My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
Third Soft Machine	5	2.45	+2.55
New Forms Roni Size	5	2.53	+2.47
Welcome to the Afterfuture Mike Ladd	5	2.57	+2.43
Alien Lanes Guided By Voices	5	2.75	+2.25
Peggy Suicide Julian Cope	5	2.77	+2.23
The Sounds Of India Ravi Shankar	5	2.85	+2.15
Destroy Rock & Roll Mylo	5	2.88	+2.12
Apocalypse Dudes Turbonegro	5	2.9	+2.1
Heroes to Zeros The Beta Band	5	2.9	+2.1
Rattlesnakes Lloyd Cole And The Commotions	5	2.9	+2.1

Album	You	Global	Diff
Thriller Michael Jackson	1	4.23	-3.23
1999 Prince	1	3.59	-2.59
Queen II Queen	1	3.48	-2.48
Rumours Fleetwood Mac	2	4.45	-2.45
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds	1	3.31	-2.31
Slippery When Wet Bon Jovi	1	3.29	-2.29
1989 Taylor Swift	1	3.26	-2.26
The Real Thing Faith No More	1	3.21	-2.21
Hysteria Def Leppard	1	3.2	-2.2
The Boatman's Call Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds	1	3.19	-2.19

Artist	Albums	Average
Beatles	6	4.83
Steely Dan	4	5
Led Zeppelin	5	4.8
The Who	5	4.6
Pixies	3	5
Blur	3	5
Bob Dylan	5	4.4
Radiohead	4	4.5
The Kinks	3	4.67
Beastie Boys	3	4.67
Simon & Garfunkel	3	4.67
Bob Marley & The Wailers	3	4.67
Nirvana	2	5
Fela Kuti	2	5
Belle & Sebastian	2	5
The Police	2	5
Yes	2	5
Jimi Hendrix	2	5
The Chemical Brothers	2	5
A Tribe Called Quest	2	5
Neil Young	2	5
The Verve	2	5
Rush	2	5
Tom Waits	4	4.25
Pink Floyd	3	4.33
Black Sabbath	3	4.33
Stevie Wonder	3	4.33
The Smiths	3	4.33
The Rolling Stones	5	4

Artist	Albums	Average
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds	3	1
Barry Adamson	2	1
M.I.A.	2	1
Prince	3	1.67
Randy Newman	2	1.5
Michael Jackson	2	1.5
Everything But The Girl	2	1.5
Bruce Springsteen	4	2
Leonard Cohen	4	2
R.E.M.	3	2

Artist	Ratings
Happy Mondays	5, 2
The Beach Boys	3, 5, 2
Bob Dylan	5, 5, 5, 2, 5

Talking Heads

2/5

Other than the two singles (Once in a Lifetime and Crosseyed and Painless) there are only so many one-chord songs that I can handle.

Pearl

Janis Joplin

4/5

Wow, what a solid album. That voice! Every song is good and that backing band is awesome. I would not normally listen to this, but I enjoyed the album.

Document

R.E.M.

2/5

I'm not a fan of REM. This album is in line with my level of interest. Other than the singles "It's the End of the World as we Know it..." and "The One I Love," I find it very boring. I know there's a drummer in there, but the "feel" is very drum machine.

Repeater

Fugazi

4/5

Good first impression, as I haven't theard Fugazi before. I like the active drums, which are very good, as is the general musicianship is general. On top of this, I like how the album's produced. You can hear each instrument clearly, which is not easy with all that's going on in each song. Brendan #1's a great instrumental. Liked songs added: - Merchandise - Shut the Door

Electric Warrior

T. Rex

5/5

When you look at the cover of Electric Warrior, you see a statement being made. It's an iconic image that seems to say "You're about to get rocked!" When you listen to Electric Warrior, you can hear so many albums and artists that came after it. It sounds so ahead of it's time. I think it's still totally relevant today (2024). The line from Life's a Gas, "Ah Life's a gas/I hope it's gonna last." is especially poignant, since it sadly didn't last much longer for Marc Bolan, who died in a car crash in 1977. Liked songs added: - Cosmic Dancer - Bang a Gong (Get it On)

Queen II

Queen

1/5

I can't stand Queen. This over dramatic album confirms why. The Loser in the End was listenable.

