378
Albums Rated
3.53
Average Rating
35%
Complete
711 albums remaining
Featured Review
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies • 5/5
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.
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
98
5-Star Albums
20
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chelsea Girl
Nico
|
5 | 2.63 | +2.37 |
|
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
|
5 | 2.64 | +2.36 |
|
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
|
5 | 2.71 | +2.29 |
|
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
|
5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
|
Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
|
5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
|
Kala
M.I.A.
|
5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
|
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
|
5 | 2.93 | +2.07 |
|
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
|
5 | 2.93 | +2.07 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metallica
Metallica
|
1 | 3.79 | -2.79 |
|
Machine Head
Deep Purple
|
1 | 3.58 | -2.58 |
|
My Generation
The Who
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
Live At Leeds
The Who
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
Homework
Daft Punk
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
S&M
Metallica
|
1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
|
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
|
1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
|
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 5 |
| Beatles | 5 | 4.8 |
| Bob Dylan | 4 | 4.75 |
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| Fela Kuti | 2 | 5 |
| Funkadelic | 2 | 5 |
| The Flaming Lips | 2 | 5 |
| Roxy Music | 2 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.33 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kraftwerk | 2 | 1 |
| Metallica | 4 | 1.75 |
| The Who | 4 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Deep Purple | 1, 4 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5, 2 |
| Pink Floyd | 5, 5, 2, 3 |
5-Star Albums (98)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Afrika Bambaataa · 5 likes
3/5
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
Roxy Music · 4 likes
5/5
Roxyyy. They always manage to pull off "cool" in my book. There's something about their quirk that seems authentic. Or like you can't really fake their level of weirdness. And they manage to avoid any scent of art school. And this might be superficial, but me being American, I really like the unfamiliar international lyrical references and influences. Seems more intelligent than folks like Lou Reed. Roxy is another group that seemed to carve out their own sound. Like you can hear just a snippet of any song and it oozes Roxy.
Frank Sinatra · 4 likes
2/5
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.
Cowboy Junkies · 3 likes
5/5
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.
Dr. Dre · 2 likes
3/5
Lol this and Straight Outta Compton back to back 😅 Same review pretty much. All the gangster shit, it's a grind, and I have to really breathe through it, but I think it's still true that I respect the contribution. I appreciate the process of art and expression. That being said, same with the NWA stuff, I reeeeally don't like the subject matter. Pretty much all the "cool" stuff comes off as uncomfortably corny. Reminds me of watching kids walk who'd sag to their knees 😂 But hey, Snoop's hosting the olympics now. Who's to say what cool is anymore. 2.5
4-Star Albums (99)
1-Star Albums (20)
All Ratings
The War On Drugs
3/5
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.
Solomon Burke
3/5
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.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
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.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
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.
Ella Fitzgerald
5/5
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? 😂
B.B. King
5/5
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.
AC/DC
3/5
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.
David Bowie
4/5
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!
Mj Cole
1/5
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.
Korn
2/5
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 🙂
John Martyn
3/5
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 🙏
Johnny Cash
3/5
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.
Neil Young
5/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
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.
Throwing Muses
4/5
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 🙂🙏
The Byrds
4/5
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 White Stripes
3/5
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 Ocean
5/5
FRANK! I love this boy. Funny. Real. Beautiful. He's a hot and randy philosopher.
Beatles
4/5
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.
Taylor Swift
4/5
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.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
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
Joy Division
4/5
Catchy/jammy drums. Cool guy caricature cool vocals. Quirky bass lines. Noisy synths. My jam.
Ramones
4/5
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.
T. Rex
4/5
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.
The Coral
2/5
pub life
Kid Rock
1/5
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
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
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.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Didn't like this one as much as FFF
Adele
3/5
Adele is dope. Amazing vocalist with catchy pop sensibility. I didn't realize how young she is.
De La Soul
2/5
I can see why it's important, I can appreciate the fun of it, but I didn't really connect.
Suicide
3/5
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.
Little Richard
3/5
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.
Ray Charles
4/5
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.
The Black Crowes
2/5
I just kept thinking I was listening to Faces / Rod Stewart.
3/5
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.
Mercury Rev
3/5
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.
John Coltrane
3/5
feels like the city, feels like being a man, complexity, feels cool, feels like feelings
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
All about the feels. This album ends too soon. Of course not only does the sound feel good but the positivity just washes over.
Ray Price
4/5
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
Suede
2/5
I miiiight take 'Where the pigs don't fly' but leave the rest.
Pixies
4/5
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..
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
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 Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
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!
Motörhead
3/5
Can't believe Lemmy still has a voice. Love the groups who seem fully committed.
MC Solaar
3/5
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.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
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.
Iron Maiden
2/5
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.
The Who
1/5
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.
Deep Purple
1/5
This 1001 list is starting to feel tired with all these 1970s rock bands.
The Police
3/5
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.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Enjoyed this more than I expected. Similar to AC/DC. Lots of variety to the songs. Not just filler between the classics.
Neil Young
4/5
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.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
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!
Small Faces
2/5
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.
The Who
1/5
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.
Tom Waits
3/5
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.
The Specials
3/5
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.
David Bowie
2/5
Crazy bout Bowie. Ziggy. The Duke. Pretty sane for Aladdin.
Eminem
2/5
Hard not to feel like its a waste of talent.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
That Rehab song was my only reference going into this. More to AW for sure. Dig the beats. Estelle vibes.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
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.
Daft Punk
1/5
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.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
The screw ups and ad libs were my favorite parts.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
POETRY GUSTO VISION LAYERS ORGANS SAX ARRANGEMENTS CRYSTALS REALITY.. BTR climaxes like 3 times 🤌 BOSS!
The Triffids
3/5
Listened all day. Had a nice day. Bury me deep in love.
CHVRCHES
4/5
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.
Lorde
2/5
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.
Sade
2/5
Feels as relevant as a lifetime romcom.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
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!
CHIC
3/5
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
Amy Winehouse
2/5
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.
Talking Heads
4/5
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
David Bowie
3/5
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.
White Denim
5/5
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.
Django Django
2/5
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.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
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
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Played this and Aretha-adjacent jams all day. Was a good day.
Beastie Boys
5/5
90s New York. What a combustion chamber! Hip hop! Punk! Roots! A green salad bowl for a BUCK!
Otis Redding
4/5
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.
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
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
Baaba Maal
2/5
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.
Moby
2/5
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 🤷
The Who
3/5
"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 Rolling Stones
3/5
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
The Doors
4/5
I dig. Definitely defined their own, unmistakable sound.
Alice Cooper
3/5
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.
Pink Floyd
5/5
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 ✨💎✨
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Just beautiful
5/5
Whoaaa I knew of a few XTC songs but this was something else! Really whisked me away on adventure.
Jane Weaver
3/5
2.5
Elvis Costello
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.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Another wedding banger, in the best way. So much groove and joy. Feels like celebration.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
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
Stereolab
4/5
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!
Talking Heads
2/5
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.
Caetano Veloso
4/5
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
Public Enemy
2/5
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.
CHIC
4/5
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 🙂
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
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
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
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 🤷
Animal Collective
2/5
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!
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
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.
Television
5/5
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.
System Of A Down
2/5
Reminds me of my friend Tony. I like Tony more than I like SOAD.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
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
Screaming Trees
3/5
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.
The Cars
3/5
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?
Beck
4/5
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 Hendrix
5/5
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 😅
Joan Armatrading
5/5
Yessss. Big JArma fan. Folky and soulful. Simple and powerful. Just makes me feel good. Very positive force.
Green Day
2/5
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
Michael Jackson
5/5
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.
Metallica
1/5
Woof. Same note for 2 hours and 13 minutes. Whoever added this to the list is a sadist.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I dig Talking Heads, I really like my art school friends, and house parties are fun, but LCD Soundsystem is not for me.
Robbie Williams
3/5
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
Kraftwerk
1/5
"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.
Fiona Apple
4/5
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
Isaac Hayes
5/5
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
Frank Sinatra
2/5
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.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
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.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
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.
Metallica
2/5
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
Miles Davis
3/5
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.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2/5
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.
Queen
4/5
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.
