Feb 02 2024
View Album
Is This It
The Strokes
An alright listen, but nothing quite outstanding to me. Decent middle of the pack
3
Feb 05 2024
View Album
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Half of the songs are straight up bangers, the cultural influence is over the top, and it's just all around a classic masterpiece.
The story, the characters, the beats, the lyrics. They all check out. I particularly enjoyed how diverse this album was, especially with some of the more unique instant banger beats like in 'If It Ain't Ruff' and 'I Ain't Tha 1'.
About the 'aging badly' aspect that some people are writing: you simply must ignore it, if you want to appreciate a gangsta rap album from the '80s.
Like seriously, you are doing this whole 1001 albums thing wrong, if you care about this that deeply.
5
Feb 06 2024
View Album
Elephant
The White Stripes
Certainly an interesting piece. While some of this is pretty good, some songs seem like weird fits into this album and are just overall meh. Still an enjoyable listen, and of course Seven Nation Army's iconic melody has to be mentioned, but I wouldn't rate this higher than 3 on a scale of 5 with no half points.
3
Feb 07 2024
View Album
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Thank god that albums like this are also included. Really enjoyable chill listen, great to get to know music like this.
4
Feb 08 2024
View Album
Hot Fuss
The Killers
First 5 songs are all bangers tbh, especially Mr Brightside. From there on it gets a bit bland with weaker songs, but the first 5 are just so good that this still deserves a 4.
Huge cultural influence as well in this one, not to mention that this was a debut album, which is pretty mad.
4
Feb 09 2024
View Album
The Doors
The Doors
First listen I was really not feeling it, but luckily I gave it another go. This must have slapped in the '60s and '70s tbh, and while the fact that it's so ancient should be taken into consideration when rating, I can't fully get on board with this album. I feel like it's very inconsistent. Half of the album is alright with a couple of great songs, but half are just too weird and kind of boring.
3
Feb 12 2024
View Album
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Very strong performance with so much emotion and influence. I was on the fence of 4 and 5, but then they absolutely smashed 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night' out of the park.
Probably going to be one of my more benevolent 5 stars, but I just had to give it.
5
Feb 13 2024
View Album
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Hella vibing, very tidy record. Definitely one that takes you to a different place unless you already are on a beach sipping some good shit. A bit too long, but it's a slow one, so it still doesn't get overwhelming.
4
Feb 14 2024
View Album
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
Very interesting release. Great vocals, kinda carrying the album. I was blown away by his voice the first time he started singing.
Started slowly with the first 3 songs, then some unexpected high-tempo songs flipped the album right on its head. I liked the chill segments and the faster songs as well, got a good mixture as a result. Also made for a good story of the album.
The absolute highlight of this is 'H2Ogate Blues' though, bro was spitting bars in such a unique and captivating way.
Overall a very enjoyable yet hard to rate piece, but I like the unique elements of this one too much, so I'm giving it a benevolent 4.
(Shame it's not on Spotify, I'd love to revisit this in an easier way than YT)
4
Feb 15 2024
View Album
Paris 1919
John Cale
Generally not a fan of this kind of music, but I'm always willing to give a chance for the albums. This one is just quite bad though. As soon as I heard the first song, I knew the vibes were bad and this was not for me.
I personally hate his tone, the vocals and melodies are bad, lyrics are weird, and the whole record is just a giant mess of boring pop-rock stuff with some ballads filled with weird and downright annoying instrumentals.
'Macbeth' and 'Paris 1919' are the only half-decent songs on this, but still not nearly enough to save this absolute ship wreck. Very little to like here for me, never listening to this again.
1
Feb 16 2024
View Album
London Calling
The Clash
Very hit or miss for me. Bit of a 'throw shit at the wall and see what sticks' album. I appreciate their experimenting though, it definitely made for a nice journey listening to this album, so I'm happy with its exclusion on this list. Really enjoyed some of the songs like 'London Calling', 'Clampdown', and there are also a couple of decent ones like 'Spanish Bombs' or 'Death or Glory', etc. , but unfortunately multiple forgettable ones as well. Hard choice here, but fuck it, I'm giving this a 4 with some goodwill considering it's from the 70s and still banged with insane diversity of styles/genres.
