503
Albums Rated
2.81
Average Rating
46%
Complete
586 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Britpop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
18
5-Star Albums
43
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Thru A Lens | 5 | 2.73 | +2.27 |
| Vanishing Point | 5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
| Frampton Comes Alive | 5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
| Diamond Life | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Synchronicity | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Guero | 5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
| That's The Way Of The World | 5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
| Moss Side Story | 4 | 2.53 | +1.47 |
| 21 | 5 | 3.69 | +1.31 |
| Moondance | 5 | 3.71 | +1.29 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Score | 1 | 3.68 | -2.68 |
| The Genius Of Ray Charles | 1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
| The Gershwin Songbook | 1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
| Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Arrival | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Dirt | 1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
| Tusk | 1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
| Speakerboxxx/The Love Below | 1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
| Either Or | 1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
| It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.25 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Charles | 2 | 1 |
| Sepultura | 2 | 1 |
| Frank Sinatra | 2 | 1.5 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 2 |
| The Kinks | 3 | 2 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 2 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Fleetwood Mac | 1, 4 |
| Van Morrison | 2, 5 |
| Beck | 5, 2 |
| Public Enemy | 1, 4, 1 |
| Tim Buckley | 1, 4, 2 |
5-Star Albums (18)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
UB40
3/5
Aay mon. I’m familiar with reefer madness in the early 80s - but wasn’t aware of UB40 til the collaboration on I Got Lou Babe (which put them on the radio and the map.) Incidentally, best song on the album is Reefer Madness. A lot of the songs are political in nature and similar in sound. I get why the album made the list and liked it well enough. How can you go wrong with reggae? (2.6*s)
1 likes
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
The wind in the trees is a whisperin. Charon (the boatman) Calls… Is he calling for thee?
Nick is a somber romantic from the pulpit on this album. Great piano work, strange lyrics, a slow Sunday morning listen. (Although I listened on a Wednesday afternoon.) Lime Tree Arbor and Idiot Prayer top the bill. I’m betting West Country Girl has Black Hair.
I feel bad for Nick’s girlfriend(s). The boatman, he is gone (4.1*s)
1 likes
The Vines
3/5
Lot of energy, lot of variety. Lot of screaming. Pretty good guitar and drum work. Ain’t No Room is the best song, some filler (Mary Jane) make for an about average debut. (2.6*s)
1 likes
1-Star Albums (43)
All Ratings
David Bowie
2/5
Kate Bush
2/5
Kate is Running Up That Hill but got very sleepy with Sheep’s and Under the Ice. So really start strong and downhill from there. (1.5*s)
Iron Maiden
3/5
Very solid album, other than Fantom. Didn’t know 80s heavy metal was still so listenable. L added Home Sweet Home to her liked songs playlist. (2.8*s)
Various Artists
2/5
Thanks Phil, is this gift returnable? These are the classic Christmas songs we grew up with and now sound dated. A compilation of Christmas songs from artists that were popular at the time seems like a cheap way to get on the 1001 list so I guess we’ll go with “the wall of sound “.
L = (2.75*s)
J = (2.4*s)
Eminem
4/5
Oh, that’s pleasant. His M-in-ence gives a great job here! A lot of variety, rhythms, moods, and positions. Drug Ballad is the best rap on the album, followed by The Way I Am (how does he not mention green eggs and ham somewhere in this one?) Who Knew he likes to suck dick so much that he raps eloquently about it in more than half the songs. Sounds like it sucks to be The Real Slim Shady… Makes the list because he’ll say any (negative) thing about anyone / everyone and because it’s good. Didn’t really like it, but unfortunately can’t rate it any lower than
(4.4*s)
Tim Buckley
1/5
Now that art (unfortunately for us.) Tim was a poet and a minstrel. A variety of sounds, especially in the background, which would have been better if on Xtasy while listening. (1.5*s)
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Slow. Very slow. And a bit sad, too. This is music to put you to sleep in the wee small hours of the night (or anytime really.) So out of date it’s hard for me to relate. (1,7-*s)
Wilco
3/5
1st song: annoying noise
2nd song: feeling a bit Beckish
3rd song: moaning in his sleep
4th song: better than the War on Drugs (although almost anything es better than that.)
5th song: Jesus, that’s a good song
6th song: can’t tell if he’s asleep or drunk, but just write a song about burning a flag (any flag) in protest and make the 1001 list
Balance of album: feeling a bit Beckish again.
Overall: liked it (2.5*s)
Talking Heads
3/5
Good news from TVLKINGHEVDS
Had not heard this one in its entirety before, the album is weird good. Liked all songs except Overload. Can’t beat Once in a Lifetime. You may (often) ask yourself; how did I get here? The cover art always seemed to me to be a nod the cover of Let It Be. Team rating (2.8*s)
Blur
2/5
Blur Blur. Listening was kind of blurry, the song seemed very similar. Best song was.Nowhere Fast. Nothing really stands out. (1.9*s)
Al Green
3/5
Let’s Stay Together with Al’s rich, soulful voice that sounds like it could have been recorded 5 years ago. Holding up real well 50 years later. Smooth and very listenable. (2.9*s)
Beatles
3/5
I remember this album, Uncle Randy had it shortly after it came out. It’s actually better than I remember, a lot of good songs, a few great songs, some you can’t listen to, Side 4 only got played once, and a bit too long. Always liked Rocky Racoon and Birthday the most. Rev 9 is more noise than song, pure filler. White Album at (3.5*s)
Coldplay
2/5
Kinda one sound for all songs except Whisper. Good coffee house listening, better get the espresso though or you’ll be asleep. (2.1*s) <— sleepy ones.
Fleetwood Mac
1/5
Tusk = on the 1001 long album list.
Over & Over - OK (slow starter)
The Ledge - bit twangy
Think About Me - OK
Save Me a Place - Filler
Sara - good
What Makes You Think - OK
Storms - boring Filler
That’s All for Everyone - Filler
Not That Funny - Filler
Sisters of the Moon - OK
Angel - Filler
That’s Enough for Me - Truly (bit twangy, but album is running too long)
Brown Eyes - boring Filler
Never Make Me Cry - ditto
I Know I’m Not Wrong - Truly (not wrong about this album)
Honey Hi - Filler
Beautiful Child - Filler
Walk a Thin Line - twangy Filler
Tusk - must be the reason this too long album made the 1001 list. (Is it that weird, disconnected drum solo or the farting tuba?)
Never Forget - Truly don’t think we’ll forget how they mailed this one in; too long, not that good. These guys have way better (1.5*s)
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
The album transported me to a different time and place, one very different than my current place in the universe. I enjoyed the change. (2.8*s)
Faust
3/5
Who knew the Deutschers had such a sense of humor? This is an amazing album for 1973 and 50 years later! Lots of subtle electronic effects in the background. Giggy Smile (best song) is bouncy, weird, and even includes some bad jazz. Jennifer is lame (very, very, very, very repetitive). Will check out more Faust (2.9*s)
Happy Mondays
3/5
I didn’t not like it. Couldn’t pick out a best song as they all sounded pretty similar. (maybe Rave On?) No standouts, no filler; seemed pretty middle of the road. Not sure why it made the 1001 list. Comes in at (2.5*s)
Little Richard
3/5
Little Richard rips it up on this one. True old school rock and roll, great piano, lots of screams, simple repetitive lyrics. Doesn’t hold up to time very well (2.6*s)
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Never was much of a Stevie fan and was a bit worried when I saw this album was an hour and 45 minutes. I remember the album and cover, but never listened to the whole thing since it came out in ‘76. This time around, I figured it would be another from the 1001 really lonnng albums list. Not the case! It’s stacked with enough good songs that flow so I was surprised when it ended. Contusion, Sir Duke, and I Wish (best song) seem like an incredible threefer from a greatest hits album. Also, didn’t realize Stevie was an OG til I heard Pastime Paradise. This album works start to finish.
(4.4*s)
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Vintage NY, good listen. Enjoyed the long jams. Farmer John and Mother Earth should have gotten lost in the woods (and left off the album - both are just artsy filler for the panel.) Album would have been even better if it was 9 minutes shorter. (2.9*s)
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Surprised to find out she’s a Brit with the name Dusty Springfield and an album titled Dusty In Memphis. Love the album name, points for that. Just figured she was a Georgia (or TN) girl based on Son Of A Preacher Man (best song) so kudos on the disguised voice. The rest of the album sounds like it’s from a 60s variety show with some gospel stirred into the background, not bad - just kinda dated. No need to listen again or seek out her other albums (2.2*s)
Traffic
3/5
Short and Sweet! Strong start but fades a bit. I remember listening to this album as a teen (Uncle Randy had a copy) and always liked Side A more than B. The minstrel sounding John Barleycorn, the temperance movement, and changing the US legal drinking age from 18 to 21 were topics at the time. (They did eventually take away our right to legally consume alcohol until we turned 21). That said, it’s time for a beer and to give this one (2.7*s)
Massive Attack
3/5
Massive Attack? Trip-hop? Never heard of ‘em, but liked it a lot. The group’s name and album cover led us to think it was gonna be heavy metal. One of the best things (so far) about the 1001 list is exposure to new music, and this time it worked! Songs with female vocals were the best, but all good, no fillers. Enjoyed this album enough to listen to it again, so (3.2*s)
Elvis Presley
2/5
For the fist time we can recall on any album, side B is significantly better than side A. We actually remember a couple of the songs from the radio; In the Ghetto and Suspicious Minds got some play into the 70s. Listening to a complete Elvis album from start to finish brought L back to her childhood. This was the first time J ever listened to an Elvis album. That said: (2.2*s)
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Like the sound, a little pedestrian. Title cut and A Design for Life are the best songs. There aren’t any songs that you would want to skip or can’t listen to, so that’s a plus. Couldn’t figure out Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky…
(2.9*s)
Missy Elliott
1/5
This girl is waaaay too far up her own ass. Ya got one good song; Pass da Blunt. Other than that, it’s an hour of Missy on Missy and how supadupafly her CRAPpin is. Won’t be listening to anything from her again.
Mout. (0.7*s)
Paul Weller
4/5
This album is well crafted. First four songs are excellent , rest of the album very good. He’s got a great voice and guitar. Already had Wild Wood on my playlist so was somewhat familiar with Weller and will be adding other songs from his repertoire .
(3.9*s)
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Superstition, which was huge when it dropped (ha-ha) in 1972, carries the album. It’s still good, the rest of the album, meh. (1.9*s)
Neil Young
4/5
“Though your confidence may be shattered, it doesn’t matter.”
Musta been a rough patch for him. This is true NY pluckin’ (and crooning) from the down in the dumps (soul?) Kinda bummed by the end of the experience, but The Man can connect and tell a tale, sad as it may be. I really don’t want to like this album (too melancholy) but damn it’s good.
Please bring a smile to my eyes… Walk On (3.9*s)
Ray Charles
1/5
More like Modern Sounds in Big Band. Kept thinking this album is gonna get better, didn’t happen. I guess ya had to be there 60+ years ago when the sound was modern, it now sounds really dated. Comes in near the top of the 1001 too long albums list, though. Best song is Hey, Good Lookin’ because it sounds nothing like the other songs on the album. Wanted to like the album more, but no matter how historic I can’t rate it above (1.2*s)
Def Leppard
3/5
More of a “Deaf” Lep fan after listening to the album than beforehand. Great threefer with Animal, Love Bites, & Pour Some Sugar On Me. Simple beats and base lines, but songs started sounding similar by the end of the album (which ran a little long and got annoying.) L already had Pour Some Sugar on her liked songs playlist. I’m not adding any Def songs to mine or exploring any further. Overall, liked it (2.8*s)
Sepultura
1/5
Nothing enjoyable about that experience. Jesco and Itsari are the only listenable songs, the rest of the album is noise with Satan on unintelligible lead vocals. Definitely near the top of the 1001 too long album list.
(0.4*s)
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
Evidently, we’re not old enough to like jazz yet. That was an hour and eight minutes of one song. (There are actually three songs on the album twice, which leads us to think there aren’t enough good jazz songs so they had to repeat a few of them.) The album is good background music during martinis and dinner at a classy restaurant. The drinks and dinner brought it up to (1.2*s)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
We’ll always have a sweet spot for this album. Wild Horses - BHS ‘78 class song. Childhood living IS easy to do. Brown Sugar played heavily at high school parties throughout the 70s, one classmate with the mover like Jagger (long before that was a thing) doing imitations. Yeh, ya probably had to be there (and be drunk.) Bitch is still kick ass rock . Zipper cover was cool for a while, then just broke. (2.9*s)
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
69 Love Songs is one love song too many. The song that should have been omitted is Love Is Like Jazz, but ya can’t really have an album about love songs titled 68 Love Songs so ya might as well leave it in. It’s just a bad song, or bad jazz, or both. Overall, I like the album and the concept. A Chicken With It’s Head Cut Off, Let’s Pretend We’re Bunny Rabbits, and Papa Was a Rodeo are among the better songs. Album runs a little long for one listening session, no kidding. (2.2*s)
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Baerm, chica, chic; smooth as silk. Only knew of Issac because of Theme from Shaft, good to hear some of his other work. The setup for Phoenix is too long, other than that its all good (2.5*s)
1/5
That was painful from start to finish. JZ’s Spy vs Spy is squeaky, out of tune sax over bombastic drums and fast paced bass; it’s more like noise with musical instruments than songs. I thought I heard music on two (possibly three) occasions but it devolved into noise with musical instruments very quickly each time. I didn’t think running could get much worse, then I went running while listening to this album. It was significantly worse than usual. Trashjazz in at
(0.8*s)
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Despite the album title and release date over 50 years ago, we haven’t heard this one before. Different band members writing and taking lead gives the album a variety sounds and songs. Eight of the ten songs are well known classics making it seem like a greatest hits collection. Teach Your Children and Almost Cut My Hair are the stars, but all the songs are good and the album flow is smooth. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
(3.6*s)
Otis Redding
3/5
Respect for Otis. Although hard not to put out a good album with that many cover songs. Guess it turns out he’s more than a one hit wonder. (3.1*s)
Roxy Music
2/5
This was not A Really Good Time. Side B was weak (other than Prairie Rose). Not filler, felt like this album was a sound track without the movie. It just got too dramatic and weird without the (nonexistent) video visuals. Again, they have better (1.5*s)
Christina Aguilera
2/5
That’s a lot of Christina, actually that’s too much Christina. Too many background tracks of her own voice on many of the songs. The album certainly is diverse, but she sounds defensive throughout. What could save her from herself? Answer: Less is more. Shorter album, fewer crescendos. Overall (2.1*s)
New Order
2/5
Very Cure-ish. An enjoyable experience. Both surprised that we didn’t know this band better back in the 80s. No real standout songs and didn’t recognize any of them. (2.2*s)
Adele
3/5
All good, but no standouts. Songs got too long, too melancholy, and too similar as the album progressed. Needed to break it up a bit with some upbeat sound. 25 should have been much more fun and exciting! (2.6*s)
T. Rex
3/5
Dirty, sweet, and still banging that gong over 50 years later. Enjoyable listen.
Mean while I’m still thinking… (2.9*s)
Love
1/5
Didn’t Love it. Needed more schrooms, man. (1.2*s)
Venom
1/5
Laehlll - Get Me Out of Hell. Wait, didn’t I just hear this song?
That took a lot of energy (to listen to, never mind make). An hour+ of the same thrashing song about hell and Satan. Didn’t like it, will avoid Venom in music and real life. (0.4*s)
Goldie
2/5
Timeless? Seemed more like Endless. It took me the first eight songs (72 minutes on an elliptical) to finally figure out electronica. It’s the new and improved version of “tune-up” jazz for the neXt generation. Wow, these songs are long and repetitive, rep, rep, rep, rep, repetitive, repetitive… (2.1*s)
Van Halen
3/5
Liking Van Halen more now than back when the album came out, but still only a take it or leave it fan. (I hafta admit they would get the poker stick on occasion.) This album has huge hits that still hold up and no fillers. Enjoyed the listen, this is a really solid freshman effort (3.3*s)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
My memory of the album was a bit better than the re-listen from 1976. Remember all the songs. L’s first time of ever listening to this album, absolutely a Stones fan to this to this day! Sympathy still great 55 years later. (2.6*s)
Solomon Burke
2/5
The album is from before our time. Many songs sound similar with a bit too much Gospel background. A few songs were fillers. Glad to have listened, don’t need to hear it again. Doesn’t hold up to time. 1.8*s
OutKast
1/5
STUPID. Like a three ring circus mashed with a fun house of mirrors. Way too long, Oh Yeah one good song. Manic - just all over the place. Did you see the midget on a unicycle? That was a difficult 2 hrs 15 minutes… (0.7*s)
Billy Joel
4/5
A trip down memory lane. The lyrics are clever and the music is crafty. Each song stands on its own, and the album spins an overall story that works from start to finish. Fun to listen in its entirety after so many years. Those sweet, romantic teenage nights: album was great back then and still is. (3.75*s)
Ray Price
1/5
It’s like one sleepy, sleepy 37 minute long country western song. Did make us feel like we were plodding through a dusty desert on horseback. But who wants to do that? (0.8*s)
The Sonics
1/5
Minimum of three “screams” per song. Best song was Strychnine (L was thinking about taking some and screaming by the end of the album.) Too many cover songs. Was that kazoo heard on a couple of songs? Or just out of tune instruments? Either way, it gets (0.3*s)
The Byrds
1/5
If folk rock was America’s answer to the British Invasion, let’s all just be happy that we won the Revolutionary War. Seemed like the music of 60s flower children just trying to be one with nature. (1.4*s)
Elliott Smith
1/5
Either/Or as in either skip it or don’t listen to it. A bit bland, lucky for us it’s only 36 minutes long. Either snooze through it or poker stick. (0.8*)
Herbie Hancock
2/5
Sounds like we’re on a good, late night jam session at Jes & Jon’s with some bad, tune-up jazz blended together. Also has a menagerie of sounds on a couple of numbers. (1.9*s)
Milton Nascimento
2/5
This album is a good selection for the 1001 list. Didn’t know anything about and had never heard any Brazilian music. Enjoyed listening, it lost a little not being able to understand the lyrics, was a bit too long and weak at the finish. Overall a commendable effort. (2.3*s)
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Joni’s a true, hippie poet. (Can’t go wrong with a little acid, booze, and ass - I guess.) Seems like she’s stream of consciousness singing; many of the songs sound like she’s making them up as she goes along and are about what ever thought pops into her mind as she sings. She does have a pure voice, great for coffee house background music. Every song was new to us, as in neither of us remember any of the songs from the radio back in the 70s. The album had to have gotten some airtime, just nothing memorable. Not surprised the album made the 1001 list, but still puzzled as to why it comes in among the best albums ever made. Open for explanations. Enjoyed it (2.8*s)
Van Halen
2/5
First time we’ve ever listened to a VH album from beginning to end. Good album; starts strong and has some memorable hits. Last two songs on B side were a weak finish which brought it down a bit. (2.4*s)
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Some true hits and some definite filler. Overall rather melancholy. It was a time, it was. The three good songs couldn’t carry the album. L wanted to turn it off, J grew up listening to this duo so knew most of the songs. These guys have better albums, with an “s”. Team rating comes in at (1.4*s)
Prince
3/5
Starts out like the New Year’s Eve party of the century! Little Red Corvette drives the crowd Delirious, great 80s dance vibe. But then the songs get too long. Don’t wanna be on the dance floor for that same 8 minute beat. B side is weak, but hits carry the album. Revolutionary vision in 1982. (2.6*s)
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
One of them boys shure can play the git-fiddle! (And for a long time, too.) Or was that the dobro? Disc 2 much better than disc one. Even the Beverly Hillbillies thought the album would be better as just one disc. It seems like one of the criteria to got on the 1001 list is to make an album that is just essay too long. (1.6*s)
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Boing, Zip, Buzz, Schlap, (with an occasional Squeak) over good techno drum beats. I listened to this while running and it worked. High energy, extremely repetitive, and fun. (Not sure how people listened / danced to these eight minute songs back in the day - musta been the drugs.) 303 is the best song in my opinion, but a still a bit lame compared to other electronica I’ve been exposed to (and liked). No need to listen again or download any songs. Loretta OUT —> this list is “1001 Albums to make you die before your time .” That said; (1.6*s)
Black Sabbath
2/5
Not horrible.