Jorge Ben Jor
5/5
Excellent! Funky. Catchy. Cool. Daydreaming of going to jazz clubs in Brazil. Super into it.
Paul Simon
3/5
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.
Rush
4/5
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.
Hot Chip
2/5
it's electronica but it's not kid rock 1.5 stars
Fela Kuti
5/5
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.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
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
Fats Domino
5/5
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.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Idk, 90s fringe. Seems like you woulda had to be there. I don't hate it. A generous 2.5
Aphex Twin
1/5
I'm allergic to electronica so this was an absolute nightmare but I'm sure he was a cool 13-14 year old.
Beatles
5/5
Reviewing the Beatles is like reviewing pizza. Enough bangers on here to get them through any qualifiers. 4.5
Miles Davis
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.
Duran Duran
3/5
Pretty fun. Some nice bass lines. Solid mid. 2.5
Circle Jerks
3/5
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.
M.I.A.
5/5
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 😍
Van Morrison
5/5
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 🙂 ❤️ 🙏
Cream
3/5
Had fun. The rainbow has a beard. 3.5
Funkadelic
5/5
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.
Gene Clark
3/5
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
Stan Getz
4/5
This stuff is so mellow but so powerful haha. I can't not get whisked away to Brazil. Daydream bomb.
Gillian Welch
5/5
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.
4/5
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.
Eminem
2/5
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
The Young Gods
2/5
I like tea but this is not my cup of it.
GZA
3/5
Not my thing but it had its moments. 2.5
Tangerine Dream
1/5
Pasting default message that despite keeping an open mind my county tends to vote down the more pure electronica albums.
Radiohead
5/5
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 & The Crickets
5/5
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
3/5
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.
Pink Floyd
5/5
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 ❤️
Heaven 17
3/5
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
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Love Leonard. So simple. Feels pure. He gets you on his wavelength.
Prince
5/5
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
Kanye West
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.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
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
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
"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!"
Deep Purple
4/5
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
The Who
3/5
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
a-ha
3/5
I mean. Idk. What makes an album great? Haha. Sure, 2.5 stars.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
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.
Stereo MC's
3/5
Surprised that I enjoyed this even a little bit. Upbeat background music. 2.5
Arcade Fire
5/5
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.
David Bowie
3/5
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
The Verve
3/5
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
Frank Black
4/5
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.
Hawkwind
2/5
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!
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
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! 🙏
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
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.
The Offspring
2/5
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.
Stan Getz
3/5
it is indeed
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Not my fav of theirs but still that good B&S brand of clever, honest, peppy, depth.
Yes
3/5
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
1/5
Metallica is pretty bottom of the barrel for me.
XTC
3/5
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
Madonna
2/5
What it feels like for a girl wasn't half bad!
American Music Club
3/5
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
5/5
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.
George Harrison
5/5
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.
Jean-Michel Jarre
1/5
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.
Cowboy Junkies
5/5
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.
Beastie Boys
4/5
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.
Cat Stevens
5/5
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.
Billy Joel
3/5
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.
Beatles
5/5
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.
New Order
3/5
Not crazy about dancy stuff. Perfect Kiss is pretty good.
John Martyn
4/5
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.
Elliott Smith
4/5
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.
R.E.M.
2/5
Not my thing.
Fever Ray
3/5
2.5
Black Sabbath
4/5
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.
Eurythmics
3/5
80s cool might be the coolest cool in the corniest way
AC/DC
3/5
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
Taylor Swift
3/5
not for me but pop is catchy and she is good a pop 2.5
Iron Butterfly
3/5
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.
Giant Sand
3/5
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
Randy Newman
5/5
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.
Bob Dylan
5/5
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
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.
Pink Floyd
2/5
I'm probably too boring for this. I like some Syd but not this one.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
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 🙂
Jurassic 5
2/5
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.
Supertramp
5/5
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!
The Pogues
3/5
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.
Destiny's Child
3/5
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
Meat Loaf
3/5
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.
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
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.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Ugh. Swoon. This one sweeps me away every time. Love every inch of all of it.
The Cure
5/5
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.
Arcade Fire
5/5
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" 😂
Tricky
4/5
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.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
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
Beatles
5/5
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.
Jethro Tull
4/5
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
Anthrax
2/5
My favorite Metallica album yet! 1.5!
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Couldn't really keep it in the foreground of my brain while working. But hey, good background music is underrated. Counts for something, right?
Elvis Presley
3/5
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
Jerry Lee Lewis
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 😅
Nick Drake
5/5
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.
Kraftwerk
1/5
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.
Songhoy Blues
5/5
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.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
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
Jack White
5/5
This is a little hyperbolic but Jack White stands out to me in a pretty singular way as an artist who is able to take direct inspiration from old black blues artists but in a way that feels more like respect than exploitation. And I think he's got a pretty great take on the concept of "cool" -- somehow it doesn't seem like an ego thing. Like he seems more like a theater kid to me than a douche bag. Authenticity also comes through in how he handled so much of the writing and production. Can't help but feel grateful to his contribution to rock and roll. I guess I don't have much to say about this album specifically, other than pretty much every track kicks mondo ass.
Beastie Boys
4/5
They had a pocket, that's for sure. Iconic from so many angles. Super fun snapshot of NY in this era. Not my thing, but no matter what I could say about this album there's an underlying jealousy, I wish this was a Beastie Boy. 3.5
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
This 1001 list can be so cheeky! Giving me Run DMC right after License To Ill. Makes me want to listen to the list according to time, oldest first. Run definitely walked so BB could run. No doubt RUN DMC had their own influences, but respect for any artist doing their thing with confidence. Rock Box is so sick. 3.5
Various Artists
3/5
This came through on December 26th.. so close! What a fun coincidence. For a sec I thought the 1001AG creator was being clever and wedging this one into every participant's list, but was then flooded with reasons of just how buck wild that would be haha. The timing was fun, even though I'm a little sick of Christmas music at this point, compared to what's out there, this one's a shining star on the highest bough. Now to continue muddling through somehow...
Muddy Waters
5/5
Unreal. The blues had a baby and his name was Muddy. No doubt there's lots about this era I wouldn't want to experience, but how exciting it must have been to hear this music. Even the more uptempo songs have a melancholy edge to them. No one's asking, but if I had to pick I'd take this expression of rock and roll over what feels like the more dance hall entertainer kinda Otis Blackwell stuff. This just seems so personal and honest. But hey, I'm an emo kid :P
T. Rex
4/5
The list keeps giving me irony bombs. T Rex after Muddy Waters?? Similar to Jack White, I do like that Bolan doesn't pretend he's not biting folks like Howlin' Wolf. Feels like love to me. And he's generally kinda just like The Ramones or any artist who does one thing well. As long as that one thing works, that's all you need. Keep bangin that gong.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The Stones are my favorite the closer they get to the Kinks. The quirky, catchy stuff. I like this album more than Sticky Fingers. I really can't wrap my head around how a record like Gimme Shelter can be so under developed. They have similar tracks where they're just such a good hook but the arrangement and overall song writing falls short. The Stones haven't ever done much for me.
Radiohead
5/5
Penetration! Penetration! Penetration! Haha gotta love Radiohead. No matter my mood, they have a way of bending it into something a little more complex. I'm not going to say negative or dark.. because there's something so inherently beautiful about their delivery and exploration. So much creativity and feeling. I hope this music is an outlet for them as much as it's an ..inlet for me..?
Massive Attack
4/5
Massive Attack is undeniably cool. Throughly chill. Great mood all day.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
5/5
This one's taken me a couple days to wrap my head around. These folks are amazing and I can't believe I hadn't heard of them. It's like maximalist and raw at the same time. Such a cool mix of style and edge. Confidence. Another group that makes my life just look so colorless and safe 😅 4.5!
Blondie
4/5
Aw I love Hanging on the Telephone. Such a fan of covers. Every album should have at least one ❤️ Anyway, this album is cool. I kinda wish this is all pop punk ever was. 3.5
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Some strong moments on here, I like Bell Bottom Blues a lot. Dig the harmonies. The stuff where they just sound like a divy blues band aren't too exciting. And I'm realizing I'm not much of a guitar guy. Layla is kinda corny to me.
