489
Albums Rated
3.39
Average Rating
45%
Complete
600 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2000s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
46
5-Star Albums
4
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
|
5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
|
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
|
Imagine
John Lennon
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
|
Zombie
Fela Kuti
|
5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
|
Odelay
Beck
|
5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
|
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
|
5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
|
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
|
5 | 3.48 | +1.52 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
|
1 | 2.75 | -1.75 |
|
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
|
1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
|
Different Class
Pulp
|
2 | 3.42 | -1.42 |
|
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
|
2 | 3.4 | -1.4 |
|
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
|
2 | 3.37 | -1.37 |
|
Urban Hymns
The Verve
|
2 | 3.36 | -1.36 |
|
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
|
2 | 3.34 | -1.34 |
|
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
|
2 | 3.25 | -1.25 |
|
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
|
2 | 3.25 | -1.25 |
|
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
|
1 | 2.23 | -1.23 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.67 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 2 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 4.17 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Who | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Dylan | 5 | 4 |
5-Star Albums (46)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Iggy Pop
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I still crack up when I see Lust For Life used as a commercial song for Carnival Cruises? I wish they had kept the liquor and rugs line in there.
* This was less punk and more pop/melodic than I expected.
* I really like the track "The Passenger". I'm shocked to see it is his number one streamed song at 435 million, while "Lust For Life" is only at 165 million. Someone needs to explain this.
1 likes
Eminem
5/5
Random thoughts:
* "Kill You" has an awesome beat. If this could have been made into a clean version, I guarantee this would have been a huge hit. This is my favorite Eminem track. Despite the lyrics.
* He channels some serious fury onto tape. "The Way I Am" is so good because you can feel his energy coming through the headphones. Meanwhile, "Kim" is just crazy scary. I wonder how he was able to actually record that. I forgot how crazy that track was.
* So many tracks that I forgot about but were fun to listen to: ""Remember Me?" (love the RBX flashback which is still one of my favorite tracks from The Chronic), "Drug Ballad", and "I'm Back".
* Overall, this is the best Eminem album in my opinion. This was insane when it came out. Still remember people talking about this album so much!
1 likes
The Cardigans
4/5
I actually owned this one in the 90s. Back when you had to buy the whole CD for 1 song. But again I might have also got the CD from BMG music club for one penny. Anyway, I've always enjoyed this album and the band. Obviously, any person of the 90s will recognize and adore "Lovefool". I enjoyed "Been It". I totally forgot they covered Black Sabbath. Once I heard that, I swear there were 2 other songs that weren't straight up covers but definitely cribbed some of the chord progressions from Sabbath as well. "Choke" is on of the songs that sounds like they borrowed from Sabbath. Overall, a fun little throw back to the 90s. This is not essential for anyone. I don't know how it made the top 1001 albums to hear but is a nice listen anyway.
1 likes
Santana
5/5
While I've always considered myself a Santana fan, I've mostly been a greatest hits guy. I can't remember listening to an entire Santana album except for Supernatural until this past year. I did see Santana live on the Supernatural tour in 2002-2003 timeframe and even got to meet him after the show through a radio meet-and-greet.
Anyway, Abraxas is basically a Santana greatest hits! Great album by a transcendent guitarist. I listened to this one three times over the last 24 hours. My favorite tracks are "Oye Como Va", "Se a Cabo", "Samba Pa Ti", and "I Hope You're Feeling Better".
1 likes
Black Sabbath
5/5
"War Pigs", Paranoid" and "Iron Man" in the first 4 tracks! I guess they threw "Planet Caravan" in there just so we wouldn't spontaneously combust from all the rocking. Outside of "Planet Caravan" I was surprised by how overall rocking they kept it going on all the songs. I really liked this one!
The drumming, the sound of the drumming, and the production on the drumming just sounds so unique and cool on this album. I really like the drumming and it is so distinctive. Rock on Sabbath!
1 likes
1-Star Albums (4)
All Ratings
The Doors
4/5
I knew the hits well but the deep cuts were newish to me. I’m not sure if my knowledge of the hits made it seem uneven or if it truly is uneven. L’America stood out to me just for Jim’s distaste of America and his move to France around this time. You could hear some anger in that track. Personally, Riders on the Storm is my favorite track here. I could take a whole album that lets you drift into the mystic United States southwest with Ray’s keyboards twinkling over the top.
The War On Drugs
3/5
I want to like this album more than I actually do. I’ve definitely listened to it before. I guess this is just one of those albums that doesn’t quite do it for me.
Beatles
5/5
There is no way I can be unbiased on this one. Such a gem! The Beatles discovered drugs from their friend Dr. Robert and went to places we never imagined before. Leaving us in their trippy wake of Tomorrow Never Knows.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Oh, this album. I think I was vaguely aware this album came out in 1989 when I was 12 years old. I kinda remember Hey Ladies playing on MTV while thinking this doesn't sound like anything from License to Ill. Apparently critics and others dismissed this album at the time too. At least I have the defense that I was 12 years old. Fast forward to circa 1997-1998, and this was a staple CD for driving around with my friends. We appreciated it all, especially the super awesome samples of the Beatles among other very cool and very numerous samples. This album was a last of an era (no one can sample this liberally anymore) but also so ahead of its time it did not get the proper recognition it deserved until decades later. Shake Your Rump with its "disco call" and "The Sounds of Science" are stand outs. Hats off to you Beasties for making an ignored classic, and here's to more money to Sir Paul for all samples on the record.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Good stuff. Have a weird thing about old rap albums. They just don’t seem as good if you weren’t listening to them when they were new and hot. I have a feeling this is how it will be for most of the rap albums I encounter on this journey.
Björk
4/5
Really liked this album too! Way more eclectic than I realized. I missed too much good music in the 90s. Still had plenty of good music but wish I had branched out even more.
The Zombies
4/5
While this isn't a timeless classic, I dig it man! This is more of a time capsule that is fun to revisit. I enjoyed the other songs I didn't know ("Care of Cell 44" and "Beachwood Park") but still doesn't come close to the all-timer "Time of the Season".
"What's your name? Who's your daddy?" Pure genius!
Great trippy 60s psych vibes galore.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
I did NOT like this one. I did listen all the way through because I'm a masochist. I'm not sure there are enough drugs to ever make me listen to this again. This was like a bad D&D soundtrack gone wrong. I might accept this at the renaissance fair but even then I'd prefer just a dude with lute and some jaunty rhymes. While listening, I mostly debated whether I'm a guy who will give only 1 star. I've decided if I never want to hear it again, it will get a 1-star rating. Congrats to The Incredible String Band for earning my first ever 1-star review.
Hole
3/5
This one isn't as good as Live Through This but that guitar riff on the song "Celebrity Skin" is an all-timer. That is a 5-star riff! However, this is probably an under-appreciated album that should have got more love in the 90s and more love now. Anyway, 3-stars. I'll probably revisit this one again.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
I like this one alright. Listened to it a few times but didn’t grab my attention.
The White Stripes
5/5
I forgot how much this album kicks ass! So fun to revisit some of my jams from the mid-2000s. At first, I thought they picked the wrong White Stripes album and thought it should have been Elephant. But this album actually is probably as good, maybe even better. Blue Orchid kicks major ass and is a great opening track but is definitely an outlier in terms of sound for this record. "The Nurse" with the cool marimbas featured lets you know this album covers a lot of ground. There are a few country-like offerings ("Little Ghost") and then one of my favorite White Stripes tracks on here is "Take, Take, Take". "Red Rain", "My Doorbell", and "The Denial Twist" are other standouts. I was excited to listen to this one twice!
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Classic! I had the opportunity to see Dave Brubeck live around 2010. I think he was approximately 150 years old. Anyway, this is a great album. The opening track and Take Five are recognizable even for non-jazz fans. The whole album is solid. I got props from Susan for playing this yesterday. However, Julian says this is over-played and only deserves a 3-star rating. He’s only 13 and wrong. 😀
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Not sure how to rank this one. I really couldn’t listen to it all the way through. I doubt I’ll put this one on again. Also, tons of tracks seem to be blocked by Spotify. I guess this just isn’t my jam.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
4/5
I super like this one! I wonder why I’ve never heard of it. Oh, because it was released 6 days after Nirvana’s Nevermind. I vaguely feel like I’ve heard Visions of You before. This shit had to be super popular with the hipster college kids in 1991 when they were dismissing grunge. I’ll be spinning this one again.
Beck
3/5
Indie chill breakup album. Not as good as Bon Iver. Few good tracks like Golden Age and Lost Cause. Feels a little too long. Solid outing but I’m not pulling this one out too often.
Metallica
3/5
I want to like this one so much. All my cool metal friends tell me this is when Metallica was awesome before they sold out with the black album. I turned it on once on Tuesday morning and just couldn't play it. I finally listened to the whole thing today. Honestly it felt more like homework than checking out music. Master of Puppets is awesome though! Listened to that one a few times. Of course, I had been indoctrinated to that one from Stranger Things.
Anyway, another description for 3-star albums: albums that are critically acclaimed but that you just can't get into it for whatever reason. See Notorious BIG for another example.
Doves
2/5
The quintessential 2-star album. Okay listen, probably won't again.
I think the makers of this website must be huge Doves fans, a member of Doves, or a relative with Doves. I can't understand why this album is on this list.
Anthrax
3/5
Pretty rad album. Indians and A Skeleton In The Closet were standouts for me. I'd listen to this one again in the future.
The Verve
2/5
I've never heard another Verve song except for Bittersweet Symphony. I wasn't missing much. I won't be picking this one up again.
BTW - the funny hidden track thing is a definite relic of the 90s when CDs were the main format. I bet that confuses the heck out of the kids today. lol
Thin Lizzy
3/5
This one was better than I expected. Nice to pick an Irish band for St. Patrick's Day. I doubt I'll pick this one up much but it was a decent listen. Honestly though, I only made it 3/4 through this album. I'm sure I would have been a huge Thin Lizzy fan if I was in my teens or twenties in the 19070s.
Beck
4/5
I forgot how consistent and thoroughly good this Beck album is. Some of his albums are a bit disjointed. Arguably, this might be his best album start to finish. Not the highs of Odelay but just straight solid gold alt-indie rock throughout. A few tracks jumped out to me on relistening (Black Tambourine, Go It Alone). Of course, there's the hits too (E-Pro, Que' Onda Guero, Girl, Hell Yes) Please remind this guero to play this album more!
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I didn't hate this album but I don't like it much either. I did chuckle at a few of the songs and their political barbs and mocking. The whispering part was okay once but just stop it after that. 2 stars only because I did laugh at the cultural satire. Otherwise, maybe not forgettable but definitely not one I'll be picking up again.
Röyksopp
3/5
I liked this album overall. I let it play a few times. I might revisit this. "Remind Me" is on an old playlist I've been listening to for almost 20 years so it was weird to hear a bunch of songs I didn't know with one I know really well. Kinda like a lot of CD purchases in the 90s. Anyway, vibes are cool but this is not music that will change your life.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I like this album even better than I did in the 90s. I wasn't much of a Smashing Pumkins guy tbh. I was ride or die for Stone Temple Pilots. (I guess I needed a little more hair metal and glam in my grunge.). Anyway, this is an awesome grunge record. Disarm is so good. Also, I heard on a podcast recently that Courtney Love wrote in a letter to Billy Corgan the words: "the killer in me is the killer in you." Mind blown.
Cherub Rock is also one of the better rockers from the 90s.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is my gateway Zeppelin album and probably was for others too. I found my dad’s album of this and was immediately hooked. Of course Whole Lotta Love was my favorite back then but as I've dug in further, I’m now solidly enamored with Bring It on Home, which is my current favorite Zepp tune.
This album is stocked with bangers, What Is And What Should Never Be is a standout for me personally. And 4 minutes of Bonham on Moby Dick, yes please!
If I had to drop a song it would be Lemon Song which say a lot about the quality of this album.
Give me more of this!
Sigur Rós
3/5
Sigur Rod is a cool and awesome group. I was introduced to them via the Vanilla Sky soundtrack with Svefn-g-englar which is an awesome track. For whatever reason I’ve n ver listened to this album in full or just don’t remember. I really listened to () a bunch and love that album. This album is way more varied and indie rock than I expected. I’ll probably check this one out again but most likely will just listen to Svefn-g-englar and their weird pseudo-English over and over.
The Pogues
2/5
It's alright. I'll crank this up next St. Patrick's Day but probably won't be revisiting this otherwise.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
I dug this one a bunch. Check out Cattle and Cane by the Go-Betweens. That’s a great track I was already familiar with.
3/5
Initial audio impressions is I really like this album. Which was confirmed with the the track: "I'd Like That". "Your Dictionary" stood out as the lyrics grabbed me by the collar. I could say it S-L-A-Ped me across the face. Harvest Festival was anthemic and weirdly catchy. This had a stage musical kind of feel. Had a little Flaming Lips. Had a little circa 2000 indie vibe overall. I would definitely like to listen to this again but only being able to get this on Youtube is a bit of a bummer.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
That Thing is an all-timer. Outstanding album
Paul Simon
3/5
I listened to this one through but I was distracted. It was more chill than I expected. I see why I only know the hits off of this one. Me and Julio is an all-timer but a lot of the rest is meh.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
This sounded great. Not really the kind of music I dig. But she did cover the Beatles, so she’s cool with me.
Beach House
3/5
Love some Beach House dream pop. I actually listened to Depression Cherry this week before this album was revealed. Overall this album is fine but there is nothing as magnificent and captivating as Space Song or Myth. All of their albums are still good for floating and drifting off to.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Way more R&B than I expected. I had never listened to this one before. I wanted more rap as I owned and have listened to Missy’s later albums especially Under Construction. I might have to revisit this one to truly get it.
Neil Young
4/5
Heart of Gold, Old Man, Needle and the Damage Done. All classics. Not one I reach for often but still iconic.
For some reason this got me into a My My, Hey Hey rabbit hole this weekend. Never realized there were 2 different versions of this song:
- My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)
- Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)
Both are great but I prefer the lyrics of Blue but the Black rocks!
Anyway, the godfather of grunge is awesome!
Johnny Cash
3/5
This was like listening to a deity. Huge respect and admiration but not as entertaining as I hoped. Cash's version of the Hurt is amazing though!
Funkadelic
4/5
Just the first 2 tracks make this a great album. Maggot Brain is Funkadelic going psychedelic. Can You Get to That has always been a song i dug a lot but then got a second wind with me when Mt Joy started covering it in the middle of Astrovan. Anyway, I like this album a lot.
Bert Jansch
3/5
This was a cool album. I think I would have been a huge fan in 1965. Seems like others do this kind of music better now.
This did lead me down a Roy Harper hole. Yes, the Hats off to (Roy) Harper guy. Did you know he is the singer on Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar"? I hope I just blew your mind like mine was blown last night.
Anyway, chill stuff but I probably won't revisit this again. I liked it well enough to play it through twice.
John Martyn
4/5
I really liked this one! I'll be re-listening to this one again. Over the Hill was a standout to me. How have I never heard of this artist or album before?
John Martyn > Bert Jansch
John Coltrane
3/5
I know this is a classic jazz album. I couldn’t make it through all the way. I’m going to give it another listen tonight.
David Bowie
4/5
I'm really debating between 4 and 5 star on this one. There are some amazing tracks (Changes, Life on Mars, Queen Bitch, Pretty Things) but then there are some less desirable tracks (Kooks to point one out). I really like the Andy Warhol track. I heard this album didn't go platinum until the 80s. Bowie's genius was on display here but people didn't get it for a while. I can relate as it took me several years to "discover" Bowie. Somehow, I didn't know or I forgot that Bowie played the saxophone. He even plays the saxophone on Changes! Anyway, not quite there for a 5-star album. But some amazing highs!
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
What a great album. I even like the tracks I had never listened to, especially liked Keep the Customer Satisfied. The Boxer is an all-timer and I just read that they spent hundreds of hours recording and producing that song. There is only the single drum part which was recorded in the lobby of the record company building. Paul Simon is a musical genius and Art Garfunkel was a great friend. But seriously Art owns Bridge Over Troubled Water. Amazing song. Love this.
D'Angelo
3/5
I enjoyed this. It's not really for me. I can see why people are into it.
I played this around Susan and she wasn't into it. It didn't work as intended. :) Almost dropped a star for not working.
Wilco
5/5
One of my dessert island albums. This is truly a masterpiece. Jesus, Etc. is the standout track but the whole sonic landscape of picking up radio signals across the midwest is so cool. The weird "Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot" voice at the end of Poor Places is one of my favorite parts of the album. Heavy Metal Drummer might be the only track that doesn't fit in on this album but it's such a great song about reminiscing about the good ol' days that it still works in the middle of this album. I'm going to go put on the headphones and listen to it again.
N.W.A.
3/5
This album is legendary. Do I like it a bunch or want to listen to it often? Not really. It basically invented gangsta rap (apologies to Ice-T) and introduced the world to Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E. I had an uneasy relationship with the lyrics as a young man and my uneasy relationship with the lyrics and misogyny has only gotten more strained as a middle-aged man. "Straight Outta Compton" and "Express Yourself" are the standout tracks for me.
Jethro Tull
4/5
I actually listened to this one on vinyl yesterday. What an underrated album and group?!? I really enjoyed this one. I didn't realize this was a concept album. "Cross-Eyed Mary" is a banger! And Aqualung is amazing with that killer riff. Even led me to listen to Jethro Tull for a couple of hours. Somehow they don't have the respect of their peers. Maybe it's because of the flute. Anyway, I'll be reaching for this one again.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Bob Marley is great! But this album is just okay.
That's not "No Woman No Cry"! So weird to hear the recorded version after hearing the Legend version a million times. Does this prove the live version is superior or have I just heard the live version so many times that any other version would sound weird? Still kinda shocking to hear the version on this album.
Lively Up Yourself is great! But the rest of the album kinda blended together for me. Maybe I'm just spoiled from Legend and Natural Mystic being greatest hits collections. Shrug.
50 Cent
3/5
50 Cent was alright album. I liked this better than some of the other rap albums we’ve listened to here so far. I forgot how much I like the track P.I.M.P. It’s so catchy! In Da Club is still a banger and should be played for everyone’s unbirthday because we don’t give a fuck it’s not your birthday.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Really liked this one! It was perfect for a rainy Saturday morning this past weekend. I'll pull this one out when I need to chill out again.
Pearl Jam
4/5
There are clearly some classic tracks on this one. I don't love it like a child of the 90s should. For whatever reason I've always been pretty neutral to Pearl Jam. Anyway, some of the tracks are simply iconic (Alive, Evenflow, Jeremy). Pearl Jam is right there at the turning of the tide when grunge and alternative took over the mainstream in 1991.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
This one is pretty great. Got a little too country for me before bringing down the house with (lifts up lighter in the air) FREE BIRD!!!!! I Ain't the One is a hidden gem and one I hadn't heard before. I also enjoyed Poison Whiskey too. I'll rock out to this one again.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Muddy is a legend. Mannish Boy is an all time banger!
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
I heard this band name inspired Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album title. Sadly this is not a Sgt. Pepper’s. The jam band songs were pretty good. I did take note of the LBJ bashing song “Super Bird”. I also liked the first two tracks: “Flying High” and “Lorraine” but the psychedelic stuff just was blah.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Not really my jam but I liked this pretty well. Honky Tonk Heroes and Ain't No God in Mexico stood out to me. I don't usually notice this but the bass really jumped out at me on the recording. Not sure if it was the playing, recording, or mix but damn it sounded good and added a drive to the songs.
David Bowie
3/5
Bowie made the best Radiohead album on the 2010s. This is pretty dark but I assume it was meant to be since he was dying. It felt a little hard listening through this one. Blackstar is a standout track. Plus there is one line in "Tis a Pity She Was a Whore" that cracked me up. I'll go back to Hunky Dory way sooner than I'll head back to this one.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
I got into this one during Covid when I tracked down the samples from Digable Planets. What a great funk/jazz album. Chameleon is a funky jam and the updated Watermelon Msn is great too. I had only known Her ie as the Rock It guy from the 80s song, so it was great to learn a bit more. I put this one every so often.
Sister Sledge
3/5
Getting jiggy with it! I recognized that sample right from the moment I turned this one on. This is a pretty good disco album. I could see throwing this into the mix when I'm in an ABBA kind of mood. We are Family is an all time classic and should be played at every wedding reception.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
I still remember all the fuss when this one came out. Mick Jagger endorsed! Ok, so "I Bet You Good on the Dancefloor" is an exceptional song. Did Arctic Monkeys live up to the hype? Probably not but they are pretty damn fun. This isn't their best album (AM is) but this is a pretty dang good first album. Still a good listen too.
Megadeth
3/5
This was pretty cool. I could jam out to this occasionally. This is not the genre of music I would typically choose but I did let this one play longer and re-listened to some of it. I might revisit again someday.
Pulp
2/5
Meh. I know I'm supposed to be intrigued by Jarvis slumming it with the Common People. Maybe I'm too basic to get this class exploration. Maybe I'm too American. Anyway, Common People is a fun song but the rest I could do without.
Kanye West
3/5
I kind of stopped listening to Kanye as his craziness got louder. Or maybe because I got older. I really like College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation but kinda just stopped after that. I probably should have kept listening. This is a solid album. I'm likely to revisit someday. I did listen to Blame Game twice just for the funny Chris Rock bit at the end ("that's some Cirque du Soleil pu$$y you got there"). Anyway, Kanye knows his stuff.
David Bowie
3/5
Wow! Besides Heroes this seems like a mid album. Maybe I need to listen again at the right time. 🤷♂️
I’m interested in what you will say. I always write my reviews before I read yours.
David Bowie
3/5
I liked this one slightly better than Heroes but still didn't jump out and grab me. I feel like I'm missing something when it comes to Bowie. Maybe he's just not my cup of tea. I like him fine but don't love him. (shrugs)
Elliott Smith
4/5
This is my jam. I'm familiar with Elliott Smith but never listened to this album. I'll definitely be revisiting this album. It wasn't as much of a downer and was a little more rocking than I expected.
Rush
4/5
This is the only actual album by Rush that I own. Give me a futuristic 20 minute ode with thrashing guitars. YES PLEASE! This album is awesome. I have no clue what this concept album is actually about. Some day maybe I'll decipher the lyrics. But I will keep listening to this one.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
This is probably a 3.5 star album. I don't like it quite enough to push to 4-star territory. It is obviously a historical and deeply admired album. I like the tracks Superfly, Pusherman and Little Child Runnin' Wild. The instrumental bogged this one down plus "Freddie's Dead" is a dud. Anyway, cool, landmark old school 70s funk jam.
Ozomatli
3/5
This is alright. It sounds like a slightly more eclectic Santana Supernatural. It kicked off pretty great and then just sort of faded into the background for me. I may have vaguely heard of this band before but had never listened to them. I wouldn't turn it off if it was on but I doubt I'll reach for this one again.
The Replacements
3/5
This was pretty good. I need to listen again to truly evaluate.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Classic pop perfection. There are so many great songs on this album it is basically a best of compilation. Hard not to just jam out to this one. I did listen to this while driving the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. :)
ZZ Top
3/5
This one was interesting. And a reminder that ZZ Top were just 3 dudes from Texas who loved the blues. They have to be one of the weirdest pop sensations of the 80s. Nice to hear their blues roots here. Definitely a bit light since they included 3 live versions of tracks.
Heaven 17
4/5
I liked this one enough to play it twice. I'll be revisiting this one for sure.
BTW - been a bit of a slacker due to family vacation in Oregon last week. I'm fully back in business now.
Prince
3/5
I am today years old when I learned that U Got the Look was a Prince song officially. I knew Prince and Sheena Easton were connected but I thought it was a Sheena song that Prince was involved in and not the other way around. Regardless, that song is a banger and is the standout track on this album.
I'm not a huge Prince fan, I'm into some of the hits but didn't really invest in Prince or his "artist formerly know as" persona. Anyway, this is a totally fine album and a decent listen but not a classic. I did notice he was 90s R&B before it became the dominant music force in the 90s. Plus he had a little funk that came from George Clinton.
Ute Lemper
3/5
I thought I would hate this after the first song but I kinda enjoyed it. Euro-sex and Euro-noir? Yes please!
Concept album! Hell yes!
Cool artist guests? Oh yeah!
First and last tracks are drags. Really liked “The Case Continues”.
Best line on the album: “If sex was an Olympic sport, we’d have won gold”
Split was good too and it should have ended with the James Bond-esque sounding “You Were Meant For Me”.
Btw - never heard of Ute or this album before.
Johnny Cash
4/5
I listened to both San Quentin and Folsom Prison to compare. San Quentin is loose with lots of stage banter and wasn't edited so tightly. Might be a little light on the music since they reprise the same song But San Quentin closes much better with Boy Named Sue and Folsom Prison Blues. I think I prefer San Quentin and see why it was chosen here. Johnny Cash is a legend and how great is it to have a live recording of him to listen to whenever we want.