Pretty much used the same formula for the drums and base line of most songs. Rat Salad and Fairies Wear Boots song titles are more creative than the actual songs. (1.9*s)
Pixies
3/5
Pixies are Happening. Album gets better as it progresses; starts with thrashy songs about wierd ex-girlfriends and peaks at Hang Wire. Liked it. (2.7*s)
Fats Domino
2/5
Music from before my time. All songs very similar and out of date. Good jazz piano by The Fat Man (2.3*s)
Van Morrison
2/5
This one is a true sleeper, but not in the good, unknown way. It will literally put you to sleep. Later Van’s song writing and voice are so much more lively, richer, and just in general better that we’re really questioning if the 1001 list was put together by length of album or picking the worst album by the artist. He has way better. This one (1.9*s)
Baaba Maal
2/5
Liked it (except one song.) Would have liked it even more if I could have understood the lyrics. Never would’ve heard of this without the 1001 list, it worked again. (2.3*s)
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
Thankful this one is in the rear view mirror, it was a tough 48 minutes. This album is some really, really, old country music with each song stranger than the one before. What’s with Knoxville Girl? Won’t be listening to these tragic songs again (0.6*s)
Jeff Buckley
4/5
Yep - this album is a true hidden gem. Pure voice, wide range, and great diversity in sound and songs. Liked Grace, Eternal Life, and Forget Her best, but all good. Added Forget Her to my play list. Will check more of his songs (4.2*s)
The Band
2/5
The general public (and critics) got caught up in the hype of the time, Dylan’s backup band, and the fact that these guys went out and rented a Big Pink house in the woods of upstate New York. IFor some unknown reason that sent this very SLOOOWW album over the top at the time. One good song ,The Wait (get it,) the rest of the album is literally folksy background music. I remember this album in the early 70s and it was long and boring then; hasn’t changed in 50 years. Over hyped then and still is. (2.0*s)
Kate Bush
3/5
Did you ever wake up and find yourself completely naked except for a blindfold, duct taped to a metal folding chair, with your hands tied behind your back? There are questions, adrenaline, and dread. This album has that and more. It is dark and fantastically dramatic. I listened with my eyes closed; the show was filled with torchlit tunnels, a dragon’s lair, beings made from mud coming to life, cauldrons, an occasional searchlight, and fangs.
I’d love to see the live production, broadway musical, or Circ de Soliel show (if available.) The Dreaming is the best song, but it is sinister. This album may be a creature that escaped from Pandora’s box; it’s out, it’s disturbing, and it can’t be put back in. Kate must have been having nightmares when she put this project together. Well done, but not my type of art. (2.9*s)
Fishbone
4/5
Fishbone goes a Mighty Long Way. The 1001 List scores again. Love the band name, album name, and diversity of the songs. All tracks good except Subliminal Fascism, and to go from Pouring Rain to Deep Inside shows their range. Album got a little political with the last four songs. Enjoyable. Solid. (3.6*s)
Animal Collective
3/5
Fast paced, upbeat rhythm with lots of cool electronic sound effects in the background make this album great listening for any Daily (exercise) Routine. Summertime Clothes is the best song, liked it all. Nuff said, nuff said, nuff said, nuff said, nuff said (2.5*s)
Beastie Boys
4/5
Hey Ladies, that’s one fun ride! Crafty and clever, liked it from start to finish. I think I heard more than one guest appearance by The Pest… (3.6*s)
Arcade Fire
2/5
No spark from Arcade Fire on this album. It improved as it progressed, but no hit songs - kinda soft (2.2*s)
Harry Nilsson
3/5
the spiders Harry. That was fun. Side B better than A. L heard this album (more than once at a friend’s house) growing up, I had only heard the hits on the radio, never from start to finish. Always wondered how good the album was because ya heard so much about it back in the day. Never liked Coconut (but Uncle Eric did, although the only way to hear it back then was to own the vinyl or on the radio) and that song got a lot of play. Truly glad to have finally heard this album in its entirety. Jump into the Fire is a great, deep cut, throw back that I remember (haven’t heard in over 40 years) and evidently still like. At some point I will go looking for Nielson’s greatest hits to see what else I’ve forgotten about. (2.7*s)
Incubus
1/5
Choppy, very choppy album. Liked two songs; Drive (good), and Battlestar (weird). Felt like the lead singer and the rest of the band were yelling at me for most of the album. Was glad when it was over. (1.5*s)
The Smiths
2/5
Not going to become a vegetarian anytime soon. Lead song Beetlebum and Song 2 are good, the rest of the album weak; seems like the songs were written by someone with a very depressing childhood. (1.9*s)
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
good album, m.A.A.d. city! Kendrick and his homies killed it on this one. All songs really good (except the overdone, showtuney Compton - I get the concept, the song just isn’t good).
Love his lyrics. Ie; sleep is the cousin of death.
… din’t make me skeptical, but not enough to stop me from getting a nut… <— that’s clever. Listened to the album twice (that’s a first) in its entirety. Who knew you could mix rap and violins (<— that’s not a spell check correction for violence either.)
Smooth rap (4.2*s)
Michael Jackson
3/5
Don’t Stop and Rock With You still great songs - side A is significantly better than the sleepy side B. Was MJ wearin’ Vans in 1979? (2.6*s)
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Had to do a double check to make sure we weren’t accidentally listening to a Janet Jackson album. JT musta been hugely influenced by her and MJ. And this was a couple years before the wardrobe malfunction… Soft pop (2.1*s)
The Divine Comedy
1/5
(Pinkies out) Really not my cup of tea. Becoming More Like Alfie is the best song, but the whole album is a bit too Benny Hillish for me (1.0*s)
UB40
3/5
Aay mon. I’m familiar with reefer madness in the early 80s - but wasn’t aware of UB40 til the collaboration on I Got Lou Babe (which put them on the radio and the map.) Incidentally, best song on the album is Reefer Madness. A lot of the songs are political in nature and similar in sound. I get why the album made the list and liked it well enough. How can you go wrong with reggae? (2.6*s)
The War On Drugs
3/5
Liked everything about it (except the name of the band). The War On Drugs was a stupid idea back in the 80s and it’s nearly as bad for a band name. But the album is solid, all songs listenable, no fillers. Red Eyes and Eyes To The Wind are stand outs. Echoing guitar riffs and lyrics are catchy. Will look into more of their offering.
(3.2*s)
Jethro Tull
3/5
Enjoyed this listen! Starts strong, then fades and the songs get similar. Definitely liked Disc 1 better. We listened on my b-day so there were a few (phone call) interruptions which may have enhanced the experience. In the shuffling madness this rates (3.3*s)
1/5
That was rough, but made it through. Noise rock - not for me.
(0.9*s)
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
Never heard of GLB back in the 90s, and now we know why. Not that good. The Hook is the best song, again not that good. America Yawning is more like it as this album in a snoozer (1.6*s)
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
Something’s Wrong (with the sound board.) Or maybe this is an album for the audibly impaired? Every song but one (Sowing Seeds) has massive background noise of jet engine, buzz saw, or really loud feedback over simple beats and lyrics making the album difficult to enjoy. The experience would have been much better if someone, anyone, just told the lead singer to not bring the microphone so close to the speakers (1.1*s)
Prince
3/5
Didn’t think there was much new from Prince on this album other than Housequake (best song on the album.) I like the idea of If I Was Your Girlfriend. It’s Gonna Be A Beautiful Night is weird, catchy, and brought me right back to the castle scene in WoOz. Somehow the album didn’t run too long. Don’t remember it from ‘87 and we were listening to Prince at the time. Don’t know anyone that owned the vinyl back then so it wasn’t one of his bigger albums. Maybe made the 1001 long album list? (2.7*s)
Ray Charles
1/5
Didn’t realize Ray’s (early) albums were so big band sound. Kinda slow, too. Songs are very similar, no standouts. His voice is rich, but the sound is out of date and not for me. (1.4*s)
The Fall
2/5
Good debut album. Too frantic (and too long) for me. Best song is Music Scene. Lead Brit git does a good job with clear annunciation on the vocal track. I imagine these guys aren’t that popular in Germany based on the subject matter of a few songs.
Not on this album, but they do a punked up cover of The Kinks’ Victoria that’s decent.
Never been a huge fan of punk, Witch Trials comes in at (2.5*s)
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Musta been ahead of its time because it’s better now than it was in the 70s. This album is tucked in between II and IV so didn’t get much play at our house (other than Immigrant Song - we would play that one frequently.) Who’s listening to III when ya can listen to IV? We did love the Huusker -Du cover (which may in fact be why this album makes the 1001 list.) Solid album with a lot of variety in songs (3.6*s)
Radiohead
4/5
Moody, very moody. And a bit sad. But also very good. I don’t want to like this album, the lead singer moans a lot, is whiney and annoying. No Surprises (best song on the disc) is a perfect example. Agree that this one makes the 1001 must hear list (3.8*s)
Supergrass
4/5
Jaunty album! Simple beats with a lot of energy. Favorite is Alright, followed by Caught By the Fuzz, Time, all songs are catchy, all songs are good. Musta been great to see them live back in the 90s. Somehow never heard of Supergrass, but they put together a great debut album - solid (4.0*s)
Elton John
4/5
Hey kids, what a start! Disc 1 Side A is smash hits, all legendary songs. Side B still really strong. Disc 2 Side C not that good. We weren’t familiar with the songs and realized that we never really listened to this side. Strong finish on D with Saturday Night and Harmony. Uncle Danny had this album, sides A and D got a lot of play. Hour sixteen didn’t seem too long, in fact the album was over before we wanted it to be.
(3.9*)
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
Depressing. And very close to the top of the 1001 too long album list. Best song is Fountain (because it’s less than half a minute long.) Glad when this one ended - won’t be back.(0.6*s)
4/5
Innovative! We had this album shortly after it was released and there was absolutely nothing like it back then. It got a lot of play at our house and everybody enjoyed it (including parents.) Well, other than George’s intro of the sitar to the world via Within You Without You (worst song on the album but no real way to skip). Great background effects throughout the album and no pauses between songs also set it apart. Lucy In The Sky paints some fantastic imagery but Being For The Benefit of Mr Kite was my favorite song on the album back then (age 7 or 8 at the time.) Now it’s Ringo singing With A Little Help From My Friends (although When I’m 64 strikes a chord this year.) A cool (and busy) cover. For some unknown reason my older brothers and I always enjoyed that WC Fields was in the crowd. The album doesn’t hold up as well as I was hoping but still comes in strong at (3.5*s)
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
1/5
I See A Darkness is melancholy, slow, and folksy. And sometimes off key. I didn’t not like it (1.4*s)
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
That was the goofy 60s. CA Dreamin’ and Monday Monday are OK songs (remember them well from back in the day) and have listenable harmonies. Every other day, every other day I’m listening to something else.
(2.4*s)
The Who
5/5
I believe we’ve listened to the gold standard of albums here (because I can’t think of one that’s better right now.) The album is stacked: all songs excellent, lead guitar great, vocals great, bass great, drums excellent, synthesizers amazing (laser show when ya saw it live was very cool at the time.) Have listened to this album in it’s entirety within the last three years so knew what to expect and it once again delivered! Had a copy of it at 4Ex and wore it out, had the CD in Haverhill and it saw frequent play, have it on my spotify playlist and still love the songs when they come up. For the first time a difference in ratings must be noted as they’re pretty far apart. L=3.8*s J=
(5.0*s)
Bert Jansch
3/5
Melancholy. Picked up a bit of a sad, English, Woody Guthrie vibe. Courting Blurs is the best song. Liked the album well enough to rate it a (2.6*s)
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Great start, great finish, and pretty solid through the (short) middle. Always liked Broken Arrow for some reason, maybe the unusual transitions, circus snippet, clarinet solo that evolves into a piano solo that fades into a heartbeat finish. This album comes in at (3.8*s)
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Never knew Siouxsie was English, thought the band was from the southwest. Always liked their sound. Best song is Hong Kong Garden due to the unique xylophone arrangement. Album is a worthy freshman effort (3.1*s)
Jack White
4/5
Sounds like Jack has had some damaged, painful relationships. I’m Shakin’ is the best song but all songs are good, no filler. This is a well put together album (3.9*s)
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Check it out now, this album is not bad. In fact, it’s pretty good. Other than In Heaven, that song sucks. All songs are very repetitive and run long. Album comes in at (2.3*s)
Queen
3/5
Great 70s guitar on this album. Strong start, peaks with Killer Queen (best song) then fades. Can do without Bring Back That Leroy Brown. Comes in at (3.4*s)
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Rather dark, echoey and futuristic, but good. Has a Midnight Oil vibe. Best song is This Corrosion. Liked the sound and the album (2.7*s)
Arrested Development
3/5
That is quite the debut! Heard some zucka, zucka and didn’t mind it. Best song is Mr. Wendal but all songs are good and the album works start to finish. Definitely worthy of the 1001 list.
(3.4*s)
David Bowie
3/5
Panic In Detroit and Jean Genie are the songs remembered from when the album came out. They’re also the best songs on the album. He’s got some out of tune piano on a few songs, but it’s covered well with creative lyrics. We like (not love) Aladdin Sane (2.7*s)
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Great debut album. Darts Of Pleasure leads the way, all songs are good. I like the sound (3.8*s)
Public Enemy
1/5
Don’t, don’t, don’t believe the hype. This is a (0.7*s) album. Almost every song has an incredibly annoying, constant high pitched beep or squeak in the background making it difficult to listen to. There are only two good songs; Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos & Security Of The First World. Yo, the rest of the dog shit you can put on your toast.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Starts out strong, gradually fades until the songs become filler by the end of the album. Worthy effort, comes in at (2.4*s)
The Adverts
2/5
All songs sound very similar. It’s an OK sound for 70s punk and one, maybe two songs. After that it just gets tiring. Can’t even pick a best song because they’re all about the same. (2.1*s)
Led Zeppelin
5/5
So I decided what I’m gonna do now. I’m gonna give Zep IV a (4.8*s) L rates it at (4.0*s)
We had the album at 4Ex back in the early 70s, Side A got moderate play for Black Dog and Stairway. On this listen, I think the B Side is stronger. The entire album holds up, all songs are hits. At this point I still think this is Zeppelin’s best album, but time will tell as I know we’ll be listening to more of them before this journey through the 1001 list is complete…
Talking Heads
3/5
Dave is weird. There was nothing like this in the 70s, that gets you on the 1001 list. There’s still nothing quite like this 45 years later, that also gets you on the 1001 list. Album has a great 3fer finish. And they just get better, way better as time goes by and they mature. Ya either like em or ya don’t. I like em a lot (3.1*s)
The National
3/5
Delicate album. Professionally put together by legit musicians. Best song is Bloodbuzz Ohio, but all songs are good. Liked The Nationals enough to listen to some of their other work.
(3.1*s)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Henry had a bad dream. Angry ballads are the theme, John Finn’s Wife being the best of ‘em. Please let me know why this album made the 1001 list, liked it enough to rate it at
(2.3*s)
Tito Puente
2/5
Cha, cha, cha baila music. Dance Mania is trumpet heavy salsa throughout. Best number is (xylophone) Hong Kong Mambo because there’s no trumpet and it’s different from the other songs. Enjoyed the listen during an elliptical session, album comes in at (2.2*s)
The Cure
3/5
A master work of dark blue hopelessness and pain. The tempo, tone, and overall message are depressing. Other than that, it’s enjoyable. Lovesong is the only one I remember from when the album came out and it’s the best song of the album. Sadly, only (3.3*s) for this effort. Nice work boys!
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Surprisingly enough, I have listened to the lengthy MCatIS in its entirety before. Borrowed it from the public library and listened in one sitting; main memories are that the album is way too long, kinda angry, and very screechy.
This time through was not as rough; still way too long but Side A and F are actually good. The middle 2/3s of the album are nearly unlistenable filler with many very similar screeching songs. Length of the album puts this at the top of the 1001 too long album list, and has it come in at (3.1*s)
James Taylor
3/5
Some good folk songs, some fluff, but all easy listening. I believe this is the album that put (the original) JT on the map. Fire and Rain got radio play through the 70s because it’s the best song on the album which rates a solid (2.9*s)
Goldfrapp
4/5
Goldfrapp is On The Road To Somewhere good. Liked their sound a lot, great female vocals over mellow electronica and soft background sounds. Caravan Girl is the best song on the album but all songs are better than good. Will check out some of their other discs. Liked this one (3.8*s)
3/5
The futuristic sound of the starship revving up blended with the dystopian lyrics make for an interesting album. I like each individual song better than the album as a whole. Knights of Cydonia and Starlight come across as the best songs. Wanted to like this album more than I did. (3.3*s)
Jurassic 5
4/5
J5, never heard of ‘em. Don’t mistake ‘em for some corny ass crew though, they’re actually good. All songs listenable, some fun, some funny, some political. Album rates (3.8*s)
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Still over rated after all these years. Huge album when it came out, but we never caught the fever. It does have some smash hits; Glory Days, Dancing In the Dark, I’m On Fire. Title song Born in the USA is not good and it appears three times with different lyrics. The album is better now than it was in the 80s but still rates (2.7*s)
Sabu
2/5
Lots of high energy congo / bongo drums, primitive guitar, very repetitive, simple Latino lyrics. Not bad during an elliptical workout, would be a lot better at a late evening party with extra hot salsa and plenty of tequila! Liked it enough to rate it (1.957*s)
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Blurry guitar (which I imagine is why this album is on the 1001 list) didn’t work for me. With Blues Explosion in the band name, I expected so much more. Bit of a let down. (1.996*s)
Kelela
3/5
Decent vocals over light, soaring, underwater, clicking electronica. Well crafted debut album, Kelela. The songs all sound very similar, so similar that there was difficulty telling the difference between one and the next. But I like the sound, will check out more of her work. Sade’s little sister come in at (3.3*s)
The Clash
4/5
That’s some good, angry, head bashin, old school punk. Slashing guitar, banging drums, and fast paced screaming vocals. Don’t remember any of these songs as stand outs, (songs are all pretty similar) but all identifiable as The Clash. Strong finish with Police & Thieves, 48 Hours, and Garageland. Great debut effort, like it more now than in 77.
(3.8*s)
The White Stripes
4/5
I had a brain that felt like pancake batter. Great imagery with the lyrics throughout the entire album (and currently very accurate as I board yet another flight…) All songs are good, zero filler. Side B kills it. Album comes in at (4.3*s)
Tricky
3/5
The most mellow trip hop electronics I’ve heard to date and I like the sound. Good move by Tticky using a female vocalist, she makes the album! Great debut effort (3.4*s)
Bauhaus
3/5
Singing from the shadows in the corner of a dank tomb created great vocal effects. The most mellow trip hop electronica heard to date and I liked the sound. (2.8*s)
Violent Femmes
4/5
That’s quite the way to arrive on the scene - excellent debut! Side A hits got radio play through the 80s so very familiar with them. Album starts very strong then fades and gets a bit whiny. Prove My Love is the best song on Side B and I never heard it before this listen.
