1001 Albums Summary

Not a weak track. I hadn't previously listened to more than Roadhouse. More classic rock (more guitar-focussed?), less artsy than their debut, but still The Doors (organs, growling Morrison vocals, oddball themes). Could reach 5* on many repeated listens as familiarity grows. Big fan of 'Land Ho'.

Didn’t finish. Have heard the first song far too often in the past and it’s not my thing. The second (?) song had a different feel which was a pleasant surprise. Slightly overrated overall, though I did appreciate ChatGPT’s explanation to ‘why is Adele so famous’: she has an interesting album release schedule (aligning with stages of life), and has a low key demeanour.

Only one Green Day is required in the collection, Dookie. Interesting lyrics, same-y songs.

A little to 'out there improvisational jazz' for me; I often wonder if these are songs that could be performed again or if they're one off performances, like a modern synth jam. It was OK for in the background, with a few moments that raised it to a 3.

Peaches en regalia automatic 5, hadn't really tried everything else prior to this. Got hung up on the harshness of Willie. However, upon further proper listens Willie is a great break amidst what I didn't realize was an instrumental album. And what a bonus it's sung by Captain Beefheart. All else is quite enjoyable, landing closer to another recent 1001 listen 'A Love Supreme'. Perhaps a little too avant jazz by the end, especially 'The Gumbo Variations', but all in all the album is a great listen, enjoyable on headphones in the backround listened all the way through.

Sincere and heartening music, just not my style at all. Could almost hear the vocals fitting in in Irish/Nova Scotian music, but the twangy guitar and strings are undeniably American Country.

Having only really heard the Police's greatest hits, this was a surprise. The hits are an easy 5. The low points (Steward Copeland singing on On Any Other Day; very ordinary and dated It's Alright For You) are forgettable. But there are hidden surprises: the title track is a fun instrumental that is the Police's sound distilled into one track. The highs (Sting's singles; songs with chiming guitars and a reggae bounce) and lows (Copeland's contributions) are extreme but average out to a 4.

Not as fully developed as The Band album. Certainly unique for its time, but heavier emphasis on similar sounding piano-based, hymnal sounds on some tracks (plaintive wails on Lonesome Suzie and Tears of Rage), whereas The Band offered more diversity of sound. The Weight is a highlight, but Chest Fever is an equal standout and shows how important Garth's organs are to the band's sound.

4.5/5 on quality, 5/5 when sentimentality is factored in. Timeless 80s music from my childhood. This 1001 exercise is showing me that typically the singles are singles for a reason, they're the better songs...I think. Or is it just because they're familiar and album tracks for an album I've only listened to a few times haven't had the chance to grow? Who knows. Closing track Listen was an enjoyable surprise. Enya meets Talk Talk meets TFF 80s synths.

A little same-y throughout, but quality same-y is still quality. Nice gentle music.

Forgettable. Grating voice, little variation, no hooks, no apparent message in the lyrics. Ghost on the highway sounds a little like The Libertines, nice slide guitar.

How can it be I only recognized half of the chorus of Relax? Can a band be a half-hit wonder?

I'm not sure the circumstance one is supposed to listen to this. If I heard it playing from someone's open car window I'd stay clear of them. But it was an enjoyable listen while doing yard work on a cloudy day. Definitely a grower.

Fun songs, David Byrne's voice can be a little campy sometimes.

Kick in the head is great. The others, a little grating and same-y.