Miles Davis
5/5
What a classic! I absolutely adore this album. I just feel cool putting it on. I'm sure this album spawned a million lesser jazz albums and is probably almost a stereotype now. I can imagine this was a breakthrough in 1959 and still holds up 65 years later. I always feel more relaxed after listening to this album.
The Doors
4/5
I was trying to figure out why this album sounded like a grimy version of the Doors. It's way more guitar forward than what is considered classic doors. "Waiting for the Sun" has that classic Doors sound with all the organ from Ray. But the rest either has more guitar or has Ray trading the organ for a piano giving the Doors a more down to earth and bluesy vibe. Stand out tracks are "Roadhouse Blues", "Peace Frog", and "Waiting for the Sun".
Miles Davis
3/5
I guess this was a breakthrough album. I could take it or leave it. I probably would need to really listen more attentively to "get" this one. Still mad respect for Miles. He was a musical genius.
Love
3/5
60s psych band that has sort of been forgotten by time. Is it just that this music did not transcend the time and place they were in. Lots of music from the 60s is still hugely popular. I feel like this group must have had a smaller and passionate following that has kept them in the conversation but they never were able to truly break through like others (Beatles, Doors, Velvet Underground). While not particularly bad, it just doesn't have the same appeal and luster.
Ray Charles
3/5
Great and amazing classic voice. Nice old timey jazz and other easy listening. I'll definitely give this one another spin.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Can’t remember how I exactly happened upon this one but it’s been a staple for years. These amazing Cuban musicians get their due on this record. You can almost taste the pressed sandwiches, black beans, and plantains when playing this album. Delicious music indeed.
Stephen Stills
2/5
This definitely didn't need to be a double album. I guess he felt trapped by CSN(Y). I think we know why they didn't use his music. It wasn't good enough. Even the tune "Colorado" fell flat for me.
Ok, I'm being harsh. This is alright background music for the patio but this is not an engaging album. I won't be going back to Manassas.
The Clash
5/5
As I'm listening to this album I thought "Wow, this is a great album, why don't I listen to this more often!" This one is a classic for the standouts of "London Calling", "Train in Vian", "Rudie Can't Fail" etc. But why don't I go to this one more often. Is it too political and not party enough? Is it not rock enough? Is it because The Clash is like their own thing? I feel like this might be a criminally underrated album and I might be contributing to it. Great album, should be listened to more often.
Neu!
3/5
This is pretty cool by my standards. This must have been seriously groundbreaking since it sounds like it could have come out new today. These krauts were way ahead of their time. I’m going to revel in this one a few more times.
Nick Drake
3/5
I've listened to Nick Drake for some time. While always good, you kinda need to be in the right mood to listen to Nick. He can kinda take you down a hole depending on where you're at. This album is perfectly fine but doesn't have any of the Nick Drake "hits".
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
I've never thought of Buddy Holly as an album artist so it was weird to listen to him this way. But he's an all-time legend, and without him there would be no Beatles or modern music as we know it. Oh Boy, Not Fade Away, and That'll Be The Day are the standout tracks. But overall I just enjoy the sound of Buddy Holly both his voice and percussive beat-oriented music. It still has a unique and crisp sound almost 70 years later. Buddy Holly truly will never fade away.
Haircut 100
3/5
Copacabana mixed with Pet Shop Boys and a sprinkle of Wham! mixed in. Weird but I like it.
Love Plus One is the standout track and the one I recognized.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Wow! This one is super chill and recorded at an extremely low volume. I had to crank this one up just to hear it. I'll be revisiting this on some super chill night. I have hope this one will grow on me. The covers of Sweet Jane and Blue Moon jumped out at me. This requires a lot more than one listen to really feel this one.
Happy Mondays
2/5
This sounded like a bunch of other alternative 80s music that I missed back in the day. Nothing new or exciting here to be found. Solid for sure but I know I won't be back here anytime soon.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
I'm trying to catch up here! Jimmy Smith Christmas '64 is one of my favorite Christmas albums. I never thought about checking out his regular work. I like it. Same style as the Christmas record. It definitely is a good one to throw on for an evening of jazz listening.
Radiohead
5/5
I did re-listen to this one recently for this exercise. I want to say something amazing for an amazing album but I'm speechless after another listen to this masterpiece. This is one of the albums that deserves a 5+ rating imo. The first track is arguably the best opening track on any album. This album is a cinematic experience. Also, listening to the track Kid A, I have no doubt that this album is a concept album about the first cloned baby. I'm not sure what all the debate is about. It's about a futuristic society where everything is a bit weird and off. Anyway, masterpiece!
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
I think I might like country music as a genre better than this. I'm sure this is fine but it is not my cup of tea. I made it to track 8, "Human Interest". Anyway, I'll pass on the rest. No judgement here. This is just not for me.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
I was hoping to be blown away by a lost masterpiece. I see now why I only know "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love". Was this "Somebody to Love" before or after the Beatles "With a Little Help from My Friends"? I never drew a line between those two songs since they sound so different but the whole "somebody to love" thing makes me wonder if one influenced the other. Anyway, just give me the hits from this one.
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
I dig this one. I’m surprised such a recent album is on this list. I actually found this one a few years back and made it on to my “Recent Favorite Albums” playlist. The first couple of tracks are really good. It kind of mellows and meanders toward the end but is good quality.
Supertramp
3/5
Weirdly we were deep diving into Supertramp last week as we heard an amazing rendition of Goodbye Stranger by a School or Rock band from Arlington Heights, Illinois. We actually heard their version twice. I glanced at the albums and songs before putting g this one on. I saw that the hits were all on “Breakfast in America”. However, I really liked this album as a whole. “School” is a great opener and I really liked “Bloody Well Right”. Supertramp is such a weird group that I know so little about. They definitely made some great pop rock music and feel like they are underrated. I will be listening to this one again!
Fugees
5/5
This might be my favorite rap album of all time. Love the combo of Lauryn, Wyclef, and Pras. The reggae influence adds a nice dimension to the the rap, r&b, and hip hop. A couple of great covers. Some great originals especially “Ready or Not”. Maybe this was lightning in a bottle since we never got another Fugess album. I can not overstate how big this was in 1996 and remember seeing the Fugees at the Smokin Grooves concert where they were an opener but everyone was there to see them!
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I want to pray at the altar of Bruce. I've seen the followers and man it looks fun. I'm hoping one day I see the light.
I did listen to this and it was an enjoyable listen. "Streets of Fire" came the closer to making me a believer.
Until then, I'll keep trying and see if I am ever overcome with the spirit one of these times.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
This is not the Uplift Mofo Party Peppers or even Sir Psycho Sexy Peppers, this is a darker and more stadium anthem Chili Peppers. I personally was introduced to the Chili Peppers via Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Over the last 40+ years (!!), the Chili Peppers have been new to each generation and I'm sure for many this was their RHCP entry point being it was their most commercially successful album. I know the hits from this one prior to this listening (Scar Tissue, Otherside, Californication). I did enjoy the other tracks that I'm not familiar with such as Around the World and Parallel Universe. This album is a bit front loaded but did end with Road Trippin' which I really liked.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Run DMC were rap and hip hop pioneers. They will always be one of my favorites. If I had been a bit older and cooler I would have known about Run DMC when this album came out. Instead, I learned about them when Raising Hell came out and I saw them on MTV. This sounds so old now but it was truly revolutionary at the time. My favorite tracks are "It's Like That", "Sucker MCs" and "Hard Times". While not my favorite Run DMC album, total respect for completely changing the game.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Oh, I am experienced. It's been quite some time since I listened to this one straight through. I've been missing out. This is an absolute classic!!! This album transformed music and I think you can hear Jimi in all rock music after. I can't think of anything rock music doesn't have owe some influence to Hendrix. So many instant classics ("Purple Haze", "Fire", "Foxey Lady") but it was some of the others that I haven't listened to enough that jumped out at me on this listening ("The Wind Cries Mary" "Highway Chile" "Stone Free"). Honestly, I don't think there is a bad track on this album. In terms of still listenable, influence, and excellence, this is an absolute gem among gems.
Santana
5/5
While I've always considered myself a Santana fan, I've mostly been a greatest hits guy. I can't remember listening to an entire Santana album except for Supernatural until this past year. I did see Santana live on the Supernatural tour in 2002-2003 timeframe and even got to meet him after the show through a radio meet-and-greet.
Anyway, Abraxas is basically a Santana greatest hits! Great album by a transcendent guitarist. I listened to this one three times over the last 24 hours. My favorite tracks are "Oye Como Va", "Se a Cabo", "Samba Pa Ti", and "I Hope You're Feeling Better".
David Crosby
3/5
Chill listen. I liked this one better than Manassas by Stephen Stills. I knew I was a David Crosby kind of guy. ;)
The Coral
3/5
Never heard of The Coral. Maybe this has too much throwback to styles of 60s rock to truly breakthrough in the 2000s. This is an interesting listen. I’m listening to it again and already appreciating this album more upon second listening.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Sounds so 90s. Can't really put my finger on the specifics but maybe the guitars and production. I was into the first track and third track but kind of lost my attention after that.
The Kinks
2/5
Nice effort but fell flat to me. I love a concept album but this one did not capture me. I did enjoy "People Take Picture of Each Other". Maybe this song explains our social media culture we live in currently. Very prophetic. Otherwise, yawn.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Fun listen! Obviously some classics here like Monday, Monday and California Dreaming. I was surprised by the covers here especially of the Beatles "I Call Your Name". I also enjoyed "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Spanish Harlem". I can see why people romanticize the 60s. How could you not swoon if new music like this was coming out every other day?
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I like this one alright. Was good to work with this on in the background. I'd never heard these songs before. I became familiar with Fatboy with "You've Come A Long Way Baby" when he was everywhere especially all over MTV. I'll have to pick this one up again and give it another listen.
Public Enemy
3/5
I never really was into Public Enemy when it came to rap. I liked the Beasties and Run DMC, then gangster rap, and any "pop" rap too. This is not party music as it is much more social commentary and awareness. This has aged much better than gangster rap in my opinion. I was never broadsided by misogyny listening to this album. I didn't feel the hooks on this but overall it was a good listen. I'll like add this to the list of albums that need multiple listens to truly appreciate.
Nico
3/5
I'm familiar with the solo Nico stuff thanks to Wes Anderson's use of the first 2 songs on this album: "Fairest Of The Seasons" and "These Days". "These Days" is probably one of the better songs about getting older. Both are written by Jackson Browne, which is maybe why they are the best tracks. You can definitely hear Nico's old pals the Velvet Underground on several of the other tracks but VU did it better. I like "Chelsea Girls" even at 7+ minutes long. It was a bit of a chore to get through the rest of the album. Not necessarily bad but is definitely reserved for a specific type of mood, maybe a rainy/snowy morning.
De La Soul
4/5
As far as older rap albums I missed back when they were popular, this one was one the the few "new to me" albums that I quite enjoyed. "Me, Myself, and I" and "Eye Know" are the standouts for me but there were plenty of others that I enjoyed too. The rap skits here were dumb too. I guess I don't get the "art" of rap skits. I feel like an old man about this. Anywho, give me the tunes!
AC/DC
5/5
This is the Mona Lisa of cock rock. This is basically an AC/DC greatest hits album. I'm not by any means a huge AC/DC fan but this record is undeniable. There is a reason so many of the songs are still played today and even featured in Marvel movies. On this listen a few of the less played tracks jumped out at me: "What Do You Do for Money Honey", "Have a Drink on Me", and Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution". This should be a weekend staple for me!
Guided By Voices
1/5
This is indie + punk for sure. Songs are so short I can't really get into any groove. But thank goodness some of them are short because some of them are horrendous - hello "Ex-Supermodel" and your snoring. I won't be coming back to this one.
The Lemonheads
3/5
First song made me think I wish I had got more into the Lemonheads when this came out in the 90s. Why was I sleeping on this?
Also, the song "It's a Shame About Ray" stole a riff from Rush but it still sounds cool here too!
Wish I'd spent more time with this one way back when. I'll have to spin this one a few more times.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Queen of Soul with her signature song, Respect. So amazing they had to put it on the album twice?! Ok, maybe one is a mono version and the other is stereo. No reason though to not listen to Respect twice. I can't say I've listened to much Aretha besides the hits but this was a solid listen and I'll have to put this into the rotation.
The Pogues
2/5
Do I lose my Irish heritage if I say I find the Pogues just meh? I don't really like or dislike this. I'd play it on St. Patrick's Day but probably not reach for it otherwise. I also don't turn to "Fairytale of New York" at Christmas but also won't skip it. I think people like the idea and spirit of The Pogues more than the actual music.
Dire Straits
3/5
Solids listen. Enjoyed this quite a bit. Of course, Sultans of Swing is a all-time jam. "He don't care about any trumpet playin band". The rest of it washed over me nicely but didn't pull my attention. I'll play it again but nothing jumps out to me as a classic album.
k.d. lang
3/5
I enjoyed this album way more than I thought I would. It was way more jazzy than I was expecting. I was expecting a more country/sad vibe and was pleasantly surprised.
Pere Ubu
2/5
Well, there might have been some break through music and concepts in here but there was a lot of "noise" too. I don't think I have the patience to put in the effort to get out all the good/interesting parts. I'm glad I live 45 years past this album so I can hear all the good music that benefited from these pioneers.
Lou Reed
4/5
Is 'Perfect Day' about heroin? Well, regardless, it's an amazing song on an excellent album. Key tracks are "Vicious", "Perfect Day", "Walk on the Wild Side", and "Satellite of Love". "Satellite of Love" is the far superior satellite song over Dave Matthews Band's "Satellite".
There was a bit more jazzy/musical-like sounds (see "New York Telephone Conversation" and "Goodnight Ladies") in here with horns etc than I remembered. I thought it was just the best parts of Velvet Underground but Lou definitely adds his own flair that is definitely not VU.
The refined Velvet Underground stuff is still far superior. Still a classic album with a few amazing tracks.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
The first 2 songs are bangers. The rest is pretty good but I don't think I've ever listened to the whole album before. I think the potential of the YYYs is greater than their actual output. If they could just have more songs like Heads Will Roll and Maps. Maybe I'm being a bit too harsh but they have always seemed like a bit of underachievers to me.
Air
4/5
Key tracks are the opener, "Sexy Boy", and "Talisman". I wish I had discovered Air sooner. These Frenchies are cool as hell. I was into the other Frenchies, Daft Punk, but this is a way more chill and sexy version of electronic music. I need to breathe more Air.
R.E.M.
3/5
This is a solid REM outing with 2 awesome tracks: "End of the World" and "The One I Love". I remember discovering REM for myself via the "One I Love" video. I recall being home sick from school and watching one of the UHF channels that played music videos. And I remember seeing the video several times during that sick day. I definitely was hooked based on that song. It led me to buy the "Eponymous" album which is my only experience of early REM. From then on, I was an REM album consumer. So I have less fond feelings for the early REM albums since I basically went straight to the best of material.
Rush
4/5
You could argue this is a 5-star album just for the drum fills on Tom Sawyer specifically the fills at 2 minutes 30 seconds. The first 4 songs are awesome! The last 3 songs are kinda meh. I'm not sure if this is peak Rush but it is definitely one of their high points. YYZ is the airport code for Toronto. Rush showing their Canadian roots and pride!
1/5
Listened to this one on Youtube. I guess I'm not a fan of Ornette Coleman. It was a bit of noise jazz and I appreciated the Youtube ad breaks to give my ears a break. Anyway, John Zorn seems cool. The next video that came on was way more enjoyable. My taste is not refined enough to enjoy that kind of music.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
This is one of my desert island records! Key tracks are Come On! Feel the Illinoise!, Chicago, and They Are Night Zombies. The best way to describe this music is concert band + indie. There really isn't another artist quite like Sufjan. I just wish he'd finish out his 50 states project and make some more coole records. I want a Colorado album. I did see him on the Carrie and Lowell tour. (BTW - Carrie and Lowell should be the Oregon album). He was incredible! It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. We still talk fondly of that show often. Anyway, give me Illinois forever and I'll be happy.
OutKast
4/5
This was a beast to get through since it was technically 2 albums. 2 hours and 15 minutes! I think I owned this album but I've definitely listened to it before. Anyway, I went into this listen trying to decide which "album" was better, Big Boi's Speakerboxxx or Andre 3000's The Love Below. I have to give the nod to Andre 3000 only because I like his eclectic style, his overall weirdness and horniness. Big Boi's side is more party and I was surprised by all the guest rappers on that one. I didn't remember any of those big name collabs (Jay-Z, Killer Mike, Lil' Jon). Meanwhile, Andre 3000 hits so hard with probably one of the biggest song of the 2000s with "Hay Ya!" but I also like Happy Valentine's Day, Spread, Behold a Lady, and Roses. Even a throw away track like "Dracula's Wedding" is so weird and freaky it is still fun.
Listening to these 2 albums now while still good, does bring a bit of melancholy realizing that Outkast had really broken up by the time this album came out and would not be releasing anymore real albums ever again (at least through 2024).
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
I’ve tried to get through this one a few times and the “helicopter/doppler” noise in this one just got worse upon additional listens. Anyway, I could leave this one. I did like the slower/chill track which was 2 or 3. I won’t be revisiting anytime soon.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Some poor record executive definitely got fired for this album. They were expecting Come On Eileen the sequel and they got this. Wow! It’s not a train wreck but there is nothing pop sounding on this album. Except maybe One of Those Things which is a total ripoff of Werewolves of London. I hope Warren Zevon got royalties for that song.
I’m convinced that the record executive that greenlighted this release also started the "this is a hidden gem” noise. And then I end up listening to this a few times in 2024.
The Beta Band
4/5
"I will now sell 5 copies of the three E.P's by the Beta Band."
Huge break to be featured in the movie High Fidelity. Squares might be their best song and Hot Shots II might be the better album too. This is still cool music anyway you slice it. I don't pull this one out often enough but I was pleased to listen to this lo-fi sort of hippie/electro/folk album. This probably more of a 3.5 but I'll round up and give them a 4.
Radiohead
3/5
This is generously the 6th or 7th best Radiohead album. I was hoping I'd missed out and just overlooked this album. I remember not liking it much when it came out and have not revisited it since. There are a few tracks ("There, There" and "Myxomatosis") that point to the highlights of their other superior albums. But this is not the album to give someone to turn them onto Radiohead. This one is for the die-hards only. This is best forgotten like George W himself.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Son of a Preacher Man is an all-time classic. The rest of this is good stuff and her voice sounds great but it sounds like something I would have loved if I had been alive in 1969. The first song sounded like Burt Bacharach. The rest was more generic blues/pop and was fine but I haven't been missing a hidden legend here.
Whenever I hear the beginning of "Son of a Preacher Man", I still hear Cypress Hill's "Hits Form the Bong". I guess that was deeply imprinted on my 16 year-old brain. lol
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
This was a weird one. It sounds like Ice T became super political and woke in international politics. Was weird to hear him singing about the future of Hong Kong becoming an official part of China which it now is and is struggling under their authoritarian ways. I can see why this never really worked the way that Rage Against the Machine does. I think justified angry rapping is a hard line to walk. Rapping is more fun when it is party music. If it is angry, it should be about the streets. Maybe this isn't angry rapping maybe it is more lecture rapping. "Music and Politics" jumped at me due to the jazzy track and weird repetitive lyrics. "If ever I would stop thinking about music and politics I would tell you that I pooped in my own dog dish." Take that great political minds of our times!
TV On The Radio
3/5
TV On The Radio is an interesting group and a critics darling. Probably admired due to their varied sound and experimentation. They sound like a darker and edgier version or Broken Bells or Gnarls Barkley. I think I bought this as an mp3 during my iPod days. "Dancing Choose" was the song that was the hit then. But then TV on The Radio hit me again when DLZ appeared in an episode of Breaking Bad. It was used to perfection and showed that it is the best song on this album. This is a good listen but is so dark and moody, it is definitely not an album for any occasion.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Solids listen. I'm not feeling too wordy today. Respect this as a pioneer album. Nothing really jumped out at me. Hey, wait a minute! No skits. I did like that. Anyway, mad props to these trailblazers. There are other rap albums I'll be cranking or listening to again.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
I wanted to love this one but it felt like some real homework to listen to it. I can now see why people were so disappointed after Rumours. Tusk, the song, is an all-time banger featuring the sounds of the USC Marching Band. Props to all the band geeks out there.
The other interesting tidbit from this one is that it was the most expensive album to be created at the the time with an estimated value of $3.4m in today's money. WOW! The record lable did not get a great return on investment. Anyway, I'm sure there are some gems in here if you put in the time with this. Someday, maybe.
Metallica
4/5
You know I'm not a huge metal fan, but this album does contain my favorite Metallica song, "One". The combination of the song and video are definitely hit me hard and continues to do so to this day. That alone puts this up there for me.
Tito Puente
3/5
This was pretty good stuff. I know the name better than I knew the music. Didn't realize he was the OG mambo king. I'll probably pick listen to this again when I'm in the mood for something a little spicy.
Johnny Cash
4/5
I listened to this one again as I listened to this when San Quentin was on the 1001 list. I said I preferred San Quentin but this one is pretty great too. The opener goes hard with Folsom Prison Blues. I also really liked 25 Minutes to Go and Jackson from this album. The ending is n't great. It kind of ends weird after Greystone Chapel. Also, not the best closing number. Still, Johnny's spirit and genuine care for the men incarcerated shine through. What a great document and testament to the man in black.
Joe Ely
3/5
Never heard of Joe Ely before this. I enjoyed this despite it not being my kind of music. "Fingernails" and "Honky Tonkin" were standout tracks. Dude can get after it!
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
The first 6 songs on this album are top notch, grade-A certified. Closer is a jam and should be an instrumental cover for someone (I'm sure it is). The interplay of soft-loud is on full display with some excellent melodies. The second half drags and is a little too much wallowing. Even Johnny Cash took Hurt and made it so much better.
PS - the video for "Closer" is a classic and you can instantly picture it in your mind if you've ever seen it before.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
This my favorite Chili Peppers album. Sadly, when I saw them in concert in 2022, they only played " Give It Away" and "Under the Bridge" which is a crime. "Suck My Kiss" and "Breaking the Girl" are awesome songs too! Plus the rest of the album is funky, sexy, horny, jamming, and fun. This is definitely peak RHCP. This one will always be one of my faves.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Led Zeppelin III was always a bot of a funky album compared to I, II, IV, and Houses of the Holy. It doesn't quite flow the way the others do with it's rock, then acoustic switch back and forth. It's still an absolute gem. "Immigrant Song" might be the most well known Zepp song of all-time and is kinda of their theme song. I always sort of gravitated to "Gallows Pole", "Tangerine", and "That's the Way". Those are the meat of this album for me! I do love Bron-Y-Aur Stomp too. Ryder!!!!
I could do without Hats off to Roy Harper though. Minor complaint for an otherwise amazing album. Hammer of the Gods!!!!
Louis Prima
4/5
I really wish Louis Prima had been around for David Lee Roth's version of Just a Gigolo or the the Brian Setzer Orchestra's Jump Jive An' Wail. That previous sentence imparts the impact and fun Prima's music had on the world. Fun is the right word. While it probably was some of the very first genre-bending mix of rock, jazz, and blues; it most definitely wasn't last.
Gillian Welch
3/5
I was familiar with "Everything Is Free" song before jumping into this whole album. I think with some repeated listens this one could really grow on me as a whole well beyond the song I already knew. I know she is held in high regard by many music aficionados. I'll give it another listen when I'm in the right mood.
BTW - Sylvan Esso does a great cover of "Everything Is Free"
PS - this song is from 2001 and it is about how music is free now (napster, MP3s,etc) and artists just will keep making music because they have an inner need to make music and they will just keep getting ripped off. Bummer.
Queen
4/5
I've never listened to a whole Queen album before. I have the greatest hits and that's been great for me. The songs and style didn't really surprise me on this album. Queen's 70s sound is a weird mix of cock-rock, musical theatre, and opera. Obviously, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the greatest pop/rock songs of all time. I enjoyed the other tunes fine. Love of My Life was a key non-greatest hits track that jumped out at me but I do think it was featured in the biopic. I won't be putting this one on frequently as I'm more inclined to the greatest hits.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
2 Fatboy Slim albums. I swear we already reviewed this one but it must have been a different album. This has the classic Fatboy Slim tracks that are still regulars spins everywhere: "Right Here, Right Now", "Rockafeller Skank", "Gangster Trippin", and maybe the best of the bunch: "Praise You". I never though of Fatboy Slim as an "album" artist. He was always about the singles but this is a good album with several now classic tracks. (Shit, that last sentence made me feel so old.).