This will go down on your permanent record (3.9*s)
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Jimi slay guitar! Debut or greatest hit album? Nine of the songs were hits that got radio play through the 80s. Fire and Stone Free still rock, Third Stone should have been left on the cutting room floor. The man was a poet that can wield an ax. That’s what I’m talkin bout (4.3*s)
The Doors
4/5
Peacefrog and Roadhouse Blues still holdin up after 50+ years, but I believe it’s Ship Of Fools that gets this album on the 1001 list. Short and sweet listen, great bluesy sound with a lot of range. I remember 1970 but never remember a time when hotel rooms rented from $2.50 per night. Solid (3.9*s)
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
Bravo! From frantic to mellow with much in between. Heavy on the xylophone, sawing violin, and accordion makes the album sound dated. Nuevo Tango is the best track. Many of the numbers would work well as the soundtrack for high energy cartoons. Liked it enough to rate the album at (2.7*s)
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
It’s all about the synthesizer. This is a good live album if you like synth, don’t listen if ya don’t like synth. Best number is the final song on the album; Nutrocker (which was used as the Boston Bruin’s theme song for couple of decades.) Pictures At an Exhibition had a strong finish which brought it up to a (2.6*s)
Killing Joke
3/5
Not familiar with Killing Joke or any of their songs. Liked the punk with futuristic background effect. The lyrics were simple and repetitive. Bloodsport (instrumental) was the best song but there are other good ones. Album cover photo and the fact that the album was self produced the way the band wanted it might be why this one made the 1001 list. Liked it enough to give it (2.7*s) Keep the Change, change, change, echo…
Steely Dan
3/5
That’s some good vintage Steely. Strong start, strong finish. Reelin’ In The Years carries the B Side. Never listened to the album in its entirety until now, great debut! Will listen again, they’ll have at least one more that makes the list. Easy (3.2*s)
Paul Simon
3/5
This album was politically controversial when released. Apartheid was in the news, the South African music vibe was new to the States. Never heard the entire album til 1001, but knew it would show up, and rightfully so. The album has a wide variety of sounds, some totally different styles, and some good songs. Crazy Love Vol II is the best song, Homeless could have been left off the album. L felt the vocals were all too much like he’s talking or reading and very similar - rated the album at (1.8*s). Difference of opinions here, Simon is a songwriter with some good ideas and many, many folk hits. (I hope Garfunkel has an album that makes the list.) For J, Graceland comes in at a strong (2.9*s)
Genesis
2/5
Without that key Wikihint about Rael and his real long, strange journey this album would have been even more challenging to enjoy. I like Genesis, but this one didn’t work for me. Some of the songs are too long, the album is too long - but I’m not sure cutting out songs makes it any better. Generously (2.5*s)
Van Morrison
5/5
Fifty years later, this album is still a fantastic listen from start to finish! We’ve listened to it many, many times over the years so know every song well. L’s rating: best album so far (3.9*s)
J’s rating: Flawless (5.0*s)
Randy Newman
2/5
Political showtunes by early Newman. Not really a style I like but the messages of the songs carried them. Naked Man is the best tune on the album. The rest of it just OK for me. I see why it made the 1001 list (Rednecks+) but comes in at (2.3*s)
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Jimmy puts out some funky jazz that you can actually listen to without thinking it’s just an instrument tuning session. Back At The Chicken Shack is a successful kickoff, album fades with each successive song - but still good. Liked it well enough to check out some of Jimmy’s other albums. (3.1*s)
Radiohead
5/5
Great threefer opens the album! High and Dry is the best song, but all of ‘em are very good or better. This is a well put together album, I’m becoming a Radiohead fan and likely will listen to The Bends in its entirety again.
(4.6*s)
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Killer guitar on Hideaway and Steppin’ Out (both of which I remember from back in the day.) These sre the twos best songs, but all good. Some good blues harmonica throughout, too. But the album didn’t hold up as well as I was hoping, (2.7*s)
The Police
3/5
Yep - remember when it dropped. Four of the songs were radio hits (although I never really liked Walking On The Moon). Great variety in sound and styles, we all liked that slightly reggae vibe and these guys were on the rise. Bring On The Night is still the best song on the album, but all good. The subject matter of On Any Other Day helps this album make the 1001 list. Enjoyable listen, already know a lot of their other early albums. (3.2*s)
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Hey, with a name like Butthole Surfers it’s hard to take the band seriously. The songs Hay, The O-men, Kuntz are perfect examples. But the album is a fun, frantic, rollercoaster ride through a three ring circus with Sweettooth as the ring leader - so respect for that. U.S.S.A. is political enough to garner a listen from the 1001 creators, and with the weirdness and variety of moods, songs, and sounds this album is a definite entry. Still can’t take’em seriously. (2.9*s)
Nirvana
5/5
My memory of Nevermind in the early 90s (other than the cover) is that the vocals were mumbled and nearly unintelligible, not so with the remastered version. Either way, it’s a great album. A Side is major hit strong, B Side fades to the last (worst) Endless, Nameless song.
I knew everyone is gay, but I did forget that God is gay. And unfortunately, Kurt did have a gun…
(4.6*s)
The Who
4/5
Had the vinyl in the early 70s and listened frequently, especially sides 3 and 4. The analysis and dissection of the album was also an assignment in 9th grade music listening class. (Yes, it was the 70s and yes, you got credits for listening to Tommy.) Haven’t listened to this in its entirety in about 30 years, but it held up well! Good story, great imagery, great music, and a couple of big hits made for an amazing hour and quarter journey. Still like it enough to do a start to finish listen again in another 20 years or so… Listening to you I get the music. (4.4*s)
Sex Pistols
2/5
That’s angry 70s punk alright - rotten and viscous. Better now than it was back then, but still rotten and viscous, and still overrated. Album title, God Save The Queen, and Johnny’s sneer got this one on the list. This album got the Brits up in a twist when it dropped, not as much over here. (2.4*s)
Green Day
3/5
That’s 90s angst punk alright. Better now than when it came out. Three smash hits (and the cover art) carry the album. Glad I took the time to listen to them whine. Extra .1 for being American brings dookie in at (2.9*s)
Megadeth
2/5
Man, that guy can play guitar! Thrash metal isn’t a favorite, but this album is listenable. Strong finish with Dawn Patrol (best song) and Rust Never Sleeps. Liked it enough to give it (2.6*s)
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Yo Jay - Break. Zuka, zuka. Just listen while I’m dissin - dis rap smells like crap and you pissin me off. I’ve listened to worse so not that horrible. Simple, juvenile lyrics over heavy bass drums and a lot of finger lickin.
Ya makin me illin’ homes (1.7*s)
ZZ Top
4/5
Have mercy, dem good ol’ Texas boys have put up a great blues rock album with mild religious undertones. Turning muddy water into wine on the way to New Orleans, Master of Sparks was God, and prayers on bended knee give ya the idea. God Almighty, I might be mistaken but I think this one comes in at (4.3*s)
Sonic Youth
2/5
Very goth with lots of bells. A well put together album, but no need to explore further at this point. (2,4*s)
Spiritualized
2/5
All songs very similar and too long. In fact, this album makes the 1001 too long album list. I’d like to pick a fav or worst song, but they’re all pretty much the same. Heard some musical instruments being used to make noise which I still don’t enjoy (2.0*s)
Stan Getz
2/5
Mellow sax over light piano and the snare with brushes make for perfect background dinner music (and not much else.) Songs are pretty similar and dated - Getz/Gilberto comes in at (2.4*s)
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Never had the opportunity to listen to this album in its entirety before now. It’s another one of those you’ve heard of and heard about from waaay back. Although with this album you always heard “don’t waste your time - it’s not that good.” I enjoyed the experience (and wasn’t even drunk, stoned, or trippin’ on heroin.) Didn’t really get many of the songs and that might be why. Album has a strong Dylan vibe; Run Run Run is the best song, the cut European Son could be cut and the album would be improved. I’m not sure why it got such a bad rap, comes in at (3.1*s) for me. I plan to listen to it again front to back when I have the time…(Let’s see if that ever happens)
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Not a huge fan of GnR, but that’s a kickass debut. Sweet Child O Mine (best song) still holds up and the album would have been even better if they ended it on this one. (3.4*s)
2Pac
2/5
Heavy In The Game awlright. The album is 25 minutes too long because he’s using nearly the same beat, lyrics, and message on every track; best ones are the ones with guest appearances by RR and Dramacydal. Even thugs get lonely, he’s 4 cans short of a 6Pac. (1.7*s)
Blur
3/5
Not sure what we’re missing. The album is just OK, nothing great. Best song is Lot 105 to end the album. (2.8*s)
Barry Adamson
4/5
A young dame, mid 20s, from The Wrong Side Of The Tracks gets caught up with a local crime ring. During a heist gone bad, a wealthy couple is killed, but who’s to blame? Dame is brought in (Round Up The Usual Suspects) by a handsome cop who is just doing his job but believes she is innocent. She is convicted and sent away to The Big House where she falls in love with a fellow (Suck On The Honey Of Love) inmate. One night, while feeling sorry for herself (Everything Happens To Me) the handsome cop (Swinging Detective) breaks her out of jail. During their narrow escape they are discovered. A car chase ensues, ending with (Auto Destruction) a horrific crash where she is ejected from the vehicle shortly before it explodes; we can’t be sure what happens to the handsome cop but it doesn’t look good. She is rushed to Intensive Care where they barely save her life but she lapses into a coma. While in the coma, she has spiritual dreams and visions of a higher power. After she wakes up two years later, she’s a different person; much wiser. She looks in the mirror to see she has a scar from above the corner of her right eye, down her cheek, across the center of her mouth to the lower side of her left jaw. She feels lucky to be alive and that this prominent scar somehow makes her even more beautiful than before (The Most Beautiful Girl In The World)
She feels Free At Last, but the suspense continues (Alfred Hitchcock Presents) when her prison lover returns! They go out to the local malt shop to split a Chocolate Milkshake and discuss the future. The handsome cop (Man With The Golden Gun) arrives on the scene with the intent to whisk Dame away. The listener is left hanging and has to decide if she goes with her prison lover OR the handsome cop…
Rated R (remarkable 3.9*s)
The Strokes
4/5
A couple of big hits and nine strong standards. Simple base lines and drum beats build a solid foundation, slinging guitar riffs and gritty vocals layered over make for a good combination and impressive debut album. Is This It? I’m saying it is. Rates (3.7*s)
MGMT
4/5
Never heard of MGMT, but recognized Electric Feel instantly. Like their sound and the entire album worked for me. Will listen to more of their music in the future. OrSpec comes in at
(3.7*s)
Roni Size
2/5
Too long. (The album and the songs.) Most of the songs on New Forms have six beat electronic base lines with simple harmonies and very repetitive lyrics. (OK, that’s electronica). Share The Fall, Washing (sic) Windows, and Beatbox make for a tolerable threefer. My take aways: too long, very repetitive, but 1001 list worthy. Comes in at (2.4*s)
The Prodigy
4/5
Ohmm. Lots of things (spaceships?) flying around, light saber noises, and other futuristic sound effects. Repetitive but good, great high tempo exercise music. Liked The Fat of the Land a lot. Have already checked out more Prodigy. This is dangerous, but I’m rankin the album in at (3.9*s)
John Lennon
2/5
Familiar with the album from back in the day - everyone was following the individual Beatles closely after they ended it. Yoko (unjustifiably) was blamed for the breakup of the Beatles and this looked liked her riding on Lennon’s coattails. The album is just “OK” - I think everyone expected more when it came out and was a little disappointed with his debut. All the songs seem like leftovers cut as not worthy of being Beatles songs. I like the message but can only go as high as (2.4*s). Plastic Ono is 1001 list worthy, but he has better.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
It’s Amy - nuff said. With a voice like that of an old soul Back To Black weaves a sad tale that is a must listen. L rates (4.5*s)
J can’t disagree, solid (4.5*s)
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Here’s What’s Going On; it’s the sleepiest way to increase public awareness of any topic. I’ve heard a few of these songs for decades and wasn’t aware of any message other than Marvin’s got a mellow groove. Maybe you had to listen to the entire album to get the message, which didn’t happen until now. 1001 list works again! This one comes in at (3.5*s)
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Male Sade (which is a good thing.) The whole album has a smooth vibe, liked it, will check out more (3.4*s)
Led Zeppelin
4/5
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… Good Times Bad Times; what a great start to the debut album of a soon to be legendary band.
Was too young to be paying attention to R&R when Zep I dropped, but know the album. Some smash hits, some filler. Better now than through the 70s and 80s, but we’re still Dazed And Confused. Solid (4.0*s)
Incidentally, they get better.
Brian Eno
2/5
Hey Brian, love the concept! The negative space in 1/1 would truly calm a frenzied traveler in a 1978 airport. (We remember ‘78 and airports at the time, they sucked. As humans, we have learned and gotten better about airports since then.) 1/2 not as neutral but still works. The B side gets less ambient and a bit too churchy. We’ve never heard any of this music at an airport (or any where else for that matter) but it is calming and would be appropriate during meditation, massage, or reiki. General consensus: original idea that is well thought out (1.8*s)
The Kinks
2/5
We are the draft beer preservation society, and even after consuming mass quantities this album is not that good. Granted, there is a lot of variety and different song styles, most are light hearted. The songs are better stand alones than as an album. People Take Pictures Of Each Other was ahead of its time (and a bit silly) like much of Davies work. The Kinks will make The 1001 list a couple more times, this one comes in at
(2.4*s)
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Natty Dread be some good, old school reggae, mon. Don’t remember this album when it came out, Bob didn’t go mainstream for another few years. Only hit off this album was No Woman No Cry, but all songs are jaunty. Enjoyed a short Jamaican vacation with this listen. (3.4*s)
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Kiwanuka crushes it. This album is great easy listening, contemporary with a bit of a Seal vibe. Both give it a (3.75*s)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Like two weird albums in one! Nature Boy is the best song, Fable Of The Brown Ape might just be the weirdest song on the 1001 list so far. (The Lyre Of Orpheus similar but not quiet as weird…) It ran a little long for me, but I had to check out a couple of songs twice (2.5*s)
Pink Floyd
4/5
We know this album and the lyrics to all four songs, it’s a sing-a-long from start to finish. Fun listen. Both give it (4.3*s)
Johnny Cash
2/5
Got some classics here; Walk The Line, Boy Named Sue, and Folsom Prison Blues sound about the same live as the studio versions. $36 for picking flowers in the middle of the night was likely a D&D pickup (all depends on how you look at it.) singing for a prison is going to get you on the 1001 list , this dated disc comes in at (2.2*s)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
The song Proud Mary was so big back in the day that this alone gets your album on the 1001 list. Bayou Country is good, CCR has better, we’ll be listening to them again before we’re done. (2.9*s)
Suede
3/5
Starts strong, runs by long. And gets weaker and slower as it goes. Got so dramatic through the middle that I thought I was listening to a musical at a small theater in the round. (This did make the album more enjoyable.) Swayed - God Nam Rats comes in at (3.3*s) Liked the feel of Suede enough to check out more of their wares.
Gorillaz
3/5
Gorillas got one kick-ass debutt with Gorillaz! Clint leads the way, butt great variety and sense of humor throughout. That they’re virtual / animated makes em even more fun.
J = (4.3*s) L = meh (2.7*s)
Brian Eno
3/5
Very, very interesting. And very international.
Interesting in that the songs are very similar and yet so different. International as in Deep Forest visits the Middle East and goes electronica with spirits and ghosts. I give it a
(2.8*s)
Pixies
3/5
Here Comes Your Monkey Gone To Heaven are the best songs on the album, but they’re all good. A little dark maybe, but good.
(3.3*s)
Beatles
3/5
An easy listen, we had the US versions Meet The Beatles and Beatle’s 2nd Album at 4Ex so knew all the songs. The cover also became a classic over time. A fun 35 minute experience that brought back memories of the 60s. Still good, but not great (3.4*s)
Eminem
4/5
Zika, Zika, starts out strong then fades to similarity. My Name Is, Guilty Conscience, and Brain Damage make for a clever and comical threefer. Then it’s all ass kissin, dick suckin, and I don’t give a fuck. Cum On Everybody is best rap on the album (3.9*s)
Aerosmith
2/5
We remember Rocks, starts out strong - then fades. Back In The Saddle was huge, Last Child is the best cut on the album. The album is good, not great. Not sure it’s 1001 list worthy (2.3*s)
Grateful Dead
2/5
You had to be there live, I wasn’t. That was about an hour of five or six stoners tuning their instruments and singing off key. Or maybe the drugs in 69 were just so strong that any noise (including Feedback)sounded like music. Rough one (1.6*s)
Radiohead
4/5
Wow, a lot going on here! Mellow, new age, electronica vibe. Optimistic is the best cut. Kid A is good for late night headphone listening, although I still find lead voice a bit whiny. Despite that, it’s a solid (4.4+s)
Elvis Presley
3/5
Debut album of early rock n roll from The King is an automatic for the 1001 must hear list. Loved the contrast between rock songs like Blue Suede Shoes and typical 50s schmaltz I Love You Because. Never heard most of these songs before, some so early they don’t really sound like Elvis (2.8*s)
Def Leppard
2/5
Not sure this is a must hear before ya die album… Photograph and Foolin’ were (overplayed) hits that really aren’t that good. Rest of the album is mediocre. Pyromania does not light a fire for me
(2.4*s)
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Early S-K like angry, young Indigo Girls. Liked the energy and feminism angle, felt like they were singing out of their range on all songs except Little Babies (which is the best song on the album.) They get better (2.7*s)
Elastica
4/5
That’s a strong debut, B side is stacked. All-Nighter and Waking Up make a great back-to-back twofer. I do remember Connection when it came out. Elastica, very Blondie-esque, comes in at (3.7*s)
Led Zeppelin
4/5
The smash hits in a row threefer of Houses Of The Holy, Trampled Under Foot, and Kashmir gets Physical Graffiti on the 1001 list. The rest of the doesn’t compare. Better now then when it came out. We’ll be listening to Zep again before the list is completed (3.9*s)
The Pogues
3/5
Never erd of The Pogues, album off to a great start. Turkish Song of the Damned caught me and turned to be the best song on the album. OK through the (lengthy) middle. After a while all Irish music sounds similar, but they finished strong with Sketches of Spain and South Australia. It was a little weird having the Christmas song Fairytale of New York pop up after some rockin’ Irish jigs and then bouncing to a Bond-like theme song, but it shows their variety. Overall, comes in at (2.8*s)
Pearl Jam
4/5
This is a great album, but actually not as good as my memory of it… This seems strange to me as so far my memories of the albums up to this point are generally better than the re-listens. Maybe the four hits (Black included) on Ten have carried it on in my mind through the years? Not sure, but either way it rates (4.4*s) I always thought it was titled Ten because it had 10 songs. Turns out there’s 11. Feel free to explain.
One other minor point; I don’t think I’ve ever heard a Pearl Jam song that is not off this album. Also explain that…
(One album wonders?)
Soft Cell
4/5
Surprised to see this one make the 1001 list. Until I listened to it again 40 years later! Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret is weird, long, upbeat, and SAD (which is quite difficult to do.) Most of the songs are upbeat but about depressing subjects. The synth base line runs thru the album, one of the members is great on the horn, incredible licorice stick on a couple of songs and sax on others. Bedsitter and Chips On My Shoulder are unknown sleepers and the best songs on the album; but sad. “I’m making a stand while I sit on my ass.” That’s good! Tainted Love and Where Did Our Love Go were truly over played, but the other songs were too weird and too long for radio play at the time. This album is list worthy as there was nothing like it in ‘81. You can really go to Hell if you give me the Soft Sell
(4.3*s)
Beyoncé
2/5
Home is where the heart is, then she came home and farted.
OK, some of the lyrics are catchy, butt she’s too up on herself. Beyonk (PLATINUM - styled in ALL CAPS) breaks down quickly and becomes difficult to listen to. The songs get so similar that it’s hard to discern one from the next. Until she brings in N Minaj, then it actually gets significantly worse.
I started out thinking “pretty good”, as each song passed I was thinking “not that bad”, by the middle of the album I’m at “not horrible”, by the time it ended an hour and a half later I was at “that was not a good experience, in fact - that sucked”. Way too long, near the top of the 1001 too long album list. Even without Minaj the highest I can go is (2.3*s) and she just brings it down from there.
Norah Jones
4/5
Don’t Know Why I Didn’t Come Away With Turn Me On (threefer) and 2002 album of the year gets you on the 1001 list. This album makes me want to go out for a high end dinner at a classy cocktail lounge and listen to Nora’s smooth, schmaltzy voice. Even a coffee house will do
(4.4*s)
Nina Simone
2/5
Pure voice over a bit of jazz piano is always good. The album gets verrrrrrryyy slow down the end. I remember my parents listening to Nina Simone through the early 70s, this album doesn’t hold up to time, comes in at (2.4*s) for me.
Destiny's Child
2/5
DC Survivor with early Beyonk as the lead comes in low 2s. The first nine songs are very similar, have lame-repetitive lyrics, and just aren’t good. Nasty Girl is a perfect bad example. The album improves a little from Happy Face on, but is still not good. Here’s to hoping she doesn’t make the 1001 list or the too long album list again (2.4*s).
