I'm starting to really enjoy the feeling that not only am I aware of my crusty ol bias but it's going away. Or at least I'm able to navigate around it better. This is an album that I would not have given a second thought or dismissed. But this 1001 Albums project is teaching me to take more time. There's a whole world here. It's objectively kick ass what a busy intersection of influence and innovation this album is. Apparently it's possible to like and not like a thing, haha. More and more it feels pointless to rate the art. 2.5

I miiiight take 'Where the pigs don't fly' but leave the rest.

Ok! Party time! A category is emerging during this project. Something like the "these folks are trailblazers, I respect this album, but I'm not adding anything to my Spotify library" category. Would definitely consider adding some of these to a wedding playlist though. 2.5 for respect

I mean. I don't know. This stuff just feels like a gift shop full of plastic. I also have zero frame of reference for how folks were able to get away with stuff that was just so corny and syrupy. Corn syrup actually feels like a good analog. I wonder how many musicians on this list would consider what they do an "act" -- I find myself getting worked up haha. Chill! Ok ok. Idk, my gut says 2 stars.

Second song "red eyes" sounds familiar but I don't think I've heard this album. The rest had a similar, nice enough vibe but nothing really stood out. I didn't add any songs to my library. I didn't write home. Would give it a 2.5 if I could, but I'm glass-half-full so 3.

Definitely feels like a bridge from what was "blues" to what became "soul" or "R&B". I kinda had to mentally put myself into another era to enjoy it. Not necessarily a bad thing. Can't argue that was a pretty fun era of music. PS the fade-out ending is so funny to me. Always just makes me wonder if they couldn't think of an ending.

Trying to put aside my knee jerk negative. Damn this album is long haha. I think I get why some folks love this. Def uniqueness and talent there. Not for me tho.

This is definitely my favorite facet of hip hop, where it feels more like art than a persona. Folks havin fun but actually talking about something other than themselves. Or at least sometimes ;) Also nostalgia automatically adds a star.

I mean. Ella Fitzgerald. Rating this feels silly. It's like rating feelings or time. Am I really rating this against Red Hot Chili Peppers? 😂

Live albums are so great. BB King seems like such a great entertainer. Really turned those blues around and made them fun. All about it.

Their hits are basically a novelty at this point but hearing them in context within the greater album was great. Got to hear more facets of Angus' voice. Not exactly my cup of tea but had fun.

Realizing it makes a big difference to review and album when I've experienced its release first hand. This one will always feel eerie. Probably what he had intended. Hearing his fragile, old voice and breathing, yet still singing about infinity and his dick, I'm just grateful he was able to give his catalogue some kind of closure. May we all burn out!

Electronica is definitely my most challenging genre. There have been tiny moments of relief but this was a proper slog haha. But I made it through every song.

Curious if there's a more polarizing album in this mix. Maybe there's some ICP lurking somewhere. Culturally I feel positioned to try to dislike this album (and I do, haha) but, since I grew up listening to hardcore / alternative rock, there are moments in here that I dig. Got The Life is a track I could see myself hankerin for. Might just be because it reminds me of my sister 🙂

This album is a perfect example of why I'm doing this 1001 Albums thing. John Martyn is not a household name like Cat Stevens or Lindsay Buckingham, at least I'd never heard of him, but no doubt Cat and Lindsay were very aware. John Martyn seems like one of those hidden gems who was an essential influence for so many artists after. Such a cool blend of folk, jazz, blues, with experimental electronic stuff going on. Now I know who he is 🙏

5 stars for Hurt, but the rest of the songs don't come close. The album as a whole kinda just feels like an exhibition for funsies. Much love for Johnny tho.

Ok so I know I said Neil Young felt like the heart of indie rock haha but damn haha hard to say this album wasn't the life spring of most things after it. Eh, comparing Neil Young and Bob Dylan is stupid. I'm just a huge fan. I'm on the Blonde On Blonde wagon forever. It's its own universe. A universe I want to live and die in. 100 stars.

Another wonderful 'bridge' gem. Kristin Hersh and Tanya Donelly seem like children of Janis Joplin and Grace Slick. Then seeing they're involved in the Breeders, the Pixies, 50 Foot Wave, etc, it's obvious they're an epicenter of 90s rock. Like there is no Sleater-Kinney without Throwing Muses. Once again, grateful to this project for discoveries like this 🙂🙏

While listening to this, I keep finding myself pigeon holing this album as just being folksy run of the mill old country but then certain lyrics will pique my interest and I'll realize there's much more here. For example, the song One Hundred Years From Now is cute enough to make it as a single on the radio but also are deeper philosophical statements and even a plea to the listener to learn lessons from history.

The Jack White brand is pretty fascinating. Gotta appreciate someone carving out something that feels even remotely unique. Also the fact that Seven Nation Army became the universal futbol anthem is still funny to me ^_^

FRANK! I love this boy. Funny. Real. Beautiful. He's a hot and randy philosopher.

Feels like the only way to rate the Beatles is against their other albums. This one's not my favorite. But it still kicks ass. The Beatles are like pizza, even bad pizza is better than most other food.

On first listen Marjorie hit me. Made me listen again and do some research. As someone who named my company after my grandmother, of course it hit much different and harder. Taylor's pretty undeniable at this point. I'm a fan.

Very fun to daydream about what it would have been like to witness Stevie's evolution in real time. I really enjoyed this album. Plenty of classic Stevie but some really interesting and significant moments. Really enjoyed "Heaven Is 10 Zillion Lightyears Away" and "They Won't Go When I Go". Just super different. I can see why Stevie is such an artists artist. Ooh and I'm such a sucker for transitions like the one from "Too Shy To Say" into "Boogie On Reggae Woman" 👌 Bonus: "Fulfillingness' First Finale" such a batshit mouthful lol. Bravo Steven

Catchy/jammy drums. Cool guy caricature cool vocals. Quirky bass lines. Noisy synths. My jam.