Elliott Smith
5/5
Probably my Elliott Smith album. Nothing against his darker vibes, but this one feels like it strikes the balance of his trademark honesty but bigger and more accessible. And I think part of me feels like he's in a better mood here, and I like thinking of him being happy and having fun. Such a talented dude. Singular talent. Ugh, I can't help thinking he would have been such a force for reality during the early 2000s where things seemed so skewed toward bullshit. Gonna listen to this all day. ❤️ thanks for everything you beautiful soul
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
I couldn't find a way to care about anything these dudes were doing.
Cypress Hill
1/5
Probably my least favorite hip hop album so far. Not into thug stuff.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Some beautiful stuff on here. Superfly was pretty amazing in its context, but I like this Curtis more. He's sweet. Although I might prefer him in a playlist. A half hour of that falsetto starts to get to me somehow, like makes me kinda tense up.
The Prodigy
4/5
90s!! This album is just a reminder wave of how lucky I was to have a cool older sister. I was listening to Firestarter in elementary school. I don't love every track on this album but I'd say it definitely holds up. Love the transitions. There's a total vibe over the whole thing that's way more than just effects and hooks. As far as I'm concerned this is top shelf techno pop. Some of the best album art ever btw. Lil bud's so hyped! 3.5
The Blue Nile
5/5
Trying to put my finger on what I like so much about it.. it’s like restraint.. or maybe just keeping things simple.. but also there are a lot of interesting sprinkles mixed in. But not too experimental. And that bass is so killer. They really had me from the first moments of the first song. I listened through at least 4-5 times today. There’s so much space in the arrangements, I kept finding new little pockets. Like Peter Gabriel’s vocal vibes with differentness of Roxy Music’s music. Thanks 1001 for another 5 star introduction 🙏
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Brits singing about Memphis is always funny to me. Eh, these blokes did nothing for me. But they're not Metallica so 1.5 stars.
Gary Numan
3/5
I have this bias against new wave for some reason. At worst it's just so corny and feels like a cheap fad. But I do appreciate that Gary Numan seems to be more exploring moods than trying to make a hit record. I like the indie weirdo side. It think having Observer and Cars on the album is pretty funny. Like he just liked that riff enough to say "fuck it" and keep them both. It does kinda feel like the best thing that come from this is creating the raw material for the Basement Jaxx sample. WHERE'S YOUR HEAD ATATATATAT!?!?!?
Queen
5/5
I think this album is a great example of how Queen's greatness is in their total sound. Yes, no doubt Freddie is the superstar, but there's no denying the band is quality, in their respective instruments and contributions, but also in their support. Those harmonies are exceptional. They're like Jordan and the Bulls. They all made each other better. Seeing them live in this era seems like it would have been amazing. 4.5
Green Day
4/5
Another one from my childhood. My older brother and his friends played this one a lot. Nostalgia aside, these dudes know how to write catchy pop songs. 3.5
Pavement
3/5
I listened to this a few times. On paper I feel like I should be a Pavement fan. I like Dino Jr, Modest Mouse, Silver Jews, Elliott Smith, and others that seem to be in the same pool, but I just don't really care about them. For some reason they strike me as shallow. Like they try to hard to make it seem like they don't care. Idk I guess my gut is judgmental about them. I'm positive they don't care if I'm a fan or not. Is that really the correct spelling of judgmental? dgm
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Took me a few days to feel up to reviewing this. Although I'd say I dig it, I more like SOM's contemporaries and overall genre. No doubt they contributed, but in my eyes this is a lower peak amongst the greater 80s goth rock mountain range.
Ute Lemper
4/5
When this came up I got excited, seeing how many artists were involved. I'm sure there's a scenario or setting where this just slays, but it's not through my computer speakers while I work. If anything, this is another album that I think makes me realize how rinky dink the idea of streaming music or rating/reviewing is. I feel like we don't deserve this music. It's clear a lot of life and craft went into them. It's not them, it's me. I'm rating myself a 3.5 on this one.
Really digging Passionate Fight. May we all find a passionate fight within ourselves.
PS I'm so curious who is in charge of giving genre labels.. 😂 this is just "pop" huh?
DJ Shadow
4/5
This took me a while to wrap my head around, but glad to say I warmed up with each listen. This album creates a world for sure. Or maybe rather knits worlds together? It's like a 4-dimensional collage. DJ Shadow is both a basement tinkerer and a cosmic composer.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Yikes so many of these early tech 90s era recordings did not age well. I feel like I'm listening to exported files rather than musicians playing. Or rather musican, singular. Didn't Billy pretty much insist on recording everything himself? Well despite the production and band member drama. I'm happy to separate the art from the artists. I don't love every song on this album but the ones that hit are pretty transcendent for me. Impossible to be objective, the nostalgia is pretty thick. Disarm is an emotional tsunami.
2/5
Couldn't stay engaged. I'm sure if I was at an immersive art show or something it would have been effective but I couldn't not tune this out. Rating something like this based on one listen doesn't feel fair but all these albums are rated in the same environment so I gotta keep the baseline firm. Sorry, Liars. At least you're not Metallica.
G. Love & Special Sauce
1/5
I did not like this. The white dude bluesy thing makes me uncomfortable.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
I'm sure it means something to someone. Struggling to find anything to write home about, positive or negative. I got nothin. 3 stars for being straight down the line. Which feels like a sick burn to cool cats who are trying so hard not to be squares.
Radiohead
5/5
Prior to this album I had seen album art and heard bits and pieces of Radiohead here and there throughout my life but this was when I accepted them into my blood stream. I feel lucky that In Rainbows was my entry point. It's wild to me how they're able to strike the balance of making accessible pop songs while remaining Radioheady. I really appreciate the quality of an artist where they're able to create something fresh while weaving in previous skills and learnings.. I guess that's essentially what evolution is? Seems to suggest they are a healthy and thriving body able to channel the pure life energy and turn the future into golden goose eggs. Grateful to be alive during the Radiohead dynasty! Please help me see them live before I/they die! 🙏
Funkadelic
5/5
I love that what comes with Funkadelic is not only the illest funk, but a sense of pure spontaneity, creativity, and just hangin with the homies. So much fun. Some bad mothers ❤️
Happy Mondays
3/5
Another one right down the middle. Sailing straight on through with no real ripples up or down. 2.5
The Pogues
2/5
The Pogues are not for me, but I connected with If I Should Fall From Grace With God more. This one felt a little more theatrical, or less authentic.
Barry Adamson
3/5
I dig the concept more than the music. I love picturing someone in a basement composing music for an imaginary movie 😂 2.5
Garbage
3/5
Solid 90s alt pop.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Ugh Marvin Gaye is the coolest. Really enlightening knowing the sexual content was a way to cope with childhood trauma. Also "quiet storm" is an amazing sub genre. I want to know what he's doing in the album art. I love this album.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Listened to this a few times. I enjoyed it overall but can’t help but toss it in the #bg bucket as another album where I had a hard time actually staying engaged and it just became background music. But hey, good background is still a vibe.
Can
5/5
This was on loop, underscoring my whole day, and I'm pleased to say I think I enjoyed every minute of it! This is a great example of "background" music that doesn't just disappear. I would find myself noticing different moments here and there, sometimes it was a chaotic moment, but often it was something like "damn those drums RUUULE" 🤩 YES WE CAN!
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
4/5
Seems like there's usually something low-pressure about super groups. Like you can tell it's just for the fun of it. Low stakes. Lots of nice sounds in here. Looped it all day.
Rush
3/5
Rush is so cool haha. I love that they doubled down on their freak flag. I think I like this album more in theory than I like listening to it. I like their other stuff more. I think I've mentioned it before but as a Coheed and Cambria it's a blast hearing so much influence.
Nick Drake
3/5
I think this is my third Nike Drake album so far. This one's his latest, and seems to be his most popular, but it's my least favorite. I think he got a little too comfortable in his coined vocal style. I think it's cool when an artist can carve out their own unique sound, but it definitely feels like a risk. Kinda going out on a limb. But hey, he had an audience, give the people what they want. I guess it's both risky and playing it safe.
Röyksopp
3/5
I tend to dislike core electronica/techno but I didn't mind this. Tracks like Poor Leno drove me nuts, but there was plenty of what seemed like hip hop / break beat influence to make up for it. Dig it.