Odelay

Beck

5/5

This album is so consistent. Every song is good! I've always liked Beck, and I've heard many albums, but never got to this "popular" one. It was a great experience, hearing the album in full. Liked songs added: - Devil's Haircut - New Polution - Where It's At - Minus - Sissyneck

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

2/5

I'm not the biggest Springsteen fan, but I was open to give it a try. This album was so popular when it came out, so naturally I avoided it...until now! I really respect Springsteen as an artist and songwriter - he did write Blinded By The Light - but I found this to be mostly boring anthemic pop. I've always liked Glory Days and I'm On Fire, but there were no Liked Songs added here. In retrospect, I wonder what hardcore Boss fans think of this album. I would guess it would be considered weaker than his earlier work, but I don't have that perspective.

Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

50 Cent

3/5

I know who 50 Cent is, but didnt know much about his music. I found most of Get Rich or Die Tryin' had nice double-tracked vocals in the chorus, which I hadn't heard in hip hop before. Unfortunately, many of the backing tracks were dull with very basic drum machine beats. Standout tracks include In Da Club, P.I.M.P. (love the steel drums!), 21 Questions, Don't Push Me and Wankster.

So

Peter Gabriel

5/5

This is a masterpiece. Every song is good. The musicians are outstanding, including Tony Levin's mainly Stick playing! I'm happy this was picked for me, as I haven't heard it completely since it was released.

British Steel

Judas Priest

3/5

I was never one of those people, a fan of Judas Priest. Having said that, I thought I'd give this a try over 40 years later with fresh ears. One thing I'll say is that lead guitarist absolutely SHREDS! His leads are consistently impressive (assuming it's one guy). Living After Midnight still holds up as a solid (pop) rock song, solid from the very first beat. Steeler is definitely a head banger! I think 3-stars is well deserved from someone who couldn't stand this band. You can tell that this album is well produced. From a sonic perspective, it still holds up. Having said all of this, I'm still not a fan!

The Wildest!

Louis Prima

4/5

So much fun! So upbeat. The trombone on Body and Soul is outstanding! Liked songs added: - Just a Gigilo/I Ain't Got Nobody -Medley - Jump, Jive an' Wail

Led Zeppelin

5/5

Classic mix of rock and blues. What a debut album! This is great music performed by great musicians.

Revolver

Beatles

5/5

Iconic album with an iconic cover. My first Beatles album here. That bass line in Taxman is one of the best in pop. I haven't heard this in a while. The songs are so diverse in many ways: style, singer, mood and composer. Somehow it works. It works as they were experimenting the whole time with tape loops and backward guitar riffs and more. Was tomorrow Never Knows the birth of psychedelic rock? I'm not sure, but that drum beat is unbelievable. As I'm listening, I'm getting the impression that the Beatles have turned the corner and are heading in a new direction...one that will lead to something big on the next album. Ha, easy to say now!

Africa Brasil

Jorge Ben Jor

3/5

Good music performed by good musicians. I'm guessing he was influenced by Fela Kuti with the call and response by a chorus of female singers. Unfortunately, I'm not into it. I think the album needs more talking drum!

Straight Outta Compton

N.W.A.

5/5

A classic! Hard rhymes and great samples. My friend Bubba got this album when we were in high school, and when he played it for me, my mind was blown. So much "language," but at the same time, I knew we were listening to something special.

Ys

Joanna Newsom

3/5

This was not on Spotify or Bandcamp. 8( (I did find it on YouTube.) Well it's certainly different than NWA (my last album)! It's been years since I've heard good harp playing. I appreciate the originality, unique voice and musicianship, but I'm just not into it.

In Utero

Nirvana

5/5

I'm so happy to get this album. Every song is good. One criticism. Maybe it's just me, but the drums sound muffled. I prefer Butch Vig's production on Nevermind. Grohl's drums sound so in your face on that album. Here, they sound like they're stuffed with 20 blankets. It's a minor criticism. Overall, it's a classic.

Dear Science

TV On The Radio

3/5

I don't love or hate this music. It's there and it's creative. DLZ is the one standout to me. Liked songs added: - DLZ

Zombie

Fela Kuti

5/5

This is soooooooo good! I love the structure of Fela Kuti songs. Get into a funky groove for about 7 minutes, with lots of improvised solos backed by lots of percussion, then add some meaningful call and response lyrics. Some might think it's repetitive, but I think it works! I hadn't heard Zombie before, but I've heard other Fela albums before. I'm now a fan of this one too. Liked songs added: - Mr. Follow Follow - Mistake

Imagine

John Lennon

3/5

Going into this album, I knew two songs: Imagine and Jealous Guy. It turns out that, for me, they are the only standout tracks. I was expecting a lot more.