Something about how the Ramones are like Levi's 511s, I can always count on them. I don't wear Levi's 511s anymore but I like knowing they're still there.

Lol wow, back to back Levi's (See my review of The Ramones) Def a one trick pony. I am a sucker for that trick tho. I can't help feelin a little bad for Bolan, it's pretty clear he's a Howlin Wolf rippin' glam Bowie wannabe. I can't control my annual hankerings for Jeepster.

pub life

This is more of a disconnect for me than Korn. I guess it's good perspective though. I feel like this project is truly 'doing the work' of holding hands across the aisle haha

Damn. A soundtrack outshining the film. Curtis Mayfield is a baller. Makes me want to take my next creative brief and just blow it out of the water. You want a fast ball? Cool, here's a comet.

Didn't like this one as much as FFF

Adele is dope. Amazing vocalist with catchy pop sensibility. I didn't realize how young she is.

I can see why it's important, I can appreciate the fun of it, but I didn't really connect.

I can't say I love this album but I'd probably be a sucker for a lot that it inspired. They prob had no interest in being radio friendly but channeling their aesthetic into something just a touch more poppy would have been dead on for me. I just keep thinking of Jim Greco.

Trying to think of a current performer who does what folks like Little Richard did, where they just bring so much energy and fun, like they're playing a cartoon character. Jack Black? Haha. LR is dope. Nothin but goodness.

Similar to Ella Fitzgerald, when I play Ray Charles my life just becomes a movie. It's actually difficult to just listen vs start to daydream.

I just kept thinking I was listening to Faces / Rod Stewart.

This album kinda tapers off for me. It starts so jazzy and smooth with real instruments, which is right up my alley, then it slowly devolves into what feels to me like EDM, which I can't help but feel is just cheap and lacks body. Glass half full I guess though.

To me this is one of those albums that's like a mountain range with just one or two visible, snow capped pinnacles, where the rest of the songs are foothills. Definitely not a bad thing. Those high points are beautiful and wouldn't be there without the surrounding support.

feels like the city, feels like being a man, complexity, feels cool, feels like feelings

All about the feels. This album ends too soon. Of course not only does the sound feel good but the positivity just washes over.

Loved this. The honesty was unexpected. The overall concept and tone were different enough to keep me engaged the whole way. Really swept me away. Tears in beers 4 life

I miiiight take 'Where the pigs don't fly' but leave the rest.

I remember hearing the Pixies for the first time in high school. In the back of upperclassman Jeff Smith's car. Or actually I wonder if my first time hearing them was watching Fight Club. Either way, that era was definitely formative. Also fun fact a good friend of mine used to be Black Francis' brother's assistant lol. Anyway. C'mon. There were rumors... and the next thing ya know..

Only just now realizing what a great band name that is for young people, haha. Although I wonder if those apostrophes are grammatical errors? 😂 Anyway, I have a soft spot for 'oldies', reminds me of car rides with my mom. California Dreamin' is the shit, but def not the only banger on here. All just feels warm and positive.

NICK! I hadn't heard this one. Love that full backing. Already loved Nick but this is is how I like my Nick now. 5!

Can't believe Lemmy still has a voice. Love the groups who seem fully committed.

This feels disrespectful but I'd give this 2 stars if I'm just listening directly, but it gets another star just as background vibes. Like its value to me is directly related to volume.

Grateful to this project for bringing me another gem. Not sure how much I'll return to the full album but definitely noting a couple tracks. Generally appreciate the sound and contribution.

Wasn't able to listen to this in the right environment. All I had was one earbud in a coffee shop. But set this behind a hesh skate video part and it'd get an extra star.

Eh. Not my thing. Especially the moments when the crass culture of the band and crowd came through. This might be the first album that not only I wasn't into but I couldn't really see why it was on the list.

This 1001 list is starting to feel tired with all these 1970s rock bands.

I think the genres included on 1001 are just piped in from Spotify, but I find it ironic that reggae is not one of them. Kinda makes it feel like after the dust settled The Police's experiment didn't really work. I'm sure an Eminem album would comfortably sit in the "rap" genre. All of this is to say, the appropriation is definitely the elephant in the room as I'm listening to The Police. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. The energy is great. The music choices are interesting. But I guess for me at best it just feels like a performance. Authenticity in rock seems like a hard thing to pull off. Lemmy from Motorhead gets closer, haha. Who knows though, like, what if TV On The Radio listed The Police as an influence? Working out my feelings in this little text box, haha. I'll take it over Deep Purple or The Who any day. I do wish there was a 10 star system. This would be a clean 5 stars.

Enjoyed this more than I expected. Similar to AC/DC. Lots of variety to the songs. Not just filler between the classics.

If all this 1001 Albums project gave me was a better understanding of Neil Young I'd be grateful. Neil Young is a yin yang. The more exposure I get the more I'm blown away by his ability to drift between soft and heavy. I can see more and more why he's up there with Dylan.

Been looking forward to this one crossing my plate. The artists who are able to be kinda genre-fluid I'm finding are the most fun and getting higher ratings from me. I listened to this one like 5 times. Rock. Folk. Melodies. Harmonies. Pop. You'll know!

Whoaaa, first 5 seconds was just straight Tame Impala. 1968! Hell yeah. Lol ok from there it got real hokey and dull real quick. The music at least. The bits of content/narration were magic. Extra star for absurdity.

Maybe I would have appreciated this more if I didn't get a string of 70s British rock bands but this one sailed by pretty much unnoticed.

Fun. Touching. It's been really fun coming across the artists who are just pure entertainers. Tom Waits is a character but also a writer. Definitely took me for a ride. I was in that diner with him! I was in that car with Big Joe! Can't say I'll play this album much but TW gets my respect.

A few years ago, after seeking the origins of the ska I grew up with (which I learned was apparently third-wave ska) I found my way to The Specials (second-wave). The mix of punk and reggae is so fascinating. Gotta love those normie-prodding, angsty, fun-loving bunch of rude boys.