Nico
5/5
YES. Love Nico. She managed to bottle some real feelings. Captures ups and downs, melancholy yet hopeful. I really dig the strings.. pretty interesting that Nico was opposed, haha. Feels like such a pure sound. Maybe this album could be considered a gumbo, since she was just surrounded by talented folks and contributors. All those cool New York cats. Just feels like so many layers of style and juice. I love everything about this album.
UB40
5/5
Oooo these R&Besque vocals. What a beautiful bridge between the catchiness of The Specials and soul of Bob Marley. Omg, Strange Fruit cover. Damn. UB40 was not on my radar before and now it's the post office for Reggae town.
Iggy Pop
4/5
I believe that album cover, that's a real smile! Ratings aside, knowing this was a healthy time in life for him and Bowie is nice. Fun picturing them collaborating. Ok, as far as a review goes, this isn't my favorite album, but it's got some undeniable tracks. The run of Some Weird Sin, The Passenger, Tonight is killer. Iggy is a character, and his music is a soundtrack.
Johnny Cash
5/5
I didn't realize this was JC's first live album. Feels like such a perfect pairing. I wish more artists did live recordings outside of music venues. The atmosphere adds so much texture. Undeniable!
Willie Nelson
5/5
Willie! Ugh. Hard not to love a story where studio stooges were proven wrong when an artist's pure vision was realized. Love how stripped back this is. Makes me feel like I'm in open spaces listening on an old pickup truck radio even when I'm in a small office.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
I really enjoy the tone of this whole album. Positive, catchy, spacey. They somehow make disintegrating seem like not such a bad idea. Even having flaming lips sounds kinda fun! 4.5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Nick is so cool. And by cool I mean I respect so much that he's able to confidently explore so many different vibes. This album is one main tone, but the nuance is so good. It's beautiful. It's simple. It's soulful. If I had to pick a general soundtrack to play behind my life, this is a front runner.
N.W.A.
3/5
The more I process this album all I really can say is I'm thankful for the artistic contribution. This is not my cup of tea. Specifically the subject matter. But of course it's not, I can't relate to most of it. I actually dig a lot of the beats/music. So.. I really don't care much for the concept of hardcore.. but I used to! It was hardcore rock, but same idea. Young folks goin hard about whatever. Seems like it should be that way. Debating what's authentic or not feels just as silly as trying to be perceived as a real thug who doesn't give a fuck. At the end of the day, they created something. That's cool. Doesn't mean I'm going to rate it high, haha, but as much as I don't respect the dumb shit they're saying, I respect the work. The art.
Dr. Dre
3/5
Lol this and Straight Outta Compton back to back 😅 Same review pretty much. All the gangster shit, it's a grind, and I have to really breathe through it, but I think it's still true that I respect the contribution. I appreciate the process of art and expression. That being said, same with the NWA stuff, I reeeeally don't like the subject matter. Pretty much all the "cool" stuff comes off as uncomfortably corny. Reminds me of watching kids walk who'd sag to their knees 😂 But hey, Snoop's hosting the olympics now. Who's to say what cool is anymore. 2.5
The Go-Betweens
5/5
Been listening to this on repeat for days. I really like it. Some Smiths, some Cure. Easy ancestry lines to bands like Beach Fossils. I'm kinda frustrated I have to put anything else on TBH. I don't want to leave this album haha.
Underworld
2/5
Electronic/techno stuff takes more energy for me to ingest, and even more to appreciate. As I encounter more from those genres, I'm realizing the challenge may be the repetition. When this album is repetitive it's just so boring/dull for me (Confusion The Waitress), but when it zags, when there's diversity in the sound (Banstyle) it's enjoyable. Grateful for those breaks. On another note, the title of this album is wonderful 🙂
Roxy Music
5/5
Roxyyy. They always manage to pull off "cool" in my book. There's something about their quirk that seems authentic. Or like you can't really fake their level of weirdness. And they manage to avoid any scent of art school. And this might be superficial, but me being American, I really like the unfamiliar international lyrical references and influences. Seems more intelligent than folks like Lou Reed. Roxy is another group that seemed to carve out their own sound. Like you can hear just a snippet of any song and it oozes Roxy.
The White Stripes
5/5
Really cool that Jack White has been Jack White since the beginning. He's such a unique dude, but his magic seems to be a lack of excess or change. Like he knows who he is, knows what he likes, but still finds manages to create stuff that's fresh. He's tapped into something pure. Also seems like he hasn't let production get in the way. The spirit is the through line. 4.5
The Isley Brothers
5/5
My first thought, after the first few tracks, is that this just feels like real music. Or at this moment it's just giving me everything I could ask for. Soul, groove, feeling, melody, positivity. So catchy. So iconic. And the cool factor is just off the charts. Like undeniably.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Haha, I don't know 😅 I saw someone comment that you need to be in a particular mood to enjoy this. I don't know if I've ever been in that mood. I appreciate that someone's exploring or expressing material addressing or suitable to that mood though. I'm going to try my best to stay away from that mood though. It was really down there.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
There's a lot to like here. I didn't grow up with this one, but I frequented their later albums, as well as similar bands like Cocteau and Slowdive. I can see how it could be annoying/boring/droning for some folks. Probably how a lot of techno/electronica is that way for me. But the wall of sound moments, the fullness of real instruments in this way, hits more like classical music almost. Maybe not to the extent of like Japanese noise, but Isn't Anything is like just enough melody and feeling to keep me fully enveloped. And I appreciate the sloppiness of this early stuff too, haha. There's a one-take energy that brings its own authenticity. 4.5
Calexico
5/5
Daydreaming about the family meeting up at Sunday dinner in grandma and grandpa's backyard -- Marty Robbins is the grandpa and Calexico is the dad (I guess I'm the kid? lol) but Calexico is on the grill, Marty is in his chair next to the picnic table, they're both enjoying Pacificos just shootin the breeze. The lineage feels so obvious and so right.
Also I can't help but feel bad for bands like Lord Huron and Django Django. I don't mean to throw shade, no one asked, haha, but just by comparison Calexico just pulls it off.
I guess when I say "it", it almost feels like this fiction, like a Cohen brothers movie about the grandson of a cowboy who lives in the desert. Or a white kid who grew up with Mexican ranch hands in arid south south California or Arizona. The same way Marty Robbins was a fiction about a gunslinger, the culture of Calexico feels like a caricature. In a great way. The way I used to daydream about train jumping.
David Bowie
4/5
Peak cocaine phase. Couldn't remember any of these sessions. Yikes. Yet this album is such easy listening. You'd think it'd sound more energetic, or at least chaotic. Idk I've never touched the stuff. Closer to filler than killer but it ain't bad. The band's performance is better than his. Dig the funk. Bop bop bop.
Miles Davis
4/5
Ok so first of all, it's pretty risky to state that something is "cool" publicly, haha. Even if you happen to be right, and folks agree at the time, how long will it remain cool? Is this cool now? Eh. I mean it's jazz, which in my head brings with it a bit of inherent coolness. But not enough. I don't really think this is cool. Right now. Like right now I can picture Al Jolson whistling over this. But it doesn't take much mind bending to retrofit it. In 1957, I can imagine this being pretty cool. Especially if you're in some low-lit, smoke-hazed basement bar late night on some side street in the city. The "birth" though??? Lol. Come on 😅 Cool-factor aside though, Miles Davis is a rock star and this is indeed an excellent album worthy of this list. Just stop marketing things as cool please.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I don't think it's just a visual thing, and I wish it didn't seem like such a sure thing, but all evidence suggests that Leonard Cohen thinks he's pretty cool. Like the fedora and cigarette.. but also just his lyrics and like low voice and subject matter.. it's just a little too much for me. I think he's a brilliant song writer. I hate to compare, but then this is a rating situation, and Tom Waits and Nick Cave just seem to have a little more dimension to them. I'm realizing just how sensitive I am to just how cool an artist things they are haha. It's such a turn off! Chill Leonard! Just be yourself! And smoking suuuuuucks 2.5
Alice In Chains
3/5
I was born in '87. Mostly Christian music in the house. Every now and then I'd get glimpses of my dad's taste in Led Zeppelin and hair metal. I grew up listening to Christian and local punk bands. My sister was the one who introduced me to cool music, like Portishead and Smashing Pumpkins. By the time I had developed my own music life I gravitated toward post-hardcore and indie rock. All that to say, I kinda missed the 90s grunge era. Looking backwards, its tricky for me to appreciate bands like Pearl Jam, STP, Alice in Chains, Metallica. Feels like the nu metal lineage, like aesthetically closer to Slipknot or Creed. Kinda trashy. Not super relatable to me. It's not the worst though.