Slint
2/5
This is some dark grunge shit. Not sure what to make of this one. This is definitely not my cup of tea. I could see how someone is into though. IT definitely has a vibe and is locked into that vibe.
I think I tried this one years ago based on a similar list or some random deep cut recommendation. I didn't particularly like then and I still don't like it. Maybe I'll remember this time to not bother again.
Morrissey
3/5
Well, I have never intentionally listened to Morrissey or the Smiths before. I'm sure I probably recognize some of the more famous songs but honestly couldn't name one off the top of my head. Anyway, I like this music. It's sad indie music which is right up my alley. I played this album several times and it kind of fit my mood yesterday since it was a sad day.
The clearly stand-out track was "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get". "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning" caught my attention each time and made me look at the song title probably because that one is extra sad. I'm looking forward to other Morrissey and The Smiths listening.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I could see this one might grow on me but this is a solidly meh album with one killer track, "Games Without Frontiers". Hopefully you learned that it is French lyrics and not "She's so popular". But that does kinda sounds cool too if you hear it that way instead.
Kate Bush
3/5
Interesting fact: I read that due to the popularity that Stranger Things brought to “Running Up That Hill” that Kate Bush was pulling in $400k in royalties on a regular basis now (daily, weekly, monthly? Can’t remember). Good for her!
This album is meh. I listened to this and it was okay but outside of “Running Up That Hill” none of the other songs or the album really grabbed me. This is a 2-star album with one 5-star track. I guess that equals 3-stars in my system.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Pale Blue Eyes is the stand-out track here. I really liked "After Hours" too. I doubt I would have guessed it was a VU track if you had played it for me and made me tell you the artist. They were less noise-experiment here and seemed like they actually cared about melody and song structure on this album. Even "Murder Mystery" which gets a little noisy was still quite pleasant. Better than White Light / White Heat but not as good as The Velvet Underground and Nico.
Linkin Park
3/5
I'm really on the fence with this one. I guess the whole nu-metal kind of got a bad rap. I think it isn't too bad but not as good as the proponents make you think. It was definitely massively appealing looking at album sales and the continued popularity. In The End it doesn't really matter.
Mylo
3/5
Interesting music. I did like the preacher song saying the names of the bands/artists just a bit wrong. lol
Nothing of this jumped out at me as particularly interesting or worth picking up frequently. It wasn't bad, just bland.
Scott Walker
3/5
Weird, lounge-y, ahead of its time. Scott Walker sounds like how alternative artists do 60s homages now - see Arctic Monkeys’ Tranquility Bae Hotel & Casino.
“The Old Man’s Back Again” was an enjoyable track. I liked the opening track too. With the trumpets it reminded me a bit of Mexican flair and also Father John Misty.
I doubt I’ll come back to this but I’m glad I heard it.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I'm assuming this will be our first foray into many Dylan albums. Dylan is definitely an acquired taste. I've been exposed to his music my whole life but it gets more interesting the older I get. I've only recently got into the albums and expanded beyond the greatest hits. His catalog is daunting to say the least.
"Blowing in the Wind" and "Don't Think Twice" are all-time classics and are undisputed in my opinion. I enjoyed the humor on some of the songs like "I Shall Be Free". "Corrina, Corrina" sounds like 21st century Dylan. Obviously, this acoustic period is pretty awesome and some people wished he would have never plugged in. I'll look forward to some of the 'electric' Dylan albums later on.
Van Morrison
5/5
While Van Morrison the person is debatable, his music is not. This is peak Van and the first 5 songs of this album might be the best side 1 of any LP, ever. Side 2 isn't quite there but it's hard to compare to side 1. Don't make me choose my favorite track because it is impossible. I love them all. His voice and smooth music is so amazing and soothing. I need to listen to this one more often.
Mercury Rev
3/5
I have a soft spot for this one due to this sounding similar to the Flaming Lips. This seems like one you’d have to give yourself time to grow into. It didn’t quite have the highs of the Flaming Lips but seemed to have a more polished and consistent musicality. I’d definitely revisit this one.
Sabu
3/5
Mad respect for the Afro-Cuban congo music. I dug this one. While it is old it doesn't sound as dated as I imagined. I doubt I'll reach for this one often, I'd rather listen to Buena Vista Social Club. But this was an interesting listen and one I'm glad to experience. I could really hear the African rhythms in here more than usual when I hear Cuban music.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I continue to explore African music and this is a nice addition to my knowledge and expanding tastes. While this isn't up there with Fela Kuti it is still pretty damn good. I'm going to need several listens to see which tracks stick with me.
However, if you have not already heard it, check out Baaba's collab with Mumford and Sons called "There Will Be Time". That is an amazing song!
ZZ Top
4/5
As a child of MTV, this is straight dopamine to my brain triggering massive nostalgia. ZZ Top has always stayed true to their Texas blues roots and sound even when they went video to kill the radio star. This is a very specific sound and not one I usually go for but is a nice change of pace.
Pixies
4/5
I've never quite fell for the Pixies. I'm not sure why they never captured my attention like the other bands from the 90s. I really like "Here Comes Your Man". And before today, I couldn't have told you it was a Pixies song even though it is a song I like and am familiar with already. The song has a throwback quality that sounds like it came out way before 1989.
I don't like when Black Francis's voice gets all shredded and screamy. That has always kept me arm's length away from the Pixies.
I can see why the Pixies are so influential in all things 90s especially grunge and Nirvana.
Deep Purple
3/5
Did I need to hear 3 different live versions of ""Black Night"? No, I did not.
Was I mad about it? Also, no.
Deep Purple feels a bit underrated. I didn't realize that "Highway Star" was one of their songs. and of course, everyone knows "Smoke on the Water". It was entertaining enough.
Do I need a 20 minute live version of "Space Truckin"? Not during the day with no alcohol or weed for sure. Again though it was enjoyable enough.
I did start thinking about the legacy and descendants of Deep Purple. Are Deep Purple the real Spinal Tap? Are their descendants Kiss and Motley Crue? Interesting band who doesn't get talked about much these days.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
Far out man. My love of George Harrison has made me like and appreciate sitar music. I personally really like the "Light My Fire" cover. I'll add that to late night listening. "Sagar (The Ocean)" was too much and I'd skip that one going forward. I did dig the last track, "Raghupati", with its unitarian vibe of we are all one. This does feel a bit gimmicky overall trying to capitalize on The Beatles and their introduction of the sitar into their music. However, it has a certain nostalgia that is fun now in retrospect. Is it a classic, nope. But still some fun tracks anyway.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
I listened to this and only one track stood out for me; “Like Dylan in the Movies”. I’m familiar with Belle and Sebastian but it was never my jam. B&S have a distinct vibe and it is probably a love or hate thing for most. Being the indie guy I am this should but up my alley but I find it just alright. I have no hate for really any music (minus Joanna Newsom) but I find Belle and Sebastian very meh. Maybe someday I’ll get it but for now I won’t seek it out but I also won’t actively avoid it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
CCR just doesn't get talked about enough. John Fogerty is a legend and this album is a testament to a band that is tight and focused on making music. I've always been a CCR hits guy so this is the first CCR album I think I've ever chose to listen to. I do remember seeing a CCR cassette back in the day at my Aunt and Uncle's place. I'm pretty sure it was the album with "Willie and the Poor Boys". So I probably listened to that one.
Anyway, awesome, distinct vocals. Tight playing. Great cover song choices. "Heard It Through the Grapevine" is particularly good here. Tons of the hits are on here too. Great listen for back patio or around the camp firs.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I liked this one quite well. I'm down foe some Count Basie. This isn't the known tracks from my days playing in jazz band, a la April in Paris. This is a burner of a big band album. I wonder how it was received in pop culture in 1958? I tried imagining hearing it played at a diner or on the radio. Were kids or middle-aged adults into it? Was it the equivalent of dad-rock in 1958?
Anyway, solid jazz tunes. Will listen again.
The Cardigans
4/5
I actually owned this one in the 90s. Back when you had to buy the whole CD for 1 song. But again I might have also got the CD from BMG music club for one penny. Anyway, I've always enjoyed this album and the band. Obviously, any person of the 90s will recognize and adore "Lovefool". I enjoyed "Been It". I totally forgot they covered Black Sabbath. Once I heard that, I swear there were 2 other songs that weren't straight up covers but definitely cribbed some of the chord progressions from Sabbath as well. "Choke" is on of the songs that sounds like they borrowed from Sabbath. Overall, a fun little throw back to the 90s. This is not essential for anyone. I don't know how it made the top 1001 albums to hear but is a nice listen anyway.
Genesis
3/5
Never listened to a Genesis album before this. And to jump in on a double disc release! Let's Go!
First disc was cool and prog rock stuff that I liked overall, sounded a bit like Emerson Lake and Palmer: opening/title track, "Back in NYC", and "Counting Out Time". Hope you caught this gem from "Counting Out Time": "Erogenous zones I love you, Without you, what would a poor boy do?"
Second disc seemed really atmospheric and less musical overall. What I remember was a pass.
I liked disc 1 and could do without disc 2. I'd probably need at least another listen to have a really proper opinion. Will it happen. Maybe.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
I couldn’t name a single Sugarcubrs song before today. I’d definitely heard the group name before. I vaguely knew in the back of my dusty mind that this was Bjork’s band
Motorcrash specifically sounds like it should be on the Ferris Bueller soundtrack.
Overall, I like this one pretty well! I think I like it better than Bjork solo. More rock and less Broadway.
The Cure
5/5
Wow! Why did someone not tell my 12-year-old self to check out the Cure? It probably would not have landed like it does at 47. Why was I sleeping on this all these years? Of course I knew Lovesong but outside of that I barely knew the other hits had never listened to the rest of the album. This is an awesome album. I should have been getting sad to the Cure long before now. This is definitely going into my heavy rotation. That baseline along on Fascination Street is so driving and addictive. Great album!
Fela Kuti
5/5
Fela is a genius and a political revolutionary. This is an awesome album with jazz, afrobeat, and politics all mixed into one package. I'm wondering if they will not have "Water Got No Enemy" since it is technically a single. This may be the only Fela entry in 1001. So, while I wasn't familiar with Zombie before this listening and I dig it a lot, it is not as good as "Water Got No Enemy" so I'm going to bump this one up to 5-star by including "Water Got No Enemy" into this rating. Otherwise, Zombie is added to the rotation and earns a 4-star rating. Cheating, I know but I had to get my love for that song in.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
I listened to this one 1.5 times. I really tried to get through this one a second time because I felt like it was just kinda there. I'm not sure I had the time to give this the listen it deserved. It sounds good and interesting but nothing really caught my attention. I know this band has a cultish following so I'd like to "get it". I'll try it again someday.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Oh Bob, you old devil. Hard to believe that Bob Dylan is still going at it over 60 years on. This was his comeback album 30 years ago!!!! This was the template for later day Dylan. I can appreciate it but it is definitely no party music. He's aged quite nicely into the old guard, wise, old man singing and I feel like it started here. "Not Dark Yet" and "Make You Feel My Love" are the stand out tracks.
3/5
I like this one more than I thought I would. It was way more pop and melodic tha. I expected. Punk always makes me think it will be noise but this was good. I’ve heard about X for so many years but never actually bothered to listen. I’m glad I did. This will not be in regular rotation but I’m glad I listened to it and would definitely listen again.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This is Stevie’s answer to Marvin Gaye if I got the timeline right. Some great tracks including: Living For The City, Higher Ground, Don’t You Worry About a Thing. I like some of the lesser known tracks like Too High and Misstra Know-It-All. The slow songs were huge drags though. Pass on those. The great ones almost make up enough to make this 5-star but not quite.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
This was my intro to LCD Soundsystem. Who knew dance music could be funny? North American Scum still cracks me up today.
Someone Great is heartbreakingly perfect. All My Friends is awesome too.
And I personally love the Lou Reed-esque NY I Love You.
No band is really like them because they are a little bit rock but also electronic. Kinda dance but maybe more indie. All I know is this is LCD’s best album.
Donovan
3/5
Does 1 or 2 songs make a great album? No, they do not. Donovan killed it on the singles. Sunshine Superman is a banger! 100. Season of the Witch might justify you buying the album. The rest is very meh or worse. Just add Sunshine Superman to your golden oldies playlist and Season of the Witch to your Halloween playlist and skip the rest.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Quite enjoyed this one. Lots of great cuts on here. Left My Wallet, Can I Kick It. For whatever reason Tribe escaped my young radar which is a shame. I was too into pop and gangsta rap.
Adele
3/5
Wow! That voice is incredible. She could probably sing shitty Tweets and it would be worth listening to. The first 2 tracks are amazing. I personally really like "Send My Love". It is maybe my favorite Adele track of all time. After that it is all pretty much the same but that voice carries everything. I probably won't reach for this album again but I will listen to the first 2 tracks many more times.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
This was even better than the previous Aretha album in my opinion. This just hit perfect for a Monday morning. Chain of Fools and Natural Woman were great to hear in context of the rest of the album. I can see how Aretha blew up in 1967-1968 with these releases and probably never reached those heights again but she kept on making music and displaying that incredible voice for another 50 years. I see why she was crowned and the Queen's legacy lives on!
Queen
3/5
Random thoughts review:
- What if you took Zeppelin and leaned into fantasy even more, added some Broadway flair, and mix in some glam rock? You'd have Queen II.
- I always thought that this album had Bohemian Rhapsody based on the cover art. Apparently, they just used that cover art at the end of the Bohemian Rhapsody video in the early 90s.
- I never really noticed the glam influence in Queen until hearing this album. You can clearly hear the connection to T Rex.
- What is this story about? Did the White Queen destroy the Black Queen? Did the ogre's win the battle? I couldn't quite follow
- Surprised there are no proper Queen hits on this album.
- I see what you did there 1001 Album Generator. Queen of Soul to Queen. Well played.
Elbow
2/5
"Grounds for Divorce" was the stand out track on this album. I didn't have much thoughts on this album but it did feel a bit melancholy overall and maybe that had to do with the fact that a "friend of the band died suddenly in 2006. The closing track, "Friend of Ours", as well as the liner notes of the album, are dedicated in his memory."
I doubt I'll revisit this one. I actually thought this was the Eels. So I was initially disappointed because this didn't match my expectations. I hope we get to The eels at some point because I like them better.
Judas Priest
3/5
Breakin the law! Breakin the law! I listened to this and nothing really caught me outside of Breakin' the Law. I know they are metal gods and I think the lead singer is gay. I guess I'll revisit this when I get into my metal phase. Julian is working on me but still has aways to go.
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
I vaguely remember this one from the early 2000s. I see why critics liked it so much. It was just different and cool compared to popular rap at the time. I like Just a Rascal. It was a fine listen but I won’t be rushing back to this one.
John Lennon
5/5
Imagine alone makes this a 5-star album but there is so much more: Jealous Guy, Gimme Some Truth, How Do You Sleep? and Oh Yoko. Crippled Inside really grabbed me this time. Underrated song that spoke to me differently than on previous listens. Also, How Do You Sleep? is a dis track at Paul McCartney. Go listen again. I'll wait...
Damn! John goes hard on Paul. That is a blistering track. I know there were some regrets from John for putting out that track. But that track is still a great song.
Last random thought, I watched a documentary about John Lennon and he wished he had given writing credit to Yoko for Imagine as she was integral in the lyrics of that song. I thought that was so cool and admirable of him to admit later on. He was still a growing person and it is too bad to have lost a revolutionary like him at such a young age. I would love to hear what he would say about the world today.
The Strokes
4/5
This is the international release. The album and song choices are different for the international release (ass cover) versus the US release (subatomic particles). I never knew this before today.
Anyway, I remember when The Strokes saved rock n roll in the early 2000s. I kinda forgot this was in the shadow of 9/11. I wonder if they would have been a bigger success without having the specter of 9/11 hanging over everything NYC at that time. I own this album on CD and I find it similar today as I did then. The songs are good and it is a pleasurable listening experience but I don't get all emotional or pumped up much for any single song. Honestly, the lyrics don't hit me at all. I'm not sure I've ever tried to listen closely. The voice is just another instrument to me. Anyway, I do see the legacy connection between this and the Velvet Underground. Still a good listen. Not quite a classic.
George Harrison
4/5
George is my favorite Beatle and I love this album. There are several all-time tracks plus a few amazing Dylan covers, especially "If Not For You".
All-time tracks are "My Sweet Lord", "Wah-Wah" "What is Life", "Beware of Darkness", and "All Things Must Pass". If George had cut this down to a single album this would be an all-time classic. He added way too much music but can you blame the guy after being shut out by Paul and John for the previous years?
This album has always been a dour listen and I wondered if it was an ominous sign for election date 2024. Just remember what George said, all things must pass.
Parliament
4/5
Make my funk the P-Funk! I want my funk uncut!
George Clinton is a funk godfather. I don't know what title he has but it should be something like that. This music is just plain fun. There is definitely a civil rights/black movement element here but who doesn't want to get down when you hear this music.
Iona was in the car while we were listening to "Give Up the Funk" and she said"Isn't this song famous or something?" I said yes it was but that also dad plays it frequently because he likes to get down. :)
She also queried: "Why are they called Parliament? Are they from England?" lol
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Awesome album! Short, sweet and to the point. Born on the Bayou is my favorite track but also props to John Fogerty for writing Tina Turner’s classic Proud Mary. Crazy that this album is only 33 minutes and 7 tracks. Packed a lot of punch in a short amount.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I want to like this so much. But I find it just alright. Listened to this twice in a row and only perked up when I heard California. I want to “get” Joni because it seems like she brings so many people so much joy. I’ll keep trying.
I do like “River” as well from my many viewings of Love Actually.
3/5
I've always enjoyed War's greatest hits. Had the CD since the 90s. I enjoyed this one but Cisco Kid was the only track I was familiar with prior. Was surprised there were three 10-minute long jams (Four Corner, City Country, and the World is a Ghetto). I totally dug it though and could see myself popping this one on for a relaxed afternoon or evening. I will be exploring more of War's discography.
The Cult
2/5
I listened to this during a very traffic-filled commute home. So this might be quite biased due to the circumstances this was listened to. I was already one foot out on this one and then the "Born To Be Wild" cover came on and I jumped right out completely. Nothing about this resonated with me. It wasn't pop enough to be catchy and it wasn't musically varied enough to keep me interested. This should have been left in the 80s. I won't be listening to this one again.
Stan Getz
3/5
Super chill. While this isn't quite up to the Girl From Impanema standards. This is some chill music that I will likely listen to again.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I think my Bruce awakening is happening thanks to the Blinded by the Light movie. This is a very stark album and is definitely not gateway Bruce. I really like Atlantic City track. I will revisit this one and read the lyrics and do some real active listening.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Love the opener and the closer. I decided the opener is slightly better than the closing track but both are awesome! The rest of this album was okay. Neil Young is another one of those artists that I've never fully delved into. He has such a deep and daunting catalog which is still expanding!
Talking Heads
4/5
I see why so many indie nerds love the Talking Heads. This is prototypical indie music. I should have been listening to more Talking Heads all these years. This album sounds like it could be released today and would tear up the socials with fawning indie fans.
Neil Young
4/5
I like this one better than Rust Never Sleeps. Although "My, My, Hey Hey" is my favorite song from these albums. I need to do some more Neil listening to fully appreciate him. I'll keep this one spinning again for sure.
CHVRCHES
3/5
The Mother We Share is a top notch track and easily my favorite. The rest of the album is good but not nearly as memorable as that first track. (Side note: The Mother We Share would have been an awesome track for the show Orphan Black, IYKYK). I actually own this album on CD. I don't particularly remember buying the album but this had to be one of the last proper CDs I bought. I would have thought I would have loved this album more but apparently not.
Brian Eno
3/5
This was clearly the stuff that was too weird for the Talking Heads albums. Eno and Byrne put some weird stuff out on this one. This didn't particularly grab me while listening passively. I am intrigued though and feel like a more concentrated listen is in order. This also felt like indie pioneer work that I could hear reflected in lots of the stuff I listen to today. Anyway, need some more listens to form a true opinion on this one.
Black Sabbath
5/5
"War Pigs", Paranoid" and "Iron Man" in the first 4 tracks! I guess they threw "Planet Caravan" in there just so we wouldn't spontaneously combust from all the rocking. Outside of "Planet Caravan" I was surprised by how overall rocking they kept it going on all the songs. I really liked this one!
The drumming, the sound of the drumming, and the production on the drumming just sounds so unique and cool on this album. I really like the drumming and it is so distinctive. Rock on Sabbath!
David Bowie
4/5
I listened to this one on and off for the last 2 weeks. It wasn't the easiest to just plow through in one listen and required more in-depth attention. This is totally Bowie's Beatles album. The tracks that that were my favorites all had some connection to the Beatles:
- Young Americans has the "I read the the news today" line
- Across the Universe is a Beatles cover. An absolutely excellent one too!
- Fame has John Lennon on vocals. Although I have a hard time discerning his voice on the track.
The other tracks kind of passed me by, except for "Fascination".
Still, Bowie the chameleon can do American R&B and a Beatles inspired album at the same time! Genius.
Final note: I really listened and read the "Young Americans" lyrics closely. That is not what I thought the song was about at all. It is way darker and depressing than I ever knew. Dang.
Muddy Waters
3/5
Blues music and classical music kind of feel the same to me. They both are pleasant to listen to but rarely does anything stand out. I listened to this and it was lovely but I can only recall 2 songs off the top of my head. Maybe those were the 2 best songs: Got My Mojo Working and I got My Brand on You. I can appreciate this but this will never be 5-star listening for me.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
It’s hard not to listen to this and compare them to BJM. Obviously The Dandy Warhols were more poppy and the hit pop tracks still stood out to me: Boys Better and Last Junkie. But a few other tracks caught my attention: Every Day Should Be a Holiday was up there for me too. However, the BJM comparison really kicked in for the last 2 tracks, Pete International Airport and The Creep Out with the minimal vocals and the droning repetitiveness. This is where I realized for sure that BJM was better even if they weren’t as successful as the Dandy Warhols.
The Roots
3/5
This one was way more varied and interesting than I assumed going in. I liked Rock On, Sacrifice, and The Seed as the best tracks. Was surprised by the outbursts of punk a few times. And even a bit of noise rock too. The ability to morph and adapt on this album shows why they are a great late night band now with Fallon. We should have seen it coming. The last track was so wacky and weird. Did someone lose a bet and had to let it be on the album?
Beastie Boys
4/5
Beastie Boys kinda grow up here on Ill Communication. Sure Shot and Sabotage are the stand out tracks but there are plenty of other great tracks here too: "B-Boys Makin With the Freak Freak" "Root Down", "Get It Together". I'm down with a lot of the instrumental tracks too. You should check out the compilation called "The In Sounds From Way Out" which just take those instrumentals from several Beastie albums and puts them all together.
Anyway, fun B-Boys album, not quite a classic but a good variety showcasing all that they bring to the table on a single album.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
This is a fun album. There are several good songs on here and if some of the ballad songs were dropped it would make this an even better album. Sweet Talkin Woman and Mr. Blue Sky are the hits on here but I enjoyed several of the other uptempo songs. Are ELO overrated, underrated, or properly rated? Clearly Jeff Lynne was respected by the greats (or he was the funny dude that could score them drugs). How else could you explain his membership in the Traveling Wilburys. I'll likely try to revisit this one again.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Dude! I totally thought this was going to be 90s Brit pop and it was way more Living Colour. Some political and just overall life vibes with the spoken interludes. It was way more rock heavy than I expected. Nothing particularly jumped out at me but it was pretty decent. I doubt I'll ever listen to this one again. But I wouldn't mind hearing it again.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Never heard of the Flamin' Groovies before. Damn, they're pretty good! This was a good listen and one I'd definitely put on again. The covers (That'll Be the Day and Louie Louie) caught my attention. Then I guess I was hooked because I remembered Walking the Dog. Nothing else stood out which wasn't a bad thing per se on this one. It was a consistent sound and feel throughout which is always appreciated. Did they do the blues better than the Stones? I'm not sure about that but they're pretty, pretty good.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Brian Wilson was definitely in it here. This is a million miles from the early 60s surf tunes. The title is clearly ironic, right?
This has some of the Pet Sounds “God Only Knows” sound and feeling. I’m familiar with Feel Flows from the Almost Famous soundtrack and is the standout track here. This one is worth revisiting to discover the depths of Brian Wilson’s genius.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I'm obviously a Beatles over Stones guy but have always generally liked the Stones but not loved them enough to go album listening. I've relegated most of my listening to Hot Rocks Vol 1 and 2. So of course, the only two songs I knew on this album were Sympathy for the Devil and Street Fighting Man. Both are perfectly fine tunes but were never even close to my favorites when listening to Hot Rocks. The rest of the album is fine. I really noticed Prodigal Son as a Zeppelin prototype. Zepp obviously perfected the blues rock but I could see this song as a guiding light that would shape Zepp. Stray Cat Blues was quite raunchy in a good way and that raunchiness is probably what drives most Stones fans, especially those in the Stones over the Beatles camp. I couldn't help but thinking that Ted Nugent took Stray Cat Blues and made it more pop accessible with Cat Scratch Fever. Anyway, solid outing from the Stones.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Beyond the hits this album was just alright. I just couldn't get into this one. Respect for the more poppy but still a bit punky music. I bet this music would have been quite good at a club show live. As for recorded music, it's just alright.