Crazy bout Bowie. Ziggy. The Duke. Pretty sane for Aladdin.

Hard not to feel like its a waste of talent.

That Rehab song was my only reference going into this. More to AW for sure. Dig the beats. Estelle vibes.

Starting to get better at telling these 80s boomer acts apart. Billy Joel, Sting, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel. PG definitely rises to the top of that list for me. Love the slow jam moments on the album. 'Don't Give Up' got me good.

Electronica is probably my most challenging genre. This was a proper slog. The only bright side, it was kinda cool seeing some buds for future blooms. I enjoy a lot of DP's later work.

The screw ups and ad libs were my favorite parts.

POETRY GUSTO VISION LAYERS ORGANS SAX ARRANGEMENTS CRYSTALS REALITY.. BTR climaxes like 3 times 🤌 BOSS!

Listened all day. Had a nice day. Bury me deep in love.

I wonder if the only electronica that's in any way palatable is either from or referencing the 80s. Just enough beat/melody ratio for me. I don't mind that all the songs sound the same. I have a weakness for female lead vocals + the accent is fun. 3.5 stars.

Felt one bit of one song, but mostly this vocal style is pretty unbearable. I wouldn't say I'm a Lorde fan, but a coworker used to play Pure Heroin at the office a lot and I did at least feel like that one had more of a unique sound, more stripped down, whereas this.. I mean, I respect Jack Antonoff but anymore it just feels like 'pop product'. Purple drink.

Feels as relevant as a lifetime romcom.

I think I'm a long lost Cocteau Twin. Triplet. This is basically how my soul sounds; pretty, slow, harmonious, gazey. Takes real effort to stop this loop and put other music on. Forget Vegas, this is heaven!

Ok! Party time! A category is emerging during this project. Something like the "these folks are trailblazers, I respect this album, but I'm not adding anything to my Spotify library" category. Would definitely consider adding some of these to a wedding playlist though. 2.5 for respect

Not my jam. But there's def more to AW than I thought. I can totally see how she played a part in the British white lady soul thing. I liked the earlier album more I think.

Haha even though this group always feels like an art school assignment, I dig how they carved out something unique and managed to keep it interesting. I move my hair around a lot, I don't care what I remember

I liked learning about Bowie's years in Berlin. Seemed really good for him after so much madness. Ironic since Berlin wasn't exactly chill at the time. The story of him playing the song "Heroes" live in Berlin and being able to hear the crowd on the other side singing those lyrics is very moving. I appreciate the experimental nature of the album, but Heroes is the only song I ever come back to.

Ooooo. Love me some WD. Even though the name makes me think of Andrew WK. I'm always surprised to see any indie rock on this list. But they definitely kick it up a bunch of notches. They got me right in their tight worn-down pocket.

There are few neat moments on here, but I can't help but feel like this is just a mood board of stuff the band likes. Like just a collage of influences VS something cohesive and unique. A few notches above a cover band.

Enjoyed this more than I would have thought. And not just because I'm predisposed to enjoy anything that sounds like 90s, but I found Alanis interesting, authentic, charismatic. 3.5

Played this and Aretha-adjacent jams all day. Was a good day.

90s New York. What a combustion chamber! Hip hop! Punk! Roots! A green salad bowl for a BUCK!

Another wedding playlister here, in the best way. Can't believe it was recorded in a day! Wow! He really was shakin it all night long.

Lol whoa, is that really how Just Like Heaven ends?? Just learned this wasn't a The Cure song! Loved this album. I'd only ever heard Kracked prior from a Toy Machine video. I was born in 1987. Getting lost in a daydream of what life would be like if my folks were Dino Jr fans

I couldn't shake the lens of 'listenability' -- this felt like a coffee or beer that I can appreciate and respect but I'm not going to order it.

Far enough into this list where ratings are becoming less about a given album and more how it compares to the others. Not my thing but it ain’t Kid Rock 🤷

"Method" is not the right word but the storytelling is definitely more than just narrative. They sure are successful in making one feel things. Especially uncomfortable! Pinball Wizard is amazing. Rootin for ya, Tommy!

The older I get the more overrated the Rolling Stones seem to get. They're not bad, but they don't do much for me. 2.5

I dig. Definitely defined their own, unmistakable sound.

Dang, I really wish the scale of the theme matched the variety of sound. Really liked how everything sounded. I'm all for theatrics but the school theme just felt so surfacy and dinky.

Emerica used Crazy Diamond on Heath Kirchart's retirement video part. It was perfect. I'm front row on the hype train for this album. Big jams. Feeling. Groove. Some funk. Dynamic. Lots of space. Crown jewel of 70s rock ✨💎✨

Just beautiful

Whoaaa I knew of a few XTC songs but this was something else! Really whisked me away on adventure.

2.5

Springsteen's silly younger brother. Huey's dad. I don't know. It's fine. Ed Debevics is a fun concept, but stick those characters next to real actors, or better yet, real personalities, and they shrink quick.

Another wedding banger, in the best way. So much groove and joy. Feels like celebration.

This one would be a 5 if it was just Maybe, Tuesday, and Superstition. And maybe Blame it on the sun. The bossanova elevator stuff just ends up feeling like filler. Also this is my third or fourth Stevie album on the list and I find myself rating based less on the greater 1001 list and more against an artists other albums, for those who have many on the list, like Bowie, Beatles, etc. I still like Stevie's FFF best, and I gave that a 4, so by default this is a 3.5

Was blindsided by this one! Maybe it's just that the name, album art, and first track set the bar so low, but I throughly enjoyed the rest of the album. This felt like early France Gall. Like if she didn't take the prog rock path and kept writing pop in the 90s. Dig it!

Reading about writers block, experimentation, random African influence, PR issues, Eno's exit -- this is what this album sounds like. Some NY art school kids mimicking Fela Kuti.