4
Feb 19 2024
View Album
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Not bad, but far from being my cup of tea. Disc 1 was quite decent, had the level stayed the same, I could have given this a weak 3, but Disc 2 was quite meh. Also this had no right to be this long.
2
Feb 20 2024
View Album
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
It's so damn hard for me to rate jazz. It's a decent and entertaining album which gave me chill vibes, but yeah I just don't ever know if a certain album within the genre is better or worse. Giving this a not so confident, average 3 I guess...
3
Feb 21 2024
View Album
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
I hate this kind of music. An absolute mess. Garbage mixing, weak ass vocals, meh lyrics, an all around bad experience. Truly a terrible album, which I certainly did not need to listen to. Why is this on the list? There are millions of better albums then this. Disappointing.
1
Feb 22 2024
View Album
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Great vibes, reggae is so good man. The instrumentals are really enjoyable as expected from a reggae album. The vocals are sometimes not really working for me though, which made some songs a bit more difficult to enjoy. Still a great listen with some important political messages. (Marcus Garvey's wiki page is goated btw, bro was insane. I'd suggest reading about him)
4
Feb 23 2024
View Album
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
An absolute masterpiece. We know that Eminem is a born lyrical genius, but with this record he goes next level and flips you right off, whether you are a fan, a media person, a parent, or just anyone who expects too much of him or doesn't understand his creative, but admittedly extremely violent character he crafts for his music.
With two all time great and iconic songs 'Stan' (which has got to be one of the best 'discussion/story-based' songs ever) and 'The Real Slim Shady' this album has very strong foundations, but there is so much more.
'Kill You', 'Stan' and 'Who Knew' is a really strong trilogy in the beginning, which sends two clear messages: 1) Eminem doesn't care that his lyrics are extremely vulgar and violent, you are gonna need to live with that because he's fucking great anyway. 2) Eminem doesn't care who you are, if you are 'scared' of his music and take his lyrics too seriously, you are not welcome.
(Ironically many reviewers do just that, and I can't say I blame them, because he is just too fantastic at using nasty words and putting them into gruesome context with extremely unique and creative rhyming and rhythm-forming)
The rest of the album is basically a children of these core messages.
The middle third is a bit weaker, but the last third is great again, the album closes at a really high level.
I also have to mention that the skits are great, I love it when an album has skits that are actually good, and add value to the story-telling.
5
Feb 26 2024
View Album
Tommy
The Who
I absolutely hated this, wow. Disliked the vocals, they couldn't get my attention for the story, which would obviously be mandatory for such an album like this, and there is just generally very little to enjoy here. Oh and it just went on and on, I couldn't wait to be finished with this.
1
Feb 27 2024
View Album
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Great vocals, chill vibes, some nice love songs. Didn't exactly rock my world, but it was a decent listen, and I'd much rather listen to something like this than to a certain heavily 'overrepresented on this list' genre for the 10000th time. Could have been a bit shorter imo, but it's ok.
3
Feb 28 2024
View Album
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
I was quite happy to see OutKast pop up, and boy they did not disappoint. I enjoyed this a lot, will definitely revisit and collect some songs for my playlist. Speakerboxxx is definitely the better album, but The Low Below is also enjoyable with some bangers.
4
Feb 29 2024
View Album
Kenya
Machito
I still find it really difficult to rate jazz. This is an enjoyable record once/IF you get in the mood, but definitely not an easy listen for everyone. Decent middle of the pack.
3
Mar 01 2024
View Album
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
(Only listened to the Original album, which ends with 'Not Available'
Can't exactly say why, but I really enjoyed this. A really easy and chill album to listen to. The title song was great, and I felt like every sound was on point through the whole record. Great vibes.