George Michael
2/5
It never ever crossed my mind to listen to a whole George Michael album. You gotta try everything once. I think this will be a one time only kind of thing (unless there is another George Michael album on 1001). Freedom is an all-time single but couldn't carry this whole album. Most of this was bland pop music that faded into the background. Heal the Pain did jump out to me and I enjoyed that one but the rest was just perfectly fine. I'll pass next time.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Can we still listen to Brown Sugar? Has it been cancelled? Regardless of the answers to those questions, it’s still rock n roll and I love it! What an absolute jam. Overall, this was a better Stones record than Beggars Banquet. Wild Horses is their best ballad. I really like Bitch. Dead Flowers was also a stand out track for me. I breezed through this album and will happily listen again.
Leftfield
3/5
This one was quite good to listen to while I was focused on work. But moreover, I feel like I was too busy with grunge, pop, and rap in the 90s and missed the underground (at lest to me) electronic music scene. I obviously got there when I started listening to Daft Punk but I feel myself gravitating to these 90s electronic albums and being a little disappointed I missed them when they were fresh. Electronic music is just one of my jams (while country and metal just aren't). I feel like the electronic music that went mainstream (Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy) weren't like these albums on this list. I'm into the more moody and dour 90s electronica. I'm still eating this up and learning. I'll keep listening and liking.
MGMT
4/5
This is the ultimate do the singles make a great album or do you need consistency throughout. They are 3 completely awesome tracks here: Kids, Time to Pretend, and Electric Feel. The rest is way more freaky and weird. Which now after seeing their catalog evolve is the true place they belong and not so much the 3 huge indie-pop hits that made them super famous. I kinda dig the weird tracks but none stick with me like the pop hits.
Radiohead
4/5
I know this will be controversial but this album isn't the classic everyone else thinks it is. It is quite good and I like the overall theme, even if listening to it on my commute to work this week hit a little too hard (especially "Fitter Happier"). The ending to "Exit Music" caught me upon this listen but the song doesn't quite grab you up front to get you to the excellent full assault at the end. My favorite track on this one is "No Surprises". It is just a beautiful melody and sound that is delivered excellently. So this is a really good album but I can think of 3 or maybe even 4 Radiohead albums that are better than this one in my opinion. Really good but not a classic.
The White Stripes
5/5
Random thoughts review:
* What is your favorite track from this album and why is it Seven Nation Army?
* Is Seven Nation Army the last great rock anthem? I can't really think of any newer rock anthems that are regularly played at sporting events, etc. I may just not be remembering anything. Fall Out Boy's "Centuries" comes to mind but I think I might be stretching to call that a true rock anthem.
* I read somewhere that Seven Nation Army was inspired because Jack White misheard Salvation Army. That's so great!
* What is your second favorite track from this album? It's a close race between "There's No Home For You Here", "Ball and Biscuit", "The Hardest Button", "Little Acorns", and "Girl You Have No Faith in Medicine" but I'm going to say "Little Acorns" for today.
* Is Third Man Records from the line in "Ball and Biscuit" line "I may be your third man but it's a fact I'm the seventh son"? (Wiki tells me that is not the name origin but Jack White has a fondness for 3 and there are other "third man' references.)
* I had to get out the CD to listen to Hypnotize. My old single Bose CD radio could not handle Seven Nation Army. I had to stop at volume level 60/100. LOL.
* Who is Holly on the last track, "Well It's True That We Love One Another"? Just weird I don't know or never really cared to look it up. (Liner notes and wiki tell me this is Miss Holly Golightly, who is a British singer-songwriter and named after the character in a Truman Capote book.)
* The slow tracks are great on this record and are a nice change of pace to all the awesome rockers.
* Jack White is clearly the artist of the 2000s between White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and the Dead Weather. Amazingly, he didn't start doing solo stuff until 2012.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I have randomly been into Harry Nilsson on and off over the last 5 or so years thanks to the documentary about him and the opening track of this album, "Gotta Get Up" being used excellently in the show Russian Doll. Also, I should naturally drift to him anyway thanks to the love from the Beatles, most specifically his drinking buddy John Lennon. This album is fun and diverse with the bouncy opening track, the sappy ballad "Without You", and the fun Caribbean inspired "Coconut". "Let the Good Times Roll" was a super upbeat and great version here. Also, "Jump Into the Fire" really stood out to me on this listen. Funky bass-line and driving track that should get you pumped up.
Suicide
2/5
Random thoughts:
* Cheree is on a "Wake Up" playlist from Sonos that I listen to frequently. That song is quite good.
* I had to bail on this one, Frankie Teardrop was just too much.
* I'm sure this offered something new and influenced others but I prefer to skip this one and just hear the influenced.
Adele
4/5
Per other Adele albums, there is just too many overdramatic tracks. I don't think this matches my personality very well. However, when it works like on "Someone Like You", wow! It can really be a revelation. The other not-so-great melodramatic tracks reminded a bit of some of those same kinds of tracks by Queen.
I actually was way more into the uptempo tracks. "Rolling in the Deep" and "Rumour Has It" are 2 amazing opening tracks that really got me bopping. I also enjoyed "He Won't Go". The "Lovesong" cover really caught me off-guard. I was not expecting it and not sure I ever heard it before. Great cover and tune. Overall, this album has enough going for it and might be my favorite Adele album.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
I've been keen to Fleet Foxes from the beginning. This whole album is total vibes. Stand out tracks: "Sun It Rises", "White Winter Hymnal" and "Blue Ridge Mountains". I'm not sure why an indie folk "rock" album should work so well but it just does. Just sit back and enjoy the lush harmonies and chill vibes.
The Vines
3/5
I recently found out The Vines is one of the four of the rocks-not-dead movement of the early 2000s, along with The White Stripes, The Hives, and The Strokes. However, I don’t remember this band really. It does fit in with that group and I should have been keen to this. This rocked sufficiently and I will need to listen again. Sadly, it doesn’t rise to the level of the others but is maybe just not there due to exposure and more ear time.
Various Artists
4/5
I've had this album on my Christmas playlist for a few years now. It's 60's Motown girl group fantastic and is a great listen to celebrate the holiday season.
However, I didn't remember good ol' Phil making an appearance on Silent Night. Kind of weird to hear that ol' creep here sounding so sweet and nice. Skip Phil Spector on Silent Night and play the rest! Merry Christmas.
The Charlatans
3/5
Jangly guitar pop rock from a British band. Wonder where I've heard this before? I'm not sure I've ever listened to The Charlatans before. Not a ton to say here. I'm sure with multiple listenings or this reaching me at a different place and time I would have really gotten in deep. I don't think I have anymore room or space for this kind of music to enter my regular rotation. I did enjoy listening though.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I listened to this album several times over the weekend. While I generally like it, it doesn't ever grab me by the collar. It seems a bit more uptempo than the previous Joni album we listened on 1001 but I'm still trying to "get" Joni.
One thing I noticed while listening to this album is that Joni Mitchell sounds like an old recording. It would not feel contemporary at all if it came out today. So it is like listening to a bit of a time capsule. Some of it is the production and use of piano. It just sounds old. Not all music sounds old, lots of the music from the 60s and 70s still feels fresh but this does not. Maybe that is part of why I don't "get" Joni.
Elvis Presley
3/5
This was better than I expected. Standouts were "In the Ghetto", "Suspicious Minds", and "Kentucky Rain". There is definitely some sappy songs on here like ""Don't Cry Daddy" but there is enough good sound and quality to revisit this agin. I'm not a huge Elvis fan so probably affects my rating a bit.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Interesting time capsule. The drumbeat is so unique and tom heavy. That drum sound almost defines the whole sound. I liked Lions Den with the nod to Star Wars in there. How much did they have to pay John Williams for that 20 seconds? Don’t Be Square is also catchy and fun (se cmusic for antpeople!). Fun listen!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I always thought Elvis Costello was kinda nerdy cool. I want to like Elvis Costello.
* This was a pleasant listen. I would pick it up and listen again.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is the last great Led Zeppelin album. And boy did they do it right with a double album. This album keeps surprising me and showing me new gems still today. As I continue to listen and re-listen to this album and I always find new songs that I like better than previously. "In My Time of Dying" is probably the best example of this. While it was the live performances of this song that truly captured me it was a wake up call to an absolutely classic Zepp song that I missed on Physical Grafitti upon first listen. There are so many great tracks here. Two of my favorites from this album have always been House of the Holy and In The Light.
Lastly, this one holds a special place in my heart due to my friend's love of the album and specifically Kashmir. He's so awesome he even bought me a vinyl copy that is displayed on my wall and is a treasured part of my collection.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Random thoughts review:
* The talking interludes are a bit long/distracting. Did Duke Ellington leave and not come back? That's kind of what I heard around track 6. Just kinda weird.
* The sound of this recording is immaculate. Listening to this on headphones sounds like I'm almost on the stage near the musicians.
* Holy shit, the trumpet screaming at the end of "Pt. 1-Festival Junction"!!!
* Wow, on disc 2 the crowd gets rowdy. I swear I heard boos in there too. Sounds like it was wild!
* Ok, shit got insane with the crowd! Duke had to come in for "Riot Prevention".
* They should have ended this album with the end of the live tracks. It was a bit disappointing to add those extra studio tracks.
* Overall, this is a gem and part of why I like this exercise. Sometime you discover something new!
The Smiths
3/5
I always thought the Smiths was a downer band just through stereotypes. This album was more jaunty and slightly more upbeat than I expected. I could see how people got into this. I think if I let this one soak in for several listens I could become a fan.
It is weird how these albums and listens hit different than if I lived the experience directly and listened to this when it was new and exciting. It definitely still has musical value but I would feel a lot more affinity for this music because I was part of the original experience. Not all bands are constrained to this, some can overcome this divide more easily (I'm thinking the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Nirvana). Anyway, just a random observation while listening to this one. Need to listen again.
Blur
3/5
This album was better than I remembered. I'm not even sure I ever even checked the whole album out back in the day. Of course "Song 2" was inescapable and is still a stadium anthem staple. "Death of a Party" caught my ear and reminded, that yeah, this is the Gorillaz guy. Damon Albarn is sort of underrated when you stack up what he did with Blur and then Gorillaz. This is a definite listen again album for me.
Germs
2/5
Random thoughts:
* this was a bit too aggressive for my taste. But props to them for doing their thang.
* The first song ended so abruptly I thought something was wrong with my streaming service.
* Probably a one time listen for me. Never heard of them and I'll see if I remember that I heard this before.
Sebadoh
1/5
Probably the less said the better. I really gritted to get through this one. The low-fi 90s bands are all overrated in my opinion. Don't you want to have fun when listening to music? I'm either not fooled or I just don't get it. Really could go either way. Anyway, I never really want to hear this again.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This is Bruce at his pop peak but also staying true to his Americana roots. Some of his biggest hits are here (Born in the USA, I'm on Fire, Dancing in the Dark, Glory Days) but I was surprised how well this whole album felt as one common theme. All the songs really painted a picture of America and the rust belt with all of its past glory and changes that were happening in the 80s. It still feels as relevant today as I'm sure it did in the 1980s.
Boston
5/5
Boston is such a weird anomaly. If I recall correctly, MIT dudes who cracked the rock n roll code and made an absolute masterpiece and tons of money. They have only released 5 albums in 50 years. This first album is so so good. The songs just wash over you and you can jam/rock/roll to all of them. I saw these guys in concert in the 90s and it was super fun. I need more Boston in my life. This is my reminder to put this one into the regular rotation.
The Pharcyde
2/5
I owned this on CD in the 90s and remember having it only for Passin' Me By. I had hoped when I listened to it this time I would have a wave of nostalgia and remember the other tracks or I would regret not actually listening to the rest of the album when I first bought. Sadly, there was no wave of nostalgia and I see why I only had it for the single track. The last 2 tracks were the most interesting on this album. "Pack The Pipe" was just fun and "Return of the B-Boy" was interesting to hear them do a throwback to way long ago of 5 years before this album was released. It really made me appreciate how much rap had changed in those 5 years. Anyway, I will keep "Passin' Me By" in the rotation and will let the rest pass me by.
Jeff Beck
3/5
Despite knowing of Jeff Beck as a famous guitar hero for years, I don’t think I’ve actually ever listened to him before this. Everything about this was solid and classic rock staples. I’d have to listen to it a few times more to really hear it bit this sounded like something that was awesome and groundbreaking but that other artists took and perfected. Maybe why he is spoken of so highly but not listened to as much.
Oasis
3/5
This isn’t the first time I’ve listened to this one. I tried to “get into” Oasis a few years back. I listened to most of their catalog. I just didn’t catch the bug. I like the 3 big hits from What’s the Story but everything else fell flat for me. I guess this just isn’t my cup of tea. Anyway, Cigarettes and Alcohol kinda jumped out at me on this listen but this is a definitely no for me.
The Cars
5/5
I dare say this is an underrated group and album. I've always been a Cars greatest hits fan but never really listened to the albums. But this is a great album. There are a couple of lesser tracks in the middle but man people should be talking about this album more often. The first 3 tracks are classics. Then I heard some songs that reminded me of the Talking Heads and Queen in there. A couple of more songs that are awesome and then the end of the album with "Moving in Stereo" which blends right into "All Mixed Up". Great couple of tracks to end the album with. I should be listening to this one more often and people should bringing this up as an all-time classic album more often.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Amy Winehouse is a tragic and soapy story but the music is enduring. This was amazing at the time and will forever be a classic. Her voice and the music is simultaneously a throwback and instant classic. I still feel lucky to have experienced this one in real time when it was so huge. You can never go wrong putting this record on.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This is my second time encountering this album. It was already saved in my Spotify albums but I couldn't really recall when or why I saved it. However, as I listened to this album it made me think of a lot of indie-folk music I listen to today. I'm guessing this was just a bit ahead of it's time. I'm definitely going to revisit this one as I enjoyed it a lot.
Orbital
3/5
I liked this one. The spoken word looping is mesmerizing and interesting. I could see how it is not for everyone. This is a definitely listen to again. I did listen to this one on little sleep and a bit hungover on a plane trip home. So I might need to listen again when I'm more fully aware but I liked it.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I'm a Leonard Cohen guy and have been listening to his greatest hits albums for years but never picked up a full album. I know this is a late career album and came out just before his death. I did like the continuity of this album and the especially the reprise. I'm down with his voice and the overall tone. This one is worth another listen for sure.
Eminem
4/5
This album is still shocking to listen to today. Bonnie and Clyde 97 being the shocking highlight. Beyond the shock value, this is well rapped and well produced music that is easy to see why Eminem vaulted into super stardom. It is hard to emphasize how big Eminem was during this 1999-2004 stretch.
Bonus: put on "I Got The.." by Labi Siffre at the 2:30 mark to hear the "My Name Is" sample.
Nirvana
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This was one of the first two CDs I ever purchased.
* In addition to Nirvana, I bought Sir Mix-a-lot's Baby Got Back album. I contain multitudes.
* So many great songs and just a great album to play straight through.
* Polly was always one of my favorite tracks. If the lyrics were different it could have been a Beatles song. Just a beautiful melody.
* "Smells Like Teen Spirit" or "Lithium" were my favorite tracks in 90s but I think "In Bloom" is my favorite track currently.
* When your favorite song from an album changes over time, that is probably a sign it is a classic album that just keeps revealing more to you listen after listen.
Neil Young
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Neil Young has put out a lot of music!
* I generally dig Neil Young but he will never be one of my favorite artists.
* I'll keep trying to appreciate hime more.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Random thoughts:
* Sometimes this exercise brings clarity. By listening to "Sister" by Sonic Youth twice, I realized something that probably should have been obvious: I don't like Sonic Youth. I know they are revered indie pioneers but listening to them is not enjoyable.
* It's like someone said let's make Velvet Underground more punk and less melodic. Gross, no thanks.
* Are Sonic Youth classified as indie-punk?
* I don't think I've ever liked a Sonic Youth song. I looked at their top 10 on Spotify and my favorite song involving Sonic Youth is the collaboration with Cypress Hill called "I Love You Mary Jane." lol
* I didn't hate "Hot Wire My Heart" from this album.
* I'm so sadistic that I even listened to the top 4 songs on Spotify. I didn't hate "Incinerate", It's official, I don't like Sonic Youth.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Always nice to be exposed to more Bob Marley. The only hit on this one was "Stir It Up" but I noticed the rest of the music was rooted in more social conscious lyrics. It sounds like Bob and the Wailers were quite influenced by the 60's soul movement. Some of these songs feel like direct descendants of Sam Cooke's " A Change Gonna Come". More Bob in my life is always a good thing. While it doesn't compare to the compilations, I'll still be revisiting this one.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Random thoughts review:
* I always wanted to like Nick Cave. His name sounds cool. Somehow, I've never liked him as much as I have wanted to like him. I'm not sure that makes sense.
* What if you mixed the Black Keys with a gospel chorus and Leonard Cohen? You'd get this album.
* I had to look up abattoir twice. Maybe I'll remember it means slaughterhouse.
Yes
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Roundabout is an underrated song and I loved hearing this song multiple times!
* The dude on the bass can groove out!
* Yes = Prog rock + classic rock + the renaissance fair
* I listened to the album with a bonus track with a cover of "America" originally done by Simon and Garfunkel. Whoa! They definitely put their stamp on it. It took me several minutes to realize it was a cover.
KISS
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I would have LOVED Kiss if I was 15 in the mid-70s. I have no doubt about it. I'd like to think I would have been ride or die Zepp but I know this to be true deep in my heart.
* This album surprised me and I liked it way more through out than I thought.
* I was surprised to have 3 songs that I recognized on this album and I like all of them: Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, and Beth.
* Mad respect for pop culture critic, Chuck Klosterman, for being an unabashed Kiss fan. I kind of now see what his obsession is. I'm not ready to join him because I'm not 15, but I get it better than I did before.
Skepta
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Confession: I like British rapping. I think it sounds cool to have dudes sound posh on a genre that is supposed to sound hard, grimy, and tough. The dissonance is pleasing to my ears.
* Go check out The Streets, my favorite British rapper. I'm going to be pissed if he isn't on 1001. Which is probably likely. But seriously, go check out "A Grand Don't Come for Free".
* This was an enjoyable listen, I particularly liked "That's Not Me", "Shutdown", and "Numbers"
* Pharrell shows up again!!! That dude is everywhere and everything he touches turns to gold. "Numbers" was my favorite song from this mainly because it had that fresh Pharrell sound. He's so fucking cool.
* Never heard of Skepta before this. Nice discovery via 1001.
Sheryl Crow
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I remember hearing "All I Want To Do" for the very first time. I don't often remember the first time I hear songs so it is notable. I remember it having a timeless feel to it because I thought it was an old song I had somehow never heard before.
* I never owned this album which is pretty strange for a kid of the 90s since this was bigtime mainstream with at least 3 big hits.
* Is Sheryl Crow underrated? Kinda feels like it. Not sure why but seems like she deserves more credit.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is the OG metal album.
* It is basically a harder version of Led Zeppelin.
* I especially hear that Zepp comparison especially in The Wizard due to the harmonica.
* This album flowed nicely and was a good listen.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I still crack up when I see Lust For Life used as a commercial song for Carnival Cruises? I wish they had kept the liquor and rugs line in there.
* This was less punk and more pop/melodic than I expected.
* I really like the track "The Passenger". I'm shocked to see it is his number one streamed song at 435 million, while "Lust For Life" is only at 165 million. Someone needs to explain this.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Snowblind was the standout track to me.
* People loved doing songs about coke in the 70s? Eric Clapton's "Cocaine", that Fleetwood Mac song, "Life in the Fast Lane" by the Eagles. I'm sure I'm missing some obvious ones.
* "Changes" caught me off-guard. I just didn't expect a beautiful ballad. I'm guessing that must have been divisive when this album came out.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I owned this album on cassette in the 80s, so this brought back some great nostalgia of listening to this on my Walkman.
* Besides the 2 massive hits, Red Rain and Don't Give Up were the 2 tracks that I definitely remember from those listens in the 80s. And they still hit, but Don't Give Up hit especially hard.
* Of course, I was a kid of MTV and was very familiar with Big Time and Sledgehammer. Those videos are still cool today.
* I honestly don't remember In Your Eyes being on this album. I know that song from Say Anything.
The Damned
3/5
Random thoughts:
* typical punk music. Nothing groundbreaking here in my opinion.
* I related to "I Just Can't Be Happy Today".
* Smash It Up was catchy and I can see why it is the most popular track from this album.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is the best Tribe album.
* I did not really listen to Tribe in the 90s. What a shame?! I really missed out. I was too much of a west coast hip hop guy.
* Check the Rhime and Scenario were my two favorite tracks.
* Is Busta Ryhmes debut one of the best ever rap debuts on Scenario?
* Q-tip, while not the most technically proficient rapper. He is one of the most distinctive and is silky to the ears. I could listen to him rap all day.
He's definitely one of my top 10 favorite rappers.
* Adding this to a more regular rotation. 4-stars!
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Frank Sinatra is easy on the ears. There is a reason he's an all-American classic.
* Never listened to an album by Frank before but this one was nice and mellow, I could see having a nice romantic dinner and playing this one again.
* I hope my grandparents listened and danced to this music. I could almost see some of those old pictures of them come to life imagining this being played.
* Makin' Whoopee is hilarious. I know it's probably not supposed to be funny but I found it quite humorous.
* Anything Goes is also so good lyrically as Frank is complaining about all the vulgar words in use now and how ladies can show a bit of their stockings now. Shock!
* This album captures a whole vibe of America that is long gone. But damn, what a good listen and way to have a time capsule.
R.E.M.
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I got turned on to REM with "The One I Love". Still remember catching it on some UHF channel when I was home sick from school.
* This is probably my favorite REM album.
* I own this one on CD and remember being into it especially "Drive" when it came out.
* I really like "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite". Just a jaunty fun song.
* I didn't like "Sweetness Follows" when this album came out but now after hearing so many times on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack, I love this song.
* I feel like there is a lot of hate for "Everybody Hurts" or it at least has become a meme. But this is like the song version of 'they don't boo nobodys.' "Everybody Hurts" is a really good song.
* "Man on the Moon is a great song and one of REM's best.
Kelela
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I've never heard of Kelela. As a matter of fact, of the related artists on her Spotify page, I only knew 2 of the 12. There is so much good music these days. It is just a matter of breaking through.
* LMK is the best song and definitely stands out.
* This really isn't my kind of music and I probably won't be revisiting it. It's fine and I'd listen again if it was put on by someone else. I just won't be choosing this myself. It's just not my jam.
The The
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This sounds like it would fit nicely into Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I swore this band was on the movie but it appears it was only their contemporaries.
* The opening song is quite the banger. The horns/faux horns gave it some extra flavor.
* Heartland was interesting for the last line" This is the 51st state of the USA". I bet Trump would love that. (puke)
* I liked this one a lot lot better than Kelela. But I'm going to give this the same rating (3-star). So....
* I need to rethink the rating system. I'm going to use this going forward:
1-star: hated and would actively choose to not listen to this again.
2-star: didn't hate it, wasn't my vibe, not generally admired in the larger music community; would listen again but only if someone else chose it
3-star: liked it and would listen again; probably not the top of my list of albums I would revisit but might someday; likely not generally admired in the larger music community but are probably some exceptions for beloved albums that I personally dislike.
4-star: really liked it, not quite a classic; has some relevance in the larger music community; I would likely play this one again by my own choosing
5-star: classic; widely regarded album; would definitely listen to again; would buy a vinyl copy
Deep Purple
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Highway Star is underrated. I think they use that song on one of the Guitar Hero games.
* Smoke on the Water is so classic. What a great guitar riff! I still get pumped up every time I hear that.
* The lyrics to Smoke ion the Water are the literal story. There are no layers. It's a literal retelling of what happened. I can say that I knew Frank Zappa was name checked in the lyrics but didn't know the story behind the song. Never paid enough attention to the lyrics. That is a testament to the music for sure!
* Space Truckin got my head bobbing! Cmon!
* This reminded me of Thin Lizzy. There are the top tier 70s rock bands: Zepp and Black Sabbath. And then there are the next tier down like Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple.