The Style Council
3/5
Style Council remembered as kinda upbeat smooth jazz with a modern electronic twist. They got some play on the soft rock station with My Ever Changing Moods and You’re The Best Thing. Best song is Dropping Bombs On The Whitehouse (the title of which may have gotten them on the 1001 list.) Totally forgot about this band, but enjoyed the listen (3.3*s)
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Great mid-album threefer with And Through The Wire, Games Without Frontiers, and Not One Of Us. But it’s the politics of Family Snapshot, Games Without Frontiers, and Biko that get PG3 on the 1001 list. Well, that and it’s just a good, innovative album. Not listening again, but it’s still a solid (4.0*s)
Miles Davis
3/5
My memories of Miles in 1957 are non-existent. I can’t (or don’t want to) imagine a world where big band, jazz, and country are the main music genres. This album with all that trumpet seemed too much like big band to be Birth of the Cool, I did hear some cool tuba though. Actually, good musicianship throughout (2.9*s)
B.B. King
3/5
BB’s ringing guitar signifies the blues, his gravelly voice just adds to the vibe. You can hear the influence he had on the likes of Clapton and Stevie Ray. Sounds like a great night out, it was an easy listen. Comes in at (4.2*s) for J. Not as easy or enjoyable for L at (1.5*s)
The Monks
3/5
Just weird enough to make the 1001 list. Never heard of or anything by The Monks, but they have a great 60s sound. Boys Are Boys and Space Age lead the way on this jaunty ride through the bazaar. Liked it enough to give it a (2.8*s)
Ghostface Killah
3/5
Ghostface Killah got a sense of humor. And a legit album! Shakey Dog is great, the rest of the album is good. Fades a bit and songs get similar by the end, but not bad. Enjoyed the experience. (3.1*s)
Gillian Welch
3/5
That there’s some sleepy picking’ an a strummin’ over thin but pleasant voiced Dixie storytellin’. Red Clay Halo sums it up nicely! Feel like I went to a show at the Grand Ol’ Oprey.
(3.1*s) for Gillian’ Time.
4/5
Q:? A: Need a little time to wake up, wake up. This is a well crafted album from start to finish. T’was great when it dropped, still is. Five of the songs are well known hits, and the rest of the songs are good. Own this one on CD, but haven’t listened to the entire album in a very long time. There’s no filler on this album, all good. Comes in at
(4.3*s)
Willie Nelson
4/5
The Red Headed Stranger sure can spin a yarn! The album itself is a little sleepy, but despite the fact that it’s country you can still listen to it. Best song is the instrumental Down Yonder when Willie goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo. He also plays some great ragtime piano. Interested in seeing the movie sometime if anyone else is in. (3.8*s)
Sepultura
1/5
Devil Retch on unintelligible lead vocals again. This band is only worthy of one entry on the 1001 too long album list. First time you hear them is a shock, this time I want my hour back (0.5*s)
Pere Ubu
3/5
Modern Dance is a strange album with a lot of weird background noises behind every song. Chinese Radiation has a lot of crowd noise with a somber ending. Real World is fun. Sentimental Journey = breaking empty 40s in a back alley. Overall, the album is a little too weird for me, but not a bad 70s debut effort. Definitely some musical instruments being used to create noise. (3.3*s)
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Great save by Suba! Evidently bossa nova sounds smoother and more schmaltzy in Portuguese than Spanish or English. Has that Girl From Ipanema sound throughout - liked Tanto Tiempo start to finish.
(3.2*)
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
A fun and fluffy album as juniors in high school at age 17 and an enjoyable listen this time through about 45 years later. Fleetwood was big before Rumours, they were huge afterwards due to the several hits off the album. Nine of the eleven song got radio play at the time which makes it close to a greatest hits album. You Make Loving Fun, Loretta! The album comes in at
(4.2*s)
Alanis Morissette
3/5
Alanis missed the “No Whining” rule. Other than MaryJane (best song) the album is a one hour whine fest about her broken relationships. Many well known hits, but it just sounds like she’s straining her voice and whining on every song. I’ve got one hand in my pocket and the other one is pinching my nose closed.
(3.5*s)
Funkadelic
4/5
Play that funky music, loud! Got a hint of Jimi and War throughout, but especially on Super Stupid (best song.) Funky & psychedelic = an apropos band name. Someone please explain why Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time. Good effort by the funksters (3.9*s)
Johnny Cash
2/5
The prison tour continues… Didn’t we hear this already? All songs similar, and this album is very similar to the previous listen from SQ although not as good. (2.0*s)
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Experimental is the euphemism for tuning up throughout the album. Sounded like some stream of consciousness singing. Was hoping for more with a song titled Temecula Sunrise, all a bit disconnected but a good one time listen. I saw colors with Orca, Bride, Two Doves, and Temec Sunrise.
(2.4*s)
Willie Nelson
2/5
Stardust is slow sing-songy covers of popular country songs. Bound to be a commercial success, not sure that makes it worthy the 1001 must hear before ya die list. But here it is. To me, this is like Willie put out a Christmas album. Everyone is familiar with the songs and he’s a popular musician so it’s gonna sell. This one looses points for lack of originality. It’s not a bad album, but it’s country.
(1.9*s)
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
ELO had a distinct and unique sound, nothing else like it in the 70s. Strong start with Turn To Start, It’s Over, and Sweet Talkin’ Woman. Just heard Mr Blue Sky on the radio - always liked that one. Standing In The Rain was an unknown gem on this listen. Album runs a little long and songs become similar, but all good. Comes in at (2.9*s)
Sade
5/5
Put your hands together for Sade! Diamond Life is a killer debut; well thought out and executed. We had this album on CD shortly after it came out so know it well. Her rich, smooth voice over jazzy sax makes for a memorable listen.
L - sweet as Cherry Pie (5.0*s)
J - Stronger Than Pride (4.8*s)
Skepta
3/5
Great start to Konnichiwa, and strong finish! I was skeptical of Skepta before listening because I don’t really enjoy rap. It’s more tolerable with a Brit accent and xylophone or accordion. (2.8*s)
Duke Ellington
2/5
Still not old enough for jazz. I agree that Sir Duke has to be included in the 1001 list once (maybe more) but this one was a bit squeaky (and long) for me. Diminuendo In Blue is the best song despite being 14 minutes long. Broke this album into three separate fitness sessions and that seemed to work. But it’s still dated jazz (2.4*s)
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Stevie hit it out of the park again with Innervision. Never heard this in its entirety before but was familiar with seven out of nine songs because they got radio playback in the early / mid 70s. Living For The City, Golden Lady, and Higher Ground are the meat of the album, but it’s all good. Didn’t realize I was a Wonder fan. Strong (4.5*s)
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Live albums always seem to have a little easier time making the 1001 list. This was a good Sunday morning, Keith can play the piano. Part IV was most enjoyable. (2.9*s)
Billie Holiday
1/5
The Lady In Satin smokes more than a little too much. This album is one song that’s an hour and five minutes (too) long. That it was released post-humorous must be why it made the 1001 too long album list. A couple of the songs are on the album three times, sheesh. Not good (1.4*s)
John Martyn
4/5
Folksy stoner slurs his way through a very good album. Noted the length before listening (and that it was the same album twice) so broke it into two sessions. Enjoyed the first session; good guitar work and interesting lyrics. Liked the alt version (second listen) even more - but that was maybe because I was familiar with the songs. May You Never is the song I liked the most; upbeat. Overall, Solid Air is a little slow and a little long. Don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if one time through - comes in at (3.8*s)
Ute Lemper
2/5
The aptly titled Punishing Kiss is macabre and overly melodramatic, was hoping for so much more. The Case Continues (best song) sounded like it was taken straight out of an old detective movie, so that was cool. Much of the rest seemed like Broadway show tunes. Incredible guest appearances on the album, but I really didn’t get much from them. (2.5*s)
Sigur Rós
3/5
Grandiose. And plenty of nature sounds; wind, waves, volcanic roaring, jet engines, and space shuttle take-offs. New age ghost rock sound, glad I listened. (2.7*s)
Beck
5/5
I do wanna listen to that new Yanni cassette (Oh wait, already own it on CD.) Wow, (OK, he called us out on that one) the Beckster is on top of his game and hittin’ it outta the park with Guero. E-Pro, Girl, Hell Yes, and Scarecrow (best song) can not be beaten. All songs perfect up to Earthquake Weather (not a bad song, just a rough transition.) Little rough at Broken Drum (get it now that I know the back story) and the album finishes very strong. Go It Alone launches this album to (4.9*s) Please enjoy.
David Bowie
3/5
The Next Day is the comeback album of the decade! (Maybe the heart attack got him rethinking). No hits here, but listenable Bowie. I’d Rather Be High and Boss Of Me string a decent two in a row. The last two songs are the dramatic Bowie and a bit much, album would have been better without ‘em. (2.8*s) for Davy.
Beck
2/5
Sea Change by sad, mellow Beck showing his incredible range. I borrowed this CD from the A’dale library shortly after it was released. Not at all what I expected, but liked it a lot. (I think more back then than this time around). First three songs get the album off to a strong start, but it fades from there. Songs become similar and depressing. Good album to fall asleep by…
L = (1.5*s)
J = (2.6*s)
Ave = (2.1*s)
Nas
3/5
Yeah, yeah, say what, zukka, zukka. Got it all in here! Felt there was a heavy m’n’m influence and a solid base line on each track. The World Is Yours and Halftime top the album. The rest seemed like typical thug rap to me. Sounds like nasty Nas is a clever intellectual bisexual. Know what I’m sayin’. (2.8*s)
Beatles
4/5
It’s 55 years later, and Abby Road is still top notch. Whole album is fantastic, but the B Side is one reason why we must still listen to albums. From Here Comes The Sun through The End is just a wild joy ride. And it’s a better listen as a compilation than individual, stand alone songs. Nice little bonus kicker with Her Majesty (first secret song?) Weak link is Silverhammer. nanny always loved Octopus’s Garden. The whole album brought back fond memories of a bus ride through the German countryside! There’s still something in the way she moves…
L = (3.0*s) J = (4.8*s)
David Bowie
4/5
Very kind of David to leave us such a parting gift! And incredible that at age 69 he could still put together an album this good. Starts out a little slow and weird with Black Star (album would be better without this song, but then what would the album title be?) The album peaks at Girl Loves Me. Fantastic finish with Dollar Days and I Can’t Give Everything Away (which sounds like the words of a dying man). He truly went out with class.
(4.4*s) Black ones, that is.
James Brown
2/5
Lots of energy (and screeching) from The Apollo. Live albums seem to have an easier time making the 1001 list and this one’s a good example. I think this album does a good job capturing the 1963 event which is likely why it made the list. And James didn’t change his sound much over the years. The time in prison slowed his career, kinda never heard from him once he went in. He’s better in small doses, I give Live At The Apollo (2.5*s)
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Using music as their banner, AntA put together a jaunty little second album. I remember Ant Music and Ants Invasion being played on a radio throughout the early 80s. Strong start with Dog Eat Dog (best song), all songs good. Had to laugh with some of the lyrics in Don’t Be Square. Ie: Death wears white socks. You might not like it now but you will!
(3.7*s)
Wild Beasts
3/5
Overly dramatic, yodelesque vocals with strange lyrics over really good music. We Still Got The Taste Dancing On Our Tongues is the peak of the album, catchy and not too weird. Two Dancers and This Is Out Lot are good followers, then it gets dramatic and weird again with Underbelly. Going, going, gone (2.7*s)
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Another good debut album makes the 1001 list! This one’s high energy Brit punk from the 2000s. All good, but I liked Fake Tales Of San Francisco best. Hey, hey we’re Artic Monkees (3.2*s)
Iggy Pop
3/5
Lust For Life is a kickback to 70s garage rock from the American Bowie. Strong start, holds its own all the way through. Enjoyed the old school listen (3.3*s) with the +0.1 for being American.
The Stooges
3/5
Always thought of The Stooges as Iggy Pop’s backing band. Fun House is more great 70s rock. I don’t remember any specific songs from this album, but I remember that raw, garage sound! All songs good except LA Blues, that one’s a skipper. Album comes in at (3.4*s)
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
EatB had an identifiable sound from the guitar, orchestra in the background, and lead singer’s voice. Prior to the internet, rumor was that the orchestra was just a sound machine (named Echo).
Ocean Rain is an enjoyable listen; great start with Silver, Nocturnal Me, and Crystal Days. Could do without the clangy, choppy Thorn Of Crowns. Back on track with Killing Moon (best song) and Seven Seas. Weak finish but overall a good album. (3.5*s)
Heaven 17
2/5
Quite juvenile. Early 80s synth pop with weak lyrics and political undertones. I think Let’s All Make A Bomb (hard to believe this is the best song) is what got Penthouse And Pavement on the 1001 list. (2.4*s)
R.E.M.
3/5
Strong start, very slow and a bit sleepy though the middle, picked it up again for the finish. Man On The Moon (best cut) got some play on 90s radio. Everybody Hurts gets you on the 1001 list. R.E.M has better (2.8*s) from both.
The Cure
3/5
Seventeen Seconds is kinda slow with many similar sounding songs, all having that identifiable Cure (bass guitar, lead vocals, and moody emo) sound. (3.1*s) The Cure gets better.
The Coral
4/5
Never heard of The Coral, but seems like they’re good enough that maybe I should have. A lot of severe tempo transitions in the middle of their songs and lead vocals make them sound very much like The Doors. Liked all songs except Skeleton Key. The Coral comes in at (4.2*s)
Tim Buckley
4/5
Actually, Pet Shop Boys, actually is a really good album. It’s A Sin with its up tempo synsonic base beat and catchy lyrics is the best song, followed by the equally rhythmic Heart. S-h-o-p-p-i-n-g is missable, but the rest of the songs are listenable. Album flows well enough to go (3.6*s)
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Groovy. And kinky, with a bit of sexual dysfunction. Timmy got on top of this one. Great keyboards and bongos over raspy vocals and sketchy lyrics. Afraid to ask about the monkey rub. (3.5*s)
Foo Fighters
4/5
Good grief, Foo Fighters is a kick butt debut from Foo Fighters. Always thought Kurt was the songwriter and mastermind of Nirvana, not so sure anymore. Dave put together an epic album here! Great driving beats, guitar, and variety, all songs are good except Weenie Beenie (an annoying skipper) with Big Me at the top of the list. Will listen to this one again (4.3*s)
George Harrison
3/5
To start off: we had All Things Must Pass on vinyl at 4Ex in the early 70s. What we have just listened to on Spotify is not that album. (And a good thing, too.)
This was George’s first album after the Beatles and as you now know, the world was watching and listening. He only got a song or two on each Beatles album so had a lot of material that hadn’t been released yet. The vinyl was three discs; Disc 1 blew people away and is similar to the new Spotify version. Disc 2 was OK (listenable) but why would you listen to it since Disc 1 was better. Disc 3 was not listenable. You heard it one time and never wanted to hear it again, it was that bad. It was “You want your 45 minutes back” bad.
The album was rumored to have been the second most selling triple album of all time behind Bing Crosby’s Christmas Album, but there was never any way to confirm that back then so everyone just went with it. I always like Apple Scruffs best (for all that it was about) although Plug Me In (which was not on the original) is now the top cut. The “new” 2014 remaster is a little repetitive, but significantly better than the original, so thank George for that. As to the cover - we just figured George is turning into an oversized, reclusive gnome. Album is still a bit long (3.3*s)
Kraftwerk
2/5
Very, very repetitive and not that good. And Europe Endless Endless. Songs and album too long and repetitive. (1.7*s)
The Young Rascals
3/5
Groovey (on a Sunday afternoon.) This one hit wonder band has three solid hits off this album. Did not know You Better Run was a YR original and is the best song. A Place In The Sun typifies the mood and feel of the Summer of love.
L = (2.8*s)
J = (3.3*s)
Buzzcocks
1/5
Buzzcocks sound very similar to what I imagine Chipmunk Punks would sound like. Did not enjoy this album as it seemed a bit amateurish throughout. (1.3*s)
Arcade Fire
3/5
Hmmm. Liked it although a bit more churchy and biblical than I would have thought from an indie band. (I guess that was a result of the church they purchased and the title of the album.) Also, never considered an indie band with orchestration behind them. Antichrist Television Blues was well crafted. (Not sure why the title is in parentheses.) Neon Bible comes in at (3.5*s)
Bob Dylan
3/5
Freewheelin’ got some true classics here. Strummin’ and a pickin’ off to a great start. Eventually his harp and voice win you over. The political message of Blowin’ In The Wind and Masters Of War had a huge impact with the younger (hippie) generation and all those anti ‘Nam. Best song is Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.
L = (1.7*s) for Blowin’ In The Wind only. Rest of the album is tough to listen to.
J = (3.4*s) we’ll be listening to at least one more from Mr Zimmerman…
DJ Shadow
3/5
One, two, my test. One, two, my test. Is this mike on? Oh, we’re recording? Oh, OK then…
this is Why Hip-Hop Sucks In ‘96
It’s the money. The album gets better if you know he built it from samples and wa made in his basement. Pretty impressive
(2.9*s)
Everything But The Girl
4/5
EBTG has a unique electronica and bongo combination behind Dido-esque vocals creating an enjoyable dance album. I remember Wrong from the radio. All songs are good, will be checking out more of their music (3.6*s)
Meat Puppets
4/5
II gets out to a rough start but quickly improves from there. Aurora Borealis is very cool. Was familiar with Meat Puppets from the Nirvana covers. (3.7*s)
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Got some well known classics here, and some filler as well. Always thought NY was in the band originally and left (or got kicked out) after a few years. Did not know they had an album without him beforehand . This album comes in at:
L = (2.5*s)
J = (2.9*s)
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Lady Soul has got herself a genuine voice. Some recognizable hits, though she’s beltin’ it out from start to finish. We’ll be listening to her yet again (after it’s only 1968 and early in her career.) Probably gonna be one of her live albums. This one comes in at 4.2*s) The lady can sing…
Stereolab
3/5
The 1001 list scores again! Emperor Tomato Ketchup makes the too long album list and is also a worthy entry on the 1001 Must Hear list. Freestyle Dumpling leads this Eurofeel album to (3.4*s)
Fiona Apple
2/5
Fiona’s debut Tidal is dreary and a bit sleepy. Album starts slow and gets slower as it progresses. Good piano work but some songs are over dramatic. Hopefully, she improves as an artist after this effort.
L = (2.3*s)
J = (2.1*s)
Taylor Swift
2/5
evermore = never again. We’ve certainly listened to a lot worse. This album was too sad and too country for me. Cowboy Like Me and Long Story Short are horrible, Ivy wasn’t that bad. Title track is somber. No need for me to explore her music further. (2.5*s)
Rush
3/5
Are they actually Moving Pictures of dogs playing poker and a mime being burned in the Limelight? (I think yes.)
The music on the album is really quite good, what I didn’t enjoy so much was Tom Sawyer singing out of his range on many of the songs. Great finish with Vital Signs which is the best song on the album. (3.1*s)
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
There’s more to the picture than meets the eye. Neil spins some real ballads on Rust Never Sleeps, the best of ‘em being Powderfinger. Uncle Danny had this on vinyl when first came out and it got plenty of play through the 80s. Very familiar with the album and always liked it.
L = (2.75*s) brought down by Sedan Delivery
J = (4.3*s)
Funkadelic
4/5
Funkadelic getting down just for the fun(k) of it! One Nation Under A Groove is one funky, fun, and well crafted album. Songs run a bit long, lyrics are a bit weird, horns / drums are good, and guitar work is great. Didn’t know these funksters in ‘78, but know ‘em from the recent listen of Maggot Brain and like ‘em even more after this one.
(3.9*s)
Fried ice cream is a real thing. I’ve never had one so I’m gettin’ one next time I attend a county fair…
Dagmar Krause
2/5
Hmmm. Thought Dagmar was a male name so first surprise there. Dark and ominous, Deutschy , war torn, political, and melancholy. Certainly different than the norm, I get why it made the 1001 List; the proletariat struggle (1 pfennig for me / 1 Mark for them) songs like Ballad Of The Sackslingers, Song Of A German Mother, Ballad Of Welfare, etc. Very glad the songs are short! Zwei punct drei (2.3*s)
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Still too young for jazz. Home iIs Where The Music Is runs long and is an entry in the ”too long” list. I did enjoy Inner Crisis, the rest were jazz. (2.3*s)
Pulp
4/5
Soft, soaring, Brit, and a bit weird. Underwear tops it. All songs good, no skippers. Great finish to Different Class. (4.1*s)
Louis Prima
3/5
Louis the Lip has got a live one here! Zany from start to finish. Just A Gigolo (best song) was familiar from the cover by DLR. I enjoyed The Wildest musical ride (3.5*s)
Muddy Waters
2/5
Dated. Songs very similar. I was hanging in there until Muddy started repeating every song. At Newport 1960 comes in at (1.7*s)
Wire
3/5
Decent debut by Wire. Surprised I hadn’t heard of them bout 45 years later. Based on a few of their songs I checked out after listening to Pink Flag (2.7*s) they progress in a positive direction and get better.