The The
5/5
If for no other reason I'm enjoying that this 1001 Albums project is exposing me to all the 'other' songs from bands where I've only heard their hits. Definitely not just filler. Really liked the post-punk-ness of this one, compared to other New Wave stuff. Matt Johnson is dynamic, high energy or crooning, he's very engaging. I also like how short and sweet this album is. Lots to like!
Bob Dylan
5/5
I do wish the vocals were balanced better with the rest of the mix, they're a little too far in front, which means that damn harmonica can get pretty shrill. But that's a nit pick. This album is short and eternally sweet. One of my fave Dylans for sure.
David Bowie
5/5
I bought this CD at a Sam Goody at the mall after hearing a few songs on the Life Aquatic soundtrack. Listening back now, it's just such an awesome mix of Bowie's disruptive edgy side and his croony smooth side. Very drinkable but unlike any other. I still say Life On Mars is top 5 songs ever. But this whole album is a constellation of red hot and beautiful gems.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Not sure I'd consider it great, but it's positive and I generally enjoyed listening. Not much else to say about it, haha. Right down the middle 2.5
Bee Gees
4/5
On first listen, and seeing some other reviews, I was ready to dislike and dismiss this album. And don't get me wrong, I didn't exactly love the album, there were moments that made me feel embarrassed for the band, BUT there were a few moments that really surprised and delighted me. Some were more groovy than expected, like in the jazzy breakdown in Whispers, others were just plain beautiful, like the melancholy melody in I Laugh In Your Face. Listening through this a few times added many more layers to the Bee Gees. So much more than Stayin Alive! They're really living! Ambition! I'm glad this album made the list ❤️
Roxy Music
5/5
Prob my favorite Roxy album. I think I said this when the last one came through, but I think they do 'strange' so well. I'm sure it's an act, like caring a lot about looking like you don't care. But at the end of the day, Roxy are expert tight rope walkers. Quirky yet authentic. As a yank, I their international-ness plays a big part. 4.5
Janis Joplin
5/5
What a legend. Janis has soul, texture, power. Total package. Always adds extra layers when it's an artist's last go. Especially since the album came out after her death. Feels like a goodbye or memoriam. Love you Janis ❤️
Common
5/5
Ugh, this album just feels like a montage from when Kanye was grounded and had friends. Pretty amazing that Kanye's production and features overshadow Common. Really enjoyed this album though. Feels like a snapshot of a beautiful era of Chicago hip hop. I do appreciate Common's POV too. I can feel a little 'pastor dad' haha but hey, he's doing what he can to make the world a better place. Can def feel the positivity and love. "I want to be a duck" is so wonderful 😂 PS: CHILL PHD dude! Lolol. 4.5
Morrissey
5/5
Ok. Another death of the author situation. We all know some great art comes from a different kind of mind. Sand gets in and irritates a clam's mouth, it spits on it in defense, viola, a beautiful pearl is created. Not easy to ignore Morrissey's personal POV and choices, but the work is just so damn good. The feel, the depth, the mood, the soul. I don't think he's all bad. None of us are. How great is it that maybe he shared the best parts of himself with us.
X-Ray Spex
5/5
Ooooh riot grrrl's mom was a bad ass! Legit ancestor of Bikini Kill, Amyl And The Sniffers, so many great artists. Dig the vocals. Dig the brass. Dig the energy. On my fifth listen, growing on me more with each listen.
The Lemonheads
4/5
This album feels like a 90s coming of age rom com movie. VHS. Thin wirey headphones with fuzzy ear pads. I wonder how professional critics separate their objectivity from their nostalgia. Not sure I believe it's possible. I didn't grow up with this one but I didn't have to, it's pure essence. Was a 100% montage.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Remembering my 'Highway 61 Revisited' review, talking about how I wished the mix was more balanced. 'Blood On The Tracks' seems a lot more put together, and don't get me wrong these are great songs, this is a great album, but I wonder if the best Dylan is the most disheveled Dylan. Like how the best tacos seem to come from the sketchiest trucks. Yeah this one just feels more tame. Just natural with getting older I guess.
Van Halen
2/5
Lol Van Halen fans REALLY like guitar solos! 😂 did VH invent Guitar Hero? More tolerable than Metallica. Step dad garages.
Kate Bush
4/5
The combo that this is her wildest album and it's the first one she produced entirely herself is pretty dope. She's been fearless since day one. Beauty and madness. I like that she plays with arrangements, vocals, sounds, but it doesn't feel chaotic. Each song feels like a foreign country or world to explore, haha, which feels like a metric of quality, like I need a tour guide. Donkeys!
I've always been a sucker for Rod Stewart's vocals. I remember when I discovered Faces, it quickly became my favorite version of Rod as it seems like he's laid back, having fun with friends. I like the sharing of vocals with Ronnie Lane -- seems to take the ego out of the picture. This album is a great balance of feeling and soul with an authentic sense of fun and flow. All the instruments sound really good, and the mix seems really solid. Feels like there's a great overall sound but it's easy to tune into each layer. Clearly I have no engineering vocabulary lol. Debris is probably my favorite song. Love a good ballad. Dang, the music in that That's All You Need is really cool. Technical yet groovy. Solid album! 4.5
Missy Elliott
4/5
Music aside, just as an artist, Missy is just amazing how she's able to be so cool but also so real. I had only heard the hits before hearing this whole album, which are still fun, but I really enjoyed hearing her POV and voice on stuff like the intro and outro, and just processing and expressing the loss of her friends and just her passion for music. Also you can tell she's also just such a naturally funny person. I wish I was friends with Missy Elliott.
Nirvana
5/5
No doubt there are hoards of selfish fans who mourn not just Kurt's death but all the music he/they would have made. Of course that opens big emotional can of worms, but where I go is just being grateful for what he did create/share. The elephant in the room feels like just how dangerous fame is. Reminds me of how if the public finds out about a beautiful beach it will be ruined in a short matter of time. I love the Frank Black energy in Scented Apprentice. The music industry is a real mind/soul fuck.
OutKast
4/5
Outkast is one of those glimpses into a fun and creative world that just makes me wish I had a dope crew of friends. Seems like a really cool time in the Atlanta hip hop scene. So much fun, commentary, satire, etc going on in here. And of course the style and flows are next level. They're def carrying the Hieroglyphics torch.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
5/5
Very unexpected. The band's name, the album art, the themes, the sound, lots of interesting layers here that made me want to keep replaying the album. On the surface it can sound like just another folksy late 60s hippy country band. But lol wait are there many late 60s hippy country bands? That effect kept happening where my mind would glaze over but then they'd talk about "the lords burning rain" or there'd be a trippy guitar solo and it'd throw me for a loop. Love songs? Gospel? Hot burritos? Haha I love it. Also, an extra unexpected layer that not only was Gram Parsons so young but he died not long after this album. Ugh! 🙏
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I've been enjoying this. Hadn't heard them before. Feels both in and out of the 90s, in a good way. Some 90s bands are just locked in a VCR. I like how they really go for it too. Some tracks are swingin for anthem/ballad status. Some are romcom soundtrack montages. Pretty much all the songs have a solid arrangement and super solid pop sensibility.
Nirvana
4/5
Who cares!?? Right!!? Nah I mean, I get it. I love it. I think I get it. But I know I love it. Most of the songs but all the album. Except the cover. They're an act, but there's enough honesty and self awareness. I can't help but feel bad for the boys though, at this time they didn't know they were about to get hit by a comet. Or turned into one. Ugh. The music industry can makes all your dreams come true.
