Brain, this will be added to my collection. This is what we need now—to be united under a groove!
Billy Bragg
3/5
This is a pretty good folk-rock record. It is worth a second listen.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
Not sure why this record is getting so much hate. It's not that bad. Avant-garde and a product of the early 80s industrial music. Similar to Skinny Puppy and Ministry. While I would not listen to this regularly, I'm still glad I heard it. I have heard way worse on this list and I am only 1/3 of the way through.
The Young Gods
3/5
Interesting French metal album. I will listen to this again.
The Beach Boys
3/5
It's a good Beach Boys album. It popped on the list a couple of days after Brian Wilson passed away. RIP, Brian. It's a very enjoyable album, but I'm not a huge fan. It's worth a listen.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Smooth and soulful, Marvin was one of a kind and always enjoyable to listen to. It is a shame he died such a tragic death, and the world has been deprived of his talent. RIP, Marvin.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
Musically, this is a good album. To make it better, one should remove the vocal track entirely. As critically acclaimed as many hip-hop records are on this list, I cannot relate to them.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
Good album of some light jazzy numbers. I would listen to it again.
The Residents
3/5
This is definitely an interesting listen. I don't think it would be in heavy rotation on my playlist, but not bad on occasion. This must have been on Les Claypool's list because I can see how this record (band) would have influenced Primus.
Stereolab
3/5
Interesting album. It is a step up from typical EDM, but can still be boring and repetitive at times. To be fair, it will need additional listening time, but for now I give it a 3.
Blur
3/5
This album is ok. I am not a fan of Brit Pop but I would listen to this again.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
I was not a big fan of this band back in the 80s, but I did not listen to their music regularly. Revisiting this after all these years, it brings me back. I like the dreamy atmosphere and Elizabeth Fraser's vocals. I will revisit their catalog.
Scott Walker
3/5
This is an interesting one I haven't heard before. Scott Walker has a great voice and is an old-school crooner, but the lyrics here are rather risque. Not my normal go-to, but entertaining all the same.
Iron Maiden
4/5
I like Bruce Dickinson as their vocalist better, and as far as early 80s metal, I tend toward Judas Priest. This album was released the same year as "British Steel", which to me is a stronger effort, but this has some definite bright spots. Favorite track is "Phantom of the Opera"
Sepultura
3/5
I am a fan of heavy metal, but I like my metal toned down a bit. I am into more classic bands in this genre. This is not a bad record, and musically it rocks, but the vocals can become grating throughout the album. I would like this in smaller doses, but there are some bright spots.
Elvis Presley
3/5
One cannot deny the influence this album had on future generations of artists. It also brought exposure to artists that may not have made the mainstream music of the day, because they would not have received the radio play that this album received. All and all, it is a pretty good album that is fun to spin now and again.
Miles Davis
4/5
While not as good as "Kind of Blue", this is still a great album for sitting and chilling. Musicianship is on point.
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Overly long and repetitive, yet surprisingly listenable compared to other EDM records on this list.
Television
5/5
I have been aware of the acclaim that was associated with this album, but until it popped up on this list, I never listened to it. I was blown away by how intricate the music is and how influential this was to future artists. I will be adding this to my collection. I wish I had spun this sooner, but I will be making up for lost time. 5 Stars.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Not a bad Indie Pop album. I have never listened to it before. It didn't really draw me in, but I will listen to this one again.
R.E.M.
2/5
I am just not a big fan of R.E.M. It's ok. The best track is "Orange Crush"
Os Mutantes
4/5
This was a cool and interesting listen. I will listen to this again. Due to the language difference here, I will look for a translation of the lyrics.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Jazzy and folky. This is a good album from Joni Michell. While not typically one of my go-to listens, I liked it better than "Blue"
Beatles
4/5
This is a fun listen from the Fab Four. This is the music that got me started as a music lover at a young age. My mom introduced me to this when I was 7 or 8, and my tastes expanded from there. I am more a fan of later albums by The Beatles, but all of their stuff is great.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Overall, this is not a bad album. It is not what I would generally listen to, but it was enjoyable all the same. It was on the long side and would make good music for a day at the beach or a pool party.
Nirvana
2/5
Again, not a fan of Nirvana. Nevermind was a pretty good album, but I got tired of it quickly. This follow-up album was never on my playlist, and I got really sick of hearing "Heart Shaped Box" on the radio.