Eminem
5/5
Random thoughts:
* "Kill You" has an awesome beat. If this could have been made into a clean version, I guarantee this would have been a huge hit. This is my favorite Eminem track. Despite the lyrics.
* He channels some serious fury onto tape. "The Way I Am" is so good because you can feel his energy coming through the headphones. Meanwhile, "Kim" is just crazy scary. I wonder how he was able to actually record that. I forgot how crazy that track was.
* So many tracks that I forgot about but were fun to listen to: ""Remember Me?" (love the RBX flashback which is still one of my favorite tracks from The Chronic), "Drug Ballad", and "I'm Back".
* Overall, this is the best Eminem album in my opinion. This was insane when it came out. Still remember people talking about this album so much!
Van Morrison
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Damn! Hearing Van live is so awesome. I wish I had heard him live in person many years ago. I don't think it would be the same today.
* Hard to listen to Van and not think about his shitty politics today. However, you have to separate the art from the artist. I still listen to R Kelly and Michale Jackson. I'm going to judge the art by itself.
* The first three tracks had me hooked!
* I started to lose steam in there a few times but from Here Comes the Night all the way to the end was some great work captured for posterity's sake.
* I'd never heard Cyprus Avenue before but Van really brought it for the closer!
* I'll be choosing this one again instead of Moondance or his greatest hits the next time I'm in the mood for some Van Morrison.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Is this the real Chronic 2?
* I remember this album coming out and being so pumped. I definitely bought it the week it came out.
* This is absolute g-funk classic. There are so many fun songs on this album.
* I love the chill smooth 70s throwback jams towards the second half like Ain't No Fun and Doggy Dogg World.
* Gin and Juice is a classic.
* Overall, it's a good listen and still holds up musically. The skits and misogyny can get out. But kinda comes with this era of rap.
White Denim
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was solid indie/alt-rock fare. Nothing really jumped out at me on this. It was pleasant to listen to.
* Some of these mid-2010s albums feel like they were some gambles on part of the 1001 author. I think the author would choose different 2010 era albums now in retrospect.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Random thoughts:
* There was a few songs that sounded like Peter, Paul, and Mary.
* There was 1 or 2 songs that sounded like Dylan.
* I never really thought of Simon and Garfunkel sounding like those artists before.
* So cool, that they could take a several hundred year old song and make it popular in the 1960s. That is some musical genius.
* This is still pretty early Simon and Garfunkel and you can tell they are still honing their sound.
* I didn't love the Silent Night closer. Clearly the 7 o'clock news was added after the album's original release. Ws it used in a movie or something? It was familiar but didn't love it here.
Green Day
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I saw this album performed live this past summer. It wasn't as fulfilling as hearing Dookie in its entirety live.
* On this more critical listening I found several songs that were better than I ever remembered: "Are We the Waiting" "Give Me Novacaine" and "She's a Rebel".
* Just like when listening to it live, Homecoming is too long. It just doesn't hold me.
* This album should be a classic to me but it never really captured me the way it has others. Maybe I need to spend more time with headphones and reading lyrics. I like this album but always feel like I should LOVE it. It's still pretty good.
CHIC
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This album is all about the groove. The guitar and bass just lay down a groove that could last all night. Several of the tracks could have been longer and I wouldn't have minded.
* So many of these tracks were so utterly familiar. I'm not sure if it is because I've actually heard them all before or because disco was so ingrained in pop culture from the moment I was born that is inevitable to seem like all these tracks are familiar.
* I Want Your Love sounded so much like Ring Your Bell. Not sure which one came first.
* I always think of this origin story when listening to Le Freak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzhKAZ0gXHQ
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Random Thoughts:
* This was way more bluesy than I thought it would be.
* The hits (Bell Bottom Blues and Layla) are easily recognizable on here for their pop sensibilities.
* While the hits were good, they needed more pop oomph on this album.
* Did anyone tell George Harrison about this song called ""Have You Ever Loved a Woman?"?
Here's a little excerpt from the lyrics: "You just love that woman, yes / So much it's a shame and a sin...But all the time you know, yes, you know / She belongs to your very best friend".
* Pattie Boyd you are the ultimate rock muse!!!
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Leonard Cohen's voice is unmatched. Such a great voice to listen to.
* Everybody Knows was first brought to my attention from that Christian Slater movie, Pump Up The Volume.
* Jazz Police sounds like it was written for a pop musical that Leonard was conceiving but never made it to Broadway. Still a fun ditty. I would have definitely gone to see that musical.
* First We Take Manhattan was a good opener and caught my attention. I'm not sure who is taking Manhattan and Berlin but it sounded great.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Never heard of this before but I enjoyed it overall.
* Cool to hear blues mixed with African music.
* I would like to check out the documentary now.
* Music can never be stopped!
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The Kinks records always sound of the late 60s/early 70s. Not sure why. Maybe because they weren't as mainstream and played as often as the Beatles and Stones. But they always sound tied to their era.
* Opening track was fun and kinda sucked me in.
* I think I can understand the love for the Kinks now better than I have before thanks to 1001. They don't hit as poppy as their contemporaries but have lots of quality and are interesting. I think I would have really liked the Kinks had I lived through their original era.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The first song really jumped and was a good song that pulled me in. After that it was kinda mediocre to be honest but I still like it overall. There just wasn't another song that spoke to me as much as the first one.
* I kinda wonder what makes Sarah Vaughan different from the other classic singers (Ella, Etta James, etc.). Maybe I'm just a noob and need to do more research but they kind of all blend together. I could hear the same being said about other artists of similar genres.
* I came away thinking I like Ella Fitzgerald better and would choose her over Sarah Vaughan if provided the choice. Still an enjoyable listen but probably won't be picking this one out specifically.
Stereo MC's
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I don't remember the song "Connected" coming out. I don't remember anyone say you gotta check out this song or I'm a huge Stereo MC's fan. I don't remember it being on the hot countdown. However, it has always seemed to exist in some sort of subconscious in my brain as I can sing every word. I couldn't pick out the specific year it came out in the 90s. However, it has been a staple of sound that I have somehow heard this song 100s of times without ever actually choosing to hear this song before today. I'm not sure what point I'm trying to make except that this song is surprisingly ubiquitous in the most positive sense. I wonder if this is limited to people my age or is something universal for all-age listeners of Western pop music.
* Interesting, this album is in the same mold and is super chill and fun. I wish I had owned this album in the 90s as I think it would have been a staple of mine. I'll just have to enjoy it now and try to remember to revisit it often.
Cream
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The first 2 tracks are classic rock staples and I knew them well. You cannot deny either of them.
* I was unfamiliar with the rest of the tracks. It was all good but I wasn't grabbed by the collar by any of them.
* I don't feel like I was missing anything massive in my life by not hearing just the 2 tracks I knew before I listened to this album.
The Offspring
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The Offspring always have lived in my subconscious. They have been here since I heard "Keep 'Em Separated". I never really thought much beyond the hits that I was aware of.
* It never occurred to me to explore more or pick up a whole album to listen.
* This album is good and has their biggest hits. I don't need to hear it again but I wouldn't mind this one being played for me once more.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Janis Joplin is a singular talent. I can't really think of anyone remotely like her.
* The announcement at the end of the album on "Magic of Love" by the host is quite the time capsule: Coming up are the The Who and The Grateful Dead. It must have been pretty awesome time to be alive.
* "Piece of my Heart" is clearly the standout track.
* I am today's years old when I discovered that Piece of my Heart is a cover of an original recorded by Erma Franklin. Go check her soul version and how awesome it is!
* I am still today's years old when I learned that Erma Franklin is Aretha Franklin's older sister! Mind blown!
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was a pleasant listen.
* I'm sure this was genre bending and defining at the time but just kinda sounds old now.
* I probably won't pick this one up again.
* If you really want some great Brazilian music pick up the "City of God" soundtrack. That is where it's at.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Before 1001, I never heard of the genre "African desert blues"
* I listened to this one awhile ago and I don't remember much from it. It was alright and I would listen again.
Jane Weaver
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This one is pretty, pretty cool.
* I listened on a road trip, so I need to re-listen on headphones.
* I'm surprised I've never heard of this one. Must be one of the author's favorites. I'm glad they shared this one.
Green Day
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This album reminds me of high school so much. I remember "When I Come Around" distinctly. Also, "Basket Case" video and song were a staple of my musical experience during this time.
* I had the pleasure of seeing this album performed live in its entirety in the summer of 2024. This holds up so well and was so fun to see live. "All By Myself", the closing track, was sung by Tre Cool by himself and was quite memorable. I didn't particularly remember that song before then.
* I can say with certainty this is the best Green Day album. They had other decent albums and lots of great songs but this was the pinnacle.
* Kinda weird that all the best songs are clustered in the middle of the album but that's just how it went.
Garbage
4/5
Random thoughts:
* No other band really sounds like Garbage. I forgot how unique their sound is/was. Female vocals, 90s alternative guitars, and then to have a drum track/electronic beats. Such a weird but satisfying combo.
* The hits really stand out on this one (Only Happy When It Rains and Stupid Girl).
* This album would have been better if #1 Crush had been on this album but it went to the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack.
* I saw them live once in 2002. I don't really remember much from them. They were the opener for No Doubt.
* Fun throwback listen.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Not sure why this just wasn't an Arctic Monkeys record. I guess maybe it didn't fit their style at first but the Arctic Monkeys drifted here anyway (see Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino). Maybe he just wanted to make a record with different friends.
* I Don't Like You Anymore was my favorite track but it also sounded the most like classic Arctic Monkeys.
* This wasn't horrible but it also wasn't interesting enough for me to delve into deeper.
The Hives
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Has a band got as much out of one absolutely rocking song as The Hives have with "Hate To Say I Told You So"?
* They will always be on the Mount Rushmore of the 2000s garage rock come back. Are they the Teddy Roosevelt?
* The bass player on this album is Dr. Matt Destruction! No wonder they went nuclear. I'm going to adopt that as my new drunk nickname.
* Dr. Matt Destruction just completely annihilates that bass line in the middle of the song!
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Random thoughts:
* I have never listened to Hanoi Rocks before. I have a vague memory of them being a punchline to a joke in the late 80s/early 90s.
* It is very much an 80s sounding album.
* They are Finnish! Are they the most famous pop/rock band from Finland?
* Oh damn! They broke up due to the drunk driving incident with Vince Neil. Yikes.
* They are the link from glam to hair metal.
* Anyway, I won't be choosing this one again.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I tried listening to this one on 3 separate occasions and never made it 100% of the way through. I guess that probably says a lot about this album.
* I want to really like this album and there are some definite standouts. I was already hip to Tightrope and had that one in my rotation. But the flow was a bit too artistic and couldn't hold my attention through normal life.
* I also am pretty sure I ripped this album back when I would get CDs from the public library back around 2012 or so. So it should be on my old friend iPod Classic. :)
* I also remember critics loving this album and I already like some other Janelle Monae tracks like Q.U.E.E.N. so I felt like I should love this album but alas it is not meant to be love for me this time.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is way more psychedelic than I remember. There are some pretty long extended jams on here.
* Why are the 2 best songs the last 2 on the album?
* Voodoo Child (Slight Return) might be the best Jimi Hendrix song in my humble opinion.
* The last 2 songs really boost the rating of this album overall.
Liz Phair
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This a track for track answer to the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St.
* I should deep dive into that and read the lyrics while playing each track back to back.
* Liz Phair is a badass and I enjoy her music overall but I honestly like the poppy stuff better. Seriously, go listen to “Extraordinary” from the Liz Phair album. That guitar riff is undeniable.
* Fuck and Run is brutal. That is a tough listen in retrospect.
* There are some great tracks (Fuck and Run and Never Said stand out)on Guyville but overall this album is talked about more than people actually like listening to it.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I expected a little more punk and less lounge/pop vibes.
* I always felt like I should be the type of person who would like Elvis Costello and this album definitely doesn't make me feel like I'm missing out.
* I bet some fans were disappointed with this album when it came out.
* I could see how people could get into this. It would take me more listens than I'm willing to invest.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is underrated. What a great tune!
* I don't love Marrakesh Express but apparently it was the hit song off this album.
* I didn't realize that Everybody's Talkin' is a cover song. The Harry Nillson version feels so definitive.
* Weird to hear an early version of Teach Your Children. The CSNY version is the one we all know.
Van Halen
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I grew up with Van Halen 1984 so it took me a good while to discover this album in the late 90s. I probably got to this album because of the Tone Loc sample.
* Anyway, this is some guitar ripping stuff!
* Eruption plus You Really Got Me are peak guitar rock!
* Overall a solid rock album with a bit of filler at the end.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is a west-coast rap classic. While they borrowed heavily from P-Funk (even with a spoof of the song P-Funk), they did take rap to another level with this album.
* I distinctly remember listening to this on a school bus in high school for the first time. I was hooked immediately from that intro. Wow!
* Nuthin' But a G- Thang is a total anthem and one of the best rap tracks of all time. I remember this video being played on continually rotation on that video request TV channel. I still like to rap this one at karaoke.
* There are fewer skits than I recalled but I could do without them. This complaint isn't specific to Dre but to all rap records.
* Gotta dock this album one-star for the misogyny. It's a little too much and the only thing keeping this from an absolute classic.
Beck
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This is such a 90s album. It just sounds so 90s with the hip hop influences and samples. Plus the freak folk of Beck.
* This is peak Beck in my opinion. He's done so many different things since but this was his masterpiece. He's done a lot of great stuff since but nothing ever matched this height.
* Top tracks are "Devil's Haircut", "The New Pollution", "Jack-Ass", and "Where It's At".
* The lesser tracks are good too. "Derelict" stands out for me.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I've never heard of Nanci Griffith before this. Glad I could get educated a little.
* I was prepared to dislike this a bunch but it was quite good even if it was maybe bordering on too much country for my taste.
* The songwriting was so good it really did transcend genres.
* I will definitely listen to this one again.
Pretenders
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The first few song were way more punk than I expected. Then they ended up covering a lot of genres with pop and rock thrown in there. They were not easy to pinpoint.
* I like Stop Your Sobbing quite a bit.
* Brass in Pocket is the standout hit track for sure.
* I guess they have been putting out albums since 1980, but this early 80s stuff is what I think about when I think of the Pretenders. I wasn't ever really a big fan and this definitely didn't make me a fan either. I could take it or leave it. It was perfectly fine.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I do not like Stevie Wonder ballads. "You and I" was a drag after both "Sunshine" and "Maybe Your Baby".
* I'm down with anything that has even the slightest funk or bit of uptempo. "I Believe" starts off and feels like it might be complete sap but that outro is great and has an uplifting and upbeat section to end the song.
* I really got lost in the best way on "Maybe Your Baby". Just a groove that kind of enveloped me.
* "Superstition" might be one of the funkiest songs of all time. So good on so many levels.
* Stevie is a musical and vocal genius. Just drop the sappy ballads.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Random thoughts:
* feels like this is a bit of a genre mashup making it hard to define: dream pop, jangly guitar, 90s alternative before it happened, 80s alt a la the smiths.
* I can see why this is a bit of a hidden gem and don’t get the proper attention it deserved
* I listened to this one twice because it was such a good album to throw on.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
Random thoughts:
* There was a bit more touch of Irish than I expected on this album.
* I heard a theory that "Nothing Compare 2 U" is about Sinead's mom to her. Couple that with "You Cause As Much Sorrow" and I think she was definitely working through some things with the death of her mother.
* The closer is a beautiful song and shows off her incredible voice.
* Glad I listened to this and would happily listen again but I won't be choosing this one again on my own.
Billie Holiday
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was pleasant to my ears. I liked the trombone solos throughout.
* I swear if you played me random 15 second clips of any of the songs I wouldn't be able to distinguish or name them.
* I honestly couldn't tell you any of Billie Holiday's top songs. But somehow I know the name automatically and know she is a famous singer. How did she permeate culture without people knowing the art?
* I read about Billie Holiday and especially the end of her life. So sad. Drugs and alcohol. Seemed like she was revered though by other musicians.
The Fall
2/5
Random thoughts:
* Drone-y and almost all the songs were indistinguishable. They did have a touch of Velvet Underground.
* The last 2 songs were interesting since they incorporated some different musical styles.
* Julian suffered through this with me on a road trip and he will not be listening to this again and he agreed with my 2-star rating. He really wanted to rate it but I wanted to add the comments first.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Last Goodbye is my favorite track from this album. Probably influenced by its inclusion on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack.
* Lots of the songs have a similar guitar sound to Last Goodbye which is distinctly Jeff Buckley.
* There are some heavy rockers on here that I forgot.
* Hallelujah is an amazing cover and shows that Jeff had some excellent taste.
* I read that Beth Gibbons recorded Teardrop (by Massive Attack) on the day she learned of Jeff's death.
* Kevin Morby recorded an album ("This is a Photograph") about Memphis that has several references to Jeff Buckley on it. His impact is still going strong 25+ years later.
* Overall it is a pretty good listen with a few really standout tracks.
Duran Duran
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I never even considered listening to a Duran Duran album before. But there's a first time for everything.
* I played this through several times and was quite enjoyable. But I won't be adding it to my desert island lists anytime soon.
* The hits were enjoyable, Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf. The rest was fine but nothing worth noting.
* There is a little Depeche Mode and other 80s electronic music which is kind of my jam too, so I did like it overall.
The Smiths
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I think I'm now a fan of The Smiths. I'm just down with the sound and music style. Who knew?
* I listened to this album 3-4 times because it was quick and a good listen.
* I particularly liked "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" and "Unhappy Birthday" but the whole album was solid.
* I'm looking forward to delving into more of The Smiths discography.
Circle Jerks
2/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm not a punk guy, so I have no business reviewing something like this.
* It was over fast. Crazy to have 14 songs in 15 minutes!
* It wasn't as acoustically assaulting as I was prepared for.
* I loved "Beverly Hills". Great track!
* I like ending songs with just screaming the title. More groups should do this in other genres. It would be hilarious.
* I'm more rounded as a music fan for listening to this one. I will never listen to this again likely unless it is for something academic like this.
David Bowie
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm pretty sure the album artwork is way more famous than the music.
* Somehow, I've never listened to this album before now. I owe an apology to someone.
* "Panic in Detroit" really grabbed me on the first listen.
* "Spend the Night Together" is an awesome cover. Has anyone compiled all of Bowie's covers? He should have done a whole album of covers because that would have been fun.
* Glam Bowie era was some good fun and a great listen.
The Black Keys
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I've been meaning to check out more Black Keys albums and work so it was fortuitous that this was on the list.
* Solid music and songs throughout.
* I gravitated to the hits I know already: "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' For You" but the rest is quite good too.
* The simplicity of the music give it a timeless feel where this music could fit in many eras.
* I need to listen to this more but overall this was a solid/good listen.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Green Onions is an all-time jam.
* These guys are amazing musicians.
* This was a great album to cruise around to while doing my daily kid pickup/dropoffs.
* I didn't care for the "Twist and Shout" cover. Not sure why.
* This album is pretty good but I'm partial their album McLemore Avenue which is an album cover of the Beatles Abbey Road. Check it out!
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm not really sure what this music is. 80s pop, jazz, soft rock, something else. It was definitely not what I expected.
* I liked this music overall. The lyrics were quite weird: "Horsin' Around" and "Blueberry Pies". What?
* I definitely want to listen to this one again. I just can't quite figure out what it is.
Don McLean
4/5
Random thoughts:
* American Pie the song is an all-time great. It is enduring despite its crazy length.
* I like the theory that it is about the day Buddy Holly died. I think I’ve heard Don McLean say it is just a song but it is cooler to think it is about the history of rock n roll from 1958 to 1972.
* the rest of the album is way more singer song writer than I imagined. It is Jim Croce/James Taylor. It is super chill and I liked it well enough. Vincent was a standout.
* this might be the ultimate does a single song make a great album litmus test.
Charles Mingus
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I know the name Charles Mingus but never listened to him before. Thank you 1001 for the education.
* What kind of jazz do you call this. Dark, story, growling jazz?
* I liked track C the most on this album. Very noir and and really sets the tone for a film.
* Happy to be exposed to something new and different. Not sure I'll return here. But a good listen nonetheless.
The Clash
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Somehow, despite owning both Combat Rock and London Calling, I never explored more Clash and especially this album. Shame on me.
* Even from this first album, The Clash were different than other punk groups due to their melody and musicality. They still had the punk attitude and snarl but brought some real musicianship to the proceedings.
* Stand out tracks for me are: I'm So Bored with the USA, Hate and War, and Police and Thieves.
* Overall, this is a definitive must listen for it's importance and to hear the beginnings of one of the all-time punk groups.
R.E.M.
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Listened to this passively on a Saturday morning.
* Radio Free Europe is a great opening track.
* The rest of it sounded a bit drone-y and similar. Nothing caught my attention.
* I'm probably a more of the REM hits-only guy.
Portishead
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Sadly, I did not get into trip hop in the 90s. My tastes were not refined enough or I just wasn't cool enough for it. I'm bummed that I missed this when it was new.
* I'm glad I found this music recently. I'm a big fan. I actually discovered this through the podcast 60 songs that explain the 90s. I guess my tastes are more refined now because clearly I'm still not cool.
* Beth Gibbons voice over that ominous music is a great mixture.
* I listened to this on a rainy morning commute which is pretty good atmosphere for this album. Daylight is not the time for this album. This is late night listening material.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Random thoughts:
* this is a little bit like Frank Zappa
* Blue Turk is cool jazzy-rock tune that I listened to several times.
* School’s Out is a fun song. I loved blasting this song on the last day of school with my kids. Embarrassing them thoroughly. Also, Another Brick in The Wall is a good one for blasting on the last day of school.
* Overall this was more interesting than I expected.
* It is still weird that Alice Cooper was the band name and then the guy took the name later. He was just Vincent the lead singer at first. This doesn’t make sense in my brain.
System Of A Down
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Even thought they are American born, I love that they are called an "Armenian-American" band. Respect the roots.
* They have a distinct sound and no other bands really sound like them both rhythmically and melodically.
* I appreciate the vocals because he actually sings. There isn't too much of the metal cookie monster voice.
* Metal isn't my jam really but this seems overall pretty entertaining.
Nirvana
4/5
Random thoughts:
* It is hard not to judge this album in the shadow of Nevermind. No matter what Nirvana did after that it was not going to measure up.
* They definitely went a little darker and harder to probably turn off the masses. But a few songs still pushed through: Heart Shaped Box, Rape Me, Pennyroyal Tea, All Apologies.
* There is enough here for an above average album with a more acquired taste.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Never heard of this or the artist before.
* This is an album of why I do 1001, I would have never been exposed to something like this.
* I like these kind of albums way better than the one off 2010s random albums that were chosen.
* I feel so much more cultured for listening to this. I'm sure I'm just as trashy and cheesy but I feel way cooler for having heard this.
* Overall, the music was pretty enjoyable and mostly upbeat. I'm impressed it was a single dude playing this jazz/freestyle for over an hour. Amazing!
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This is Marvin Gaye's masterpiece.
* The social consciousness album still means as much today as it did in 1971, part because the music is so good and we still have so far to go as a country and civilization.
* What's Going On, Mercy Mercy Me, and Inner City Blues are the standout tracks here but the whole album just flows wonderfully.
* I'm going to have to listen to this one a few more times.
New York Dolls
3/5
Random thoughts:
* A little bit punk, a little bit glam, a little bit KISS. a little bit Twisted Sister. All rock n roll.
* They had to be the inspiration for Rocky Horror Picture Show.
* None of the songs particularly stood out to me as "hits" but also none of the songs were "duds" either. Just solid rocking straight through.
Ministry
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I owned this album on CD. I bought it after seeing the video debut of N.W.O. on headbangers ball.
* Is this album metal, is it industrial? I'm not sure.
* I enjoyed the nostalgia of hearing this album, especially the first 2 tracks. But I ran out of steam as the album progressed. Which reminded why I never loved this album back when I got it.
* There is some interesting bits especially Jesus Built My Hotrod.
* I played this in the car with Julian and he hated it. It sounded like "shit" and the musical parts were too repetitive. Oh well.
King Crimson
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Very proggy and fantastical
* This falls somewhere between Emerson Lake and Palmer and Jethro Tull.
* I feel like I should have liked this better. Maybe I need to re-listen with headphones to get the full effect.
* I think had I discovered this organically I would have liked it better.
* Definitely need to give this one another shot.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm mad at myself for never picking up this album. I've loved Trans Europe Express for a long time and never explored more. Thank you 1001.
* I was bopping to The Robots. These funky Germans are straight up robots. They are the grandparents of Daft Punk.
* I was surprised to see The Model as the top streamed Kraftwerk track on Spotify. But on second listen this is a catchy one.
* I feel like Kraftwerk is an acquired taste but one that I personally love just like whiskey, wine, and coffee. Get yourself acquainted.