The Smiths
5/5
This is not my favorite Smiths album. Not into the hokey stuff like Mr. Shankly or Vicar in a Tutu. But ugh, Morrisey and Johnny Marr were just such a great team. Pure magic. Too bad they're human. Anyway, no problem listening to this album many times. The ending is terrible lol 4.5
Van Morrison
5/5
Oh baby. Love you Van. This album came after The Smiths. Van makes them feel like teenage drama queens. This album lifted burdens. Gave me life.
Aerosmith
3/5
Not a huge fan of this genre enjoyed this more with each listen. Haha and actually the more I listened the more references I kept hearing. G&R, AC/DC, KISS, Sabbath, T.Rex, Rod Stewart. Not a bad thing.
5/5
I always feel like the most impressive aspect of the Beatles is their collaboration. I know they had their own share of drama, but the output just feels like the result of pure exploration and fun. Strange though, when I just skip through the tracks there's not really a HIGH point. Pretty much an all-or-nothing album for me. PS I seriously hate the ending 😂 insufferable
Wilco
4/5
I feel like I should be a huge Wilco fan. I dig the music. I dig the POV. I dig Jeff.. but there's something he does every so often that turns me off.. it's like a contrived.. cuteness? He'll sing certain words a certain way and it's just not for me. I don't doubt the honesty. The artistry is clearly there. I can see why Wilco has fans. Ben Gibbard has a similar repellant force. It's not huge, but yeah, just enough to keep me at arms length. 3.5
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
This album feels like a coming of age film or something where many facets of life are represented. Kinda Forrest Gumpy. Fun, complex, a range of perspectives, and of course well arranged executed. Another album with an undeniable crown jewel (Mrs Robinson) but so many great supporting gems giving an easy 5 star overall effect.
Nirvana
5/5
Ugh, I'm such a fan of live albums. I hadn't ever heard this one. I think this locked in as my top Nirvana album. The little bits of life and personality in between tracks. Removing the excess noise with stripped down arrangements really let all the pieces breathe but I don't really feel like anything is lost. In fact somehow the songs feel more substantial. Really like the covers. Yeah really enjoyed this.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
Poetry. Grooves. Commentary. Loose and tight. Simple and complex. Gil + Brian are a nice combo. This makes two 'stripped down' albums back to back for me and I'm loving it.
The Adverts
3/5
I don't know. On my fourth or fifth listen. There's like one guitar rhythm part that stood out but I couldn't tell you which song. Very middle of the road for me. 2.5
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Important no doubt but def not timeless. I wonder if its a production issue. Like this album seems super chopped up. I often feel the more real instruments the better. Not against sampling but these little loops and sound effects just feel so one-dimensional and lifeless. Alsoo how do these dudes have such little chemistry? This album didn't make me feel anything. 1.5
U2
3/5
The hits don't do anything for me, but I dig the later more moody tracks like Ultraviolet and Acrobat. Wild Horses is ok. Have a good one! Don't let the bastards grind you down! U2!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Neil Young is such a treasure. Folksy, rockin, young, old, he just seems like a true blue dude. I really like White Line. There's a timeless indie melancholy to it. A drama. Feels heavy but hopeful. Really simple and solid chord progression and melodies. I think this might be my favorite Neil. Some moments on here feel 90s, like down the hall from Dinosaur Jr, but of course for the most part its got Neil's sound, so it ebs and flows where it wants and can't be tied down. It feels both core and fringe at the same time. Somehow Neil's guitar solos aren't obnoxious, haha. Legendary.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This album is kinda hard for me. Lots of Bruce seeming to parody himself. Except for I'm On Fire. That song is perfect. I wish it was 20 minutes long.
The Strokes
4/5
Watershed, sure, but not so sure this album, or era for that matter, has much staying power. Similar to my thoughts on Wilco, for lack of a better term, there's a contrived 'cute' or 'cool' layer that I don't care for. An 'act' isn't necessarily a bad thing, some artists can pull it off, but it seems like the exception. This is 100% judgy but I actually wonder if Julian Casablancas would be capable of anything else coming up exposed to "Elite Model Agency" life. Can you get more superficial? I guess I do appreciate the fun of it all. PS I only just realized just realized Someday and Last Nite are two different songs. 3.5
Orbital
1/5
Lol! Yes! Mortal Kombat! Oh that took me back. Well besides that little surprise, this was a total grind. It's been a while since I gave a 1, it was just a matter of time. No disrespect electronica but not my thing.
Neil Young
3/5
Not my favorite NY album but I love the guy. Always sharing his soul.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Agree that this album was probably over 2 songs in. I actually saw Grizzly Bear live when they toured this album. It was pretty boring. Not sure why everyone sang like that in the early otts lol. I imagine hearing isolated vocals would be embarrassing. It almost feels akin to the transatlantic accent. Like role playing you're some vintage steam punk captain haha. EXCEPT! Southern Point and Two Weeks. Those songs are legit adventures! I believe they make this album list-worthy. A lot of albums on the list are kept afloat by just a track or two. Which I don't think is a bad thing. Otherwise, yeah, this album woulda sank like most early ott indie rock. Oh and While You Wait isn't bad either. Just gotta suspend disbelief and surrender to the handlebar mustache. 3.5
The Stooges
4/5
The Stooges sound so cool. My favorite moments are the restrained grooves with that piano. Add Iggy's electric energy and its magical. I do feel like all Iggy albums need to be just like 15 minutes long. On another note, this is another album that feels dumb to listen to digitally in an office. Aggressively daydreaming about those early live shows. Also another artist/group that seemed above the 'trying to be cool' factor. Also a group that's hard to praise too much cuz drugs 😅
Arcade Fire
4/5
Listening to this again it seems like Neon Bible was like blueprints for Suburbs. There are a lot of similarities in the album structure, arrangements, and overall vibe. Which is pretty cool to see considering Suburbs won a Grammy. Goes to show how dialed in they got. I really love Arcade Fire. Neon Bible seems to be that rare occurrence where the sophomore effort is a proper evolutionary step, growth, not just in wherewithal but in leverage and potency. How they're able to use their instruments and ideas. Seems like any young group can bring energy and flavor, but the greats can continue to shape and refine and realize a bigger vision. I don't think Neon Bible is in and of itself a great album per se, but I love it as a big milestone for the band, and it's just so fun to watch and enjoy their process.
The Zutons
1/5
We're weird!
The Velvet Underground
3/5
This album feels polarizing for me. Actually that's not true, it's more a tolerable spectrum. Some songs are ok some are very annoying. And I think it has everything to do with authenticity for me. Some songs feel like real songs from real artists, and others feel like art school shit that's trying too hard to be cool.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Not super interested in the question "what IS music?"
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
I'm not much of a hip hop guy, but I'm always jealous of crews. Must be so much fun and meaningful to have such a tight group of friends and collaborators. I also appreciate just how all in they are. Creating their own reality.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
"ONE" album a day?? Double albums are bombs! Especially this one. Haha. Ok. Wow. There's so much here. HIS 18TH RELEASE?? Unbelievable. AND he was about to retire?? 😂 Absolute monster. Killer grooves. Heavy themes. Blazing trails. Positive vibes. Blind! He's like Daredevil where his lack of sight just juices his other skills to the max. Can't touch Stevie.
Joanna Newsom
4/5
Dang. This one's different. In more ways than one I guess. Like of course she herself is very unique. But more so I feel this one's different in that I reeeally wasn't into it haha, like her voice is like nails on a chalkboard, but at the same time, damn, this is an incredible album. She's good-weird like Kate Bush, but further, like zero regard for being marketable or the least bit poppy. Which I really admire. She's wholly singular. The music is so beautiful. God how I wish someone else was singing 😂. I'm not really sure how to rate this. She locked mad respect immediately but I never want to listen to this album again lol. Goin 4
Lou Reed
4/5
I've always liked this album. More than any Velvet Underground stuff. It retains the obscure vibes but just feels tighter and easier to drink. In my book, Lou is able to pull off the cool guy thing. Similar to Roxy Music. Like I believe him when he's weird. And I just love that he wrote a love song about tv, haha. Also Bowie's fingerprints only add value.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Cool to hear more shades of CCR beyond the hits that get used on movie soundtracks. More groove and soul layers than I would have expected. Definitely iconic sound.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Their energy is so great. And the live crowd sounds are actually pretty convincing. Interesting factoid that those were a studio trick. Janis is incredible, but kinda like Faces, Queen, or the 90s Bulls, the rest of the team can hold their own! Killer total package.