Laibach
2/5
Superreptitve lyrics. Dark and political with a lot of gunshots, loud drums, crowd noises, chanting, and some explosions. Very influenced by WWII and the troops in Wizard of Oz. Couldn’t help but laugh when Arhnold’s cousin took the mic. I hope this isn’t the only local music they have in Slovenia cause this album sounded like the score to a German World War II movie. Better name would’ve been Maibach! (1.6*s)
Nick Drake
4/5
Nick’s got a winner with Bryter Layter, both the album and the song. Violins, flutes, and other orchestration work well with his guitar and voice. Only song I didn’t like a lot was One Of These Things First. Great Sunday morning listen. (4.5*s)
Joy Division
3/5
Unknown why this album made the 1001 List, maybe the cover art. Pretty good threefer from Shadowplay, Wilderness, and Interzone but the rest of the songs are mediocre. (2.7*s) Pleasure.
Jane Weaver
4/5
Folktronica. Who knew? The 1001 list enlightens yet again. Liked this one a lot. Just mellow and weird and a bit mystic, (perhaps new ageish?) Will definitely explore more Kosmic Weaver! (4.2*s)
The Fall
3/5
Infotainment Scam literally got lost in the music. Seemed like the lead singer was just reading the lyrics, no singing, just spoken word. That made the songs similar early in the listen. Glam Racket is the best song, but three times on one album is pushing it. Liked the Fall well enough to give IS a (2.5*s)
Bad Company
4/5
Bad Co is a great debut album! Surprised this band didn’t make it bigger. Album is short and sweet with a lot of diversity. L’s favorite band through high school. Title cut carries it for L = (4.5*s)
The slower, thought provoking Seagull brings Bad Co in for J = (4.4*s)
The Specials
2/5
Two ska songs in a row is about right. Any more than that and it seems like too many horns & hijinx. The deluxe version has too many repeats and runs too long. Album started strong and went South quick. Best song was Long Shot Kick de Bucket. Glad I listened but don’t need anymore Specials. (2.3*s)
Marty Robbins
2/5
Starts out like a gunslinger; quick and sure. But tumbles down into the little green valley faster than a wild mustang being chased by a runaway wagon wheel. OK finish with Saddle Tramp and El Paso, none the less it’s still old country. Overall, the album feels dated and a bit hokey. Limps in at (2.1*s)
Kanye West
2/5
Kanye is a jackass. Literally could not wait for Family Bidness and Last Call and the album to be over. (Did think his line about black card being African American Express was funny, ha ha.) Something about this experience made it seem lame, I think it’s his rhymes (1,75*s)
Suicide
2/5
Never heard of Suicide or of electronica in ‘77. The repetitive base line made for a good (short) exercise session. Frankie Teardrop is disturbing (and too long). Album has a somber finish (2.4*s)
The Beta Band
4/5
Hot Shots II is a well crafted album and a fun, interesting listen. Had to listen to this one twice, and it was even better the second time through. A lot going on musically, especially in the background. Beta Band is hands down the best unheard of act on the 1001 List to date. Beckish!
(4.7*s)
Public Enemy
4/5
Boing?
Album holds up well after 30+ years of sending a message from the oppressed black man. Song titles and content are clever as well as political; Pollywanacraka, 911 Is A Joke. Best cut is Can’t Do Nuttin’ For Ya, Man but they’re all good. Wrap that sh*t, G! (3.8*s)
OutKast
3/5
didn’t Stank, Break!
but that’s some Gangsta Sh*t. Toilet Tisha and Slum Beautiful gets this lengthy album on the 1001 List. Album runs long, but it’s listenable (2.8*s)
Fairport Convention
2/5
Traditional Irish folk ballads throughout. Best song is The Lady Is A Tramp followed by Come All Ye (rolling minstrels.) Liked Liege And Lief well enough to rate the album at (2.4*s)
Machito
2/5
Music from a different time and culture. A lot of of blare from all the brass and some of the woodwinds. Interesting mashup of Latin beats and big band. (2.2*s)
The Stooges
4/5
That’s some 70s kick ass rock, that is. Raw, Power(ful), simple.
(4.0*s)
The Offspring
3/5
Smash is a headbanger; fast paced and loud. Sounded like every song was a Weird Al cover, which isn’t a bad thing. Come Out And Play leads the way and is far better than all the other songs on the album. (3.3*s)
Rush
2/5
The palindromatic 2112 gave me the same feelings as the previous Rush album; really good music with the lead singer way out of his range. Highest I can go is (2.4*s)
The Kinks
2/5
Starts strong, ends strong - everything in between is dated and missable. Had Something Else at 4Ex, it did not get much play. (Now you know why.) The original album ended at Waterloo Sunset (fine, and also the best song on the album.) I did recognize a few “extras” on the Deluxe version. It gets a (2.45*s)
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Album title still holds true today. And the album title (plus a little mildly 70s oppressed black man early falsetto “hip hop”) is what got this album on the list. Just political enough (and early enough) to catch the attention of the 1001 List originators. I was there in the 70s and this album was absolutely never heard of. (Neither was Mr Mayfield, the album musta got bigger as time went by). Not bad , but missable (1.65*s)
Underworld
3/5
Perfect music for an elliptical exercise session; fast paced and very repetitive. And that’s a 73 minute workout. Sassys Curry was the best tune, but they’re all pretty similar (and long.) I did listen to some of their other tunes while doing some mindless activities at work. All about the same. (2.8*s)
Beatles
4/5
Taxman, Elanor, and I’m Only Sleeping still holding up neatly 60 years later. That’s a great threefer to start the album. A lot of variety in the next eight songs, which are all strong but don’t hold up quite as well. The ast three songs make for another great threefer. And what a finish with Tomorrow Never Knows, there was absolutely nothing like this at the time. Definitely the start of psychedelia; but listen to the color of your dreams…
L = (2.95*s)
J = (3.8*s)
King Crimson
3/5
Oh, we were all familiar with The Court Of The Crimson King. But it was because of the cover art, not the music. The songs were all too long to get any radio play back then. They’re still too dramatic and jazz like for me. The album made for a nice meadow walk, overall a good experience. (2.7*s)
Slade
4/5
Slade slayed it with this album. No question mark!
Early hairband rockin’ it hard from start to finish. Move Over being the best of the songs and the hit I remember. Just a kick ass, fun listen. (4.4*s)
Talk Talk
2/5
The Colour Of Spring seemed like one 45 minute song to me. Great use of the tambourine, though. (2.4*s)
Judas Priest
2/5
British steel: jerky metal with simple base lines and even simpler, very repetitive lyrics. Weak start then picks up with United, You Don’t Have to Be Old to be Wise (best song), and Living After Midnight - which combine for a worthy threefer. This and the album cover get Judas on the 1001 List. Red, White & Blue was a good finish, no need for Grinder - Live.
L = (1.85s)
J = (2.6s)
Prince
5/5
Purple Rain is still an exciting listen 40 years after its initial release. Got some drama, got some controversy, got some smash hits, Side B just kills it! His Purpleness is still on the way up with this album. Was a great listen in ‘84, is a great listen today. (4.9*s)
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Velvet Underground is a vast improvement over the ‘67 album with Nico. (This one is actually enjoyable to listen to.) Thinking back, this one might be the album that got people talking about their music instead of the banana art work on cover of their debut. VU was a no longer a band by the time I started listening to music, but they were always overrated in my experience. I believe the vinyl of the album did not include the live cuts. I’ll listen to it again when I need a trip back in time to the late ‘60s (3.85*s)
Bobby Womack
3/5
The Poet sounds like it’s right off the ‘70s Soul Train. Bobby’s got some early funk going on, but sounds like he’s trying a little too hard to be cool. Didn’t remember or know any of the songs from the album, never heard of Bobby Womack, but enjoyed the trip back five decades during the listen.
(2.9*s)
Public Enemy
1/5
No. PE is not worthy of a third album on the 1001 List. Take an annoying smoke alarm or siren or squelch as your baseline, take seven oppressed, angry black men rappin’ ‘bout their ghetto lives over that baseline and you have just made another couple Mil and a (0.4*s) album. This one sux, G. Really, really hoping PE doesn’t make the list again.
The Doors
5/5
OK, wow.
The Doors debut is, when ya sift through it, basically a greatest hits compilation. It’s 1967, so a bit before my iintro to music listening , but this album has captured the moment.
The first six songs are a line up that is insane and will not be touched in comparison.
Break On Through as the opening song and initial offering to the public makes a bold statement. Soul Kitchen, still one of my favorites. (Damn, that still holds up.) Crystal Ship: another flashing chance at bliss. 20th Century Fox is just a clever little play on words that somehow has made it through to the 21st century. Whiskey Bar was included ion the album at the request of one of the girlfriends at the time, she thought it grounded them a little more with the general public. Light My Fire was (and perhaps still is) the most covered song through the 70s. Back Door Man and The End are songs I’m surprised Electra allowed on the album, the Lizard King getting weird inside the gold mine, but it was the 60s after all.
4.8*s)
N.W.A.
3/5
Yeeaah, yeeaah, the homies got some influence here. The beats are very similar from song to song and the rhymes are simple throughout the album, but made a statement in ‘88. Got some good zuka, zuka in, I was hoping / expecting to hear the Dopeman Christmas carol towards the end of the experience. I know whaccha talkin’ bout. What?
(3.3*s) spress yaself! Not bad at all.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Familiar with Bob & The Wailers from the late 70s / early 80’s as a few songs from the B Side got some radio play; One Love, Waiting In Vain, and Three Little Birds. Marley put reggae on the (US) map and this is the album that brought it mainstream. (3.8*s) Clapton helped a few years earlier…
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
Merde - c’est tres bon! Would've been even better if I could understand the lyrics. Really enjoyed En Melody, her laugh just made me smile. (Added it to my playlist.)
Ca roule - merci, Serge.(3.9*s)
The Police
5/5
The Police were big, very big before Synchronicity. They were absolutely HUGE after it. Side A is good, very good. Side B just crushes it! Mother is just weird, fun, and funny. Sync II has always been a Police fav. The whole concept of synchronicity is appealing. Many miles away something crawls from the slime … I’m not sure how it’s related, but it is. (4.6*s)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
The wind in the trees is a whisperin. Charon (the boatman) Calls… Is he calling for thee?
Nick is a somber romantic from the pulpit on this album. Great piano work, strange lyrics, a slow Sunday morning listen. (Although I listened on a Wednesday afternoon.) Lime Tree Arbor and Idiot Prayer top the bill. I’m betting West Country Girl has Black Hair.
I feel bad for Nick’s girlfriend(s). The boatman, he is gone (4.1*s)
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
OK, so it’s an iconic live album recorded at the most popular NYC venue of the time by a Southern rock band on the rise. At Filmore East is good, much better if you’re actually there live (and stoned.) Great start, strong finish. We had this one on vinyl at 4Ex but it didn’t get much play because all the songs after Statesboro and before Elizabeth Reed just run too long, and there’s no easy way to skip songs or flip sides. Even Whipping Post runs too long.
Oh make no mistake, there’s some jammin’ going on and some incredible guitar work - but the album doesn’t hold up well. It’s LIVE, so The Allman Bros back doored onto the 1001 List. Comes in at (2.85*s)
Did someone say DRUM SOLO?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Fever To Tell gets off to a screachy start, settles in a bit and improves with Black Tongue, Pin, and Cold Light. Maps is the most listenable song on the disc, Y Control makes it a twofer. Fades with Modern Romance and Poor Song.
(2.5*s)
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Nothing Shocking here, just a decent debut album. Starts out a bit rough, but improves as it moves along. Last four songs make for a good lineup to the finish. Thank You Boys (best song)is a nice change of pacer followed by the obvious Jane Says. Who’s Jane?
(2.7*s)
Burning Spear
3/5
It’s difficult to remember Marcus Garvey when you’ve never erd of im. Listened to this album and the dub version Garvey’s Ghost (which I liked better, instrumental versions an improvement over lyrical ones in most cases.) Listen to both versions of Red, Gold And Green (best song) and you’ll hear what I mean. The albums are too brass heavy for me, but all good.
(3.2*s)
Ash
3/5
Not familiar with Ash, decent debut. Base line of all songs seemed similar, kinda liked the lead singer’s voice. Best song was Gone The Dream. Kung Fu sounds like some 70s punk rock (maybe that’s why they called the album 1977.) Not sure since it dropped in 1996. Oh well. Oh Yeah (2.6*s)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Hits like Green River, Commotion, Bad Moon, and Lodi are woven together with a few decent B side cuts and make for some good story telling. Felt like I was transported to the Bayou for a brief half hour with this listen. The Fogarty Brothers put their signature on that early swamp rock sound, and they got plenty of air time throughout the 70s because of it. You’ll be hearing more from them before the 1001 List is done. (3.3*s)
Ramones
3/5
Ramones start out strong. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend is the peak of the album, which fades to all songs after that being very, very similar. Not a bad debut for the (punky) New Yorksters.
(2.7*s)
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
mbv claim to fame must be the heavy low grade background noise behind every song. I think the reason this one made the list was because of the 20 year break between albums. Their pre-breakup music has the same undertone drone. Not for me, I like the beer way better than their music.
(2.1*s)
Robbie Williams
5/5
Life Thru A Lens by Robbie and his friends is a kick butt debutt! Every song is crafty and entertaining. Album starts out strong and keeps getting better with each song. It peaks at Let Me Entertain You, but the finish is equally as good as the start. Other than the ten minute wait and the hidden track Hello Sir (worst song.) Tough to select a best song ‘cause there’s so many good ones. Will be listening to this album again as well as checking his other works. (4.7*s)
Primal Scream
5/5
Vanishing Point is a challenge for me to analyze. Listened to it three times, I liked it on the initial listen and it improved with each successive pass. The album is very busy with lots of different background effects on all the songs, and yet the rhythms are basic making for different and interesting music. You really need hi-def audio to get all of what’s going on in the songs. Kowalski and Medication are stand outs, but all are very good. This album is a must for the 1001 List.
(4.7*s)
I now want to see the movie (which I never heard of yesterday.) Maybe at The Frieda. Who’s in?
The Who
2/5
Very 60s, very Brit. Hard to believe My Generation is from 1965; this song, The Kids Are Alright, and A Legal Matter are somehow still holding up 60 years later. And then there’s The Ox showcasing Entwhistle playing base like a lead guitar. Got some goofy covers that sound like they’re trying too hard to make it to America. So I listened to both the UK version and US release (which is better because it’s shorter.)
We had the ‘71 compilation album Meaty, Beaty, Big, and Bouncy at 4Ex which has the main hits off My Generation and some more listenable B cuts. Fortunately, The Who continued to improve from their debut through the early 80s. My Gen comes in at (2.5*s) Sorry baby.
Bob Dylan
3/5
The Jester sure can strum a ballad; got a few more here off Blood On The Tracks.
A guy in the dorm at UNH had the album, but the only songs that ever got played were Tangled Up In Blue and Jack of Hearts which were both too long for radio play at the time, so ya never heard them (unless you were down the hall at Alexander Hall.) I think the last time I heard JoH was at UNH, just forgot about it until this listen. And if Idiot Wind isn’t about his ex-wife I’ll be dag-nabbed. Enjoyed the album despite the whining.
(2.65*s)
Korn
1/5
Say what? Korn flakes, that’s what. This album is an hour of some whiny, angry guy yelling into the void over screeching, droning, static scratching noise (music?) while a couple of band mates whisper “korn” in dark, hushed tones in the background. Earache My Eye is the Weird Al parody of themselves, which is funny but still not good. Couldn’t wait for this one to be over, alt rock is just not enjoyable to me in any way.
(1.2*s)
The Cars
4/5
It’s 1978 and a new, local rock band hits the Boston music scene. Let The Good Times Roll, and they did! The Cars is like a greatest hits debut, seven (out of nine) of the songs became hits and got plenty of radio play. Strong start, strong finish with a new sound at the time. Always liked Moving In Stereo and evidently still do.
L = (4.5*s)
J = (4.2*s)
Talking Heads
2/5
Talking Heads 77 was weird back then and is still weird. Very one sound, and only one hit - but Psycho Chicken is a good one. (OK, Chicken is the Boston band The Fools cover version, which made it big in the local area.) As you know, this band gets better, way better.
L = (1.5*s) which is generous due to 2 G&Ts
J = (1.7*s) David, you’re singing too much but saying anything.
Pretenders
4/5
Pretenders debut is a mixed bag; some songs are smash hits, others are filler. Gotta nice run from Space Invader through Brass In Pocket. Great finish with Mystery Achievement!
They did the college tour and played the 3000 seat Snivley Arena at UNH in 1980. Did not attend as felt $10 ticket price was too high and there’s better things to do. We’ll be hearing from Pretenders again.
L = (3.75*s)
J = (3.5s)
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Doggy Style gets off to a strong start but starts to fade after a few songs. Lodi Dodi is just plain stupid. Next few cuts are very similar and run long. Picks up again with Ain’t No Fun and from there to a decent finish. The bits at the start or between songs are generally lame and annoying. That said, the album holds up with some listenable music and groundbreaking rap.
L = (2.2*s)
J = (2.2*s)
Slint
3/5
Spiderland: Lots of whispering and changes in tempo. Write two songs (or maybe three) and mash them into one song - seems to work for them. It’s all kinda hauntingly sad and quiet and just chugs along. Never heard of Slint (named after a pet fish) until the 1001 List, likely because they’re short lived and from KY. Listened to their first album and it’s very similar to this one which comes in at (2.6*s)
Ananda Shankar
2/5
George brought the sitar from India to the West, Ananda rode that wave! Turns out I can only take so much of the sitar and raga rock, better in small doses. Dance Indra was most enjoyable. This album did transport me to my impression of India for a brief 40 minutes. (2.4*s)
Patti Smith
3/5
Very artsy. And likely still in with the 1970’s hipster set.
It seems to me like Patti’s popularity comes from people that are trying a little too hard to be cool.
She was strange back in the 70s, fifty years have passed and this album still is strange.
I think the original album ended at Eleigie, live cuts added to the legacy version. (They came across as Broadway numbers to me.) Free Money is the song that I enjoyed the most. Glad I got to experience Horses.
(2.9*s)
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
The two hits off Surrealist Pillow got a lot of radio play through the 70s. My memory of the Summer of Love was as a seven year old growing up in the pine barrens of NJ; swimming at Three Beach, riding bicycles on dirt paths or behind the bug sprayer (a red pickup truck acting as a crop duster), and playing sandlot whiffle ball. Plenty of fun, sun, and love. But no one had seen a hippie or flower child in Medford Lakes yet, that would take until 1968 and moving to Rutgers. But this album brought me back for an hour and captured (or helped create) the sound of the times. The two hits, the album title, and the addition of Grace Slick are a few of the reasons this one definitely deserves to be on the 1001 List. Doesn’t hold up that well, enjoyed it enough to go to
(2.8*s)
Screaming Trees
3/5
Dust (to dust.)
Lots of broken things, lots of loneliness, and a bit too religious for me - though not a bad effort . I do remember All I Know from when it came out, but Dime Western is the best cut on the album. (2.6*s)
The Yardbirds
2/5
Bluesy, Chuck Berry-ish, a bit churchy, and dated. Definitely had that 60s sound. Beck’s (Jeff, that is) guitar shined, the rest not that impressive.
L = (1.5*s) extra .5 ‘cause they had to compete with The Beatles
J = (2.4*s) We had a Yardbirds bootleg on vinyl at 4Ex that blows Roger The Engineer away…
The Vines
3/5
Lot of energy, lot of variety. Lot of screaming. Pretty good guitar and drum work. Ain’t No Room is the best song, some filler (Mary Jane) make for an about average debut. (2.6*s)
Lou Reed
4/5
Transformer is proof that Lou is better as a solo artist than he was with Velvet Underground, this is an amazing sophomore effort. Guitar work and lyrics unusual but very well crafted. Great threefer from Perfect Day, Hangin’ Round, and Walk On the Wild Side (which was a huge hit in junior high school.) Absolutely nothing like it at the time because of the subject matter and message it sent. Gay wasn’t talked about yet and ya could still call them “colored girls” (instead of cover girls.) All songs good, weak link is NY Tele Conv, but he even strikes a cord with this one poking fun at the sense of NY Jewish humor. Solid (4.4*s) Goodnight Ladies!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
It’s Blitz is a significant improvement over their debut album! Great start with Zero. Not quite sure why Heads Will Roll is their big hit. Strong finish from Shane And Fortune on. Dragon Queen is a standout. (4.2*s)
Julian Cope
3/5
The creator of the 1001 List has a weakness for the spoken word, songs, bad jazz, and long albums. I found the lyrics of Peggy Suicide very repetitive. Best song is Solder Blue followed by Drive,She Said then a few of the instrumentals down the stretch. Julian appears to be a weird guy throughout this long experience. (2.9*s)
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Not sure what the Boss was doing musically during that 7 year hiatus, but it feels like Nothing Man. I have not heard The Rising before, so must be déjà vu or it’s so similar to another one of his albums that it just seems like I’ve heard this one before. He mailed it in and made the 1001 List because of his reuniting with the E Street boys and tied the album to 9/11. A shameful (but smart) act of patriotism.