Radiohead
5/5
Random thoughts:
- this is definitely the 2nd best Radiohead album after Kid A.
- this whole album has great tracks. Fake Plastic Trees is just ok in my opinion, still a good track, and that might be one of the weaker tracks on this album. That’s how loaded this album is
- did anyone ever parody “the bends”? Would be perfect for “my baby ‘s got Depends”. Dad joke. :)
- High and Dry and Just are my favorite cuts here
- Radiohead is not happy and “fun” music. It’s kinda downer/anxiety music. But still somehow so good.
Common
3/5
Random thoughts:
- I listened to this 2 times through passively. Nothing caught my ear in particular.
- How did Common get so famous? I clearly know who he is but can’t really name a single song or album. I find that strange but maybe that says more about me than anything else.
- maybe try this one again with a more dedicated ear
Pink Floyd
5/5
Random thoughts:
- this was a fun revisit. I’ve been listening to Dark Side and Wish You Were Here more lately so it was surprising to remember how good the music and story is.
- I remembered the 2nd half dragging but on this listen it was brisk and flowed so great.
- this is more broadway rock than just rock album. The story is almost as important as the music.
- when listening to the album I actually was getting confused since I’m pretty sure the movie has a different track order. Not vastly different but enough for me to notice.
- the song quality on here is ridiculous! There are like 10 excellent songs. “Mother” was one that I kind of forgot and was happy to hear again.
- I’m not sure if this is better than Dark Side or Wish You Were Here, it’s more a matter of preference. This is an absolute classic that everyone should listen to.
Beatles
5/5
Random thoughts:
- I think I listened to this like 5 times through on my trip through the black hills. I only got tired of Drive My Car and mainly because it played a few other times on my road trip playlist.
- Rubber Soul is transitionary Beatles from boy band to 60s rock pioneers and legends.
- you can hear them branching out in different directions: Nowhere Man, In My Life, Norwegian Wood, I’m Looking Through You.
- Run For Your Life is a great tune but I have qualms with the lyrics. It’s basically a clean version of Eminem. Yikes.
- In My Life is an amazing tune. I demand that it be played at my funeral. There will not be a dry eye in the house.
- my favorite deep cuts from this one are The Word and If I Needed Someone. George Harrison is so wildly underrated.
- this is a must listen for any music fan.
Patti Smith
3/5
Random Thoughts:
* Listened to this one several times and was enjoyable enough to keep it on repeat but it didn't reveal anything deep or meaningful to me.
* I definitely enjoyed Patti's take on "Gloria". That was a fun listen.
* It's only been about a week and a half since I listened to this and I realize nothing else jumped out at me. Can't recall a single track besides "Gloria".
* She is soulful, a little raw, and kinda punk. I can see why people would have got into Patti Smith.
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
Random thoughts:
* 69, heh heh heh
* Kidding aside, this is a real ambitious endeavor. He tried for 100 songs and decided he could only make it to 69.
* This was daunting, seeing it was a 2 hour and 52 minute play time across 3 discs. This nearly broke me. That a lot of listening.
* There is no one I can fully comprehend and adequately rate this album after a single listen. It is definitely one that might be worth revisiting.
* I liked some of the more psychedelic sounding tracks which seemed to be more on disc 3. "Underwear" was a standout."Papa Was A Rodeo". There was another song that had the voice all distorted like Darth Vader. That was cool.
* Anyway, this is a big bold album and is definitely the kind of album that should be on 1001. Maybe I'll drift back into this one again and give it the proper attention needed.
Killing Joke
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I was jamming to this.
* I really was digging the repetitive groove that this rocked out to.
* I guess they are the god fathers of industrial rock. I could see a little of Pretty Hate Machine in there.
* I might pick this one up again if I’m in the right mood. Nice to learn about some of the influences of more popular bands.
Maxwell
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was better than I expected coming in.
* I knew of Maxwell but never really knew his songs. Maybe if I listened to Maxwell more I would have had more luck with the ladies.
* This was some good slow jams music.
* I'll throw this one on to get in the right "mood".
Bob Dylan
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I was totally jamming when I turned this one on and "Rainy Day Women" got me grooving all over my kitchen. I forgot how fun that song is. Why don't I play that song more often?
* "Visions of Johanna" really caught my ear. I know many people think this is one of Dylan's best. I see why. I need to listen to this one about a thousand more times.
* There were several bluesy songs on this one, a side of Dylan I don't really think of or maybe never knew.
* "Just Like a Women" and "Fourth Time Around" are Dylan classics and it was fun to hear them in the context of their original album.
* I'll need to come back to this album a few more times and get to know some of the other tunes way better. This was a really good one. Maybe not a classic in my book....yet.
Van Halen
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is definitely transitional VH. Moving from traditional classic rock to more 80s rock.
* Jump and Panama are all-timers.
* Panama might be one of the most underrated songs as it is so good on so many levels.
* Jump has one of the best sounding drums and and drum intros!
*Hot For Teacher and that double bas sounds like a revving engine! Master class on the drums.
* I will always remember the Hot For Teacher video. Huge impact on an impressionable young man in the 80s. "I don't feel tardy".
* Solid album with some all-time tracks!
The B-52's
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Rock Lobster is still a super fun song!
* What a weird group? How did this group actually work or come to be. They feel like they are way out in left field.
* The first song sounded like it was inspired by those 50s/60s sci-fi b-movies.
* I enjoyed their punky and funky version of "Downtown" to close out the album.
* B-52s feel like they are closer to Weird Al than any alternative rock but maybe they just are that connective tissue between those genres.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This is the only proper Stones album I have even owned. So I am probably biased towards this one due to familiarity. (Side note: like all real music fans I have owned Hot Rocks since before I can remember).
* This might be the most Stones album out there between hits: Gimme Shelter and You Can't Always Get What You Want but it also has lots of country influence too. And boy does it get grimy with Let It Bleed and Country Honk. Maybe it is a little light on blues but it's still there in every song.
* Let It Bleed might be the dirtiest song without a single curse word. What a great tune but you don't want to play this around your kids or your parents.
* I realized that You Can't Always Get What You Want is quite the Beatles influenced song with the horns and choir. Great tune and excellent production/recording.
* Monkey Man is one of my favorite tracks from this album and is the reason i bought this album.
* I'm looking forward to listening to more Stones albums as we continue down this 1001 journey.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I thought Ryan Adams got cancelled. Oh well, I have no issue separating art from artist.
* I've always dug New York. I added this song to my I Heart NY playlist and have listened to this track many times.
* Firecracker was a good one too and speaking of which I need to add to my 4th of July playlist.
* Overall this album is just alright. I won't revisit it besides the few songs that stand out.
The Who
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I own this on CD and have watched the movie at least once.
* I vaguely remember this being a slog to get through but on this listening I realized it is way more catchy than I realized. The instrumental tracks are super solid.
* Pinball Wizard might be one of my top 10 all-time tracks! I absolutely love this song. I can't get enough.
* I'm Free and Overture are great tracks and really caught my ear.
* I'm not sure I really understand what Pete Townsend is trying to say through this art. But it is a fun time capsule.
* This inspired one of my all-time favorite pinball machines. Seriously, drop some quarters in if you ever encounter it. Such a cool machine.
Radiohead
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I always liked this album but I now see why Radiohead didn’t put out a double disc with Kid A. Several tracks are really good but it starts to drag a bit at the end.
* I’m a huge fan of the opening track and “Pulk/Pull”. Everything up to “Morning Bell/Amnesiac” is great in my opinion.
* Steven Hyden made a playlist of combined Kid A / Amnesiac but I’m not sure he nailed it. There definitely is a universe with a combined album that transcends Kid A but until then we can listen to Kid A (the masterpiece) and then listen to Amnesiac( the leftovers) which are still pretty great just not as good as eating at the restaurant originally.
Elastica
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I was surprised to see this album on this list to begin with. I don’t think anybody ever told me you gotta listen to the Elastica album.
* the songs are generally only 1-2 minutes long which gave it more of a punk aesthetic. I was definitely surprised by that.
* I wanted the songs to be longer when listening and then they had a longer song and I realized the shorter songs were better. Good job producer.
* it wasn’t a bad album but nothing really stuck out. Even “Connection” is a hit because of that “booooouuuuu” guitar chord. The hook or lyrics really don’t grab you like that unique guitar chord/sound.
David Holmes
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was interesting. Sort of a mash up of 90s DJ music and the Beastie Boys minus any rap.
* I enjoyed the random conversations in the music. It really gave the album a feel of time and place.
* I might add this to some instrumental playlists I have going for when I just want some tunes without much else going on.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Random thoughts:
* Why do they offer this in mono and stereo. Stereo is better period. There's a reason all new recordings are stereo by default.
* This is a no doubt classic and is legendary for inspiring the Beatles to new heights with Sgt. Peppers. However, this does feel somewhat more dated than the Beatles. I'm not sure why it doesn't have a more timeless feel.
* Brian Wilson clearly had been dealing with mental health issues. How can you listen to this and not hear his mental struggles in songs like "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" and "God Only Knows". I'm glad we got to have Brian Wilson on this earth for a good long time.
* On the latest listen (I listened to this album at least 3 times for this endeavor), the song "Pet Sounds" kind of caught me by surprise and felt like just a good instrumental. I added it to my Summer playlist.
* A definite classic but maybe a bit dated today.
ABBA
4/5
Random thoughts:
* confession: I’m a big Mama Mia! fan. Both the movie and the stage show. So I was actually excited to listen to this one.
* Obviously I was very familiar with about 4-5 of the songs and had never heard any of the rest before. I’ve always been a ABBA Greatest Hits listener.
* However, as expected, all ABBA songs are basically the same song with just minor variations. So I found several of the “new” songs enjoyable. Especially, “When I Kissed The Teacher”, “Tiger”, and “Why Did It Have To Be Me?”.
* Clearly “Arrival” should have been the opening track. Someone really messed it up by putting “Teacher” first. This album could have been a better album with a different track order.
* Regardless of track ordering and similar sounding songs. This is peak ABBA with some of their classics like Dancing Queen and Fernando. However, “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is my favorite track here. You have to give this a listen and you are soulless if this doesn’t move you literally or figuratively.
Metallica
4/5
Random Thoughts:
* I remember either owning this album on cassette tape or borrowing it from someone for an extended period of time in 1991-1992. I was 14/15 years old at the time.
* I really liked this album when it came out and re-listening to this album brought back a ton of nostalgia.
* Of course, "Enter Sandman" is a classic and still rocks out today but several of my other favorite tracks were fun to revisit: "Sad But True", "Wherever I May Roam", and "Nothing Else Matters".
* I'm interested to see how my metalhead friend rates this one.
* I don't want to really get into the whole Metallica sold out thing.
* This album is still a fun listen and has some great songs. You should definitely listen without prejudice. My guess is that you will also find this album fun and rocking!
Elvis Costello
3/5
Random thoughts:
* 1001 loves Elvis Costello.
* I don’t love Elvis Costello as much as 1001 does.
* I find this album and most of Costello’s stuff pretty good but I’m not inclined to seek it out again.
* The first 2 tracks were pretty catchy.
* I didn’t listen to the rest too closely but did play it through twice.
Cornershop
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I distinctly remember buying this album. It was because Spin magazine said it was the best album of 1997. Sort of dubious now considering it was the same year OK Computer and Daft Punk’s Homework came out. Welp?!?
* Brimful of Asha is still a fun and catchy tune. It doesn’t get enough play.
* I also enjoyed the Sleep on the Left Side. As it gave me a shot of nostalgia.
* I didn’t remember the Norwegian Wood cover but maybe because it’s not that good.
* I will probably always be a little bit mad at this album just because Spin magazine oversold it. Solid music and interesting with the mash up up of pop and traditional Indian sounds.
Steely Dan
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm kinda in my full dad-rock phase at this point and I should be all about Steely Dan.
* I dug the hits on here: Rikki and Any Major Dude.
* The rest was fine. I think I'll end up liking and rating higher the other Steely Dan albums.
* Enjoyable but definitely not classic outside of the key tracks.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Random thoughts:
* pleasant listen on my commute home. Definitely chilled me out despite the Denver traffic.
* I’d heard of Thelonious Monk before but never listened knowingly before. This was some good classic jazz.
* I’d definitely throw this on again some night for a chill night.
* I’m not sure this is up there with Brubek or Miles Davis but it is good. Might take some time to grow on me.
The Who
4/5
Random thoughts:
* do The Who fit nicely in between the Beatles and the Stones? Maybe leaning a little more to the Stones.
* I thought most of this album wasn’t worth stopping by for but “My Generation” is a seminal rock-n-roll track. You really do need to hear the original before you die.
* I also like the Kids are alright.
* the Ox really showcased Keith Moon’s drum chops.
* “I’m a Man” and the Muddy Waters rip off made me laugh. I’m not sure that was what they were going for.
* Legal Matter also entertained me, but mostly because my wife is an attorney.
* Also, was not expecting a James Brown cover by the Who! That was surprising!
* Outside of “My Generation” I could let this one go. But do respect the influences and early music chops on display.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I really enjoyed this one.
* this one was better than I anticipated. It brought back memories of 9/11 but I also remember how much this album felt like a big come back for NYC.
* This really captured a moment in time and was able to lift up a city and country.
* The music still holds up and this was an album I will revisit.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Random thoughts:
* surprised to learn this is Jonathan Richman. I became aware of Jonathan Richman and his album I, Jonathan a few years ago. I thought maybe it was through 1001 but I can’t find him there. That album has a great track called “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar”
* this music of The Modern Lovers felt familiar and unique at the same time. Weird to feel that way.
* I enjoyed this one a lot and can see why it is included in 1001.
* this music was clearly way ahead of its time. Still sounds fresh today.
* I’ll come back a revisit this one.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The lead track is still so great. I think I heard a little steel drum in the background that I never picked up on before. There's always something new to hear in even longtime favorite tracks.
* I got a lot of Joe Cocker vibes from this album. Maybe it was the gospel/soul influence but it was definitely there.
* Overall, solid record but none of the other tracks really rose to the level of "Love The One You're With".
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was some chill jazz. Maybe almost stereotypical.
* This would have been cool to have been in the house for this one live and then have it preserved on record.
* I didn't realize several of the songs repeated.
* I wonder if I'm too much of a jazz novice to really appreciate this one.
* I'll play this one again when I need some chill jazz background music.
AC/DC
4/5
Random thoughts:
* If Back to Black is the Mona Lisa of cock rock, Highway to Hell is the Vitruvian Man of cock rock.
* Not as loaded with well know hits but all the songs rock.
* Highway to Hell is pretty ironic considering Bon Scott's fate.
* You can't really go wrong with rocking out to this not quite a classic. Rock on!
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Random thoughts:
* You really have to be in the right mood to listen to Leonard Cohen.
* I listened to him yesterday when I was in a sour mood and it was hitting horrible.
* I listened to the rest of the album this morning when I was in a better mood and this was better, not particularly great but not horrible.
* What the fuck is going on in "Diamonds in the Mine"? That was unexpected and does not mesh with the rest of the album. The background singers and his belligerent singing over the top. That was wild and unexpected!
* I'm guessing the record company had no clue how to market Leonard Cohen. He really doesn't fit into any traditional music category or definition.
* I think this album made me come to realize that I'm a greatest hits kind of Leonard Cohen fan. I don't think I really need to listen to any more Leonard Cohen albums. I'll just go through on the greatest hits vol 1 and vol 2.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Synthy, moody, and oh so 80s.
* I only know the "If You Leave" song from 80s movie fame by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. (OMitD). (Wow! I just noticed the way they spelled "Manoeuvres" was a play on mashing maneuvers with oeuvres.)
* I was shocked to see that "If You Leave" is not their number on streamed song. It is a song called Enola Gay. Has over double the plays of "If You Leave".
* I have no clue why 1001 picked such a random album by OMITD that doesn't contain either of their top 2 streamed songs. Maybe just to prove they are not the one-hit wonder I assumed they were.
* If I ever don't have enough other synthy 80s music to listen to, I'll swing over to OMITD. Otherwise, I'll probably not revisit this one tbh.
Fats Domino
3/5
Random thoughts:
* One of the only albums we can't get on Spotify.
* I was able to find a playlist that was pretty close.
* Blueberry Hill is a classic that is still well known.
* Love the jazz and New Orleans influence in his music.
* He is an original and rock-n-roll pioneer. Definitely a must listen at some point.
Nirvana
5/5
Random thoughts:
* As a proud gen x-er, this one is up there in the must own category.
* I revisit this one ever once in a while and I'm constantly impressed by the yowl, musicality, and fragility of it all.
* Some great cover choices here: Bowie, Meat Puppets and Lead Belly ("Where Did You Sleep Last Night").
* The ending with Where Did You Sleep Last Night is masterful.
* No notes. Certified classic.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Random thoughts:
* "The test begins now"
* This is already one of my favorite albums so I will just continue to gush here.
* I love myself a concept album and to boot, one about robots going crazy and a karate-trained girl name Yoshimi battling them! How fucking cool?!?
* I don't totally get the story but there is a wizard/magicians and time travel as well!
* I love the proggy/psychedelia of the music as well.
* I want "Do You Realize?" played at my funeral.
* I distinctly remember being introduced to this album (shout out to Gubiotti) and listening to it on repeat while commuting endless hours on the LIRR.
* Always happy to throw this one on! Must listen for everyone!
The Fall
3/5
Random thoughts:
* 1001 is quite tilted to English albums that I've never heard of. I guess maybe this is because the author is English and not American.
* Here's another English album and group I've never heard of.
* This is a weird mix of music genres here on this album and probably why it is on the list. There is some electronica (aka proto-Fat Boy Slim or Prodigy), 80s synth, maybe a little punk. A little bit like Big Audio Dynamite.
* I was reading up on The Fall and someone said they were an influence on LCD Soundsystem. I can totally feel that.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Random thoughts:
* The first 2 tracks really grabbed me and sounded great and ahead of the time for late 80s. But the 3rd song Shopping almost lost me entirely.
* It's a Sin is so 80s and I can see why it was the hit song but it wasn't really the best song on this album.
* Hit Music was a fun track too but my favorite was "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" I'm pretty sure I remember hearing this song on top 40 radio when I was a kid. I don't recall a video for it on MTV.
* This is another play for 1001, is to have an English band whose top hit is on an entirely different album than the one chosen for this exercise. See Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.
* Pet Shop Boys were ahead of their time and get some just recognition here. This was a fun listen and most of the album I would enjoy listening to again.
Missy Elliott
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is the only Missy Elliott album that I own. Got this on CD when it came out in 2002. However, besides Work It and Gossip Folks, I haven't revisited this album much since 2002.
* I forgot how much Aaliyah's death was a big part of this album at least through the spoken word sections and the last track. It really doesn't match up to the dirty, flirty, and old school vibe on the rest of the album.
* I really dig the tracks I forgot, especially the opening track "Go To The Floor".
* While not maybe as inventive and as innovative as some of Missy's previous work, this was a fun and hooky album. Might be peak Missy. I'll gladly put this one on again for the fun tracks.
Common
3/5
Random thoughts:
* 2 Common albums on 1001. I didn't realize I was missing a major artist of the past 25 years.
* I did like this Common album better than the previous one. I enjoyed the Kanye influence and reminded me of the classic Kanye.
* I enjoyed "Go!" and "Chi-City". "Testify" was weird and caught my attention both times I listened to it. I'm not sure how I feel about it though.
* I wonder how Common feels about Kanye now.
* Outro speech was weird. I didn't care for that much.
* Overall, was pretty enjoyable and good. I'd definitely listen again.
Public Enemy
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I knew 2 tracks before going into this album.
* interesting choice to have Fight The Power as the last track. Did they think it was not commercially viable?
* overall, many of the tracks were entertaining and good.
* the overall sound is kinda the same across all the tracks.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I listened to this album twice.
* I dug it!
* I also couldn’t tell you a single name or difference in any track.
* it’s kind of its own vibe.
Destiny's Child
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This really feels like a time capsule. This music sounds very much of the early 2000s.
* The first 3 songs were peak Destiny's Child. I remember these songs being everywhere. We were starting to realize that Bey was going to be our future queen.
* The Outro was cringy and reminded me of the terrible cheerleader speeches that I get to hear each year at the end of the season banquet. Why would anyone put that to music.
* Emotion was a great song. Is it a cover? Did they just use some of the musical elements of a different song?
* Overall a pretty fun listen and flashback.
Coldplay
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I own this one on CD.
* This album was huge when it came out. Clocks was everywhere. At least that's the track I remember the most from when this was popular.
* The first 6 tracks are excellent. The remainder of the tracks are good but not quite at the level of those first 6.
* I'd probably pick "God Put a Smile upon Your Face" as my favorite track but also really like "The Scientist" as it has been used a few times in film and commercials that have really resonated with me.
* There is a melancholy in this album that kind of runs just underneath the surface. It's not totally a downer like Radiohead albums but has a gravitas due to that sad feeling just out of reach.
* Was this peak Coldplay? They are so ubiquitous that they might be a bit underrated now.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Random thoughts:
* how can you pick a Dusty album that doesn’t have “Son of a Preacher Man”?!?!?
* Dusty’s voice is amazing. And the songs chosen are great due to all the composers. It sounds classic 60s through and through.
* I can’t penalize this for not having “Son of a Preacher Man”. Still a good 60s listen.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm not sure how to properly rate Neil Young. He's obviously a very important artist in the history of music. But on the other hand I'm just not a huge fan despite many listens and attempts.
* Cinnamon Girl and Down By The River are the standout track for me on this one and are all-time greats.
* The rest of it pretty much followed course but were tracks I'd never really listened to before.
* His voice is not the greatest and I know you are not listening to Neil for his beautiful pipes. It's more about the rocking and lyrics.
* This feels more like a 3.5 but I'll give it 4 because the impact Neil had on music.
David Ackles
2/5
Random thoughts:
* This was a weird one for sure. I can see why maybe this album has a cult following. It is not for everyone.
* Maybe this is just the last track but this felt like Randy Newman + Musical Theatre + Aaron Copland.
* This is pretty downer music overall.
* I basically didn't like but didn't absolutely hate it.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I liked the samples and music feel. Very soulful. I haven't listened to much Wu-Tang or all the solo albums.
* "Whip You With a Strap" really caught my attention. I'm not sure what he is saying or is just relaying his upbringing. Is he advocating for whipping kids? I'm not sure but it definitely was something.
* "Kilo" was a funky jam and I nodded along to that one too.
* Overall, pretty good!
Eels
3/5
Random thoughts:
- I know Novocaine For the Soul before listening to this one. Great track!
- kind of a Beck/90s vibe.
- pretty good and I probably should have been into the Eels in the 90s. I missed out.
OutKast
4/5
Random thoughts:
- Is the real last ATLiens record? While Speakboxx/Love Below was technically OutKast, this was the last one with them together.
- if they could have made more So Fresh, So Clean or Ms. Jackson, that would have been great
- I dug the hits on this one. The 2 tracks mentioned above plus B.O.B.
- the rest was pretty good the only one that really jumped out at me was Toilet Tisha. That song was rough.
- also, did CDs encourage artists to make albums too long. 1 hr and 13 minutes is a lot. It seems like 45 minutes is kind of the sweet spot. Just a thought that crossed my mind while listening to this one.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Random thoughts:
* to the best of my recollection, this was the first album I bought that was just for me. I wasn’t sharing this with my parents. It might have been the first cassette album I ever purchased.
* I wonder what my dad thought when I played Fight For Your Right to Party?!
* This is a tough album to rate: on one hand, the nostalgia and feelings I have for this album are immense. On the other hand: the misogyny and juvenility are impossible to defend.
* Some of the songs are still bangers: Paul Revere, Brooklyn, Brass Monkey.
* My personal deep cut is the addendum to New Style which I’ve always called My Posse. I consider it a song unto itself even if I’ve never seen anything saying that fact.
* My heart says 5 stars, my head says 4 stars.
* I’m going with my heart on this one.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I was expecting some renaissance fair shit and was dreading listening to this but it was way more Crosby Stills and Nash than I expected.
* There was even a little Jethro Tull (Tam Lin) and even Doors (Quiet Joys of Brotherhood).
* I knew of Sandy Denny and her participation on Battle of Evermore but never explored her music further. (Thanks again 1001 for the education!)
* Overall this was pretty decent listen. I don’t feel like I need to explore more but I’d gladly listen again.
Talking Heads
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I liked this one a lot! Definitely a listen again.
* Once in a Lifetime is a classic. Cool to hear it in its original form along with its siblings.
* I didn't realize there was a huge Afro influence on this record which was cool to listen to. It make this super funky and groovy throughout.
* I usually hate the extended/extra tracks but really dug the last 2 bonus tracks: "Double Groove" and "Right Start". "Right Start " seems like an early version of Once in a Lifetime.