Fifth Dimension

The Byrds

3/5

This is in the top 1001??? Eight Miles High is a great song, but you can't lean on one song to make a classic album. A positive is that I do love David Crosby's backing vocals throughout. Hey Joe, more like Hey No! Leave the heavy lifting to Jimi. I Know My Rider (I Know You Rider) is better left for Dead. In one word, mediocre.

Cross

Justice

3/5

I thought that this was OK. Liked songs added: - Waters of Nazareth - One Minute To Midnight

Killing Joke

3/5

I have a feeling I'm underrating this album. I'm guessing that if I listened to it five times I would get it more. I did listen to Requiem more than once. I know Killing Joke from the one song Love Like Blood, which I like a lot, but it's not here. It was interesting hearing the early work of Flood on bass. I know many albums that he's produced. Liked songs added: - Requiem

The Bends

Radiohead

5/5

I know many like OK Computer more, but I think The Bends is Radiohead's best album. It's certainly my favourite. The album features Jonny Greenwood at his peak. How do you describe the perfect album? I'm not sure, but The Bends is pretty close. Liked songs added: - High and Dry - (Nice Dream) - Just - Black Star - Sulk

Picture Book

Simply Red

1/5

There is some music that I would consider timeless or ahead of its time. Not this. Picture Book should be locked in a vault labelled "80s music. Do not open under any circumstances."

Punishing Kiss

Ute Lemper

3/5

This is definitely not my scene, but I appreciate the musicianship on this album. It's a little too torch for me. Lemper has a good voice, and she seems to have no problem singing in 5/4 time or a swung waltz along with many others.

Buena Vista Social Club

5/5

This is so mellow and so good. I hadn't heard it before. Liked songs added: - De Camino a La Varedo - Pueblo Nuevo

No Other

Gene Clark

3/5

There's great musicianship and songwriting on this album, but it's not what I'm into. There's some solid bass playing throughout. (Ha, I just looked it up and Leland Sklar played bass on this album, so that makes sense!)

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down

The Dandy Warhols

4/5

I really like this album. Going in, I didn't really know the Dandy Warhols that much. I was debating between a 4 and 5, but those last two instrumentals were useless to me, so 4 it is. Liked songs added: - Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth - Good Morning - Cool As Kim Deal

Back To Black

Amy Winehouse

3/5

I was a little disappointed with this album. Winehouse had such a great voice, but other than Rehab, there wasn't much there for me. I did like the deluxe version, which included·lots of covers like Valerie - one of my favourites by her. Anyway, it's a case of love the voice, don't love the songs. Liked songs added: - Rehab

Maggot Brain

Funkadelic

5/5

This is such a great mix of rock and funk. In a word, eclectic! Liked songs added: - Can You Get To That - Hit It And Quit It - Super Stupid - Back In Our Minds - Wars Of Armageddon

Rio

Duran Duran

3/5

Iconic album by a band I don't really like. Having said that, there are a lot of decent singles. It wasn't really my thing then, and it certainly isn't now. Interesting story...I once won the Duran Duran catalogue - at that time five albums - from a local radio station, by identifying that the lyrics "In touch with the ground/I'm on the hunt I'm after you." came from Hungry Like The Wolf and being the 4th caller or something. It turns out that Rio was the best of the bunch, and it's still only worth 3 stars!

Hearts And Bones

Paul Simon

3/5

It's a good, but inconsistent, album. Simon is a brilliant songwriter. His songs are deceptively complicated, yet they sound simple. I think he's also an underrated guitar player. Liked songs added: - Hearts and Bones - Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War - The Late Great Johnny Ace.

The Wall

Pink Floyd

5/5

It's been many years since I've last listened to The Wall. Going in, I thought I would give it 4 stars, but after listening to it with fresh ears, it's easily a 5. It has certainly aged well.

Exile In Guyville

Liz Phair

2/5

After all the hype and reviews I read, I thought this would've been much better. To me this music is like a watered-down version of Juliana Hatfield. Are any of her albums on the list??? In the end, it was just ok for me.