(2.2*s) which is -.2 for lack of originality.
The Cramps
2/5
Not familiar with The Cramps. They sound a lot like B-52s to me. Decent rockabilly sound, high energy, and a bit silly. Mystery Plane, Strychnine, and I’m Cramped are the best songs. The Cramps limp in at (2.2*s)
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
EC ahead of his time with Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. The bluesy guitar work of Duane and Eric is masterful. Layla and Bell Bottom Blues are solid hits, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out is a great sleeper. (He does a version of it on Unplugged that’s worth a listen.)
Could do without the cover of Little Wing, but all songs are well put together and executed. Gotta love the white man blues (4.4*s)
The Smiths
2/5
Certainly, it’s the shock value of the title The Queen Is Dead that gets this album on the 1001 List. Well, that and the list was put together by a Brit.
This album is better than Meat Is Murder from a few months ago, but that not saying much.
Songs seem similar and emo-esque (and a bit weird.)
(2.3*s)
Queen
2/5
Break out album for Queen, but we’re pretty much on the same page here. Over dramatic (even at this point in time and in their career.)
As vinylists, we liked the idea of Side White / Side Black vs A&B (marketing.) Black was definitely superior, March Of The Black Queen by far the best cut. All told, we get why it’s on the 1001 Must Hear List but it only represents an inflection point in Queen’s journey and doesn’t hold up well.
L = (1.8*s)
J = (2.4*s) They just get so much better as they mature, it’s tough to go back and rate them objectively as if it’s 1977. We’ll be hearing from them again…
The KLF
2/5
Interesting mix of mellow electronica and Dido-esque contemporary music. Definitely liked the cuts with the female vocals better, Make It Rain being the best of them.
L = (1.9*s) the songs started to sound similar.
J = (2.8*s) liked The White Room and will check out more of The KLF.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Peter Gabriel; very dramatic but not that good (the album, that is.) Solsbury Hill is by far the best song but isn’t enough to carry the album, many of the other songs are kitchy, weird, or just overdone.
Not sure why this album is a 1001 Must listmaker, I guess because it’s Pete solo debut after Genesis. As you know, he improves as a writer and an artist. I believe we’ll be hearing from him again with So.
L = (1.0*s)
J = (2.7*s)
U2
3/5
U2 was pretty big from their first couple albums. 1983’s album War vaulted them to international stardom, especially the hits Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day which brought attention to the conflict (civil war) in Northern Ireland between the IRA and Ireland/Britian.
The album is edgy, fast paced, and well polished. Three big hits and all others songs OK, it ties together well. I’m sure there were others wars going on as well, but I remember’83 for other reasons…
L = (3.0*s)
J = (3.3*s)
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
Hippity hop to the barbershop. WTC got it goin’ on. Heard some good zucka-zukkin’ and a little up the butt. CREAM (whatever that stands for) is the best cut, but all good. Also appreciate the 36 minute run time. (3.8*s)
Tim Buckley
2/5
Happy Sad was as slow as Greetings From LA was weird. Maybe should’ve been entitled Slow Stop. (2.1*s)
Tortoise
1/5
Slow as a Tortoise - ho hum.
L comments: sounds like someone went around their house and found things that made weird noises, tried to put them into songs, and failed. I think I heard a broken, squeaky wheel for a while. Stupid (0.0*s)
J comments: slow for sure, but listenable. Djed runs too long, The Taut and Tame leads the pack, Along the Banks of Rivers is a good finish. Love the song title, but expected better from Dear Grandma and Grandpa.
Millions Now Living Will not listen again (2.2*s)
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
I’d be surprised if We’re Only In It For The Money made any money. Not a bad start, but breaks down quickly. Bout half way through Concentration Moon the music and lyrics get really silly and continue through to the end. Flower Punk is listenable, then a tough finish. Never listened to the entire album until now, but it might have been targeted to the 16 year old male that read Mad Magazine. Either way, it’s not good and doesn’t hold up at all. Frankly, it comes in at (1.4*s)
Fugees
1/5
Red Intro and Manifest/Outro not that bad. Everything in between not that good. Truly an overrated album when your best cut is a cover of No Woman, No Cry.
Throw the Fugees in one rung (maybe two) below BeeGees.
Hopefully, they did better as solo artists. (1.4*s)
Stan Getz
4/5
I must be getting old (now that I’m 65) because I listened to Jazz Samba and thought “Not that bad.” Next, I realized it was actually pretty good. It was then that I realized I must now be officially old.
I liked the schmaltz of Samba Triste, and the excellent guitar work. All tracks are good, the album plays smooth. Also liked that the album was only 33 minutes long.
(3.7*s)
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Yikes! That’s some early NY punk. Nothing like it at the time, plenty like it in subsequent decades. Lots of feedback, distortion, and repeat lyrics.
Never a fan of punk or the NY music scene (until Talking Heads.)
Just a bit too druggy and before my time to be able to really connect. (2.1*s)
Deep Purple
3/5
That’s some vintage 70’s Deep Purple; simple bass chords, driving lead guitar, and screamin’ vocals. Never heard In Rock before, but it is identical (in my memory) to their other albums I have heard. The album improves as it progresses, strong finish from Flight of the Rat (love the drum solo) to the run out of Hard Lovin’ Man. The Mount Rushmore cover art helped get these Brits on the 1001 Must Listen list (3.1*s)
The Who
3/5
Live At Leeds (free pass ‘cause it’s a live album - although this is far from a greatest hits tour compilation.)
Had it on vinyl at 4Ex, but it didn’t get much play. It was only about a half hour long, B Side had two cuts; My Generation and Magic Bus. The studio version of both were much better than the L@L versions, so we only listened to this side a couple times. Side A got some play because of Summertime Blues and Shakin’ All Over.
Didn’t realize til this listen that Entwhistle and Moon stole the show.
Hard to believe The Who is still a band without those two guys, even harder to believe that they’re still on tour 55 years later. The Song IS Over. (3.4*s - original vinyl version)
Long live rock, be it dead or alive!
Nirvana
4/5
Ah, we know this album well. Had the CD when we moved to Temec, and it got plenty of play time. Always liked Come As You Are. Great cover of Bowie’s The Man Who Sold The World (actually better than the original.) All songs are good, no skippers.
It’s a live album, but not the typical effort - the album is certainly 1001 Must Hear List worthy.
L = (3.8*s) Enjoyed it, needed a cup of Pennyroyal Tea.
J = (4.2*s) maybe just Fat, Dumb, and Happy.
Television
2/5
Never heard on TV until today. Bit of teen angst, indie 70s rock with a whiney twist. Listenable, Friction is most creative (and best song.) Marquee Moon is also good, but runs too long.
L = (2.0*s) garage sound similar to the Nervous Eaters.
J = (2.4*s) thought the lead singer should have changed his name to Marky Moon…
Marilyn Manson
2/5
None of us asked for this, but currently it’s all we got.
I guess AC Superstar is Marilyn’s attempt at making the world a better place (and making some money at the same time) but I don’t appreciate being yelled at for over an hour.
Like the message, hate the delivery. Most listenable song was Minute Of Decay, the rest of the album kinda rough for me to get through. Oh Gawd, I really hope the other two parts of this trilogy don’t make the 1001 List. (1.5*s)
Suede
3/5
An eemo debut (with a little of The Cure and a hint of early Bowie.) Familiar with them from our previous listen, once again I’m Swayed.
(3.3*s)
I think the reason they didn’t make it bigger in the US was due to poor timing. Grunge was the music over here in the early 90s. Bad luck.
Linkin Park
2/5
In the End, please Runaway and take your anger and your instruments. Sounds like a very disturbing and difficult childhood with lots of yelling and violence. Hopefully, now that the members of LP are no longer trapped in situations beyond their control (and are filthy rich) they can make their own decisions and are One Step Closer to finding inner peace.
High Voltage and Pushing Me Away (which they are doing) are listenable, the rest of the album is the same heavy drumbeats and screaming into the mic.
(2.2*s) want to like them more, but can’t.
Nick Drake
3/5
Mellow and melancholy debut from Nick Drake. Some interesting song topics including The Thoughts Of Mary Jane and Man In A Shed. Enjoyed the listen and he improves with his next album. (2.9*s)
Black Sabbath
4/5
Black Sabbath, their 1970 debut of the same name is an album I could listen to any day of the week. What a great way to start their career! The album starts strong with driving bass lines, impressive guitar work, decent vocals and gets better as you listen. Best song is Bassically / N.I.B. followed by Wicked World, but they’re all good. Very strong finish. Never a huge fan, but BS comes in at (4.3*s)
Alice In Chains
1/5
Throw this album Down In A Hole with Them Bones and cover with Dirt. The lead singer is whining or yelling about some depressing topic on every song making this a poor listening experience.
L = (0.8*s) the last song “Would?” actually bumped it up.
J = (1.1*s) someone please explain why Dirt is on the 1001 Must Listen list, it’s near the top of the Too Long list.
The The
3/5
Infected; with self doubt and the devil. We made it through the Cold War so now we’re just waitin’ for Hell to freeze over. Solid 80’s vibe with the sync sonic drum beats, high piano, and dystopian lyrics. Infected makes the list because of the song Heartland (and the idea of the UK becoming the 51st state of the USA.) That and it’s an album a bit off the norm for the mid 80s. Comes in at (3.3*s) and will check out some other The The works.
The Fall
3/5
The Fall and This Nation’s Saving Grace, better with a female involved. Some weird, some good, some both. Worst song (and it’s not that bad, just too long) is the single Couldn’t Get Ahead. Strong (twofer) finish with Rollin’ Dany and Cruiser’s Creek.
Based on how far we’re into the List, how many albums they have, and the fact that it’s compiled by a Brit, I think we’ll be listening to The Fall again. (2.9*s)
The Black Keys
3/5
Brothers from The Black Keys with their heavy drums, slinging guitar, and raspy vocals makes for a cool hipster album. Only familiar with the hit Howlin’ for You from radio play, but enjoyed the entire album. Will check out more of their music.
L = (2.9*s)
J = (3.6*s)
Johnny Cash
2/5
The man in black finds religion and loneliness near the end of the trail. This collection of covers is a mail it in moneymaker for Mr Cash. Song selection is well thought out, execution not as good. But respect for still trying at 71 years, poor health, and 67 albums deep. (1.7*s)
Carole King
4/5
Tapestry is woven with a comfortable feel, vibrant color, and skilled craftsmanship. The album starts out with a “greatest hits” threefer and continues on a hot streak. The covers of You’ve Got A Friend by JT and Where You Lead by Streisand were bigger hits than the originals but 9 of 12 tracks are more than recognizable from 70’s radio play. The title cut Tapestry is the weakest song on the album which makes us wonder why it was selected for the title. Very strong finish with Natural Woman. Great vocals throughout. An album this solid as a sophomore effort would be difficult to top in the rest of a career.
L = (3.5*s) A bit folksie by today’s standards but enjoyed the listen.
J = (4.6*s) Have heard most of these songs before, but first time hearing this album start to finish. Impressive.
The Cardigans
3/5
First Band On The Moon makes the 1001 List because of the album title (and maybe throw one to the Swedes.) Familiar with Lovefool from late 90s radio, but couldn’t have told you the band.
Must have been much more impactful in Europe. To me, this album is middle-of-the-road 90s pop carried by one song and the vocals. Comes in at (2.6*s) cute.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Cyndi’s debut was a fun romp back to the vibrant colors of the early 80s! It doesn’t hold up well forty years later, but it was giant back in the day. Comes out of the gate very strong, the first six songs all got heavy radio play. Then fades a bit after All Through The Night.
Her sassy vocals are certainly unique (lots of squeals and squeaks) laid over energetic new wave created a light, fun mood.
L = (2.75*s) cutesie
J = (3.4*s) a fad I enjoyed and remember well…
Steely Dan
4/5
Ah, we know it well! Steely just kills it with Pretzel Logic. Tight, jazzy, upbeat with lots of different topics and sounds. Rikki comes out of the gate strong and the next five songs make for one of the best album sides ever. The East St Louis Toodle-Oo was always a 4Ex family favorite. B Side not as strong, but still good. Weak cut is Through With Buzz, the following four song are a very solid finish. Liked this album a lot when it first came out and through the Haverhill years.
L = (3.0*s) still holds up
J = (4.4*s) yep, still holds up!
2/5
Arthur is not aging well at 55 years old. Wearing a rumbled out of style shirt, two stones overweight, and with a heart condition he sits in his rocker at Shangri-La complaining about how the war took his friends, the poor state of the economy, and his mundane job.
This harsh critique of the British lifestyle by Ray is certainly 1001 List worthy, it’s just not an enjoyable listen.
(2.2*s) They get better and we’ll be hearing more from The Kinks.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Let’s keep it simple. The Pest, a large bag of weed, and magneto rap. Not quite for me.
(1.9*s) My bet is that Doc Oc is not proud of this work in 20 years…
David Bowie
3/5
Station To Station. First time listening to it from start to finish. I remember when it dropped, only Golden Years and TVC15 got airplay. The rest of the B cuts are good enough to make the entire album listenable (which says a lot for a Bowie album.) This one holds up and comes in at
(3.3*s)
We’ll be hearing from David again.
Pixies
4/5
Strong start from Pixies with Surfer Rosa! Drum beats drive most songs which are all good, lead by Where Is My Mind.
They definitely influenced alt rock bands of the 90s.
(4.2*s)
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
fe, fi, fo, fum - Kendrick hit out another one! Butterfly be very lyrical and pimping it is quite skeptical. Got some white chick to suck da big dick, rappin’ and hopin’ for sumpin’ bigga for all dem homies and _black people_.
King Kunta leads the numbers, followed by i.
So he went runnin’ for asses AND he made it to the superBowl.
(3.4*s)
Might wanna watch out for the poor ground opening up and eating him and the rest of the rich.
I think Pops fell asleep before it was over…
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Joan’s soulful voice blended with a bit of funk, folk, and jazz made for an enjoyable listen.
L = (2.8*s) Adding Down To Zero to spotify playlist.
J = (3.3*s) Always thought she was an American.
Janis Joplin
3/5
Pearl, with her distinctive, gravelly, screechy Texan twang that is recognizable by anyone from the Boomer Generation, got herself a great album here. All songs (other than the one of great social and political import) are good; high energy with a touch of blues. Best cut is the cover of Christofferson’s Me And Bobby McGee. Enjoyed the throwback of this listen.
L = (3.4*s)
J = (3.3*s)
We may not be here tomorrow…
Depeche Mode
3/5
Oh dear, that was dramatic (and a little gay.) Music for the Masses is an album of 80’s dance music that improves and gets more listenable with each passing song from Nothing to the finish. Best few cuts are at the end. Or maybe they just wore me down. I think the title helped get this album on the 1001 List.
(2.75*s)
The Gun Club
2/5
Initially liked The Gun Club sound a lot, fast hillbilly punk guitar and twangy vocals. But the songs are so similar that by the third one I was ready for a change. Strong finish with Ghost on the Highway. (2.3*s)
Adele
5/5
Very impressive for 21. Adele has a grand voice, and sings from the heart with emotion that you can actually feel. Bluesy and soulful, all songs on the album are better than good with several mega hits included. Have this one on CD and it got plenty of play.
L = (5.0*s) I adore Adele. Her rich, strong voice fills me up. I could listen to this over and over, and I have.
J = (4.4*s) she Set Fire To The Rain with this one!
John Coltrane
2/5
Nope. Still not old enough for jazz. (Whew!)
Lots of frantic squawking on the sax and banging on an old piano. The musicianship in parts was Supreme, just not for me.
(2.2*s)
Maxwell
2/5
That’s a modern Barry White schmoozin it in the bedroom for an hour with some smooth soul. Songs were very similar, standout is Til the Cops Come Knockin’. Liked the Suite(s) finish.
(2.3*s)
Don McLean
3/5
American Pie (the much shortened radio version) was known by everyone and most people knew all the lyrics. The album was no where near as popular, Marc had it on vinyl and we would listen to Side A on occasion to hear Am Pie and Vincent. We listened to the B Side just a couple of times.
I’d forgotten how sad but good this album is. 1001 Must Hear List worthy because of the mega hit, the cover art, and folk music wasn’t dead yet. The generation lost in space rates it at
(3.4*s)
The Beach Boys
2/5
Pet Sounds was still having an impact in the early 70s. It’s the album that transformed The Beach Boys from a surf/hotrod themed barbershop quartet from SoCAL to something bigger. Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Sloop John B, and God Only Knows (and some of their earlier hits) were still getting radio play through the late 70s. Then everyone lost interest and they faded. Production value aside the album doesn’t hold up as well (and has less hits) than I remember. It comes in at
(2.45*s) Did get some pet sounds at the end…
The Temptations
2/5
All Directions has many varied songs and moods, but the one that gets it on the 1001 Must Hear List is Run Charlie Run (which is also the best song on the album.) Bass vocals are great and really help bring the point home. Got a few covers in there that drop the overall rating to
(2.3*s)
Miles Davis
2/5
Had to listen to this one twice to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. Wikinotes mentions that it could be the most influential album of all time which definitely makes it worthy of the 1001 Must Hear List, but jazz just doesn’t translate for me. Kind Of Blue was kind of annoying. The piano piece during Freddie Freeloader was the least annoying section of the album. I’m hoping that by the time we finish this project I’ll have a better appreciation for jazz. Not there yet.
(1.95*s)
3/5
PJ saved the best for last on this album with We Float. One Line and The Mess We’re In (w/ Tom Yorke) are also good, but the rest of the album felt a bit bland to me. She has a decent voice (kinda reminds me of Hines) but the melodies aren’t as catchy. Liked it enough to go (2.5*s)
Some solid advice to take life as it comes.
Peter Frampton
5/5
L had the vinyl shortly after it dropped and it got played frequently - especially Side B. We saw Peter perform this album live (for $5 / ticket) at UNH in 1980 and it’s just as much fun today as it was back then. Holds up well for 50 years later.
L = (4.9*s) Loved it! One of the best live albums I’ve ever heard.
J = (4.75*s) Actually, didn’t like this album that much when it first came out. But it got better with time and listens. Certainly brings me back to a sweet , sweet time…
The Verve
2/5
Emo-alt rock by The Verve, I think A Northern Soul was put on the 1001 List because of the album title. A few of the songs are so slow the lead singer may have fallen asleep. Not one song stands out, It’s mot that the album is bad, I’m just not sure why this one’s a must hear. Please explain.
(1.7*s)
The Isley Brothers
2/5
Fluffy old soul. 3+3; Four of the best songs are covers, I’ll give ya That Lady (but it’s really not good enough to carry the other originals).
Not much here and no need for me to check Isley Brothers further.
(1.6*s)
Thin Lizzy
2/5
An hour and seventeen minutes of live Thin Lizzy during an outdoor elliptical session in 92 degrees is not as bad as you’d think! And who knew Lizzy had enough songs to play for that long? (Only known song is The Boys Are Back In Town.) Drum solo at the one hour mark was a lift for the crowd and the subject. Last three cuts make for a strong finish. But it’s a live album so free passed its way onto the 1001 Must Hear List.
(2.5*s)
Iron Butterfly
4/5
Groovy.
Not sure why we liked it so much, but we did. The song was huge, everyone knew someone that had the album and it got A LOT of play (and I mean A LOT) at parties, Friday night hangouts, or about anytime.
Maybe it’s that little slow down pause at around six and a half minutes that makes you think the song is over but slides into
“DRUM SOLO !!!” or that you (everyone) could just close your eyes and zone out for 15 minutes and nobody thought it was weird.
I forgot all about this album, but it is truly 1001 List worthy. A simple repetitive bass guitar riff, one line of lyrics, and of course the epic drum solo (that may have been the start of drum solos) mixed with mind altering substances made for some great psychedelia. You either love it or you hate it. B Side holds up enough to go (3.9*s)
In a Garden of Eden?