Loving this. No idea what he's talking about but it feels so bright and pleasant. Also loved the different influences and styles and there were some nice melodic hooks. Lol also that death glare is incredible -- what I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall for the art direction process

From a production standpoint this felt similar to watching a 90s movie with bad CGI. Might have been cutting edge at the time, but can't say it holds up. Prob enough to just say it's not my thing.

Interesting that the genres don't include disco. This one definitely rises above its peers for me. So groovy. So tight. Those bass lines alone earn a star. I had I Want Your Love on repeat for a while. Really love it when artists give a song plenty of room to breathe. Pleasantly surprised 🙂

I'm more of a Show Your Bones / Fever To Tell boy, not sure I ever listened to this full album in one sitting. The electronics make them feel like less of a band and more of a production. It feels like 50% YYY and 50% TV on the Radio, but hey, that's a pretty cool baby. Overall I dig. 3.5

I don't have any connection to them and listening through a couple times didn't really do much for me. It's not offensive, I'm actually surprised I didn't care at all about it, haha. Just made me want to listen to other bands exactly like them. Might be the drum machine 🤷

I like the album art more than the album itself. Every time I heard this I feel like they shipped it with the drums accidentally muted. My soul yearns for percussion!

In every photo of Trent Reznor he has to be looking tortured haha. I can appreciate that NIN is expressive and captures a particular mood, but I can't help but feel like it's kinda corny since he was almost in his 30s.

Love this album. Patti Smith's little brother on vocals. Punk sensibilities but very unique choices, pulling inspiration from all over the place. The hooks and riffs are somethin else. Nothin like talented people having fun.

Reminds me of my friend Tony. I like Tony more than I like SOAD.

I wasn't crazy about this album but very interesting how this dude was like a training camp for British rock guitarists. Was probably a good time despite havin the blues. 2.5

Haha straight down the middle. Generic 90s rock and roll. 5 bowling pins. 2.5 stars. They're lucky 1001 doesn't allow half stars and I'm a generous person.

More themes and trends emerging as this project continues: My reviews often have more to do with the 1001 project and generally comparing albums to each other than rating/reviewing an individual album itself. I'm seeing themes emerge, I'm going to start using a hash tag to organize them so they're easily searchable. This album is another where there's a single standout (Just What I needed), which is not a bad thing. The standout wouldn't have been possible without the others. Much like a dominant mountain peak wouldn't be as tall without the surrounding foothills. Since I just went camping near Mt Hood, an example of this mountain dynamic, I'm going to call this category #hood Another example is #wedding for music that would light up a dance floor. Anyway, I'd give this album a 2.5 PS what's new about new wave?

There are so many different sounds on here. Beck is able to pull together break beats, grunge, harmonicas -- whatever he wants. Really cool how he can just play and it works.

Jimi is so Jimi. Primo mix of chill and power. Easy 5. PS! Yikes! I can't imagine having an album cover get shipped without the artist knowing 😅

Yessss. Big JArma fan. Folky and soulful. Simple and powerful. Just makes me feel good. Very positive force.

I wonder how many albums on this list are less the artist's best work VS their most commercially successful work. I appreciate that this album has some depth but for my money they peaked at Dookie. Squarely in the #earlypeak category for me

Dang haha McCartney track is so weak 😂 I wonder if it was a case where no one else in the studio had the guts to tell them the truth haha. Doesn't matter though, of course this album is bangin. Beat It and Billie Jean are back to back nukes. What pop songs can compete? Not just catchy but intense! With the exception of Girl Is Mine, all other tracks bring something to the table; Thriller the fun, Human Nature the soul, PYT the funk. I mean Tenderoni?? Pretty easy 5 from me.

Woof. Same note for 2 hours and 13 minutes. Whoever added this to the list is a sadist.

I dig Talking Heads, I really like my art school friends, and house parties are fun, but LCD Soundsystem is not for me.

1001AG Diary - Day 115: Another category is emerging.. albums that I think squarely deserve a 2.5. Just a solid not-bad, not-great "fine" vote. But until we get half stars, I'll stay positive. 2.5

"The album's release in West Germany saw little press attention." no shit haha. Apparently we have these folks to blame for Bowie's bored synth noodling period. That first track was long but fine and whatever, but holy smokes, this album just plummets in a confounding way. This last track feels like cruel and unusual punishment. Are these flutes supposed to make me feel like I've come through hell but everything's going to be ok? I'm a pretty open minded person but these experimental/artsy albums are in nooooo wayyyyyy timeless. I guess I would have had to have been there.

I can see why folks compare her to Alanis but I'd sooner compare this album to Amy Winehouse or even Portishead. The wiki writeup leaves much to be desired in terms of production coverage. I found this elsewhere: [“She didn’t have all the songs written, and for a long time, it was just me trying to find out what kind of sound she liked— Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and the hip-hop records. So, we started from there.” Slater said in an interview with Spin.] Super cool! Dig it! 4

I wonder what they're considering an "album" since this one is just a few songs. But damn, Walk On alone can go toe-to-toe with most full albums on this list. Another round of hot buttered soul plz

I mean. I don't know. This stuff just feels like a gift shop full of plastic. I also have zero frame of reference for how folks were able to get away with stuff that was just so corny and syrupy. Corn syrup actually feels like a good analog. I wonder how many musicians on this list would consider what they do an "act" -- I find myself getting worked up haha. Chill! Ok ok. Idk, my gut says 2 stars.

UGH. Now we're cookin. Antithesis of Frank Sinatra. Obviously comparing them doesn't make sense haha but he was my last album so. All I'm saying is what a relief. Nothin like authenticity. Real vulnerability, risk, expression, feelings, growth. This is the good stuff.

Really enjoyed this. So much variety and personality. Beautiful, warm, funny. I'm sure it's better if I could understand the lyrics but I also really love not understanding so the vocals become another instrument and it takes on an instrumental quality. Great for listening during work. Flow state worthy.