Girls Against Boys
4/5
This isn't anything earth shattering, but I don't think it's trying to be. I enjoyed the walls of sound, droning grooves, 90s goth club energy, and the fact that it didn't actually feel 'stuck' in the 90s, like a lot of 90s music sounds. They're a bridge from Fugazi to Interpol. Two bass guitars! I'm a fan.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Bands like Franz, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Killers, Bloc Party soundtracked my high school years so the bonus nostalgia points are hittin. Specifically Jacqueline cuz it backed Billy Marks' part in the Toy Machine skate video Good and Evil. One of my all time favs. I actually don't know if I had listened to this whole album all the way through. That dance drum beat does get kinda old but damn I love their guitar and bass tones.
Elvis Costello
2/5
Yeah, nah. I agree with the review "I've come to the conclusion that Elvis Costello is annoying." Not sure who the reviewer is but that review was written on Christmas and I just imagine that making sitting through this album that much more annoying haha. Yeah this dude just seems like an Ed Debevics character. A caricature of the baby of Buddy and Bruce that grew into a teenager on a show with no budget written by studio stooges motivated by getting promoted. Brutal Youth. Still better than Metallica. 1.5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This is another album where I'm grateful to the artist for sharing so much of themselves. In this case it's less of an intimate way but rather it feels like Sly is sharing lots of facets of who he is. The ups and the downs. The album is funky, edgy, and absolutely deserving of this list.
Prince
4/5
Haha Prince is such an amazing weirdo. Feels dumb to write anything about him. He's Prince. Telling stories. Shredding guitar. Moaning androgynously. The fact that he did this one without The Revolution is cool in that he was able to make a great album apparently single-handedly, but also a bummer knowing more of his story and how close he was to those folks, and how isolated he became. Not my favorite Prince but enjoyed listening multiple times. 3.5
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Totally get the polarization. I'm for! I pretty much dig it all. The voice. The drama. The noise. The stupid lyrics. It's a world. A universe. There's nothing shallow about it. It's Billy's world. As a matter of fact, my last album was Prince, and I'd go as far as to say Billy's got Prince beat easily in that category. Not trying to compare the two in any other category, haha. But Billy's going all in for sure. Sweeps me away too! 5 stars alllll day
Sigur Rós
4/5
Pretty big Sigur Rós fan. His voice def gets on my nerves sometimes on this early stuff, but no biggie. Overall they are my quintessential go-to for just pure sonic beauty. I also really like that there's just weird stuff in here. Some random funky stuff. To boil it down, in the category of "mood music" I'd pick Sigur Rós over like Moby or Enya any day. Starálfur is timeless.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Yup. Whether for the layers.. layers to the music.. the lyrics.. the story.. or for just the face value hits, I think I'll always love Pet Sounds. So happy. So sad. One of the trends in my higher rated albums seems to be if an album feels like a world, or an escape. If I'm not paying attention it's something that goes by too quickly. Then I play it again, and it's another ride. If I am paying attention, it's colors and textures, dumb horns and dumb fade outs haha, waterfalls of feelings and ideas, a dude just pushing himself and pouring in and out so much of himself.. like there's nothing to rate, I'm just grateful. Thank you for sharing, Brian ❤️
Pretenders
4/5
The bad ass female frontman feels like a formula, but I'm a sucker for it pretty much every time. No offense to whoever's singing but she's almost like Zorro. The mask gets passed on from decade to decade. Patti to Chrissie to PJ to Karen O etc etc. All amazing individuals to be sure, but yeah, the formula works. Do they wear leather jackets while eating breakfast?
Fela Kuti
5/5
Ugh! Drums! Beats! Rhythms! Unbelievable! Damn.. this album makes me feel like I can't see color in my own life. Like I've never even heard of a party. I'm just a tiny, slow, black and white snail. Sheesh. The context or rating something like this just makes me incredulous that even a fraction of the energy in that room could be bottled. It must have been transcendent. Did Ginger ever come back from that? Music is magic.
Van Morrison
3/5
I gave Astral Weeks and Moondance both 5 stars. There's not a chance in hell this gets 5. Haha I mean damn Van I'm wondering if that "leavinamebehinda" on Bring it on home to me alone docked you a whole star 😂 I love Van and I really love live albums, but if I was at this show I'd be hoping for no encore. To be fair, this is coming right after Fela Kuti's "Live!" album.. well I guess it's really not fair. Who would want to go on stage after that?
The Damned
4/5
There's an interesting ebb and flow to this 1001 Albums project. Like this is my 351st album, and I feel I would react to it very differently if it were my 11th or my 951st. It makes me really wonder how professional critics cleanse their palettes from one album to the next. Anyway on my first listen I realize in hindsight that I dismissed it. Like it was just another step in the evolution of thrashy rock. Almost like it gets an obligatory title of 'great' just for being in the right place at the right time. But I'm glad I had the time to listen to it a second, third, fourth, and I think fifth time. There's way more to this album. It's as clear as day when the wiki says "the band brought more variety to their usual punk rock" -- I guess I don't need to say much more than I'm thankful I had the time to savor this dish a little more vs just gobbling it down and moving onto the next. Some really great stuff in here.
Donovan
4/5
Glad this album doesn't include Mellow Yellow. Whew.. sorry UK. Anyway, this album is great. Cool. Funky. Folksy. I love the Beatles. 3.5
Sam Cooke
5/5
THE ENGERY! THE LIFE! Sheesh. People used to go to dance halls like this huh? This is why I love live albums so much. Especially older ones. No way to manufacture that energy. You know folks in the crowd are losing their shit and twirling their handkerchiefs when he says twirl. Sam Cooke is like the demigod of partying. This album is jumper cables up to my soul. FEEL IT 🔥
ZZ Top
4/5
Somehow all I know of ZZ Top is that they're just three dudes with long beards now. It never occurred to me to check out their catalogue. Why don't they turn up on any Spotify radio stations?? I listen to plenty of dusty folksy legit country rock stuff. Kinda bums me out that the bangers from this album make me think of commercials.. but ZZ Top is probably cool with it cuz money. I feel like these dudes aren't trying to prove anything to anyone. They're cool. Doin their thing. Being three hombres. Had fun!
Ice Cube
4/5
I think Cube's flow is pretty peak for 90s gangster rap. Ugh this genre and era is always so challenging but I respect the hell out of these artists knowing how fine a line it is between rapping about violence vs actually being violent. It's so easy to hate or dismiss this music. I definitely don't 'like' it, haha, but no doubt it belongs on the list. And of course all the gnar is why It Was A Good Day is such an incredible track. 3.5
King Crimson
4/5
I'm a fan of weird theatrical concept prog stuff. At its best I wish this album could underscore my life. Easy Money is so great. Groovy, immersive, mysterious. I actually think this 1001AG app, and Spotify actually, does a disservice to the album by linking to the expanded/remastered album. Those bonus tracks absolutely shatter any positive feelings. So noisy and unpleasant. Beware the bonus tracks! But yeah, 3.5 stars all day for anyone who can create Easy Money.
The Stooges
4/5
Damn this album is only 20 minutes.. screw it we can stretch this shit out just pretend to be monks for a while. Haha We Will Fall aside, The Stooges to me have always been a masterclass in refinement. Their songs are so simple. It almost seems like folk in a strange way. I feel like I'm in a very small club or basement. I think it's the claps being so loud in the mix. And using sleigh bells?? So sick. And I've always felt like Iggy's coolness was legit, like despite the scene and the genre, he doesn't rouse my bullshit radar. His croon is amazing too.
The Kinks
3/5
I dig the Kinks but this album felt long. Like every time I listened. Multiple times over multiple days. Usually albums grow on me. TVGPS might be a smaller dose album for me. Makes sense tho that they didn't become a global sensation band but rather a cult favorite. There's always like this underlying art school vibe VS straight up Beatles or Stones -ness. Not a bad thing, just maybe trickier to sustain for the long haul? Too much of a good thing? Idk. I'll just say it's not my favorite Kinks album.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
She's like the daughter of Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell. Ugh. I have to look away from Fast Car if I don't want to sob at work. So heavy, so solid.