4
Mar 04 2024
View Album
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
A very 'human' performance. This album is music heritage, an absolute gem. Although it's legit very enjoyable on it's own, and almost makes me want to admit that I might actually enjoy country music more than I thought, musically I still wouldn't give this a 5.
But the fantastic environment and atmosphere makes this work: the connection with the crowd is just too good.
To go into a prison and sing about these topics is absolutely mental lol.
I loved how good old Johnny acted a bit, and also lost himself multiple times throughout the performance, you could tell he really enjoyed the absurdity of the situation as he basically became a musical comedian on the 'stage'. I also love to imagine how fucking cool it must have felt for the prisoners to experience this. Hats off to Johhny Cash for this record.
With that, I still have to mention that some of these songs like 'Folsom Prison Blues', 'Cocaine Blues', or 'Greystone Chapel', etc. absolutely bang, so it's not entirely carried by the atmosphere, but it certainly carries this record into a 5/5 for me.
5
Mar 05 2024
View Album
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Not too familiar with Elvis' discography besides his hugely popular hits, so I was hyped to get an album from him. The huge expectations probably took a hit on my reception for this album. It was definitely not bad, I enjoyed some of it, but I was left a bit underwhelmed.
His voice is sometimes phenomenal, but these corny deep bits annoy me (even though I do acknowledge and appreciate his expertise to do those voice changes).
A decent 3. Doesn't deserve less for sure, but can't give more either.
3
Mar 06 2024
View Album
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson is obviously a fucked up and disgusting human being, but I ignored that as much as possible and focused solely on the music.
It actually started way less shit than I expected, some of the riffs were pretty good, but the lyrics and the music is just still garbage.
Was actually close to a 2 for me as it wasn't absolutely terrible and I could see myself listen to this if I'd be in some random satanic mood, but first of all I have the option to just listen to better metal, and also this was just way too long to endure, not to mention the ear cancer I got from the end of 'Mister Superstar'. One.
1
Mar 07 2024
View Album
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Not a big fan. There is nothing special here that would make me want to listen to this on my own. Extremely generic sounding rock with very repetitive lyrics and chords. It's not *bad*, but gets really boring, and it's certainly not good enough to justify that boringness. Vocals are also really weak, and the mixing is quite bad, I could barely hear the singing sometimes. A stronger 2, but doesn't reach 3 for me.
2
Mar 08 2024
View Album
Pink Flag
Wire
Not having it. It's not absolutely terrible to be an instant 1, but I still can't give this more. Not much to enjoy here, at least it was really short.
1
Mar 11 2024
View Album
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Finally some Electronic music. It's not gonna be my favourite record ever, that's for sure, but it was an alright listen. The first two songs are the main highlights, especially 'The Rockefeller Skank', which is an all time classic. The rest was just ok, overall I'm giving it a strong 3.
(Btw absolutely hate the reviews who flame this for 'repetitive lyrics'. It's an electronic album for fuck's sake.)
3
Mar 12 2024
View Album
Hotel California
Eagles
Very inconsistent for me, goes right in the middle overall. 'Hotel California' is great, a truly classic song, 'Life in a Fast Lane' and 'Victim of Love' are the other highlights for me, but the rest of the album is unfortunately not too strong.
3
Mar 13 2024
View Album
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Expected big things when I saw The Rolling Stones pop up, but I was let down. Not really digging it, kinda mid album. Best song is probably 'Moonlight Mile'.
3
Mar 14 2024
View Album
Street Signs
Ozomatli
Mixed feelings. I was actually pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed this fun little record. The first two songs are clear highlights, and even after that it's pretty good, high tempo throughout. Thing is though, they often say 'best ability is availability', which this one does not have. Could have easily been a 4, but too annoying to listen to with having to find songs from different sources.
3
Mar 15 2024
View Album
Skylarking
XTC
Bit inconsistent for me. I somewhat enjoyed some of the songs, and I found this album to be at least kind of unique compared to boring generic rock/post-punk stuff, but I can't really go higher than a strong 2, close to a really weak 3.