Cream
3/5
Solid psychedelic rock album. Great work by Clapton on guitar but Ginger carries the show on the drum kit. Liked the ‘B” cuts Tales Of Brave Ulysses and SWLABR (not sure what that stands for) best, although Sunshine Of Your Love still holds up. Disraeli Gears comes in at
(3.5*s)
Earth, Wind & Fire
5/5
That’s some upbeat, positive Funk that is! Familiar with Shining Star and That’s the Way of the World as both were big hits at the time. Hadn’t heard any of the other songs until this listen, but they’re all good. Africano near blew me away on first listen, by far the best cut on the album - jazzy and too long for mainstream radio, but still cool twenty five years later.
Familiar with EWF, but this album really took me by surprise.
(4.7*s) should have ended with Africano…
Nirvana
3/5
That’s caustic (but disturbingly appealing .) There’s some screeching and feedback for sure, but it worked back then because (we never heard anything like it and) it was contemporary, different, and cool. The three mainstream hits do carry the album, but that makes sense because I’m mainstream over 60.
Comes in at a Fat, Dumb, and Happy
(3.49*s) the feedback was a smidge too much.
R.E.M.
3/5
Already familiar with R.E.M. from their earlier Fables of the Reconstruction album and its hit Driver 8. They had a new sound for the 80s with unique tempo changes we weren’t used to. But we remember Document No. 5 well as we had it on CD in Haverhill and it got a lot of play. All songs are good, lead by Exhuming McCarthy (very political), End of the World (nothing like it at the time), and The One I Love. We’ll be hearing from these guys again.
L = (2.8*s) very nostalgic.
J = (3.6*s) great selection for the 1001 Must Hear List!
Le Tigre
1/5
Lame Tigre. Luckily the songs are short and so is the album. It got better as it progressed, but still was not good. Amateurish and unpolished. A lot of random thoughts thrown down. Will check a later album to see if they grew up into real cats. (1.3*s)
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Want Two is strange, drawn out art. And very Jeff Buckley-esque. I wanted to like this album more, but it moved at a snail’s pace. Gay Messiah is catchy (best song) followed by Old Whore’s Diet which is just plain old weird but good. Enjoyed both of these songs, rest of the album too sloooowww for me.
(2.2*s)
I’m still wondering what an old whore has for breakfast…
Tom Waits
4/5
Intriguing album! Tom Waits is a rare poet with some incredibly unique and fanciful rhymes.
I remember not liking him as too folksy and weird from his previous SwordfishTrombones album. But for some reason I liked Rain Dogs forty years later (other than Midway and Bride which are just out of tune jazz, luckily both are short.) Gun Street Girl, Clap Hands, and Singapore make for a solid threefer.
I will be revisiting Swordfish and listening to the trilogy. This album is just strange enough to come in at
(3.8*s) In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
T. Rex
2/5
T Rex was big in the early 70s, evidently riding on the swell of Electric Warrior because The Slider doesn’t offer much. Low impact album. Good guitar work, but I never heard any of these songs before (zero radio play) and don’t need to hear’em again. A lot about wind and cars.
(1.6*s)
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Hot salsa with a bit of disco mixed in, it was the 70s after all. Some easy listening here, would be even better in a club with some spicy salsa dancers. All songs listenable- enjoyable experience.
(2.75*s)
Portishead
3/5
Portishead is torn, lost, lonely, tired, emotional, and mysterious on Dummy. And it works! Slow, emo electronica behind the shadowy vocals of a female temptress. Songs are all good but get pretty similar, strong finish with the Glory Box.
(3.4*s)
Tracy Chapman
5/5
Killer debut by Tracy Chapman, perfect for the 1001 Mist Hear List with messages on human suffering, downtrodden females, and social injustice. You can feel that she sings from the heart, and likely personal experience.
L = (5.0*s) could listen to this over and over, and I have.
J = (4.1*s) still holds up, sad and sadly still talking about that revolution…
Fela Kuti
2/5
Fela Kuti has a live one here (so free pass.) With the add of Ginger and the jazzy world music card make it 1001 Must Hear List worthy. The 16 minute drum battle runs long. Enjoyed it overall.
(2.35*s)
Dead Kennedys
2/5
Thrashing, frantic, and perfect for the 1001 Must Hear List.
You can tell by their name, the Dead Kennedys are here to disrupt the norm. And they do.
I Kill Children, Stealing People’s Mail, and Funland at the Beach is perhaps the most disturbing three-in-a-rowfer ever put to vinyl. These rebellious droogs never got that popular because the subject matter of their songs was so dystopian they couldn’t be played on the radio. California Uber Alles and Chemical Warfare are interesting concepts. The album is politically charged and politically incorrect - it comes in at
(2.4*s)
Robert Wyatt
1/5
All I can figure is Rock Bottom made the 1001 Must Hear List because of the backwards singing on Little Red Robin Hood Hit The Road, the out of tune piano, the out of tune horns, the out of tune something squeaky (maybe a clarinet), and the weird gibberish lyrics. Oh, and Bobby’s a paraplegic.
(1.1*s) a bit too artsy for me…
M.I.A.
3/5
Interesting electronica-hip hop with an African rhythm, Asian influence and a bit of Deep Forest. Kudos to the 1001 Must Hear List as I don’t think I would ever be aware of MIA otherwise. Come Around and Jimmy lead the way, but all good.
Comes on at (2.8*s) Fight on!
Neil Young
3/5
Short but sweet, Neil makes the 1001 Must Hear List again. This time, Southern Man carries him there with some help from After the Gold Rush and Only Love Can Break Your Heart. Enjoyable listen.
L = (2.9*s) a few songs with piano didn’t sound like Neil.
J = (2.8*s) Neil has a string of great albums through the 70s, we’ll be hearing from him again.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Feeling Goofy! The folks at 4Ex had this album (I would say shortly after it dropped) as I remember it getting played through the late 60s and knew all the lyrics back then. Haven’t heard it in over 50 years, but still familiar with all the songs.
L= (1.5*s) Scarborough Fair and Homeward Bound are good, the rest of the album is whimpy ballads.
J = (3.3*s) Flowers Never Bend leads the way, and I like the ballads.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Southern Rock Opera is a SWEEEEET tribute to substance abuse and Lynard Skinyard! A few of them boys can strum a guitar. Not familiar with DBT, but they did a great job selling The Southern Thing, which has always been the dog shit pile and whippin’ boy of the country. Plastic Flowers On The Highway takes top honors, but all good which says a lot for an hour and a half of Southern rock. Never a huge fan of LS, but I have a better appreciation for them after this listen. Definitely 1001 Must Hear List worthy.
(3.9*s)
Sister Sledge
2/5
Starts strong but fades after the fourth track. I imagine if you had We Are Family on vinyl that the A Side might get some play by disco fans, B Side is filler. Throw a bone to the Sistahs. (2.2*s)
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Decent 1980 debut from EatBunnies. No hits or standouts, but an easy listen. Kinda reminded me of the somberness of The Cure with an REM vibe. Best song for me is Villier Terrace. Crocodiles surfaces at (2.65*s)
Black Sabbath
2/5
A well timed album in honor of Ozzy and a fun listen. Not familiar with any of the songs, strong finish with St Vitus and Under the Sun.
L = (2.4*s)
J = (2.7*s)
Kanye West
2/5
That’s an hour and two minutes too much of Kanye. Lots of F’-ing and N’-ering throughout, no surprise there. Significantly better than The College Dropout, but he’s still a jackass, no surprise there either, and a little further up his own ass than earlier in his career. Best track is All Of The Lights. Highest I can go is (2.3*s) His rhymin’ is still ridiculous, but maybe now he realizes that…
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Pretty similar beats for the six song medley to start, improved as it progressed. Meditative background music for monotonous drive across Mojave Desert, looking for sand people or storm troopers to attack.
L = (2.0*s) Movie score for interplanetary Star Wars film.
J = (2.4*s) Didn’t know these brothers are Brits, we’ll be hearing them again.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Ouch! That was physically painful. Pneumatic blasts, screeching grinders, loud drilling, and banging is more noise than music and not at all enjoyable to me. Vorm Kreig was the least horrible noise. I’d like my hour back on Kollaps.
(0.3*s) Please don’t make the List again.
Brian Eno
3/5
Great start to Eno’s Another Green World, which is a kinda cool mid-70s “new age” album. Starts to fade after The Big Ship. Title cut is short, but ecology was pretty new and near the top of the western world agenda. Best song is Sombre Reptiles (and must be the one they’re talking about that new instrument the snake guitar.) Definitely some innovative ideas and instruments on this album. And he certainly put together a group of well known musicians. My thoughts are that the album would have been even better with no lyrics. Solid (3.2*s)
Eagles
2/5
Eagles, better now than back when this came out. Three hits on their debut isn’t a bad start, but the others songs are weak.
L = (2.3*s)
J = (2.2*s) They improve as they age.
Pulp
3/5
This Is Hardcore is a good album but far from my idea of hardcore. A more thoughtful and accurate title would have been
This Is Mellow(dramatic)
The songs are slow, thought provoking and musically on point. The album improves as it progresses, Glory Days takes top honors. The Day After The Revolution is intriguing and Help The Aged strikes a chord. I like this band.
(3.4*s)
Nothing lasts forever.
JAY Z
4/5
The Blueprint off to a strong (3-fer) start and clever sampling of that particular Doors song / Jim Morrison.) Got some very listenable rap-hop through the middle (especially Heart Of The City)and a strong finish from Renegade to the end. Good idea teaming up with Slim Shady, too.
(4.0*s)
Since this was just an audio experience for me, I did miss J-Z pointing’ at me.
The Undertones
2/5
Underwhelming soft punk from The Undertones. Seemed a bit formulaic, very simple thoughts and lyrics. Middle of the road listen, not bad but no songs stand out.
(2.49*s)
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Some respect for Aretha, she has her second strong entry to the 1001 Must Hear List and it’s still very early in career. Didn’t like the repeat of three songs, but other than that, all good. She’s got a voice awlright!
(3.95*s)
LL Cool J
1/5
Yeh,, yeh. Mama Said Knock It Off. Not sure why this album made the 1001 Must Hear List - Lame rhymes about juvenile topics. Mirror Mirror on the wall, Milky Cereal say it all.
(1.1*s) More squeaking like Beasty Boys needed.
Michael Jackson
3/5
MJ proves once again that he’s the King of Pop. Strong threefer to start the album and another one to finish it, does have a dip between Speed Demon and Man in the Mirror, but all good.
L = (3.5*s) It’s Good , it’s good, not Bad, not Bad!
J = (3.2*s) Before this listen, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this entire album. And I don’t think they ever stopped doggin’ him around. Looking forward to seeing Moonwalker, which I’m now sure I’ve never seen.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Folksy with a melancholy, unusually slow tempo. The songs seem long and similar. I think Songs Of Love And Hate makes the 1001 Must Hear List because of the album title and the last song ; Joan of Arc.
(2.35*s)
We’re still trying to figure out why her heart didn’t burn when she was burned at the stake.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Zany. Like a mash-up of Flight of the Conchords and The Kinks. Frisbee is a fine example of their weird rhymes and dry sense of humor. Listened to the original format of Fuzzy Logic and enjoyed the listen. Will check out more of their songs when I get a chance.
(3.4*s) Let’s Get Fuzzy for the weekend!
Morrissey
2/5
Viva Hate sounds like a difficult and sad breakup with The Smiths. Pedestrian B cuts that seem very similar.
(2.2*s)
He won’t mind if I forget him. Having learned his lesson, he did not leave an impression
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got: know it well as we had it on CD in Haverhill. Liked it back then and still like it (other than title cut.) Entire album is real good other than last song. She maybe went a little to far, to fast.
L = (3.0*s) She deserves all the awards that she didn’t accept.
J = (3.3*s) Emperor’s New Clothes should be on my playlist.
Carpenters
1/5
Quite dated. We recognized a few of the songs from 70s radio, but mostly as covers and Burt Bacharach songs. The Carpenters came across as a variety show act, she had a good voice for a 98 pound waif. Not sure what he brought to the party. It was goofy.
L = (1.5*s) It always seemed a little odd seeing them sing to each other as brother and sister.
J = (1.3*s) They were evidently popular enough for long enough to make the 1001 Must Hear List so let’s give them credit for that.
Frank Sinatra
1/5
Frankie sure has a voice, but this one is a real snoozer. Hard to believe something this slow could go downhill so quickly and even harder to believe it almost won the Grammy for best album of 1968. Made it through on a quiet Sunday morning, but not by much. He nearly put us (and himself) to sleep. Glad when the last song was over.
L = (0.5*s) Very weak song selection. He sang Off Key off key, so that was stupid.
J = (0.8*s) I’m sure I didn’t have to hear this album before I die.
Megadeth
3/5
High energy, fast paced, head bangin’ thrash metal. Not at all my style, but not a bad album. Just political enough with the song Peace Sells (best track) and Vic on the album cover in front of the dystopian UN Building to get the album onto the 1001 Must Hear List. The Mr Burns mixes are really tamed down, but much more listenable.
(3.1*s)
War sells and the US government is buying. Peace doesn’t sell. No one’s buying. Question should be: Has anyone figured out how to make money selling peace?
XTC
2/5
Skylarking’s songs all sound pretty similar (except Dear God which is by far the best song.)
L = (1.0*s) Maybe l need to be on XTC to enjoy this album, but that’s not gonna happen.
J = (2.4*s) Dear God is controversial enough and good enough to draw attention. When it was left of the US version of the album, it created even more controversy. When it got played on radio stations, bible thumpers protested creating even more controversy- hence it makes the 1001 Must Hear List.
The Libertines
4/5
The Libertines slipped under the radar - never heard of them until this listen. They’re impressive! This album is solid from start to finish; especially The Man Who Would Be King and Music When The Lights Go Out. They remind me of Artic Monks. Great selection for the 1001 Must Hear List..
(4.4*s)
Will be checking out more of their albums.
Christine and the Queens
4/5
Chris is good in English, even better in French - softer and more exotic. Modernized electronica with Dido-esque vocals. Doesn’t Matter is top track, but all good! Another good entry on the 1001 Must Hear List as never would have heard this otherwise.
(3.75*s) interesting to listen in English and read the lyrics in French.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Jorge Ben (and the 1001 Must Hear List) have a winner with this one. All songs listenable, the album improved as it progressed. Kinda like a softer, Brazilian Santana.
He definitely had a good idea going electric; although this album is nearly 50 years old it holds up well compared to his earlier acoustic work which is bossa nova and sounds very dated. Africa Brazil comes in at (3.2*s)
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Scissor Sisters sounds a little gayish. And a few of their songs do, too - especially Filthy/Gorgeous. Got some dance beat, disco-electronica going on with Comfortably Numb and F/G. Off beat song ideas and clever lyrics throughout.
L = (2.7*s) How come I’ve never heard of this band?
J =(3.3*s) Bit of a BG’s vibe.
Neil Young
4/5
Neal makes the 1001 Must Hear List yet again. Around 1977, L purchased Harvest as her first NY album (vinyl.) J bought it on cassette a few years later. This is back before your collection had a lot of albums, so it got plenty of play. We know it well. Some (5 or 6) legendary hits and a couple skippers; Man Needs a Maid and There’s a World.
L = (3.7*s) Listened to a lot of “the man” on the way to work at King’s Grant throughout the late seventies.
J = (3.4*s) He’s good, he’s whiny, and he’ll be back.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Goo is all over the place. Off key singing (intentional or just bad?) on a few numbers. Weak rhymes and noise on a few others.
Album would be improved if they cut Mildred Pierce, Scooter And Jinx, and the last four minutes of Mote (which is the best cut on the album.) The Song For Karen Carpenter helps get Goo on the 1001 Must Hear List. And is well timed since we just heard from her. This one comes in at (2.1*s) Goo smells P.U.
Simple Minds
3/5
New Gold Dream (the album) has an interesting sound and a lot of religious overtones. Someone Somewhere In Summertime and the title song are the best on the original album. The rest are listenable, but no standouts. Only know about Simple Minds from their one hit; Don’t You Forget About Me which doesn’t have the same sound as this album. I did listen to the non-repeat songs on the extended version and Theme For Great Cities is a standout!
(2.9*s) Still unable to figure out the (81/82/83/84)
2/5
Live 1966 (free live album pass) starts out a bit whiny and gets worse until he goes electric, which he had done a year earlier at the Newport Folk Festival. For me, the electric set was much more listenable than the acoustic portion - but still rough. I’m surprised the audience was dissatisfied about him going electric, it was an improvement. Best song is Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat, although last four songs are decent.
(1.7*s) Glad I wasn’t at this concert.
Stephen Stills
3/5
That’s a strong debut from Stephen. Love the One Your With was the big hit and got plenty of radio play. Didn’t know he was friends with Hendrix and Clapton, and they definitely make the album better. To a Flame is a skipper, but the rest of the songs are good.
L = (2.5*s) Enjoyed the guitar work by Jimmi and Eric.
J = (3.3*s) Never heard it until this listen, don’t know anyone that had this album, and I’m surprised because it’s a good one.
ABBA
1/5
Goofy show tunes from the 70s. Here’s the Dum Dum Diddle musical’s storyline: Agnes (hot female lead that is the shy girl in class but best dancer on the high school pep squad) kisses her English Lit teacher Fernando while no one is looking, and they fall hopelessly in love. Weeks later, she is still dancing with joy at the Saturday night disco dance where he is a chaperone (Dancing Queen.) He wants to make out with her, but she feels it’s too risky at this public location so she tells him they need a cool off period breaks it off with him (My Love My Life.)
He’s heartbroken and wants to win her back, so he quits his low paying job as a teacher to eliminate the conflict of dating a student and goes to work as a travel agent making much more Money, Money, Money - and Why Did It Have To Be ABBA?She is enthralled by his dedication and increased salary so decides she wants him back. As an attempt to impress him, she vamps up her look and goes on the prowl (Tiger.) But unfortunately, Fernando has been sent off to war. Oh no! Will he make it back alive? Will she wait for him? It’s now the end of the 70s and Sweden is pulling their troops out of Vietnam. The loving couple reunites on a moonlit beach in Happy Hawaii.
L =(1.5*s) Musical storyline by Loretta.
J = (1.1*s) The play was better than the album.
Coldcut
4/5
What’s That Noise? That noise is music; a mash up of funk, Rasta beats, electronica, and catchy lyrics. It’s a bit weird, and it’s all good. Strong start with People Hold On, especially liked Stop This Crazy Thing and Telephone, but all songs are engaging.
(3.8*s) Will check out more from Coldcut, and will also make sandwiches.
Nick Drake
2/5
Nick was a little down on himself despite a solid effort with Pink Moon. It’s mellow and a bit depressing. Things Behind The Sun is the best song on the album, followed by From The Morning.
L = (1.0*s) Songs are very similar and short.
J = (3.1*s) Album should have been titled From The Morning, it’s more thought provoking and more upbeat.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Early electionica that holds up made for a good experience! This is what the 1001 Must Hear List is all about.
(4.2*s)
For the first time, I’m wishing I had heard this when it dropped. I think my music range would have been much wider. Didn’t know this until now.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Heavy use of the tom-toms on Juju, which I guess makes sense from the Banshees. Their second entry into the 1001 Must Hear List is not as strong as their previous entry. This one is a middle of the road and comes in at
(2.4*s)
Supergrass
4/5
Supergrass continues to impress! Sun Hits the Sky, G-Song, Richard III, a Cheapskate are excellent songs and seem like they were good enough to be hits in the US back in ‘97. Still not sure how these guys stayed under the radar until the 1001 Must Hear List.
(3.9*s)
The White Stripes
4/5
Said it once before but it bears repeating now; The White Stripes create vivid imagery through their lyrics. Strong start, fades and bottoms out with I Smell A Rat and Aluminum, then bounces back for a decent finish. White Blood Count is
(3.7*s)
fIREHOSE
2/5
FromOhio from fiREHOSE makes the 1001 Must Hear List because of the stylized band name, Liberty For Our Friend, and the drum work on the album. It’s a decent album, nothing great. Listened to it twice, second time (which is usually a score raiser) was just OK.
(2,3*s)
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Hard to believe this dropped over 40 years ago. A weak debut from Frankie, two lead-off originals and a bunch of covers. But not a bad listen. They musta been short lived as they were not heard from again after Relax.
L = (2.8*s) Lots of drama but I liked it.
J = (2.7*s) Some interesting song choices for a debutt; Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Born To Run…
Kings of Leon
3/5
That’s a solid debut from KoL. Got some excellent guitar work, great garage sound, some vocals like Thorogood, electric Dylan, and even some Steve Tyler screeching. All songs good, but Holy Roller Novocaine leads the charge followed by Molly’s Chambers. Lots of variety throughout.