This is the sound of not having new ideas. Safety. Stunted. Mediocre, compared to the early stuff. I know it's natural, but it's just disheartening haha. Honestly I wonder if we can blame the era.. distribution and marketing innovation. Like old world artists never had to worry about their fame getting to their head, blowing up long after dying. If anyone is even remotely talented, they should be marooned haha.

Definitely more palatable in small sips. I just don't have the stamina for a full album of Metallica. And now that I'm hearing a studio album, the live album actually felt more suitable as it was a much bigger and fuller sound. Even though I gave the live album one star, haha. This just sounds so chincy. Like a ringtone version of a song. 1.5 stars

Listening to this makes me wish I had a cooler life haha. I'm just listening at work. At my desk. But like I wish I was Frank Bullitt. Dangerous yet fashionable. Also I couldn't stop this loop in my head: "If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis." Excited to listen to his earlier work since apparently this one was more experimental.

I kinda wish I never listened to this, haha. Hearing American Girl for the first time in Silence of the Lambs was such a perfect moment. Left a really great taste in my mouth, but apparently Tom Petty is in a #smalldose category for me. That nasaly head-cold thing he does gets pretty insufferable. He's basically another Elvis Costello. They're like Ed Debevics characters.

Loved this. I realized my conception of Queen was mostly just a Freddie Mercury show, mostly propped up by greatest hits / singles, but this project really feels like a much bigger picture of the band as a unit and their collective flow and creativity. I actually liked that I didn't recognize any of the songs, I was able to just enjoy the ride.

Excellent! Funky. Catchy. Cool. Daydreaming of going to jazz clubs in Brazil. Super into it.

I really appreciate Paul Simon. I think he's original, takes risks, brings energy and perspective, but not super timeless in that I feel like he's very much of his time and playing to a pretty specific generation (not mine). With all due respect, he can tend to feel pretty corny haha. The African influence/collaboration here is super cool though.

Being a huge Coheed and Cambria fan, it's super fun seeing where Claudio undoubtedly got so much influence. There's prog but then there are bands like Rush or Marillion that feel deeper to me. Like there are more layers of storytelling, and the music does so much of the heavy lifting. Extra little pockets of feeling and energy. Feels like reading a sci fi novel. Added Limelight to my library.

it's electronica but it's not kid rock 1.5 stars

What I wouldn't give to see Fela Kuti live-- Ok scratch that. Just read more about what happened at some of his live events. Unreal. Makes me grateful to even be able to hear this music. Giving it a rating feels absurd. Wouldn't know it by looking at the surface but after reading more, easily the heaviest album so far.

Ugh. I know drugs are part of some people's lives. It's all just a swirl of choices and consequences. Just trying to compartmentalize this being his last ride. Anyway, this album is great. Really cool he was able to produce it. And everything that comes with that. Weird experimental, jammy moments but also feels more intimate. Like less telling others how to be free and more expressing loneliness is a drag. Watchtower though. Top 10 song on this list so far. Probably my top example of how a cover can become THE version of a song. Cosmic alley-oop. I wish every album had at least one cover on it. 4.5 rating

Mad respect. "It wasn't anything but the same rhythm and blues I'd been playing down in New Orleans." Ugh. An era where music was a thing that was experienced and happened in the moment. Categorization like genre didn't matter. I was going to say I wish he could see his legacy, but he'd prob laugh. I like how much this project is making me yearn for live music.

Idk, 90s fringe. Seems like you woulda had to be there. I don't hate it. A generous 2.5

I'm allergic to electronica so this was an absolute nightmare but I'm sure he was a cool 13-14 year old.

Reviewing the Beatles is like reviewing pizza. Enough bangers on here to get them through any qualifiers. 4.5

95% of music I listen to I'm working at my office. I put this album on three times. Each time I lost track of it and didn't tune back in until I noticed something else came on after. I can't say whether or not I was extra productive like it put me in some kind of flow state. So many albums in this 1001 project give me a guilty feeling like I'm not giving the art the context it needs to be optimally enjoyed. Like if I heard In A Silent Way in a jazz club? Ugh. Would be pure magic. But instead its coming through my Apple Studio Display speakers. Sounds good but is it even the same thing? What even is life? :P 4 stars for the jazz club daydream.

Pretty fun. Some nice bass lines. Solid mid. 2.5

15 minutes! As a kid I remember wondering how songs could possibly be longer than 2 minutes. Punk music was my adolescence. Funny that it feels refreshing. Almost calming. I hadn't heard this album before, but I've heard lots of it's offspring. I enjoyed this. Some nice little musical moments mixed in.

I mean I'm not sure you can get much cooler, in terms of the image she's developed here. For whatever that's worth. Not sure how many of her collaborators have actually "never seen a map" haha. But yeah super catchy. Super different. At least among mainstream options here in the United States. She also just has fun musicality and I like her melodies. mOnD0 ExTra bonUs points for the Pixies and Clash references 😍

I really dig Van Morrison. The passion! And for the most part it outweighs his voice. But jeepers, haha. There are moments here and there, and I feel bad saying this, but his voice just sounds ridiculous. Anyway, that's nothin. Dude's a top tier song writer and makes due with the vocal cards he was dealt. Love that he just goes for it anyway. Like Dylan. The songs on this album are beautiful. Often so so simple with no obvious or traditional structure. Most seem less like songs and more like freestyles, or just stream of conscious. We know he can make radio hits but these are just his raw spirit. Like opening a cosmic door into Van Morrison land. I listened to this one like 6 times today. Enjoyed it more each time. Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Van 🙂 ❤️ 🙏

Had fun. The rainbow has a beard. 3.5

Funk, Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Soul. Let's just call it P Funk babayyy. These cats created their own genre. And it is holy. I couldn't ask for more. And I couldn't ask for less. For a split second I was wishing this album was 'tighter', like if they could trim some of the excess here and there. But nah, it's the vastness of space in Maggot Brain that makes Can You Get To That such a star. No rush y'all. These folks can chill. They can jam. They can shred. They can chart. And this is just half of the yin yang! At any moment they can become Parliament and tear the roof off the sucker. Thank you, George 🙏❤️🖖👽✨🛸 PS Spotify doesn't have the bonus tracks but those are hot as well.