2
Mar 18 2024
View Album
Imagine
John Lennon
Didn't really enjoy this. The title track is good, but the rest is kinda meh.
2
Mar 19 2024
View Album
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
'Electric Feel' and 'Kids' are huge bangers, and the rest of the tracks are definitely decent enough to warrant a strong 4 here.
4
Mar 20 2024
View Album
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Not my cup of tea. It's a bit better than the usual post punk new wave garbage, but it's still not doing nearly enough for me.
2
Mar 21 2024
View Album
Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
Shock-factored me into a 2. I actually really liked the first song, so I was looking forward to this album, but oh boy. This was the wildest, craziest, weirdest shit I have heard in a while, and I can't say I particularly enjoyed it.
2
Mar 22 2024
View Album
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Kinda badass by Dave Grohl that he did this alone, but I don't care, that doesn't make this better to listen to.
An extremely generic album with very weak vocals. I couldn't hear what this guy was humming under his nose half the time, for god's sake.
I would probably give an extra star if this had another singer, but this weak it's just a strong 2.
2
Mar 25 2024
View Album
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Wouldn't revisit this for sure. It was a bit too long for that, and not really diverse. Wouldn't say I disliked it either, but it's just meh. Middle of the pack album, which is not bad, but I'm not here for these meh experiences.
3
Mar 26 2024
View Album
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Really enjoyed this one, it's a great record. At least half of the songs are straight up bangers, or at least great tracks. Gets a tiny bit bland after a while on some rare occasions, so normally I'd probably not give 5 here, but there is so much garbage on this list, that I feel like I have to give 5 stars for albums like this.
5
Mar 27 2024
View Album
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
This album objectively sucks. Too long, musically it's a clown show, the lyrics are shit, and it just feels like a pointless record. But it's not completely shit, because it somehow gets entertaining. It has 'Rollin'', which is a fun and nostalgic song for me, acting as a bit of a saving grace for this one.
2
Mar 28 2024
View Album
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Such a weird album. It actually started well, I enjoyed the first song in a funny way, but other than that there is very little to like here musically.
I will definitely give props though for the extremely humourous lyrics, really clever wordplay, and creative storytelling.
But still, these don't make these songs pleasant to listen to. A strong and stable 2.
2
Mar 29 2024
View Album
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Interesting artistic album, I liked it. Maybe I got used to Bowie a bit, or maybe it's the shocking streak with garbage albums speaking from me, but I think a 4 with some goodwill is fair here. Most songs are at least decent, with a couple all time bangers. Best song for me is probably 'Life On Mars?'
4
Apr 01 2024
View Album
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I wouldn't even call this bad, but like... What was the point? Especially for 78 minutes...
2
Apr 02 2024
View Album
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Somewhat enjoyable, it's alright. But yeah, that's about it, middle of the pack.
3
Apr 03 2024
View Album
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Not the biggest fan, but it was kinda fun, although I actually preferred the more serious songs. At least it's unique.
3
Apr 04 2024
View Album
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
This is objectively a decent record in its own genre, and I truly respect it, but it is just so far from me musically that I can't give this more than a kind-hearted 3.
3
Apr 05 2024
View Album
The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
Certainly an interesting album at least. Lyrics are so hard to make out though without reading them. Also I had this random feeling with some of the songs that I'm listening to some knock-off Japanese band trying to sing in English. There were some quite okay songs too though, so gonna go for a weak 3.
3
Apr 08 2024
View Album
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Not gonna be my favourite album, but it was okay. It has 'Under the Bridge', which drags it to a middle 3.
3
Apr 09 2024
View Album
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
'Wouldn't It Be Nice' is definitely a classic, but the rest of the album is not doing too much for me. Still, it's actually alright for how ancient it is.
3
Apr 10 2024
View Album
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
'Relax' is a true classic, that's for sure a good song, but the others are just not up to par for me, not a fan of the album overall
2
Apr 11 2024
View Album
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
A pleasant surprise. Very energetic album, Rod Steward is a special talent. Enjoyable listen, a 4 with some goodwill is fair here.
4