Horses

Patti Smith

2/5

It's not really my thing, but I appreciate the musicality and historical importance of Horses. Having said that, it's really not my thing.

Rattus Norvegicus

The Stranglers

4/5

Walking on the beaches looking at the Peaches! Classic. I've heard the song for years (and a few others not on this album), but never heard the the whole thing before. I feel like I've missed something, so I'll have to dive deeper.

Superfly

Curtis Mayfield

5/5

Pure soulful funk. Curtis Mayfield had a way of taking a dark subject and some making joyful music out of it. Liked songs added: - Pusherman (added before) - Freddie's Dead (Theme from 'Superfly')

California

American Music Club

2/5

Wow, this is such mediocre country influenced pop/rock. I wouldn't be so critical, but it is on the 1001 list. I'd really like to know why. I've heard acts in my home town that are much better than this. Mediocre.

Tidal

Fiona Apple

4/5

This exceeded my expectations. I remember when it came out, but it was great to give this another try all these years later. Tidal has excellent piano-led songs that are beautifully produced and Apple's songwriting is great. I think this album has some of the best and timely mellotron I've heard. OK, I just looked it up and there's no mellotron on the album. It's actually a Chamberlin (a precursor to the mellotron...who knew!).

Black Sabbath

4/5

So good. So dark. It's such a consistent album. Each member brings it.

Smokers Delight

Nightmares On Wax

1/5

I had to stop 30 minutes in. I feel like I could create this (today), if you could lock me in a room and give me a couple of days with Garage Band. This music reminds me of that Friends episode when Ross rediscovers that he can play keyboard. At the end of each sound effect laden song, he would hold up a finger as if to say, "Wait for it..." and then the song would end with an explosion sound effect. In fact, one song on this album actually ended with an explosion! Yikes.

The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators

The 13th Floor Elevators

3/5

I like The 13th Floor Elevators, but I don't love them! You're Gonna Miss Me is a classic, but it's the one standout on the album. It's not a classic album, but again that's a classic song. Liked songs added: - You're Gonna Miss Me

Fulfillingness' First Finale

Stevie Wonder

3/5

I was really hoping I'd like this, but I didn't. Great songwriting and musicianship, but I just couldn't get into it. Liked songs added: - Boogie On Reggae Woman

Bat Out Of Hell

Meat Loaf

2/5

Bat Out of Hell is Epic, dramatic music. Not really my thing.

A Rush Of Blood To The Head

Coldplay

2/5

Two words: boring music.

Apocalypse Dudes

Turbonegro

5/5

This rocks! I've never heard of Turbonegro before, but I like them. They seem to be having a lot of fun, musically and definitely lyrically. "I got a headache in my pants." That's original! Liked songs added: - The Age of Pamparius - Selfdestructo Bust - Prince of The Rodeo

More Songs About Buildings And Food

Talking Heads

2/5

Ugh. How many Talking Heads albums are on the list? This is my 2nd and it's two too many IMO. At least these songs have more than 1 chord (unlike Remain in Light). Their version of Take Me To The River is a classic. Liked songs added: - Take Me To The River

Slippery When Wet

Bon Jovi

1/5

Wait a minute. I think this is supposed to be on the list of 1001 albums that you should listen to, to make you die.

The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady

Charles Mingus

4/5

This is wild. It's organized chaos. I'm guessing that Miles Davis was influenced by this when he created Bitches Brew. I know Mingus' music, but didnt know this album. It was an interesting listen. These days it's rare to hear orchestrated jazz like this. I kept thinking "How did he write and arrange this?" as I was listening. I'm sure that the next time I hear this I'll appreciate it a lot more.

Tigermilk

Belle & Sebastian

5/5

I love Belle and Sebastian. Even though it's not my favourite B & S album, it's still a classic. They have a way of taking a bright pop sounding song and giving it a dark lyrical twist. Liked songs added: - The State I Am In - She's Losing It - We Rule The School - My Wandering Days Are Over - I Don't Love Anyone

Live At The Harlem Square Club

Sam Cooke

4/5

That smooth voice. I hear lots of joy in it. Lots of classic tracks here including Chain Gang and Twisting The Night Away.

Truth

Jeff Beck

5/5

Why haven't I heard this album before? Great musicians playing here along with Beck. I loved it and i want more!

Siembra

Willie Colón & Rubén Blades

5/5

Another surprise! I loved this album even though I hadn't heard it before. The percussion is unbelievable as are Colon's trombone solos.