* Once in a Lifetime is a wordy song. There is not a lot of breathing space in that song.
* 1001 show me again that I need to listen to more Talking Heads.
The Specials
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I don't know much about The Specials but I've always enjoyed ska music. It's nice to have more ska music in my life.
* This was a fun listen, I'd definitely seek more Specials in my life.
* I just realized I am familiar with some of their more popular songs not on this album (Message to You Rudy and Ghost Town).
* Enjoy Yourself was a fun track for both the opener and the reprise. I swear I've heard this covered in a pub before. Or maybe it just gives off "this should be played by a band in a pub" vibes.
* Overall good listen, will break out more ska and The Specials, specifically.
Supergrass
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I definitely "heard of" Supergrass before but was pretty sure I've never heard their music before and then "Alright" came on I instantly knew I'd heard this song many times before.
* "Alright" has a very timeless feel due to the use of the jaunty piano backing. I wouldn't have picked that as a song from the 1990s because I was expecting more grunge than Britpop.
* Supergrass is in that Blur/Oasis 90s Britpop scene solidly. Seems like they were a bit more aggressive/punky than their counterparts on most songs beyond "Alright"
* I never really listened to Supergrass in the 90s but I was basically out on the Britpop scene so not really surprising. They seemed a bit more fun and upbeat than Oasis. Too bad I didn't get into this in the 90s.
Pixies
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I was surprised to see this album on 1001. Not at all surprised by the other 2 choices.
* I'd never listened to this Pixies album before.
* The bass just rocks on all Pixies songs! Kim Deal is a rock badass!
* I dug some of the more chill tracks like "Ana".
* The quiet/loud dynamic was in full display here, like on "All Over The World".
* The singles from this album were just okay.
* The whole album was alright. I'd listen again but nothing that people really need to hear.
FKA twigs
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I've listened to FKA Twigs several times now based on critics recommendations. It's still not clicking for me.
* It really isn't fun music. It has kind of a sad and ephemeral sound which doesn't particularly make for upbeat listening.
* Lights On is a good song and was kind of sleek and sexy.
* I respect this music but I think it is just not for me.
The Streets
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I have adored this album for a long time.
* I think this might be an acquired taste. His English flow is true to himself. But it is hard for American listeners to hear the British slang and accent and weird flow.
* But I think that him being truly English is what makes this so great. I don't understand all the slang but there is no trying to water this down to be more mainstream in America.
* Also, the way he takes both losing a £1000 in his telly and a relationship arc of finding a girl and going through a breakup into a compelling story is quite an impressive feat.
* The music is also is quite well done, good production and cool beats.
* Best tracks are: "It Was Supposed to Be so Easy", 'Blinded by the Lights" and "What Is He Thinking".
* This is not a classic but is one of the better albums by showcasing a great story and soundtracking it withe some great beats and rhymes.
Air
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This music really matches the tone of the story/movie. It’s a perfect match.
* I’m down with Air. This is a great dreamy/trippy listen.
* I prefer the instrumental/vibraphone version of Playground Love. Check it out!
* The spoken interludes added to the overall feeling and was good artistic addition.
* I’ll be listening to this one again.
The Temptations
3/5
Random thoughts:
* outside of Papa was a Rolling Stone, this is a pretty generic 70s R&B album. It’s fine.
* Rolling Stone is a great song and everyone should listen and know this song.
* man I really hate some of these old ballads. First Time I Saw Your Face was a snoozer and almost ruined the whole album for me.
* just play Rolling Stone, stay for the rest if you need more 70s R&B, skip the ballad.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Solid rocking all around here.
* I was always kinda terrified of Iron Maiden due to their album covers. The album covers are way more scary than the music.
* "Run To The Hills" is a good one that I've heard before.
* Iron Maiden is somewhere in between heavy metal and hair metal.
* This feature "THE Bruce Dickinson"!!
* Some day when I commit to my metal phase I'm sure this rating will go way up.
Madonna
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Like a Prayer is still a pretty good jam. I remember seeing the video debut on TV live when I was a kid. I remember everyone losing their minds because of the burning crosses.
* I forgot about Express Yourself. Fun song and fun flashback!
* Madonna and Prince did a song together! What?!?! I don't remember this but listening to it was more like Prince did a Madonna song since it was so much more Prince than Madonna.
* Cherish was also a fun bop that also brought back some nostalgia.
* I enjoyed this album more than I expected. However, I won't be seeking it out anytime soon.
Neil Young
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Another Neil Young album!!!
* This was a good listen. It's pretty chill and no hit songs really jump out here.
* Vampire Blues and Revolution Blues were fun.
* Walk On might be the most upbeat song on this one.
* I'd need to listen more and I'm sure there would be more to discover. Someday I might start a Neil Young phase.
Cheap Trick
3/5
Random thoughts:
- “this is the first track on our new album”. So cool to hear that sample in its original form.
- “want you to want me” and “surrender” are the standouts.
- the crowd does seem really into Cheap Trick.
- I feel this one is a little overrated. People really love the 70s rock live shows. Maybe I had to be there to get it.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Random thoughts:
* this should right up my indie alley but this album always seemed elusive to me. I’ve never had the indie love I have for Radiohead or Sufjan.
* Arcade Fire is an excellent band and they have always kept me engaged and I’ve like many of their songs but maybe just not this album as a whole.
* there are several top notch songs on here: neighborhood #3 (power out), wake up, Haiti, and Rebellion (lies).
* something about this album just can’t hold my imagination.
* I just going to chalk it up to being too Canadian for me. Still a solid 2000s indie album
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Wow! 3+ hours of music.
* choosing a box set is kind of cheating.
* it was an enjoyable listen and I might throw it on for an evening again but it will not be a music selection I seek out often.
* Ella’s voice I beautiful and was great with these songs.
* However, it felt like a vanilla version of Ella Fitzgerald often. There wasn’t the scatting and the usual Ella verve on many of the tracks.
Ride
3/5
Random thoughts:
* When this was described as shoegaze I expected it to be a little more chill and this was more punk and rock than I was expecting. This is why I should go in totally blind sometime.
* Overall, this was an alright listen but it all kind of blended in together. Which I guess is maybe why it is called shoegaze.
* I listened to the top track "Vapour Trail" several times and none of it really captivated me. I guess I can see the influence in so many other groups.
* "Vapour Trail" really sounds like a 2000s era band and I can't quite place it. This is driving my brain nuts.
* Ride must have been way ahead of their time.
* I'll probably never pick this one up again.
The Residents
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was weird and freaky. And I like it. :)
* I went in totally blind and had no clue what I was in for. Which can be fun when it is as interesting as this.
* Shades of Modest Mouse and Primus were noticed in there while listening.
* Not exactly in the same vein but I wonder if Paul McCartney's "Temporary Secretary" was influenced by this. Maybe it's just the voice affectations.
* I can tell this would not be for everyone but I found it quite fun. I'll definitely learn a bit more and hopefully go back to listen again.
Coldplay
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Shiver has some definite echoes of Jeff Buckley. I was not expecting that!
* Not sure if it is due to exposure or just the style but several songs feel very timeless. Sparks falls into this category. It sounds like a song that has existed forever. Trouble too!
* Obviously, I remember when "Yellow" came out but I don't really remember the rest of the album. This is way more indie and singer-song-writer-y than Coldplay's later offerings.
* I've always liked Coldplay overall but have never went to see them live. I wouldn't call myself a fan. This album should have been in my repertoire before now as this is a very good album. This is way more up my alley than some of the other more pop-oriented albums.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I have never listened to a Willie Nelson album before. Of course, I'm familiar with a few of his big hits.
* This was a nice listen while I folded laundry.
* There were so many short songs on this one. I'm not sure I understand what Willie was going for.
* I did enjoy to hear a shout out to Denver! I wanted a bit more to grab on to but it was short and sweet.
* Apparently this is a concept/them album. They even made a movie with the story!
The Who
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This is probably The Who's best album. It's tight and rocking.
* The scream at the end of "Won't Get Fooled Again" is an all-time rock scream.
* The first 2 tracks and the last 2 tracks are certified bangers!
* Mobile is pronounced the British way. I kinda love it. lol
* This one is a classic and is still widely played. For good reason!
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This has been one of my favorites for at least 20 years now. Can't remember when exactly I "discovered" the Velvet Underground but it was based on a list like this. Probably one of those Rolling Stone magazines with the 500 greatest albums of all time.
* There is no doubt this was an influential album as it's impacts are still reverberating today. You can hear this in many indie and alternative bands now.
* I always found it weird that the very first album by the Velvet Underground was a collaborative effort that never happened again. That is just kinda strange. But Velvet Underground and Nico just work better together.
* The Andy Warhol impact is cool and punctuates the impact of this band on the overall culture.
* I'm Waiting for the Man is the best track hands down! I still bob my head every time I hear this song. Makes me want to go hangout at the corner of Lexington and 125.
* The rest of the songs are pretty great too just not as great as Waiting for the Man. However, I can do without European Son. Always kind of a sour note to end the album.
* This is a certified classic. Hands down for both listening and influence.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Random thoughts:
* I listened to this one twice. I can't remember if I've listened to this one before but I know this is considered one of Dylan's greatest albums.
* Easy to see why just by having "Tangled Up In Blue" opening the album.
* I love the Dylan quote about Tangled that the song took "ten years to live and two years to write".
* Other great songs on here are "Shelter From the Storm" and "Simple Twist of Fate".
* The rest of the songs were good to but none stood out to me but did beg for future listening and analyzation.
* This is a classic album that everyone should listen to.
Solange
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Solid listen. I've tried to listen to Solange before and I've realized this just isn't my kind of jam. Which is ok. Not everything is for everyone.
* It was good music and I was even bopping my head at one point. Not sure which tune though.
* I liked the theming and interludes.
* I'd definitely listen again but it would be unlikely for me to thoughtfully pick it out.
* Overall, I liked this but didn't love it.
Norah Jones
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I remember when this album came out and we all went crazy for this. As chill and jazzy as crazy can be considering the mood of this music.
* This was like getting out an old cozy blanket. This just felt nice and amazing listening to these tunes again.
* I also got to see Norah Jones live at the Beacon theatre during the time of this album's height. It was as chill and cool as you can imagine.
* Norah has had moments since then but nothing really captured our attention like this first fresh album which holds up surprisingly well.
* Top tracks here: "Don't Know Why", "Feelin The Same Way", "Come Away With Me", and "Turn Me On".
* Solid listen that I need to remember when I need a chill listen for my mood.
Little Richard
4/5
Random thoughts:
* what a voice and influence?!? There is no one like Little Richard
* to be black and effeminate, you know this music had to be something great to overcome the social barriers of his day.
* all of the songs are bops. He’s super talented.
* Classic foundation of the rock n roll to come. True trailblazer.
Living Colour
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I should have discovered this when it came out. I would have liked the whole album. Unfortunately I only listened to radio for the most part and only knew "Cult of Personality".
* The inclusion of this album was definitely to let us all know we missed out on something pretty great.
* Cult of Personality still kicks so much ass and is sadly more apt than when it was released.
* I'll have to revisit this one when I'm in a rockin' mood.
Paul McCartney
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I didn’t initially know which album this was until I saw the cover. And then I knew which album immediately.
* this is intimate and crazy in love Paul McCartney. To be so young and so infatuated. Lovely Linda and Maybe I’m Amazed are just awesome!
* Every Night jumped out as my favorite on this listen. So great!
* Teddy Boy and Junk are well known to Beatles fans as they were presented as potential Beatles tunes before the official breakup. These songs are meh. I might have kicked Paul out too over those songs. lol
* I was surprised by this album’s inclusion on 1001. Maybe they needed a solo McCartney and chose the most historically significant one. Maybe they don’t count Wings as solo McCartney?
* Solid listen with a few great tunes. Not a classic.
Radiohead
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I've said this one of the best Radiohead albums. However, upon this listen it had me questioning my Radiohead album rankings. This was a more dour listen than I remember. I know Radiohead isn't the most uplifting but it was bringing me down.
* There are still tracks on here that are all time favorites. House of Cards is still my all time favorite.
* Today this is a 4-star album that might move to a 5-star album on future listens.
* Something was just off when listening to it this week.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Let's Get It On is probably the best let's get freaky song of all time.
* Keep Gettin' It On was a pretty good sequel too.
* I would have played this a lot had I lived in the 70s.
* The rest of the music doesn't quite live up to "Let's Get It On" but that classic makes this a must listen.
Simply Red
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was way more upbeat music than I was expecting based on the one-hit I'm already aware of.
* I actually dug the extended jams. They kinda got stuck in my head. "Come to My Aid and Money's Too Tight
* Holding Back the Years is still great and I still dig it a lot.
* I did enjoy the other songs more in that vein too.
* Overall good but definitely one you can live without.
Bill Callahan
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I am familiar with Bill Callahan and really dig this guy's stuff.
* His voice is amazing and distinctive, so listening to more of his music is a treat.
* "Faith/Void" really stuck with me after listening to this one.
* "Eid Ma Clack Shaw" was a standout track too.
* I'll listen to this one a few more times and let it grow on me.
Love
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I know Love has a bit of a cult following and I know the first song, "Alone Again Or".
* This feels like a 1960s time capsule. There were some hints of The Who's Tommy in here.
* I didn't realize that half the group was white and half the group was Black. Just learned that today.
* I could live without this one to be honest. It's fine. Nice to hear but I won't be picking this one up again.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Punk but with funk!
* I bet this was groundbreaking at the time of its release.
* I can feel the influence in early 2000s indie groups like Bloc Party and Los Campesinos, etc.
* They were really adjacent of Clash and also expanded on what Punk was and took it to the next level.
* I put on Gang of Four radio on Spotify and it was pretty solid with many of 1001 entries (Modern Lovers, Suicide, Television) along with Devo, New Order, and the Stooges. Solid listen when in the proper mood.
Eurythmics
3/5
Random notes:
* 1001 trope of having a 80s band that is kinda a one-hit wonder and putting their album on here. Here's another one.
* Obviously, Sweet Dreams is all-timer. I think I must have heard this song over 1000 times and maybe actually chose to hear it only once or twice. Regardless, still an awesome song to listen to.
* The rest of the album was fine, nothing really stood out to me to revisit.
* It did strike me that the Eurythmics were a lot along the lines of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. They are a little bit alternative but still pop accessible. Pop with true artistic ambitions.
* Listen to Sweet Dreams a few more times.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I put this one on without looking at it much while on a car drive. And the first track started playing and I said to myself, this isn't John Lee Hooker, this is Santana! Turns out it was both Hooker and Santana.
* I wonder where Santana got the idea for Supernatural. Mmmmm?
* Track 2 and beyond were more the blues experience I was expecting.
* I never knew about this album before and is again why I'm happy to go through 1001 to be exposed and knowledgable about some more great music like this.
TLC
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I don’t have a ton to say about this one. Solid listen, I never listened to this album in full before.
* Creep and Waterfalls were the big hits when this came out. Especially Waterfalls, which I’m still not sure I know exactly what the song is about but it’s serious.
* Red Light Special. Damn! I’m speechless.
* I hated the last interlude. I really hate the skits from rap albums and thought this album would be free of them.
* Play the hits and the rest for a jammin good time.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I enjoyed this quite a bit but I’ve also been familiar with this album for 30 years but hadn’t revisited in a long time.
* 90s kids love the Violent Femmes. I’m not sure why Blister in the Sun was a staple of the 90s. Their song was also used in Reality Bites. Basically even though they are 80s I feel like they were more popular in the 90s. Maybe that is just a personal perception.
* There are at least 4 really great songs on this album: Blister, Kiss Off, Add It Up, and Gone Daddy Gone.
* I liked the bonus track Gimme the Car.
* The bass player kicks ass!
* very good album that should be heard.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I can’t really comment on rap albums these days. I feel kinda old and like I just don’t get it.
* It feels like Kendrick has a lot to say and I would need to put in more effort to truly “get” what he is saying.
* I’ve never heard any of these tunes before although I have listened Kendrick before and listened to all of “Pimp a Butterfly”
* I enjoyed the tunes but could use less profanity. But it represents how people talk.
* I probably need a few more listens but doubt I’ll head back.
Joy Division
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I’ve listened to this one before based on the love expressed for Joy Division. And on second listen, it’s still not a must listen to me.
* This music is just okay and I find it too dark of a mood for my liking.
* I’m sure there is something groundbreaking about this but it just doesn’t quite hold up over time.
* I doubt I’ll personally be going back to this again.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Listened to this one on YouTube since it's not currently available on Spotify.
* Kinda drone-y and faded into my background music while sitting at my computer. I guess that's why it's called shoegaze.
* I'd definitely need a few more listens to get the full effect of this album.
* I like it overall. Wish I could revisit it easier than YouTube.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I never listened to more than 2 Marilyn Manson songs in my whole life.
* I actually liked this. Is this considered metal? I like that he mostly sings but doesn't have that "cookie monster" voice.
* There are tinges of that nu-metal sound in here with scratching and beats and such.
* I'd definitely listen to this again but you do kinda have to be in the right mood.
* Better than expected!
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Random thoughts:
* First track has a weird techno intro and then moves into a heavier rock.
* Is this Evanescence?
* Never heard of this band. Skunk Anise? :)
* "Secretly" is prototypically late 90s/early 2000s alternative track.
* Ok, this is more late 90s alternative rock, might even have tints of Jeff Buckley, at least the last track "I'm Not Afraid" does.
* I'm not sure this warrants 1001 consideration but it is a good album and I bet this was someone's favorite back in 1999.
Talk Talk
2/5
Random thoughts:
* I know people have a fond like of Talk Talk and I mostly know them from the song "It's My Life" which I know best from No Doubt's cover.
* I didn't particularly care for this one. It was bland 80s soft rock.
* I listened to it once passively and then started playing it again but it just was too bland and a little downer.
* Maybe this one needs to be revisited in a different mood. But I doubt I'll ever get back there.
Method Man
3/5
Random thoughts:
* never was really an east coast rap guy so never listened to much of Wu-Tang.
* I can see why this music has a cult-like following. It is its own thing.
* I enjoyed listening to this. Good jams.
* Unless I missed it, no skits!!!
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I thought Grant Lee Buffalo was a guy but come to find out it is a band.
* This band/music sounds like KBCO used AI to create their ideal band. That's not a bad thing btw.
* I heard some shades of Jeff Buckley and Eddie Vedder in this.
* The lyric on "Stars n Stripes" about a handycam really caught my ear because he repeated it so many times and was just a dated reference now since no one knows what that is anymore. lol
* This was some solid good music.
Randy Newman
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I was surprised to like this one so much!
* Of course, I'm familiar with Randy Newman but never listened to an album.
* I'm a little confused by this album in a good way. Is he Southern? Wiki tells me no but these songs sound like he is from New Orleans.
* What do you call this music? Southern Gothic Jazz?
* Wow! He brought it so hard on track one with Rednecks! Holy smokes!
* Mr. President seem like it would resonate almost any time since it's release but maybe more so with the current administration.
* This one is going to get several more listens. I've been sleeping on Randy Newman.
The Band
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm afraid to admit I've never listened to this album nor watched the movie The Last Waltz either. This is part of why I'm doing 1001 to fill in some of those glaring gaps in my music fandom.
* I kinda knew what I was getting into here so I wasn't surprised as I'm familiar with Dixie and Cripple Creek.
* This is solid Americana (even though most of the band is Canadian).
* I should revere this record but I'm guessing it is a case of you had to be there to revere it the way I revere modern day folk rock and Americana acts and albums.
* I will definitely listen again but I find this just solid and not extraordinary. However, considering the historical influence, this is a must listen for all music fans.
The Yardbirds
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I listened to this album twice through. While fine, I wasn't blown away by anything here. Perfectly fine music.
* It kinda sounds like Chuck Berry filtered through 60s British psych rock.
* While this is Jeff Beck across the album and he is known for being an amazing guitarist, I didn't particularly notice while listening.
New Order
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was pretty incredible 80s synth rock.
* Love Vigilantes was the stand out track and one I immediately recognized. Not sure if it was in my brain from my (the best of) New Order CD or the Iron and Wine cover.
* Elegia was a super cool track that was very cinematic.
* This album made my break out my CD and listen to a CD on my old Bose CD player. Fun!
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I hate it when the music isn't on Spotify. But props to them if they have taken it off because of an integrity play. If it is off because of some record execs, then it's bullshit.
* I listened to this one on YouTube.
* I seem to have liked this one better than the other MBV album that was on 1001. But I don't know if I could tell much difference or even why I thought that.
* This sounded like a template for 90s grunge in my opinion. Maybe not quite as rock heavy but had that kinda downer vibe going on.
* I couldn't tell you any songs.
* I'd definitely listen again but am unlikely to explore without the easy access via Spotify.
The Stooges
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I was surprised how fresh this still sounds today. While some of the production quality sounds dated (drums especially) the rest of it sounds like something that might be created today.
* Dirt was my favorite track.
* This gives me a great sense of why Iggy Pop has been so beloved despite not really hearing much of his music over the years.
* Glad that I was able to hear more of godfather of punk!
Jacques Brel
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I actually have heard of Jaques Brel before thanks to our French exchange student, Rose. :)
* I can't understand a word he is saying. lol
* Susan listened and was translating some it for me. It was particularly interesting.
* I enjoyed this but it will not be something I couldn't live without or will likely pick up again except when I want to feel French. Which will happen with a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine some night.
Deep Purple
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Isn't one Deep Purple album enough for 1001? I don't really think this called for two Deep Purple albums.
* Speed King and Into the Fire were my favorite tracks.
* They do rock and sound like stereotypical 70s rock. Which is a good thing!
* Rock on forever!
Janet Jackson
4/5
Random thoughts:
* What a nostalgia blast this album was!
* Janet and Michael Jackson sound so much alike! I could have swore Michael was on "State of the World" but it was just Janet.
* I really haven't listened or thought about these songs in 35 years. But some of them came on, specifically Miss You Much, and I immediately started bopping just like I did when I was 12 years old.
* I forgot how many songs were hits off of this album and then I found this trivia nugget on Wiki: "It is the only album in the history of the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart to have seven commercial singles peak within the top five positions."
* Black Cat and Escapade were also nostalgia hits.
* The production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the Timbaland and Pharrell of the 80s is really key in this album. It really stands out!
* This also brought back the memory of a babysitter who dubbed Janet Jackson onto a cassette for me. I know I'm really dating myself.
* It might just be the rush of memories coming back to me but this is an awesome album!
Kanye West
2/5
Random thoughts:
* Hard to judge this one fairly considering Kanye's erratic and disconcerting behavior over the recent years.
* I'm also just biased against the newer Kanye stuff. Those first few albums were pop oriented, hooky, and fun.
* This album seems way more angry and hard.
* Broken record here: it's hard to listen to all the profanity. Especially since some of the profanity here seems like it is for shock value as opposed to emphasizing a point.
* Bound 2 has a killer sample.
* On Sight is very aggressive.
* We should have seen the crazy Kanye coming. Just go back and listen to Black Skinhead. He put it all out there. Just sayin'.
* I didn't hate this album but also couldn't really connect with it.
The Crusaders
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Chill and smooth like some 70s pimps.
* This album started out pretty great but got kind of monotonous and devolved into jazz instrumentals.
* Susan even said: "What is this? Elevator music?" Not a ringing endorsement.
* I'm glad I got to listen but this wasn't the hidden gem I was hoping for when I pressed play.
Queen Latifah
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This was way more enjoyable that I expected.
* I thought only the hits would appeal to me but the album as a whole totally flowed great.
* There were some great tracks with great messages of women empowerment.
* The lack of profanity actually helped this one out a lot in my opinion. And there were no dumb skits that broke the flow.
* I'm down with this MC, microphone commander!
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This album is awesome!
* I was jamming to this one and will be playing again.
* This is the exact kind of album that should be on 1001.
* Shaft theme is already well known. But I really dug "No Name Bar" and "Do Your Thing"
* "Do Your Thing" at 20 minutes!!! Holy smokes that thing really grooves.
* And the other instrumentals were quite good too. Nothing bad on here.
* This album is a bad mother...(shut your mouth!)
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Random thoughts:
* If Nirvana’s Nevermind was the grunge shot heard round the world, is Mellon Collie grunge’s magnum opus?
* I’m not sure we really needed a double album but you do what the muse tells you to.
* would Billy Corgan be revered like Kurt Cobain if he died when he was 27? Maybe.
* this album has one of the best 90s rock songs in Zero”.
* I listened to this twice passively
* lots of solid rocking throughout. The hits stand out: Tonight Tonight, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, 1979, and Zero
* someday I’ll revisit and give this a proper listen with headphones and read the lyrics too. I’ll then find out if this album is just about depression or has something deeper to say.
Billy Bragg
3/5
* "And maybe we'll have all of the fascists out of the way by then" - I'm so sorry Woody. We're still working on it.