Not sure exactly how this dude got such a spread of genres; country, pop, folk, rock, psychedelic rock, and singer songwriter. This is album 144 for me and that's easily the most I've seen so far. What's psychedelic about this album? Anyway. It's amazing that he was so big in the Netherlands, haha. It's not bad. Just country folk, right down the middle. I just keep hankering for Townes Van Zandt. 2.5

This stuff is so mellow but so powerful haha. I can't not get whisked away to Brazil. Daydream bomb.

Gillian is incredible. Somehow she can sing about Elvis shakin his hips and both make me laugh but also feel super heavy and complex feelings about culture / the human experience / feeling grateful / etc. Extra bonus that she's BFFs with the D'Rawl Machine.

Always a paradox to have beautiful music with heavy subject matter. But the result feels like grace to me. Turning pain and complexity into something beautiful. These grooves are undeniable.

SMH. No doubt he's a beautiful pearl. He set the bar with Infinite in 96. We all knew he was able to match his head to his skills even in these early days. Which is why the character of Slim Shady just feels like such a waste. Em as an artist deserves more stars but I can't give this album more than a 2

I like tea but this is not my cup of it.

Not my thing but it had its moments. 2.5

Pasting default message that despite keeping an open mind my county tends to vote down the more pure electronica albums.

The genres on here are so busted. Kid A isn't in an Electronic category?? Well, more for the Indie stack I guess. Kid A is bonkers. It's a universe. It's a dream. It's forever.

Buddy Holly is cool. Like he could have been successful in any era. Unreal he made such an impact and died at 22. I can only daydream about what music would have looked like had he not been on that plane. 4.5

I SURVIVED. What a ride. The reviews are hilarious. I felt like I was laundry or produce being cleaned and processed by machines. Feels so purely expressive and raw that it's beautiful about it. Can you imagine being in the room or playing and coming through the other end of this? Would be like returning from another dimension. Maybe coming back would be a disappointment. I also love that this is them playing someone else’s music haha. Was Ornette honored or offended? I deeply appreciate how undoubtedly talented folks are not afraid to commit to being ugly and imperfect. It actually seems to create its own perfection. Damn. Well, either way I'll never forget day 154 of this project. Gives me exactly what I want out of this project: exposure to stuff I would have never heard (or felt) otherwise. I'm sweaty. Feels ironic to give this a 2.5 since it's probably so polarizing but it has verily chopped my psyche in half.

The chill is profound. No doubt the mother chill. Breathe. Time. Money brings the groove. Us And Them is the drama. So much space and mood in between. Social commentary. Layers of keys. IT'S ALL THE DARK SIDE ❤️

Surprised there are so many new wave albums on this list. I don't dislike Heaven 17. It's fine. Just makes me want to see the album selection process.. like what didn't make the cut and why? Also, it seems like the albums are at random.. I'd like to see where exactly this album falls compared to others. 2.5

Love Leonard. So simple. Feels pure. He gets you on his wavelength.

PRONSS 😍 This isn't my favorite Prince album but it's got some undeniable bangers. Especially the back half. His live shows seem unbelievable. Absolutely bonkers he's only 26 when this came out. 4.5

This first chapter in Kanye's rap story is pretty incredible. So much vision, perseverance, boldness. Knowing what he would become, it's hard for me to not want to separate the art from the person. But he pours so much of himself into his music. What does it mean to separate the art and the artist? I don't know. I appreciate this album. I appreciate young Kanye. Art is crazy. Life is crazy.

I'm starting to really enjoy the feeling that not only am I aware of my crusty ol bias but it's going away. Or at least I'm able to navigate around it better. This is an album that I would not have given a second thought or dismissed. But this 1001 Albums project is teaching me to take more time. There's a whole world here. It's objectively kick ass what a busy intersection of influence and innovation this album is. Apparently it's possible to like and not like a thing, haha. More and more it feels pointless to rate the art. 2.5

"in the land of cotton / old times there / ain't near as rotten / as they are / on this damned old LA street" -- Woof. That song really pissed me off.. Had to check my judgement.. Take some deep breaths and not just stop the album and write a review just saying FUCK DIXIE, FUCK REBEL PRIDE. Ugh. Does walking the streets of Bakersfield make you an asshole? Anyway, in other news, the drywall contractor working on my office just walked by and said "Oh you're listenin to the good stuff today!"

I'd agree with lots of folks who have said this list has too much rock and roll. Glad this one made the list tho. "The music was intended to be loud and heavy, and accurately represent the group's live show." I definitely feel the energy and wish I coulda seen em live. Feels sacrilegious to listen through a laptop 😖😅 ugh I gotta see a heavy metal band in a dive bar SOON

Damn it haha ok there is wayy too much old rock on this list. The app linked me to the deluxe edition. Not a chance. This album came after Deep Purple In Rock. Haha I don't know why The Who puts me in a weird mood. They always just feel like the last straw. It's not bad it's just whatever. Idk

I mean. Idk. What makes an album great? Haha. Sure, 2.5 stars.

So heartbreaking when an artist's work only becomes important after their death. Or idk, maybe it's not. Maybe Marvin didn't care what critics said. Hopefully artists don't look at these or any reviews :P Apparently this is a dude processing a divorce. The relationship between capitalism and art is a paradox I don't know what to do with.

Surprised that I enjoyed this even a little bit. Upbeat background music. 2.5

Checks the timeless box for me. Feels connected to real life but more an imaginary world. They created the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies that only exists in my imagination. As a millennial I wonder if older generations are able to see and escape into this world. I wish everyone could.