At Newport 1960

Muddy Waters

4/5

Muddy Waters is the Blues. Lots of classics here. That harp player is serious! Liked songs added: - I Feel So Good

Floodland

Sisters Of Mercy

1/5

Not good. This is why people hate 80s music.

Inspiration Information

Shuggie Otis

4/5

This is an interesting album. It's often funky, sometimes like soft jazz. Sometimes, it sounds like someone was playing around with an old Lorwry organ. I liked hearing the original veesionĥStrawberry Letter 22. Liked songs added: - Inspiration Information - Sparkle City - Sweet Thang

Wild Is The Wind

Nina Simone

4/5

Nina Simone's voice is incredible! She used it like it was its own musical instrument. So unique. She was an innovator.

Bringing It All Back Home

Bob Dylan

5/5

Lots of classics here. Dylan's the songwriter's songwriter. Liked songs added: - Subterranean Homesick Blues - She Belongs to Me - Maggie's Farm - Bob Dylan's 115th Dream - Mr. Tambourine Man - It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

Blood And Chocolate

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

4/5

I love Elvis...Costello...not the other one! I Hope You're Happy Now sounds like a lost Beatles track. That's a McCartney-worthy bass line. Tokyo Storm Warning reminds me of Billy Joel's You May Be Right, especially the verses. Liked songs added: - I Hope You're Happy Now - Next Time Round

Kick Out The Jams (Live)

MC5

5/5

So, I'm guessing these guys inspired KISS, but without the makeup? I've never heard of them before, but I like them! This sounds way ahead of its time. MC5 totally rocks. Liked songs added: - Kick Out The Jams - Rocket Reducer No. 62 - Talk - Motor City Is Burning - I Want You Right Now

Crime Of The Century

Supertramp

3/5

I remember how big Supertramp used to be. I also remember why I don't listen to them. I like how the singers compliment each other with totally different styles. That rhythm section is not strong. Don't get me started on bands that have a sax player who plays a useless bit every 3 songs. After School, Bloody Well Right, Hide In Your Shell and Dreamer are decent. The rest is filler to me.

Logical Progression

LTJ Bukem

4/5

This is not my kind of music at all, but I like it! At times this sounded like Mario Kart soundtrack music, at other times I felt my body moving along to the gast beats. Clocking in at 3.5 hours, it's a little indulgent. Bottom line: if music makes you move involuntarily, it must be good.

So Much For The City

The Thrills

2/5

So much for interesting music. It's OK, but it didn’t move me.

Scum

Napalm Death

3/5

This is not what I usually listen to, but there's some interesting musicianship here. You Suffer is a great song! I like how they can pack so much into a 45-second song.

Court And Spark

Joni Mitchell

4/5

What a great album that's totally out of my wheelhouse. There were a few songs that had chord progressions that reminded me of Steely Dan. Sure enough, once the album was done, Spotify played Midnight Cruiser from the first Dan album. Another coincidence was that Larry Carlton has played guitar for both Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan. Liked songs added: - Help Me - Down To You - Raised On Roberry - Twisted

The Who Sell Out

The Who

4/5

This is an interesting concept album. It was a nice glimpse into the advertising world of the UK in the late 60s. Some of the jingles are actually catchy. It certainly foreshadows future Who albums musically and stylistically...especially Tommy! Liked songs added: - Mary-Anne With The Shaky Hands - Our Love Was - Rael Pt. 1 & 2

Destroy Rock & Roll

Mylo

5/5

I was surprised that I liked this so much. I found myself moving to the beats, so it must be good. Liked songs added: - Valley Of The Dolls - Sunworshipper - Drop The Pressure - Guilty Of Love - '05 Version

Physical Graffiti

Led Zeppelin

5/5

This is what I love about this list - listening to albums I've known of, but never listened to in full before. It's a shame I missed this one all these years. You can hear the Indian and Blues influences throughout. It's certainly a lot more than "the one with Kashmir!" Having said that... Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Duh-Na-Na Na-Na-Na! Liked songs added: - Houses Of The Holy - Kashmir - In The Light - Ten Years Gone

Moss Side Story

Barry Adamson

1/5

Unlistenable.

Close To You

Carpenters

1/5

Cheese. Listen to this if you want to hear the worst cover of a Beatles song (Help), in recorded history. I don't understand a lot of the production decisions. Overall, it's not good.