* California Stars is one of the best songs and is one I've seen Wilco perform many times. Just an excellent song that is well done.
* This was one of the first Wilco albums that I heard. However, it's not really a Wilco album even though they regularly play a few of the songs.
* I dig these pick up old songs from famous songwriters (like the New Basement Tapes). These songwriters (woody and Dylan) left so much good stuff on the cutting floor.
*This is pure Americana even if Billy Bragg is British.
The Sonics
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm not sure what is so special about this one that it is included in 1001
* I guess it was so hard for the time it was a precursor to garage and punk bands with influences on many contemporary artists.
* I liked it just fine and heard several staples of the 60s rock scene.
* It is cool they are from Seattle. Such a storied history for Seattle music scene and this appears to be one of the first influential bands to come from there.
* I guess when you compare this to The Beatles or even the Stones, The Who, or any other contemporaries, this does sound much harder, muddled, and messy in comparison. Someone had to go there first so others could take this idea and fly. Usually the innovators never get as much popular success as the influenced.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I know the song "Two Weeks" quite well and it pops up in any indie music feed on Spotify regularly.
* I never ventured to listen to the whole album. Best explanation I can come up with is because I had a young child when this album came out.
* This music is directly up my alley and I liked the whole album a bunch. It falls somewhere between Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens.
* I always thought Grizzly Bear was part of Animal Collective but apparently only Panda Bear is part of Animal Collective.
* Side note: The "animal" indie band names of recent vintage are seriously just too many: Panda Bear, Grizzly Bear, Tame Impala, The Mountain Goats, Animal Collective, Glass Animals, Fleet Foxes. Those are just off the the top of my head. I'm sure you can come up with three more that I forgot at this moment.
* I didn't realize it at first but I've saved and listened to a couple of other Grizzly Bear albums. I'll need to add this one to the saved list and revisit on occasion.
Madonna
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I thought I owned this on CD but I can't find it. It could be in the boxes in storage and means that when I had to cull down the CDs this is one that didn't make the cut.
* It did make me find out that I do own the Immaculate Collection. I dusted that one off to give a listen on my Bose CD player. :)
* "Don't Tell Me" is my absolute favorite Madonna track. Seriously love this song, I think it might be in my top 50 or top 100 songs of all time.
* I have a hilarious memory (to me and my sister at least) of "Don't Tell Me" where I did a little drunk cowboy dance to this tune while in Blackhawk. I think you had to be there.
* "Music" is also a banger! Still fun to play years later.
* This was a fun time in music when Madonna went EDM. Actually all of pop went electronica. This was right around the time of Cher's "Believe".
* I didn't remember any of the other songs but listening through today, there are some good ones. "What It Feels Like for a Girl" was a stand out on this listen. Maybe being a girl dad or becoming a feminist made me really feel this one.
* Dude! American Pie came on and I said "What is this abomination?!?!?" I don't remember this or blocked it out. Apparently, it is only on the international version. And since 1001 is a British endeavor, when you click on the album from 1001 it has "American Pie" tacked on at the end. Good call to leave this off the American version. You don't mess with perfection.
* This is probably somewhere around a 3.5 rating but since that is not an option, I'm giving it a 4 for the American version of this album. The international version would be a 3 or 2 for touching Don McLean's masterpiece.
Morrissey
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I listened to this album 3 times through. I enjoyed it but don’t have a lot to say about it.
* one song kind of had a Death Cab for Cutie vibe to it. I can definitely see some indie stuff as a continuation of this music.
* The National - is it about a disco club and English nationalism?
* I liked We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful. This one had the Death Cab vibes with the ha, ha, ha section.
* this was alright
Pixies
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I’ve listened to this before since it’s a well known “classic” influence album.
* the Top songs are: Bone Machine, Gigantic, and Where is My Mind
* I like this album alright but I don’t find it to be the classic that people attribute to it. Dare I say that The Pixies went from underrated to overrated for their influence on 90s grunge (specifically Nirvana)
* Anyway, I appreciate the influence this band had but they will never be one of my favorites.
* The use of Where Is My Mind at the end of Fight Club is great though!
Miles Davis
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Never listened to this one before.
* This was pretty standard mid-century jazz in my novice listening abilities. Nothing jumped out at me as groundbreaking or memorable.
* I enjoyed listening to this. But It was not transcendent like Kind of Blue.
* This helps paint the full picture of Miles Davis.
* This album is cool.
Gorillaz
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This band has always been a bit strange. Basically a "fake" band by Damon Albarn. Represented by animated creatures. However, the music is 100% real.
* Clint Eastwood is definitely one of the better songs of the 21st century. Instantly catchy. I've seen this one covered by at least by 2 different bands.
* Rock The House is one of my favorite rap tracks of all time. The lines are hilarious: "seeing all the treasure and the booty", "get funkier than Funkadelic wearing Pampers", & "like I'm on a crack bend, jigglin' and wigglin'; Freaking booties, speaking to the cuties so belligerent"
* The whole album is a solid listen for sure too. I really dug Double Bass instrumental track but there are lots of other good ones too.
* Seminal indie and rap mashup. Definitely worthy of a 1001 spot.
B.B. King
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I've had this one on CD for awhile. I think I purchased it when I got the other book called "1,000 Recordings to To Hear Before you Die".
* I will always remember my friend, Brian Libby, quoting "How Blue Can you Get" to me the day BB King died. I don't think I yet knew the song the way I do know.
* Listen to those screams when he sings "I gave you seven children and now you want to give them back". Crazy crowd reaction. Chills. I think BB King did alright with the ladies. That is an absolutely astounding reaction to be captured on record.
* Also, "How Blue Can You Get" is sampled on Primitive Radio Gods' "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand". I remember this kind of blowing my mind when I made the connection.
* This is one that definitely should be on 1001
The White Stripes
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I remember "Fell in Love With a Girl" when it came out. I don't remember if I bought this album before or after Elephant. I think I probably bought it after Elephant when The White Stripes became huge.
* It's great to hear and see the garage rawness of the Stripes before they added more sound and sheen to the palate.
* I have several tracks that I like on this one: Dead Leaves, Hotel Yorba, Fell in Love, Little Room, We're Going to Be Friends, and I Think I Smell a Rat.
* 2 really classic all-time songs on here with "Fell in Love" and "We're Going to be Friends". It's really hard to believe this track is a White Stripes track. It feels like it must have been a tough decision to put this song on this album.
* Overall great album where you hear the Stripes start to move from their DIY garage days to a more polished sound that would come on later albums.
Paul Weller
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This one was really good for one I'd never heard of before. I quite enjoyed this on a Monday morning.
* I couldn't quite place this sound but I think it falls somewhere in between the Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, and CSNY.
* Shadow of the Sun is a really good track.
* I'll definitely have to listen to this one a few more times but I feel like this one could really grow on me. This feels like it is one of the hidden gems 1001 is supposed to expose.
Foo Fighters
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I like and respect Dave Grohl and his musicianship a lot but for whatever reason I never really got into the Foo Fighters.
* I listened to the audiobook version of his autobiography(The Storyteller) a few years ago and was enraptured by his stories.
* He talked about this first Foo Fighters album and how he was so lost after Nirvana and the loss of Kurt that he just poured everything into this Foo Fighters album as a purely artistic and emotional experience.
* I was blown away to learn everything was all Dave. Writing, instruments, vocals.
* I listened to this one several times yesterday. It never really grabbed me but my favorite tracks are: I’ll Stick Around and Big Me.
* I do remember the video for Big Me. I recall it being a fake Mentos commercial and found it quite humorous in the 90s.
* While Dave is the musician that best represents the 90s, this album is solid but not spectacular. I’ll listen again but I doubt it will ever be one of my faves.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I don’t have much to say about this one.
* Never listened to an Iron Maiden album straight through unless we already did that for 1001.
* Iron Maiden always freaked me out because of the scary album covers and t-shirts.
* I’m unequipped to properly rate metal albums. There was thrashing, there was speedy guitar licks and solos, there was shrieking vocals. It checked all the boxes! Rock on!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Went and found this one on YouTube. Good for him not putting his music on Spotify. But man it is inconvenient for me. Definitely a conflicted feeling.
* This reminds me of other indie albums where they confront death. It is a universal subject that crosses all art.
* This reminded me of Sun Kill Moon. Maybe more in subject and tone. But Bonnie "Prince" Billy is definitely a bit more upbeat.
* I'd probably listen more if this was more easily accessible. It could grow on me but I guess we'll never know.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Marvin Gaye even makes getting a divorce sound sexy!
* I've never heard someone make this line so sultry! "Why do I have to pay attorney fees".
* "A Funky Space Reincarnation" was unexpected here on his divorce album. It was fun to hear what would happen if you put a little of Funkadelic into Marvin Gaye. This song immediately jumped out at me.
* Breakups do make good albums even if they are done for mostly animosity.
Brian Eno
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I had a compilation album in the 2000s called "LateNightTales: The Flaming Lips". Basically it was a compilation of some of the Lips favorite artists and music. The track "Another Green World" was on this album and that track subsequently ended up on a mix I made on my iPod called: "Chill & Relax". So I was familiar with that single song.
* I just went CD digging to find the "LateNightTales" album. Success!
* Side note: LateNightTales was an ongoing compilation series and introduced me to one of my favorite songs called "The Mole" by Chimes and Bells. Go check it out.
* Anyway, this album was perfectly fine. I could hear the influence Brian Eno had on Bowie on this.
* "I'll Come Running" was one of the more enjoyable and noteworthy tracks.
* This line from "Golden Hours" really struck me: "Perhaps my brains are old and scrambled". I guess I'm feeling my age.
* I'll probably give this another listen sometime but this didn't make it to classic status for me.
Burning Spear
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I vaguely know about Burning Spear but if I heard Burning Spear before I can't recall definitively.
* Wow! I really liked this one. I definitely want more of this. I'm always looking for more reggae as I just overall can't get enough and there is only so much Bob Marley to go around.
* I'm going to add this one to my regular rotation.
* This was definitely even more political than Marley.
* I need to give this a few more lessons and keep enjoying.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I definitely have heard of Goldfrapp before and I'm fairly certain I have heard the track "A&E" before. I'm not sure where I heard it before but probably on a Paste Magazine compilation in the mid 2000s.
* I'm not sure how to describe the music but indie is probably the best generic description but it definitely has alternative and indie folk sounds.
* Overall this was enjoyable and I liked listening while I did the dishes but it wasn't anything I would make my friends listen to.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Random thoughts:
* I guess this is where Nick Cave got his start and why it is included on 1001.
* Nick Cave must be an acquired taste that I have yet to acquire.
* Messy and rough. Not quite punk but not quite anything else really.
* I didn't hate this but I won't be playing this again.
Korn
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I seemed to remember this being harder than it really is. I'm not sure why I thought it was harder or if my gauge of what is hard has moved.
* Also, I though Korn was more different in the nu-metal genre but listening to this it really does fit right in with Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. I see why they were all grouped together.
* I obviously know both Freak on a Leash and Got the Life and expected to like Freak on a Leash the best but I actually liked Got the Life better on this listen. Has this song aged better than Freak?
* Overall, the nu-metal sound is cool and very much of the 1999-2003. I have a hard time hearing this sound outside of that time range.
Dr. John
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Surprised to see this album on 1001. I thought it would be the "Right Place Wrong Time" album if they were going to put a Dr. John album on this list.
* This was an interesting listen to hear him mix zydeco, bayou, jazz, and rock to create his own sound. I bet this was super unique when it was released. I wonder how this fit into all the other music coming out in 1968( Stone, Beatles, Jimi, Doors, etc). It really makes you appreciate how crazy the late 60s were for music innovation.
* I enjoyed the music on this album and was glad I was exposed to it. Highly unlikely to go revisit this album.
The Avalanches
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I already knew this group. Can't remember how I discovered them but definitely have Since I Left You in my rotation for a while now.
* I really dug Frontier Psychiatrist as well. Just a funky fun song.
* Also check out "Because I'm Me" which is on a different album.
* There seems to always be a new electronic sample artist who comes sort of out of nowhere and has an awesome album like this. I'm kind of thinking about Girl Talk and Modest Mouse and other of their ilk. Just seems to be a recurring trend.
* I like this album and it should be regularly in my rotation but it's more of a 3.5 than 4
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I couldn't help but think of Sir Paul McCartney's quote: "they’re a blues cover band, that’s sort of what the Stones are."
* That thought just didn't leave my head as I listened to Exile on Mainstreet twice.
* I understand it's historical significance and I know it is critically adored. It just sounds like some good rock/blues music. Not one of the 100 best albums of all time.
* I'm pretty sure the story of recording this album has made this album more popular than it should be. Somehow even I know the basics without ever listening to the album before.
* Shouldn't hit songs count for something? I did like "Tumbling Dice". Maybe the next best song was "Sweet Virginia" but there weren't many songs here classified as hits.
* I'm glad I listened to this album. I don't find it a classic like so many others. I prefer Let It Bleed way more than this Stones album.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Surprised to see this album on 1001. But I also see they do have Sound of Silver which is the LCD album I would have chosen too.
* absolutely love the first song Oh Baby. There is another song that has a similar slowish vibe too, maybe American Dream. That sound works best on this album.
* I enjoyed the album but few if the songs remained with me. This album seems like it is more notable because LCD came out of “retirement” for this album.
Incubus
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Incubus contains multitudes. There is so much going on this album: metal, alternative, ska, scratching.
* the hit song sounds very little like the rest of the album. I think I would have really liked this if I had bought/owned the album when this came out. But the hit song didn’t pull me in. I wonder how much of a disservice that song actually did for them.
* I need to revisit this album. It requires multiple listens. I think I could end up liking this one better.
Morrissey
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I really don’t have much to say about this album.
* Pleasant listening. Nothing memorable.
* Overall, I was really ignorant of the Smiths and Morrissey. Thanks to 1001 I’m much more knowledgeable now and better for it. I’ll be going back to the Smiths and Morrissey in the future.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I listened to this one twice and both times it just kind of rolled around me.
* If this album was a movie it would be a period piece.
* I don't know much about PJ Harvey but this appears to not be one of her top albums. Maybe critically acclaimed only because it was a departure from her previous sound.
* This solidly mid too.
The Auteurs
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I guess this was a proto Britpop band. I couldn't quite place it when listening to it.
* It sounded familiar but I'm sure I've never heard it before.
* Everything was pretty good here. Nothing crazy special but also nothing really bad either. I'd listen again but I'm not sure this would ever be an album I recommend. Perfectly mid.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I have heard of the Flying Burrito Brothers before but never listened to it. Thanks for the opportunity 1001.
* Um, is Burrito #1 a reference to his penis? Is my mind too much in the gutter? The lyrics seem to hint at it.
* This album was more country than I was expecting. I was expecting more folk a la Grateful Dead or CSNY.
* overall this was pleasant enough but I don’t feel a need to have another burrito.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Random thoughts:
* Was Bad self confessional? Hmmm…
* I remember thinking that MJ’s tough image made him look like a poser in 1987 and I was only 10.
* I owned this on cassette tape. I even found it!
* I’m interested how many songs I remember from 38 years ago.
* Quincy Jones brought some great bass and synth sounds to this jam. Especially cool on Bad and Speed Demon. Speed Demon was a shot of nostalgia.
* Man in the Mirror, also confessional?
* I forgot how many hits were on this album. Michael Jackson was still huge when this came out. He ruled the pop airwaves.
* why does the line “Annie are you okay” sound so cool.
* Leave Me Alone brought back memories of the music video. I am truly a child of MTV.
The Killers
4/5
Random thoughts:
* I remember when this one came out in the early 2000s. I remember really liking the song "Somebody Told Me", then eventually I became a fan on "Mr. Brightside", and now my favorite song from this album is "All These Things That I've Done". Is this what maturing looks like?
* I love the "I got soul, but I'm not a soldier" line
* It is weird that "Mr Brightside" is kind of an anthem for the people 10 years younger than me. That song isn't really "anthem" material. Pop culture hits in weird ways.
* The top half of this album is quite loaded. The bottom half isn't bad, it's just not as good as the first half.
* "Andy, You're a Star" stood out to me on this listen as one of the less known songs. Just a cool vibe. Kind of sounded like a super glammed up version of Iggy Pop.
* This is a great representation of 2000s indie pop. Nice album but the Killers really never reached these heights again.
Frank Zappa
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Is this psychedelic jazz? Whatever it is I liked it!
* I've always been a little bit intimidated by Frank Zappa. There is so much discography and he's so weird. I just didn't know where to begin. I obviously should have started here.
* There is just enough weird on here but not too much.
* There was also a little jam band feeling in here with the solos and such.
* I continue to be amazed at the variety and cool new music that was being made in the late 60s. I see why it is a musical period that is so beloved.
* I'll have to remember to put this one on every once in a while.
Portishead
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I just recently in the last 5 years or so really got into Portishead. I totally missed this back in the 90s. Such a a shame.
* However, this third album from them is no Dummy.
* I'm glad to have more Portishead but it is not up to the caliber that Dummy is.
* I actually just put on Dummy because I felt a little let down by Third.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Not sure why I never checked out Billy Bragg solo since I'm so familiar with the Mermaid Avenue stuff with Wilco. Maybe because I don't really love Mermaid Avenue in the discography of Wilco leading me to think that Billy Bragg was the drag. I was definitely wrong.
* Billy Bragg solo is really good! I've been sleeping on him. No wonder Wilco chose him to do the Mermaid Avenue work.
* He does have a modern English version vibes of Woody Guthrie sine he sings about unions, taxes, politicians, and the such.
* It was a bouncier and upbeat sound than I was expecting.
* I will definitely listen to this one again as it was very enjoyable.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
Random thoughts:
* While most of this was very psychedelic there were still a few standard 60s sounding songs - Anyway the Wind Blows.
* Lots of this was psych rock and was just fine. It didn't blow my mind but I also not currently stoned.
* I could definitely live without this but I'm guessing this was pretty far out man when it came out. Respect for being a pioneer. However, I won't be revisiting any time soon.
The Stranglers
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I actually "discovered" this band a few years ago thanks to the song "Golden Brown" that was used in the show "The Umbrella Academy" on Netflix. I ended up listening to that album title La Folie.
* I prefer La Folie over Rattus Norvegicus but maybe just due to familiarity.
* Some of the same horny and raunchy elements are in both albums. See Peaches and Princess of the Streets.
* I do like the sound of this band and am glad to have another album to dig into.
* This would be a good 1001 discovery if I hadn't already discovered it.
Bad Brains
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I never listened to any bands in n 80s hard core punk scene. I wasn’t a skater and I wasn’t cool.
* I had no clue Bad Brains was a black band. Blew my mind.
* The music is alright. Just not exactly my jam.
* I liked She’s Calling You because it had a more funky bass line.
* I can see how this ended up influencing Rage and others that I like better.
* I wonder if this music was so beloved because of how hard it was to listen to it. I don’t think this music was very accessible and therefore seemed more special than it actually was. Just a thought.
5/5
Random thoughts:
* This felt like a total treat to listen to an absolute classic. I was able to play this one 4 or 5 times. There isn't a single bad song on here.
* I was really pulled to "Soul Love" and "It Ain't Easy" on this listening. Maybe not my favorites but ones I noticed more on the additional listening.
* I would have said my favorite tracks prior to listening this time were: Starman, Ziggy Stardust, and Suffragette City. I think Soul Love might have entered the pantheon on this listening.
* We are so lucky to enjoy this Bowie music. It really is a rock masterpiece but might be the peak of all glam rock.
* I will probably just end this review here instead of continuing to babble and gush about how great this album is.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Had no clue what this was. Apparently they are country and harmony pioneers.
* In The Pines caught my ear due to the relation to the "Where DidYou Sleep Last Night" from Nirvana cover fame.
* What is Home Without Love really made me stop and listen. Not sure why this one grabbed my attention over the others.
* Overall, this is not my cup of tea but I can respect the art. I'm a more knowledgable listener now. Thanks 1001.
Ray Charles
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was way more like jazz standards than anything country and western. Were these all considered country covers?
* Several of the songs were about heartbreak so maybe they were all country songs.
* Hearing Ray Charles sing "I was blind but now I see". Who decided on that?!? I did chuckle when hearing that.
* It was smooth listening overall but I probably won't pick this one out again. It was alright. Ray is great but I just found this meh.
Kraftwerk
5/5
Random thoughts:
* I've been onto this album for some time. I can't remember how I was introduced but probably from something like this list and I bought this CD.
* I went back and listened to this album on my CD player hooked up to my 30 year-old stereo component system. I forgot how good music sounds on that set up!
* This is definitely a classic for me. I love that they made a cool and repetitive album about trains across Europe.
* I can definitely zone out to this one in a really good way. It is almost meditative.
* These freaky Germans are groundbreaking and still sound so cool today.
* I will happily throw this one on any time.
The Only Ones
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I listened to this last week and am now just getting around to writing the review. I don't remember anything about listening to this.
* Even doing a little of re-listening now isn't bringing much back to mind. What does this say about this album?
* Listening now, it is kind of glam-pop. Maybe a little Bowie-esque.
* Anyway, I guess this one was pretty forgettable for me. Maybe I'll give it another listen.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm not a Sonic Youth fan. I've tried it many times and I'm just not buying it.
* Sonic Youth and Pavement feel similar to me. and I doubt I'll ever come around.
* This music isn't bad per se. But it's just not for me.
* I'm sure I could give this many listens and possibly get some enjoyment out of it but I'd have to try way harder than I want to.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Random thoughts:
* This was jammy and good. I enjoyed the white boy English blues.
* I never listened to this before but am quite aware of the history with Clapton getting his start here.
* Nothing too amazing here but super solid. Don't have a lot to say.
Prince
4/5
Random thoughts:
* This is probably peak Prince and the one I think of.
* It has some of the more freakier edge but still all of the pop fun.
* There are some all-time classic hits on here. My favorite is "I Would Die 4 U"
* This is really a classic with all the hits.
* The non-hits are fine but aren't why I'll listen to this album again.
Coldcut
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Hate when I can't listen on Spotify
* This was from the wild west of sampling and early dance music.
* I put this on and did some computer stuff. It was fun and disposable.
* It reminded me of Big Audio Dynamite a bit.
* I won't be revisiting this but appreciate the influence and some of the cool new sampling and unique approach that is standard today.
Small Faces
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I kinda hated this one the first time listening. Those spoken interludes were super annoying and kind of distracted me from the music.
* I listened a second time and actually listened to the spoken interludes and realized it was a psychedelic children's story by some British dudes. It was pretty interesting.
* The music was pretty good and is again a sign of the explosion of music in the late 60s. That was a real turning point for modern music.
* I probably won't go back here unless I want to trip out to crazy story but respect for doing something so interesting.
Aerosmith
3/5
Random thoughts:
* First track is a banger! I kind of forget this as an awesome Aerosmith track.
* This is a classic 70s rocker overall.
* Did Aerosmith have a thing for Zeppelin (like all of us do)? "Get The Lead Out" and "Nobody's Fault"
* This was better than some of the other 70s rock albums on 1001: Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy
* Sometimes forget Aerosmith is from the 70s due to their huge influences in the 80s and 90s.
* I could come get my rocks off to this one again.
4/5
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I'm familiar with Ladysmith from both Paul Simon and my appreciation of music class in college.
* This is quite fun to listen to and is a huge change of pace.
* It is so unique it is hard to rate against more pop and rock offerings on this list of albums.
* I would like to revisit this again and hopefully this reminds me to.
Scott Walker
3/5
Random thoughts:
* Crooner!
* This was pretty wonderful 60s stuff and sounded a lot like other 60s male singers (Tom Jones, Neil Diamond) but...
* Then the lyrics started hitting and this was much darker and controversial then any of those singers would go. I can see why this guy has a bit of a cult following.
* I might have to listen to some more Scott Walker if nothing else but just to see what weird shit he's singing about.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I bet this was a cool band in the late 60s. Today, just kinda meh.
* Obviously not as folky, poppy, and catchy as their brethren Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead.
* Was Steve Miller's "Quicksilver Girl" a nod to a girl who listened to Quicksilver Messenger Service?
* I got a single delivery here and will probably be my last.
Pavement
2/5
Random thoughts:
* This was good to listen in the background while I cleaned my garage. But I still really am not a Pavement fan.
* It just kind of melted into a background noise for me.
* I'm definitely just giving up on Pavement for me. It's just not for me.
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
Random thoughts:
* I did like hearing this one in full for the first time. I see how they came up with their personas and how their love of kung-fu was fused into the overall style.
* However, I'm just not an east coast rap guy. I guess I need more hooks.
* I did like Method Man. CREAM is supposed to be one of the all-time greats and I just can't really get behind it.
* I will probably try this again but I fear this is just not my thing. I appreciate but just don't like it.