PS her wiki article sucks! So dry haha
Shivkumar Sharma
1/5
I dig the concept but woof haha I def feel like a shallow-ass westerner! 😂 Let's just say I'm not ready for this one. 99% grind. But I tried it! I'm not going to eat it twice but I ate the whole dish! It's inside me, and maybe it'll jangle around inside me and work some magic.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Really enjoyed reading more context about this album. Good for her that she blew up so far into her career. A good reminder that shifting up the approach is sometimes the key! This is mostly a foothills album but that pinnacle, RESPECT, is so majestic and beautiful. Such a banger. Dripping with cool, soul, fun -- everything is right about it.. except.. the fade out haha. What is it with fade outs?? Is it supposed to imply the song doesn't actually end? Ugh haha. Anyway, enjoyed this album. 3.5
Coldplay
4/5
I was a sophomore in high school. I was into hardcore punk and metal. I had heard the song Yellow at the grocery store. Coldplay was corny. I couldn't have told you a new Coldplay album came out, but I do remember hearing The Scientist and being like hey these blokes might be ok. It wasn't til X&Y, and me growing up a little more, that I would consider myself a full fledged Coldplay fan. I'll save that review for another day. But looking back they had a hell of a streak with their first three albums. I think Rush of Blood might be my least favorite of the three but I do believe it deserves to be on this list. I mean its accolades speak for themselves. But yeah. Solid. In My Place and Warning Sign are my faves.
Supergrass
4/5
Biggest takeaway after the first listen is that these dudes seem like they'd be a good hang. And there's plenty of skillful musicality and interesting subjects to complement the high/positive energy. Had a good time.
The Sugarcubes
4/5
Add this to the category of albums that make me jealous of friend groups. Of course Bjork came from such a talented, weird, fun crew. I like the B-52's comparison. From the album's wiki: "a humorous take on pop music's optimism" -- I never really understand when bands do satire. Like MGMT's origins. I can appreciate artists (and people in general) that don't take themselves too seriously.. but there's always a question of knowing what's a goof and what they actually care about? Is it an attempt to keep listeners at arms length? I didn't go to art school. Having heard this album before today and before reading the wiki, ultimately I just interpret it all simply as a group of folks with a wide range of expression, both fun loving but also convicted and feeling deeply. No doubt Bjork brings a level of passion and feeling like no other. I wish everyone was able to leverage their instrument as handily. Overall I like this album. Undeniably unique. Blue Eyed Pop is my jam. 3.5
Mudhoney
5/5
Album 365. One year in. Not sure I'm considered "seasoned" but the first thing I noticed is the app linked to the deluxe album. 32 songs! Not a chance. Gonna assume it was the 12 songs released in 1988 that earned the spot on the list. Touch Me I'm Sick! What a great song. Crazy this is 1988! It's frivolous to argue who started grunge, but Mudhoney no doubt has a shit load of grand children. Just glanced more at the Wiki. Sounds like I'm on the right track. Whoa! Lol they just said the word "Mexican" in a way that I know for a fact literally birthed Frank Black haha. I'm lovin this. Time will tell but I feel like Mudhoney just planted a flag pretty deep in my subconscious. My sub pop. I was born in 1987. The idea that my parents *could* have been listening to this when I was 1 feels like such an alternate reality. So many moments that feel outside of genre, outside of era, bouncing between small house show venue and huge stadium arena, these dudes were on some other shit. That Superfuzz Bigmuff shit. This review is pretty stream of conscious, haha, it's late and I'm on call for work. Halloween basically ended with a Stooges cover ❤️
Ah damn I just realized I was listening to a 1990 release! Not the original, which was just Need, Chain That Door, Mudride, No One Has, If I Think, and In 'n' Out of Grace. It's like archaeology out here trying to get the real McCoy!
Well that was fun. Conclusion: Mudhoney rocks. 4.5
The Black Keys
3/5
I dig T Rex but it was pretty clear to me from the jump that Marc Bolan was a bit of a one-trick pony. I get the same feeling listening to Brothers. There's a formula at play, or maybe a couple, that's hard to ignore. The result is solid, I mean the songs are clearly popular. And I know enough about music psychology and theory to know, especially with pop music, formulas are everywhere. Ultimately, good for The Black Keys for finding something that works, but for my taste I wish there was a bit more variation. On another note, I never really know how to feel about a band that presents themselves with less members than who's playing on the album. Not like every last instrument has to be represented by a person in photos and interviews, but all I ever see are just two dudes. Like whoever's on bass knows they're gonna get snubbed going into the gig. Solid 3
Linkin Park
3/5
I was in middle school when this came out. It was super cool. My buddy Rayna had the cd first before anyone. She was super cool. My brother played this cd in his car. They were on MTV. They mixed genres in a fresh way. It was all super cool. At the time. Today? Not super cool. But I know this is real music. I know there's real feeling. Real skill. Lots of layers. Added emotional layers with Chester gone. It just feels locked, bolted down, knotted up in the year 2000. Is that a bad thing? I don't know. 90s things that feel 90s are cool if you want to feel the 90s. I guess I don't find myself wanting to feel the 00s very often. But it's definitely not bad music. Not cool doesn't equal bad? Haha idk
John Lennon
4/5
Listened through ~12 times. I really like solo John's mix of pretty Bowie croon and dive bar folk aesthetic. Lots of nice texture across these tracks, but they're all pretty simple songs. Vocally, I've always liked that John seems to experiment with his voice being more of a sound, like just another instrument, than being clearly 'above' the music. I'm a Lennon fan ❤️
Tears For Fears
2/5
Meh. IMO new wave is at its best in like a wedding dance party setting and there's not really anything on here that really goes.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Makes me think of That Thing You Do. I'm not a huge Elvis fan. I can see why he was successful. I haven't seen the Elvis biopic. Spikes of nostalgia. This one is hard to rate and I've been stuck on rating it for a while so I'm just going to give it a 3 and move on with my life.
The Magnetic Fields
5/5
I like how much this album is making me think about music as art. I keep ebbing and flowing between the two. At first it was music, then it started to feel long so it felt more like an art statement, then it started to feel like a radio station (music), etc. Obviously all music is art but this album just makes me think about both of those words. Sure it’s long, but guess what, I just hit play again after it was over! I wish every musician did this exercise! Grew on me big time.
Björk
4/5
Bjork! Where is the line? She's so cool. Somehow super edgy but purely art. She never comes across as corny. So human. So sensual. So much power. Somehow she makes it ok to listen to ancestors grinding. I've been watching Kill La Kill and she reminds me of Ryuko.
Judas Priest
2/5
Ground breaking. A regular ass shovel getting stomped into dirt. Made a hole. Apparently there's another drummer.
The Fall
5/5
1978! Recorded in one day! Amazing. I love this. Bullseye appeal for my indy rock taste buds. Each instrument, each layer, imperfectly perfect. The subject matter matters. Sucker for it all.
The xx
3/5
The intro is too cool. There's a scale to it that by comparison the rest of the album feels weak. They're like demo scratch tracks. Most of the album just seems like a couple college kids goofin off with music software.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Had a busy last couple days at work but trying to give this album some due diligence. Found it difficult to follow, or frankly enjoy, most of it. Uncomfortably Numb was pretty good. I really wanted to fall in love with this. I didn't hate it. Who knows maybe I'll move across the country in a truck where my only option is a The Wall CD and something will kindle. But for now there seems to be a wall between me and this album.
Metallica
3/5
Ughhhh the fourth Metallica album on this list. Ok here goes. Back to hell 😅 Ok right away the mix on this album is dog shit. How is there like actually zero low end? —— Ok I found the remastered version. Def more enjoyable. And I'm not a purist to make a case for the original. I'm just listening on my computer after all. "Where's the dreams that I've been after?" —— Made it. Not nearly as bad as the live one. I agree with folks that Orion is good. 2.5
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Lots of cool stuff in here, musically. I appreciate anyone putting themselves into their work. Dumb to say but I wish I could surgically remove the New Wave from this. Can't blame the guy for being a product of his time. I guess I get my wish on later albums. Which I like more. Solid. I vote more whistling in songs.