Face to Face

The Kinks

5/5

Wow, I didn't really know this album...only the two big hits. At times it sounded like the Stones, at times the Beatles, or maybe those two bands sound like the Kinks! Ray Davies is one of the great songwriters of our time. Somehow they make that harpsichord work in many songs! I can't wait to give this a few more listens. Liked songs added: - A House In The Country - Sunny Afternoon - Dead End Street

Moondance

Van Morrison

5/5

Great album, starting with five solid songs, four for the ages. I like the varying styles and excellent musicianship with Van's great voice leading the way. Liked songs added: - Moondance - Crazy Love - Caravan - Into The Mystic

Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim

Frank Sinatra

5/5

Jobim wrote such rich songs with beautiful melodies, bossanova rhythms and melancholy lyrics, about being that shy guy in the corner of the room (or quiet part of the beach) being overlooked by that beautiful girl. The messages and music are universal and timeless. Sinatra's smooth delivery adds a sense of cool to the proceedings. I hadn't heard this version of The Girl From Ipanema, but it's just as good as the Gilberto/Getz version (missing Getz's classic sax solo, of course). Liked songs added: - The Girl From Ipanema - I Concentrate On You

Heavy Weather

Weather Report

5/5

One word: Jaco Liked songs added: - Birdland - Teen Town - Havona

Abbey Road

Beatles

5/5

This album is always a bittersweet listen for me, but in a beautiful way. The music is outstanding, but you get the sense that this is a bookend - that it will never happen again, the Beatles recording as a unit. "And in the end / The love you take / Is equal to the love you make." Bittersweet. Beautiful.

Blackstar

David Bowie

2/5

I like Bowie and I understand the circumstances around this album's release, but it just didn't register with me.

Band On The Run

Paul McCartney and Wings

3/5

I like McCartney, but this is not something I'd go back to a lot. The two big hits are great, as is Let Me Roll It, but nothing appealed to me enough to add to my Liked Songs.

The Suburbs

Arcade Fire

4/5

This album was a lot better than I expected. It's song quality is very consistent. Liked songs added: - The Suburbs - Rococo

Californication

Red Hot Chili Peppers

4/5

Flea. That is all. Liked songs added: - Around the World - Scar Tissue - Otherside

The Slider

T. Rex

3/5

This was very disappointing after hearing Electric Warrior. Telegram Sam is the one standout to me. Liked songs added: - Telegram Sam - Ballrooms of Mars

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Wilco

5/5

I'm so happy Wilco's on this list. Jeff Tweedy's a quintessential songwriter, whose work everyone should hear! Having said that, this isn't my favourite Wilco album. Sorry, I'm a Nels Cline fan, and I hope Sky Blue Sky is also on the list! Having said that, it's still an amazing album, released at a dark time in American history - perhaps a dark time in Wilco history too. The music is moody and at times unmelodic, but it's also beautiful. Some songs are heavily produced, while others are just raw and seemingly random. Kamera sounds so well produced compared to I Am Trying To Break Your Heart. I like the high-low octaves in the chorus, a technique I first heard used by Squeeze. Pot Kettle Black's guitar in the verses sound a lot like the Cure's In Between Days. Maybe it's just me, but it's still a great song. Liked songs added: - Kamera - War On War - Jesus Etc. - Heavy Metal Drummer - I'm The Man Who Loves You - Pot Kettle Black - Reservations

Ramones

4/5

This album's a lot of fun. It's great music for thrashing around the room when you're having a frustrating day! A lot of the songs do sound the same. Liked songs added: - Blitzkrieg Bop - Listen To My Heart

A Walk Across The Rooftops

The Blue Nile

1/5

"Do I love you? Yes I love you. But it's easy come, easy go." That about sums up the quality of the lyrics here. Decent bass player and keyboard player, stuck with a drum machine and a talker/singer stuck in the 80s. That's what I experienced.

Nowhere

Ride

3/5

The first song basically has a Taxman bass line. At times it felt like the drummer was having trouble keeping up. You can tell these guys listened to a lot of the Cure. Overall it's just OK for me. I thought I liked Shoegaze, but this didn't do it for me. Liked songs added: - Here And Now - Sennen

Maxinquaye

Tricky

3/5

30 second review: It's moody. Liked songs added: - Black Steel

Violator

Depeche Mode

4/5

Great right from the start. I haven't heard this in years, but it still holds up. The first side is a little weaker, but the second side is packed with consistently solid songs. Liked songs added: - World In My Eyes - Enjoy The Silence - Policy Of Truth - Blue Dress

Hunky Dory

David Bowie

3/5

It's OK.