Still like picturing him in Berlin getting back on track jammin with homies. But prob the lowest ranking Bowie for me. Low Bow. 2.5

Enjoyed the mood this set for my day. Listened through 3-4 times. Lol I have such a love/hate for hidden tracks. Cheeky little novelties. Solid 3

Depending on the day, like if it was today, my third genie wish might be that every human had a compulsion to produce at least one album. The goal of which was just fun and expression. Somehow Teenager Of The Year makes me feel a sort of happiness for Frank Black. Always feels kinda stressful knowing the interpersonal tension within the Pixies. But maybe if Frank's just able to be Frank, it's a little more enjoyable? I have no way of knowing, but I bet he had fun making this. At least I had fun listening.

Haha, I mean.. at least they're honest about it being a "Sonic Attack" 😅 Although I would say not nearly as much of a grind as the live Metallica album. Relief to be past this one though. Onto the next!

I'm pretty new to reggae as a genre, but this album gives it a serious boost up my charts. Groovy. Soulful. Funky. Heavy. Playful. Sometimes there's this Bossa Nova ease and charm. Thanks 1001! 🙏

FEVER FOREVERRR. Max volume straight into my veins. And my neighbors. I'm a nuisance for this one. Can't get it loud enough. Won't be able to hear my grandkids cuz YYY turned up. Permanent cloud over me for not catching this era live.

Feels way more like butt rock than I remember. I want to rate it higher for nostalgia but I just can't. I wonder if my kids will listen to dumb shit like this haha.

it is indeed

Not my fav of theirs but still that good B&S brand of clever, honest, peppy, depth.

70s British rock album fatigue. I had a nice time but it does all start to run together a little. Middle of the pack.

Metallica is pretty bottom of the barrel for me.

Hate to say it but them veering into a theological or spiritual direction just comes off as kinda dated and corny. Cool they explored new angles but it's not my fav side of them. Just can't help but wonder what Nigel's up to.. 2.5

What it feels like for a girl wasn't half bad!

If you mix Springsteen, Hawley, Replacements, a smidge of Morrisey, and a squirt of steel guitar it's a little bland but will fill you up.

Radiohead is a rainy universe. Where even the pop songs hurt a little to keep you awake. A rainy universe where escape brings you closer to reality. Radiohead is addiction to the red pill.

Soulful. Folksy. Rockin. Personal. Makes me grateful the Beatles broke up. "The music of mountain tops and vast horizons" indeed. First time I've wanted to give six stars.

This is totally not fair, but the overall effect of the way this sounds and the way JMJ presented himself is next level corny, haha. But for real, I love that JMJ likes synths and I'm glad he found a large audience.

The fact that this was recorded in a church around a single mic is automatically 2 extra stars. That means so much to me. I know this used to be the norm, but it just feels like ancient magic in these days of engineers fine tuning data in a computer interface. Feels like their intention was to put as few layers as possible between me listening right now and them playing back then. Maybe I can't be in the room but I've got my ear to the crack in the door. This one is transportive to me. I wish I had better speakers.

Ok. So, it's perfectly obvious to me that NYC in this era was a big bang of culture, creativity, art -- so much life. I'd even call it beauty or magic. But if I'm honest it does kinda feel almost like a religion, where maybe 'coolness' is the god. Or is it just youth? Sometimes I get swept up in it all, but the day after, looking back, I can't help but but have doubts in that god.

Ugh. The realness. This is what I'm talking about. Apples and oranges, sure, but this makes Paul's Boutique (my last album) feel like a Saturday morning cartoon or a lottery ticket. Cat is so substantive and enriching. Deep and light. Like photosynthesis making me stronger.

Listened a few times. Recognized a few tracks. Had fun. I like this album more than Piano Man. Folks like Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and the like have always ran together, this 1001 project has been very helpful in separating that knotted ball of yarn.

All other songs could be Metallica live but if the album has My guitar gently weeps it's a 5. An elixir of life atop which Blackbird and Helter Skelter are colossal cherries.

Not crazy about dancy stuff. Perfect Kiss is pretty good.

Dang. I feel like this dude can do anything. This album gets funky, dancy, jazzy but also soulful, folky, and ethereal. Maybe the sounds he's making aren't revolutionary, but I can't imagine John Martyn, as a single package, was a dime a dozen in his time. Always appreciate the experimental stuff. Well maybe not always, haha, but I dig this one.

Ugh. Elliott Smith. Unbelievable that he died of being stabbed twice in the chest. Like it feels bad to be so impressed at the overall effect of this information, considering the emotional tone of his work. I'm from Portland, OR, and folks often picture the weather as perpetually rainy, overcast, bleak, a hot spot for seasonal affective disorder. Whether it's all ironic or just perfectly poetic, the gestalt is powerful. Heavy. Beautifully sad.

Not my thing.

2.5

Harmonica. Wicked bass lines. Jazzy timing. Mouth harp. I enjoyed this way more than I expected. My first impression of Ozzy was from his reality show on MTV. The rock scene in the 70s was pretty incredible.

80s cool might be the coolest cool in the corniest way

I don't feel much depth but haha I mean its AC/DC so maybe all anyone needed was something to underscore a bender. Definitely feels like 'pure' rock and roll of the era. I just keep thinking about alcohol analogies. 2.5

not for me but pop is catchy and she is good a pop 2.5

Upbeat. Dope bass lines. Soulful vocals. I can't decide how I feel about minutes long drum solos. I do feel like they are using the cheapest rinky dink organ they could find. Imagine a real organ with some deep heft in there. Would earn an extra star. Overall I had a nice time.

Amazing to me how some folks are able to create their own world. I mean no doubt he's a child of something and he has siblings and peers with similar sounds, but the way all his songs feel like they accrue to some larger thing on purpose. Now that I'm writing this is all seems basic and obvious haha

This is a dude who's seen some shit wearing a smiley plush mascot suit at a run down theme park. Harry Nilsson runs the ticket booth. The balance of levity and depth these artists can pull off is amazing, but I also really appreciate it. Like no doubt it takes commitment, resolve, and thick skin to be different. Definitely carved out his own weird brand of cool haha. Love it.