L = (1.0*s) Too much drunk screeching. They get better.
J = (3.8*s) They are off to a very strong start.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
Only familiar with Husker Du as the memory game that Nanny & Gramps brought back from Denmark. The band has that 80’s alt rock sound made famous by REM (just a bit whinier.)
The double album runs too long. There’s a distinct difference in the two writing styles, so each composer should have gotten a disc making it two separate standard lengths instead of a double. The top cut is Actual Condition followed by She Floated Away. The song She’s a Woman (And Now He Is a Man) is the reason this album makes the 1001 Must Hear List. This topic was no where near the public’s awareness in 1987. Warehouse (although lengthy) is under stocked.
(2.4*s)
The Beach Boys
3/5
Today! falls into the “goofy” category. Help Me, Rhonda, Do You Wanna Dance? and When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) continued to get radio play into the 70s and we’d all sing along. But The Beach Boys still sound like a barbershop quintet to me. The album is 1001 Must Hear List worthy, but Brian’s breakdown helped get it there.
(2.7*s)
R.E.M.
3/5
Green, with its orange cover art and disc is remembered well. Had it on CD in Haverhill (probably right around ‘88) and it got some play as a regular disc in the 5 CD changer.
World Leader Pretend, Orange Crush, I Remember California make for a good threefer.
L = (2.7*s) Not bad, but two of their earlier albums (Fables and Document) are better.
J = (3.5*s) Might see them again with Out Of Time, but this one is where they peaked. Kinda lost track of them after Green.
Tom Waits
4/5
Had to listen to it twice this time around, it’s all over the place; what moods and crazy imagery Tom Waits creates! The album is just strange enough and good enough to make the 1001 Must Hear List. Shore Leave and Frank’s Wild Years just kill it.
(3.6*s)
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Fast paced, choppy, rap in a Brit accent over new age grime music with a lot of xylophone, synthesized tuba, under water echoes, and submarine sounds makes for an interesting mix - but it’s only good for a song or two. I Luv U is the top track for me followed by Fix Up, Look Sharp. After a couple songs, Dizzee just sounds angry and repetitive. I listened to the instrumental version of Boy In Da Corner Facing Da Wall Wid A Dunce Cap On ‘Is ‘Edd and liked it better than the rap version; more listenable and less annoying. I can see why this album made the 1001 Must Hear List (first Brit rapper) but no need for me to explore further.
(2.76*s)
It’s possible you will get hit with a chair…
AC/DC
3/5
That’s some kickass rock, but better than when it came out. Great twofer to open it up, then the songs get pretty similar. Say goodbye to Bon, no man is irreplaceable.
(2.85*s)
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators are enhanced by use of the electric jug. The electric jug gets the 13th Floor Elevators on the 1001 Must Hear List. And the electric jug makes me smile.
If you care to take note, you’ll find that most hotels in the US do not have a 13th floor.
(2.2*s)
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Fast paced electronica dance rock that’s high energy with a steady beat and high tech sound effects. North America Scum is the top track, but they’re all good. Enjoyed this listen during an elliptical routine.
(4.4*s)
The Verve
4/5
Urban Hymns comes across as thoughtful, mellow alt rock and is a marked improvement over their previous Northern Soul album. There are several good tracks on this one; Lucky Man leads the charge, followed by Bitter Sweet Symphony, then Sonnet - but all the songs are listenable. I even enjoyed the six and a half minutes of silence near the middle of Come On / Deep Freeze. And a solid effort was put forth by the string section of the backing orchestra throughout the album!
(3.9*s)
Motörhead
2/5
These guys are the middle of The Road Crew. Ace of Spades, although hard driving, stays in the middle lane. The songs are very similar with no stand outs. Not sure why this album is a Must Hear, I think the only reason it makes the 1001 List is because of Jailbait and The Chase being about sex with underage girls. I guess they’re trying to portray the Wild West of the eighties, I guess.
(2.2*s)
TV On The Radio
2/5
TV On The Radio coming out of leftfield with Dear Science. I think I’ve heard of this band, but didn’t recognize any of their songs. It’s a decent electronica rock album with some interesting lyrics; DLZ and Red Dress as the best tracks.
Death’s a door that love walks through…
(2.1*s)
Manu Chao
3/5
Manu has put together quite a debut with his Clandestino laptop. Lots of variety, and telephone conversations in the background, and sirens/ wind effects. Had to laugh with Welcome To TJ, a good representation of his work.
(3.3*s)
Bravo por tequila, sexo, marihuana!
The Damned
4/5
Damn, The Damned got a live one here with Machine Gun Etiquette. And another top notch recommendation from The 1001 Must Hear List.
These guys sound like they’re having fun just killin it, excellent guitar and drums, liked the addition of piano and bongos. Interesting song topics, crafty lyrics, and well executed vocals.
Great start with Love Song and Machine Gun Etiquette, strong finish with Smash It Up, all songs between are solid. Anti-Pope helps get them on the 1001 List, but I think they’re good enough that we’ll be hearing from them again.(4.4*s)
Bollocks, punk never sounded so good!
Röyksopp
4/5
Royksopp’s Melody AM has got a mellow, new wave vibe that was perfect for a misty twilight (PM) meadow walk! It had rained all afternoon so everything was clean and smelled fresh. It started with a full arc rainbow and ended with a pink and orange sunset over the DeLuz foothills. Sparks and Night Out were most enjoyable, but it’s all good. I’m gonna listen to another one of their albums on my next long walk.
(3.75*s)
It’s dark out now…
Morrissey
3/5
Controversial, political, dramatic, and not bad. Songs seemed quite similar by the end of the album.
(2.6*s) We’re not done with this Brit…
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Now that’s just plain old melancholy. Lenny, with thoughts and songs of death and dying, is Traveling Light to whatever comes next. Credit to him for being able to put out an album two weeks before his demise. Many dramatic pauses throughout. If his Thanks For The Dance album doesn’t make the 1001 Must Hear List, I’ll give it a listen. This one comes in at
(2.4*s)
2/5
Light, orchestral, and very McCartney-esque. The main composer must be a Paul fan and a strawberry fool. Musically complex and I liked some of the clever rhymes, but Apple Venus (Vol 1) did not grab me. Started out OK but faded to a tough finish. Was kinda glad when it over.
(2.2*s)
Laura Nyro
4/5
Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is art. And a perfect entry to the 1001 Must Hear List. Unusual song topics, complex instrumentation, dramatic tempo changes, lots of different moods, and great wide range vocals. Had to listen to this one twice, it’s literally all over the place in a good way. Recognized a couple of the songs and always thought they were the originals (3Dog and 5thDim.) Never heard of Laura Nyro, but she just kills it with the blue-eyed soul on Lonely Woman’s Blues - yeh, both songs. December’s Boudoir sums it up; weird thoughts, lyrics , tempos, moods, and a harp.
(4.0*s)
I’ll surry on down to her stoned soul picnic any day!
Dolly Parton
2/5
Coat Of Many Colors looks good out of the gate but gets threadbare pretty quickly. Still not a big fan of country music or Dolly, this one was listenable. And not bad for having put out three albums in ‘68 and ‘69, then five albums in ‘70 and four in ‘71.
L = (2.4*s) Seemed like it might be a tribute to her mother…
J = (2.3*s) She gets bigger as time progresses…
Portishead
1/5
Portishead should have taken at least another eleven years off. And please get a new vocalist, she’s subpar. Third is about 1/3 each; sad, off-key, and annoying.
L = (0.11*s) Depressing music that gave me a headache.
J = (1.3*s) Miz.
Elvis Presley
3/5
This is truly from a whole different era. Was 1960 really that long ago? Yep - I guess it was. That was a fun listen. L actually remembered some of the songs.
L = (2.75*s) It’s hard to believe that this was risque and the start of rock ‘n roll.
J = (2.9*s) Oh, the music world musta been quite excited that Elvis Is Back…
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I remember when this album came out. The big radio hit (and best song on the album) was Boogie On Reggae Woman, which I could not figure out what Stevie was singing until this listen when I saw the song title and read the lyrics. (Always thought it was “you’re the only woman”.)
Never realized it until now, but it sounds like MJ might’ve been influenced by and got some of his ideas from Stevie.
Some how I’m becoming a Stevie fan.
(4.1*s)
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Didn’t know psychedelic folk was music genre, so it’s good to now know about it, and that it is to be avoided. The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter is an off-key traveling minstrel with a lot of moaning.
L = (0.5*) That got worse as it progressed.
J = (1.3*s) Dang, when I read the write up I was excited for Scottish psychedelic folk! When I listened to the album, it was a disappointment.
Ella Fitzgerald
1/5
Ella does the Gershwin Brothers just got tougher as it progressed. Wasn’t sure what to expect, turned out to be corny show tunes from a by-gone era, more big band than jazz. List originator should have selected one of her concept albums over this lengthy three disk set. She does have a voice, and she sure sang a lot of songbooks. This took three 1hour and 5 minute sessions. New topper for the 1001 Too Long Album List!
(0.9*s)
Lorde
3/5
Very melodramatic. Not a bad listen, first side of the album the songs are very similar. But it improved as it progressed. Strong finish with Supercut and Perfect Places.
L = (2.75*s) Same beat in many songs, didn’t get angry at it.
J = (3.1*s) My take away is she used a lot of loud synsonic drums.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Never a Bruce fan, but this a must album for the 1001 Must Hear List. T’was huge when it was released, it’s better now than when it dropped. Actually enjoyed the listen, which is surprising for a Springsteen album.
(4.2*s) OK - I’ll go see him live when he plays the OC Fair and you get the tickets.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Despite the 1 hr + run time, Blonde On Blonde is actually a good (Dylan) album. Not as whiny as his usual and a bit more rock than folk. Visions of Johanna is the top track followed by Just Like a Woman.
(3.2*s)
Incidentally, everybody DID get stoned. Rainy Day Woman was a a huge radio hit and was still getting play through the end of the seventies…
Morrissey
2/5
I feel sad for the anguished, love starved Morris, see. My take away from Your Arsenal is that he needs to add several new/different tunes to his arsenal. He now gets classified as a “one sound” not so wonderful musician and I just listened to the same song for 40 minutes. And this song is not as good as his previous efforts.
(2,3*s)
Unfortunately, we’re still not done with this Brit.
Can
2/5
Tago Mago off to a solid start; psychedelic krautrock with reasonable rhythms and weird lyrics.
Until Aumgn; that was so not good and so long that they lost me in their eerieness (spell checked to eerie mess.) A very weak finish and the last three live cuts were not a good addition. This one goes on the 1001 Too Long List.
Enjoyed the first four track, torture after that.
(1.59*s)
Steve Earle
3/5
Dang! It’s country so not my fav. But this one was more listenable than many other albums on the List and I felt like we got a bonus at only 35 minutes run time. Song topics (like as Hillbilly Highway, Good Ol’ Boy, My Old Friend The Blues) and that southern twang put Guitar Town into the “typical country” pigeon hole. Kind of a mashup between Johny Cash and Johny Meloncamp - but not as good as either of them. Although released 40 years ago, sounds like it could have dropped yesterday. That’s country for ya!
(2.6*s)
Happy Mondays
3/5
Happy Mondays. Love the band name. Music had a bit of a funk. Enjoyed the groove of the music, the weird song topics, and the overall listen. No real standout songs, I believe this album made the 1001 Must Hear List because of Bob’s Yer Uncle. Loose Fit is top cut.
(2.8*s)
Sounds good to me…
X-Ray Spex
1/5
All girl punk band from the seventies. Sounds good on paper, not so good as a listen. Only 42 minutes and couldn’t wait for it to be over. I think the 1001 Must Hear List originator was just throwing the X-Ray Spex a bone. The lead singer is just screeching way out of her range. The songs are terrible. Only bright spot is that the sax player can blow.
(0.8*s) Was hoping for so much more…
Radiohead
3/5
You have not been paying attention. This is another well crafted, mellow lullaby from Radiohead. A lot going on in the background. I still find Thom’s lead singing a bit whiny and this album runs long, I Will is a sleepy skipper. A Punch Up at a Wedding wins it followed by A Wolf At the Door. All in all not as strong as their previous efforts.
(3.45*s)
What’s with the flan in the face?
Frank Zappa
3/5
Hot Rats, Zappa’s movie for your ears is quite the trip. It starts out with bluebirds (cartoon) flying around your head as you stroll through a peach orchard (real) in full blossom. It’s also starting to get warm, and you’re feeling thirsty. You follow the central lane to the far edge of the orchard, it eventually leads to the rather seedy Lido Hotel. Oh good, just in time to have a cool afternoon drink with your buddy Willie. One drink leads to two. It’s about time to wrap it up and be on your way when another friend moseys up to the table and sits himself down across from you. The Son Of Mr Green Genes (best song) offers to buy the next round. Willie begs off saying he has to get back to work (ha), but you’re OK for just one more. Green Genes tells the tall, exotic waitress to make them both doubles. The drinks arrive, his has two little umbrellas in it, yours is significantly stronger than the last two. He mentions he a regular here.
It’s never a good idea to drink this much on an empty stomach, so it’s decided to get something to eat. Today’s special; you guessed it - Gumbo Variations (worst sax I’ve heard in a long time.) It’s still hot for this late in the day, let’s take a dip in the pool and check out the girls. The pool is empty, there are no girls. Deal breaker, time to head out. You thank Green Genes for the drinks and line up a taxi. She (the waitress) shows up a few minutes later, dressed as a belly dancer in harem garb leading a camel. “Where do you want to go?” she asks. Yep, Frank is weird.
(2.8*s)
Paul Simon
3/5
I miss Art. Paul is suffering from unrequited love (for someone.) The album is pretty good, would have been better with Art involved to the finish because he kept Paul in check. (Why did Art leave the project?) Cars Are Cars is what happens without Art to balance the duo. Also, a good call by the Prez of WB convincing Simon to go with Hearts and Bones, definitely the better choice for the title cut.
(3.0*s)
Never heard of John Lennon being referred to as Johnny Ace, but I’ll go with it…
Femi Kuti
3/5
Femi Kuti (Femme Cutie) has posed some contemporary questions:
Will Africa ever unite?
Will Jesus ever come?
Why the things they wey dey shock you now?
You go vex till you break your head?
Which problem they come, why not they go?
And a little advice from the sage of afrobeat (which is a mash-up of reggae, modern jazz, and aboriginal wisdom:) Live For Today.
Good add to the 1001 Must Hear List, would never have heard it otherwise.
(3.2*s)
You better enjoy life today…
Miles Davis
3/5
Well, that wasn’t bad (for jazz.) And even better that the album was only 38 minutes listen time. Sounds like Miles going electric with jazz was about as controversial as Dylan going electric in folk. Ye olde guard could see their genres fading, could sense rock coming on strong, and were reluctant to the inevitable change.
It was twelve years since Birth Of The Cool dropped, so I went back in time and checked that one out again. And what a huge difference! The 60s were a decade of major upheaval.
In A Silent Way is an improvement of the usual bad jazz an comes in at
(2.8*s) Got a long way to go to start liking jazz…
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
CAlifornication sounds fun! Side is good, gotta a few smash hits. Side B is weak with plenty of skippers. Maybe a little too much Weird Al and feedback.
L = (2.75*s) L Like Dirt and Purple Stain are just plain stupid songs. First side is good, B side is lame and brings the whole album down.
J = (3.1*s) Not much of an RCHP fan, agree that CAlifornication is list worthy. Actually liked Road Trippin’ as the finish.
John Grant
2/5
Quirky and corny. Who knew that folk music is still alive? This album makes the 1001 Must Hear List because of the song Jesus Hates Faggots. Queen John was handed some musical talent.
(2.4*s)
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Like a calm blend of calypso and salsa mash-up with a sprinkle of French and a dash of castillian thrown in to spice it up a bit. Koffi is a good international add to the 1001 Must Hear List as I would not have heard this otherwise. Always liked the steel drums. Glad for the listen.
(2.1*s)
Did I hear an electric uke?
Cornershop
3/5
Interesting use of the sitar, weird sound effects, and foreign languages. Slow start, the five songs after Brimful of Asha are skippers. But then it picks up. Good set from Coming Up through Norwegian Wood (which was an odd version that I actually enjoyed .) Will be checking out additional works from Cornershop.
(2.96*s)
Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow…
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Yoshimi is a great add to the 1001 Must Hear List! All songs are good, and woven together into a well executed concept album. A fun, thought provoking listen.
In the Morning of the Magicians has a very NY feel. I’m interested in seeing the musical if the opportunity ever arises.
(4.2*s)
Do you realize all we’ve ever had is NOW?
Jamiroquai
3/5
Jamiroquai has a funky, psychedelic, electronica feel (that sounded Stevie) Wonder / EWF-esque) and a legit debut album. Title cut and Revolution 1993 gets them on the 1001 Must Hear List, and I agree a valid entry. I will check out more of their music. (3.3*s)
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
The master of psychedelic rock strums the guitar in a singular way. It’s weird, it’s 60’s, it’s enjoyable (if you can get that far back in time.) Crosstown Traffic and Watchtower got some play on the radio. If you just try to digest the song titles it will boggle your mind. There had to be a little drug use goin’ on during this session - Jimi token on vinyl in ‘68.
((3.2*s)
Two riders were approaching…
Girls Against Boys
2/5
Never heard of the band Girls Against Boys. And with an album entitled Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby, didn’t expect dark indie metal, but that’s what we got. Not sure why this one made the 1001 Must Hear List. Nothing controversial, nothing shocking, not that good. Musically, lyrically, and vocally under average.
(1.7*s)
Wanted to like this more going in…
Devendra Banhart
3/5
It’s weird, it’s mellow, it crawls on its belly like a reptile. It’s freak folk! And somehow Debendra makes it work. From the album cover to the final song Autumn’s Child, he had me paying attention (and thinking I shoulda had a bag o’ weed handy.) Simple guitar, complex lyrics, shaky voice make for a weird combo that I enjoyed.
(3.4*s)
I wonder if he really slipped out of his mother’s womb on a hot, sunny afternoon, it’s a strange topic to sing about so maybe actually happened, or maybe it just rhymed.
Bon Jovi
3/5
Slippery When Wet just sounds fun. A true snippet of living in the 80s. Never heard this album before but it was like a trip down memory lane. Side A evidently had some songs that got major radio play ‘cause we knew ‘em by heart and was literally a blast from the past. Side B held up well. Skippin’ skool, six packs, makin’ out in the back seat.
L = (3.5*s) Like a day in the life of the eighties. Felt the Van Halen influence, just swaying’ to the music and enjoying the upbeat mood.
J = (3.4*s) Union’s been on strike…
(Teamsters went on strike at Sylvan Street plant where I worked. Had to cross picket lines, income was tentative with a wife, two kids, and a mortgage.) Never heard Social Disease, but you have to admit that’s clever.
The Stooges
2/5
The Stooges trying to find their sound on the debut album. Pretty fair offering if (the 10+ minute) We Will Fall and Ann are eliminated. Familiar with their biggest hit I Wanna Be Your Dog, but none of the other songs. Thankfully they settled on the 70 garage rock sound and forgot about the sitar and The Doors.
(1.95*s)
The Charlatans
3/5
Telling’ Stories start out good and gets better as it progresses. Side A is good, Side B is better. Liked the beats and baselines, and Brit accent vocals. Area 51 through Rob’s Theme is a ramp up to a strong finish. Never heard of The Charlatans, but I believe we’ll be hearing from them again.
(3.2*s) Will check out additional albums from these guys.
Lou Reed
2/5
Berlin is a mellow, sad, and dark Lou album. Slowest speed trip ever put down to music. Berlin (the song) kicks it off OK and crazy that the most upbeat track is Sad Song to finish it. Just depressing for everything in between.
(1.7*s)
I can’t imagine this one flew off the shelves…
Orange Juice
2/5
What a strange album. Got some xylophone, bongo drums, washboard, and a few other instruments I don’t know the names of with strange (out of) tempo, lilting lyrics. Thought it sounded a bit Caribbean/African/Asian, especially with Hokoyo and A Million Pleading Faces and just to find out they’re Scottish. Enjoyed the listen (during an elliptical session) but it got kinda silly by the end.
(2.2*s)
Best song from Rip It Up is lead off title track Tip It Up.
Paul McCartney and Wings
2/5
More fluff from Sir Paul. Every now and then soft, fluffy things are good (for something.)
L = (2.5*s) I always thought McCartny was a little “bubble gum” pop, but I did know all the words - So…. Side A is good, Side B is whimpy.
J = (