Truth And Soul

Fishbone

5/5

Legendary album with a legendary cover of Freddie's Dead. The musicianship is excellent. John Norwood Fisher's bass playing is inspirational. "FUNKY BASS!" One of my all-time favourites. Liked songs added: - Freddie's Dead - Ma And Pa - Question Of Life - Mighty Long Way - Bonin' In The Boneyard - One Day - Subliminal Fascism - Slow Bus Moving (Howard Beach Party) - Ghetto Soundwave - Change

Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Red Hot Chili Peppers

5/5

The best Chili Peppers album. Period. Liked songs added: - The Power Of The Equality - Suck My Kiss - I Could Have Lied - Mellowship Slinky In B Major - Give It Away Now - Under The Bridge - Naked In The Rain

White Light / White Heat

The Velvet Underground

2/5

It's very experimental 60s stuff, often unlistenable. This is a study on how to not improvise. Pro tip: Find the original version, and you'll only have ti listen to 49 minutes of WL/WH, and that's more than enough!

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

Derek & The Dominos

2/5

Derek & The Dominos has not aged well. These guys make rock/blues boring. I'll take authentic OG blues, thank you.

In A Silent Way

Miles Davis

4/5

It's amazing what they can do with one chord for over 18 minutes on Shhh/Peaceful. Shorter's soloing is particularly good here, as is Davis'. In A Silent Way is a lot more melodic. Overall, a very interesting listen.

MTV Unplugged In New York

Nirvana

5/5

I remember the MTV Unplugged series and this was probably the best broadcast. It was a real songwriting test. Would the songs and band still sound good stripped down to the bare bones of the songs and performances? In this case, it's a definite yes! It's interesting to see.Cobain so humble and vulnerable. The songs and performances still hold up.

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake

Small Faces

3/5

The drumming of Kenney Jones stands out throughout. I usually like psychedelic music, but this was a little too psychedelic for me. Honourable mention for Song Of A Baker, one of the greatest rock songs ever...especially about baking! Liked songs added: - Song Of A Baker

Lam Toro

Baaba Maal

4/5

This album has such a happy and joyous vibe. I found myself dancing to many of the songs here. The music is great and has such a strong rhythm section. I like the bass playing on it. Baaba Maal's voice is beautiful. Likes songs added: - Ndelorel

Music in Exile

Songhoy Blues

5/5

This is what I love about the 1001 list/app: finding a great album that I've never listened to or heard of. Music in Exhile is a great example of this. I love the guitar playing on this. It's like a highlife guitarist was dropped into a blues band. Highly recommended! Liked songs added: - Soubour - Sekou Oumarou - Nick

Devil Without A Cause

Kid Rock

1/5

No.

Come Away With Me

Norah Jones

4/5

This is not the style of music I usually listen to, but it's very well produced - much more sparse and subtle than I'm used to, but it works. Jones' voice is beautiful, and very different in a good way. Liked songs added: - Don't Know Why - Nightingale

Like Water For Chocolate

Common

5/5

I like the mix of jazz and hip hop. It sounds very innovative for its time. This is my first time hearing Common and it certainly won't be the last. I love it! Liked songs added: - Time Travellin' (A Tribute To Fela) - Heat - Funky For You - The 6th Sense - A Song For Assata

Diamond Life

Sade

3/5

The hits are better than expected, but the rest kind of dragged.

There's No Place Like America Today

Curtis Mayfield

4/5

Mayfield's so funky and cool! Liked songs added: - Billy Jack - Hard Times

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Stereolab

5/5

Groove filled chill out music. It's repetitive, but I like it...which is weird for me, so something's working here. Liked songs added: - Metronomic Underground - Percolator - Spark Plug - The Noise Of Carpet

Let's Stay Together

Al Green

3/5

Another album that's on this list based on the strength of one or two good songs, not the whole album. This is too bad, as I like Al Green, but not this album. Liked songs added: - Let's Stay Together

Psychocandy

The Jesus And Mary Chain

3/5

I was looking forward to hearing this, as I've only heard their singles in the 90s. Unfortunately, listening to it now, it sounds tired and derivative. I'm disappointed.