The Saints
5/5
This is my first time listening to this album. It is an excellent early punk album, and the band is very talented musically. I enjoyed it immensely and have added it to my collection.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
This is my first time with this album all the way through. I was familiar with many of the songs. It was soulful and fun to listen to. I have never seen the movie, but I may give it a watch soon.
The Last Shadow Puppets
5/5
This is another gem of an album that I have never heard before this list. This was a fantastic throwback. A modern tack on some 60s rock that was a lot of fun. I will definitely be returning to this one.
James Brown
5/5
While the sound quality of this recording is not the best it still captures the power and energy that James brought to the stage. Along with an extremely tight backing band and some fun interactions with the audience this is a memorable performance.
Suede
4/5
This is my first time with this one. I am not a big fan of Britpop, so I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I found it enjoyable and will listen to it again.
Black Sabbath
5/5
RIP Ozzy! Thanks for all the great music! This is not my favorite Black Sabbath record, but it is definitely a great listen. The early days of Black Sabbath were their best, but they continue to rock after all these years. I was lucky enough to see the original lineup in the late nineties, and again in the mid-2000s, but without Bill Ward on drums.
The Triffids
4/5
I have never heard this before. Some of the songs were a bit too 80s pop for me, but I enjoyed several tracks on this album. I ended up listening to the 2007 edition with bonus tracks. I found many of the bonus tracks superior to several songs from the original album. Some favorites here: "Kelly's Blues" and "Vagabond Holes". I will listen to this again.
Solomon Burke
4/5
This was a treat. Solomon has a great voice, very soulful and smooth. It was a lot of fun to listen to.
Lorde
3/5
This is an interesting pop album and I like Lorde's voice. Overall it was an interesting listen but it would not be on my frequent playlist.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Iconic sixties sound. Although I dig my sixties rock a little less poppy and a little more bluesy and hard rocking. Still, it's a good album.
Björk
2/5
Bjork is definitely a one-of-a-kind performer. This album is certainly eclectic, perhaps a bit too much. Similar to free-form jazz, it plays in the background with a rhythm apart from the vocal track. I did not enjoy this record as much as "Debut", which is also in the list.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Too much techno-pop for me. Uninvolving.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Even with the poor production and inconsistent mix. Aretha's voice is the star here on this amazing classic album.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
I have heard the track "Green Onions" many times, but this was my first time through the entire album. It was a fun listen. Booker T. was a beast on the organ, and he was backed by a formidable group of musicians, including Steve Cropper.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
While I can appreciate the moody atmosphere of some of this record. It never really drew me in and was relegated to background music quickly. The last couple of tracks were borderline unlistenable.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Excellent soul and funk album with some memorable songs. My favorite track is "Sing a Simple Song". "Everyday People" is a song I remember hearing when I was a child. People need to heed the message these days. Always a classic.
The Pretty Things
4/5
I have never heard this album before. Never heard of this band. This was a great piece of psychedelic rock. I will listen to this again.
Lauryn Hill
2/5
This one was a miss. A couple of highlights, but I mostly wanted it to be over.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Quintessential psychedelic rock standard from the "Summer of Love," all and all a great album with some very memorable songs. "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" are standouts, but "Today" is one of my favorites.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Overall, this is not a bad album. It is relaxing and could be relegated to background music. It would make for a great lazy day listening session while relaxing at home.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
This one was a good listen. It is some serious blues riffing, but it is downplayed somewhat by the language barrier. I would like to have a translation of the lyrics. I will listen to this one again.
The Auteurs
3/5
I am not a big fan of Britpop, but this was an enjoyable listen. I will listen to this again.
Arrested Development
2/5
As far as the hip-hop that we have been given on this list, this one was one of the more enjoyable selections. It had a funky rhythm, and the lyrics did not want to make you cringe.
Gram Parsons
4/5
First time with this album. While not my usual playlist type material, this was an enjoyable listen. I was not aware that the song "Love Hurts" was covered before the popular Nazerth version. I like Parsons' take on it.
My favorite track was "$1000 Wedding".
Neil Young
3/5
I am not a huge fan of Neil Young but you cannot deny his influence on popular music. There are some very memorable songs on this album but there is some fluff as well. Overall it's pretty good. My favorite track is "Out on the Weekend".