The folksy act is corny, but the songwriting is the thing. The dude put in the work. It's good work. 4.5

Nick Drake is cool. I'm realizing somehow jazz feels invulnerable to time. Like the songs that skew jazzy feel less dated. Saturday Sun feels timeless. Great ending to a solidly pleasant album. Can't be mad at this stuff.

I'm probably too boring for this. I like some Syd but not this one.

This shows what a jazz novice I am, but this feels like 'core jazz' to me. Feels free but nothing too chaotic. Fun to feel my ears and attention drift from zoomed out on whole sound to zoomed into individual instruments. Had a nice time 🙂

Not a huge hip hop fan. I do have a soft spot for the early stuff in the 90s. Something about this being 2002 lowers it for me. Idk.

I really enjoyed this. Not sure if it's a concept album but felt like one. Lots of range. Big scope. Catchy. Soulful. Supertramp fan!

Rating this album feels like rating people. The Pogues feel so deeply like a representation of a sub group of people at a certain time, rife with culture and texture. After I got over the knee jerk negative of their sound, I felt jealously for what seems like such a tight knit community. It's not my favorite music, but they earned my respect. Maybe just cuz it feels like if someone says a negative word about them get clubbed in an alley.

Beyonce definitely already had her power magic in these early days which took solid pop songs and made them something more. Anthems maybe? Dangerously In Love is the deep cut I'm glad I heard from this album. Some true R&B soul on there. Excellent vocals. I can dig. 2.5

I’ve always liked concept albums. Not sure if this one is, but it sure felt like one. At least like a rock opera. I like big dramatic ballads. That album art is amazing haha.

Def gotta see the Thing with two Heads. Although I have a feeling the soundtrack is better than the movie. I really like this. Not sure how this doesn’t get a rock genre tag.

Ugh. Swoon. This one sweeps me away every time. Love every inch of all of it.

This is one of those albums/bands that are basically a person. Rating/reviewing a person is silly. This is a beautiful person. I am grateful for anyone sharing this much.

Yeahhhh. A favorite album of my lifetime. Their sound is so masterfully dialed-in. Each song feels refined to its purest form. And there's an eeriness to the songs. Just shy of nostalgia or optimism. Their depiction of the groaning chasm that is the suburban sprawl is so heavy. I feel the emptiness. And just themes of waiting, going nowhere, lack of a sense of place. The void is real. But idk it doesn't feel like it's just trying to be depressing. It's like real reflection and processing. Also when they won the Grammy I love that their speech was basically "thanks.. now we're going to play some music" 😂

This album feels like both high and low rank at the same time. Kinda reminds me of Bowie's Low in that way. The first half of Maxinquaye is 5 stars, easy. It's great from so many angles. But by the time Struggling comes around it's just running on empty. The play count on Spotify backs me up here. But the net is very positive for me. I can't get myself to give 5 stars, but it's juuuust shy. In other news, this having only an 'electronica' genre tag is really strange and dumb.

Nick Of Time is a great song. Some other nice moments on the album. Unfortunately most of it just sounds like anyone at a shitty dive bar. Which don't get me wrong, has a kind of charm in its own way, however the contrast is just too glaring when we know she's capable of Nick Of Time. But hey, without the foothills we wouldn't have peaks. Grateful for it all. 2.5

So much pure gold in here. So many different sounds. I've never liked how it kinda feels like the album just turns into a grab bag but I guess I can appreciate that, this being their last one, the whole thing is a bit of a catch all for all the ideas and projects they might have had lying around. Come Together, I Want You, Because, Here Comes The Sun. Get outta town.

I just really love that jazz flute ❤️ Aqualung the song is a gem. It's gritty and strange but beautiful and iconic. I don't think of any other song as a distinct standalone, but there's an overall feel that seems effective in supporting the story. No doubt the album's pinnacle is Aqualung, so the line graph is just a slide, haha. But slides are fun. So there ya go. 3.5

My favorite Metallica album yet! 1.5!

Couldn't really keep it in the foreground of my brain while working. But hey, good background music is underrated. Counts for something, right?

Ooh only just now learning that the London Calling cover is a remix. Elvis reminds me of my papaw. Blue Suede Shoes is great but overall I have kind of a hard time with Elvis. Or maybe it’s just an era where men disrespected women and it was somehow endearing? Anyway, it’s hard to feel any authenticity with acts like his. 2.5

I get that he's a performer. Very fun energy. And I can get behind the fact that everything is a remix to some degree. But damn, is Otis Blackwell on the 1001 list? Hurts to see Otis has an album called "These are my songs!" chock full of songs that made Elvis and JLL famous. But I guess that's just show biz. A reminder that so much of recorded music is just business. Another prompt to try to catch more live music. 2 stars cuz I bummed myself out 😅

Probably my favorite Nick Drake album so far. So fascinating that he didn't get a following until after he died. Hard not to feel a bit of heart break but it does make the work feel especially pure. Like art and expression was the point. This 1001 project has cemented Nick Drake's name in my music life without a doubt.

No offense, but to my ears Kraftwerk just sounds like child's play. Everything about, the themes, the sounds, the art, it just seems silly. Which wouldn't be a knock against them if that's what they were going for, but all signs point to them taking themselves seriously. Which, like Jean-Michel Jarre, is just maximum corny.

UGHHH! Another album where the notion of rating or reviewing just crumbles. My response to it couldn't be more trivial. From what I understand, I don't think I can even understand exactly what this music means. GROOVE IN THE FACE OF WAR! I literally can't imagine. A five star blessing just to be able to listen.

Iconic. Pretty dumb but iconic haha. The pursuit of cool isn't really worth much to me, however I do appreciate originality, and in this case it seems like Snoop and co were just having fun, doin their thing, and a lot of folks liked it. So it became cool. Which I think is pretty cool in its own right. But nonetheless dumb. And as with so much rap from this era, the masculine/ego shit is such a turn off. 2.5