The Dreaming

Kate Bush

3/5

I appreciate the musicianship here, but it's a little too dramatic for me. I do like the way how Bush sometimes uses her voice as additional instrument.

Throwing Muses

4/5

Wow, another hidden gem. Great songwriting that still holds up. I like how some songs change mid-song - speeding up or slowing down, or just change mood. (Hint: search for the full album on YouTube.)

Funeral

Arcade Fire

4/5

That's a very fancy pen on the album cover. It's quite ambitious for a debut album. I'm guessing they worked on this for a few years. It's interesting that to me, Arcade Fire sounds like nothing else, and this is a good thing. The song structures and instrumentation are so different, along with Win Butler's vocal stylings. Liked songs added: - Wake Up - In The Backseat

Hounds Of Love

Kate Bush

3/5

This isn't funny. Two Kate Bush albums in three days. This is a lot more enjoyable than The Dreaming. I love the fretless bass on Mother Stands For Comfort and The Morning Fog. 3.5 for this one. Since I gave The Dreaming a 3-star rating and it's really a 2.5, this one averages out at 3 stars!

Forever Changes

Love

4/5

There is some killer acoustic guitar playing in this psychedelic trip! The songwriting is very strong here. I don't know Love's music, but I think I like it. Liked songs added: - The Daily Planet

Pretzel Logic

Steely Dan

5/5

Steely Dan's the perfect mix of rock and jazz. Are there any better produced albums than SD albums? I don't think so. With Pretzel Logic, you can see a preview of future Steely Dan music for the next decade. Liked songs added: - Rikki Don't Lose That Number - Any Major Dude Will Tell You - Pretzel Logic

Vivid

Living Colour

3/5

Such a powerful opening track. I vaguely remember owning this album back in the day. Vernon Reid shreds on guitar, but he does it in a way that's somehow melodic, and not just a bunch of fast noodling notes, which is unlike many lead players of the time. Props to the solid rhythm section too. Having said all this, other than the songs listed below, I don't see myself revisiting this. The musicians and messages are great. It just doesn't move me. Liked songs added: - Cult Of Personality - Funny Vibe - Funky Vibe Mix

Melody A.M.

Röyksopp

3/5

It was fine.

Here Are the Sonics

The Sonics

2/5

I'm not sure how an album with only four original songs can be on the 1001 list. One extra star for the singer and jangly guitar player(s).

Brothers

The Black Keys

2/5

Great music for selling beer and cars. Minus one star for that. Liked songs added: - Tighten Up - Sinister Kid

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Aretha Franklin

4/5

There's a reason why Aretha's called the queen of soul. This music is so well performed, and that voice! She's timeless! Liked songs added: - Respect - I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You) - Do Right Woman, Do Right Man

White Blood Cells

The White Stripes

5/5

I love the raw emotion of this album. They do a lot with mostly two instruments. I actually like the way Meg White plays drums. I think she adds lots of emotion in her playing. Jack's a master! Liked songs added: - Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground - Hotel Yorba - Fell In Love With A Girl - We're Going To Be Friends

Reggatta De Blanc

The Police

5/5

A truly classic and original album. Every song is good here. Liked songs added: - Message In A Bottle - It's Alright For You - Deathwish - Walking On The Moon - On Any Other Day - Contact - Does Everyone Stare

Highway to Hell

AC/DC

3/5

It's solid, but it's just not my thing. The highlights are Bon Scott's passionate singing (which I didn't really like before) and Angus Young's leads. Liked Songs Added: - Highway To Hell

Remedy

Basement Jaxx

4/5

Remedy is a very upbeat and uptempo album. I usually wouldn't enjoy this type of music, but I like this! I like the Selecter sample on Same Old Show. I'm convinced that the bass, on Always Be There, is sampled, and modified, from King Crimson's Sheltering Sky, even though I don't see this documented anywhere. The "bass" sound is actually produced by Tony Levin's Chapman Stick (a 10- or 12- stringed instrument). Liked Songs Added: - Rendez-Vu

Kala

M.I.A.

1/5

Each song is repetitive and unlistenable. I guess you'd have to be in a dance club and on a lot of drugs to like this music. One positive is that each song is unique...but I can't handle this. Paper Planes is ok, but if you like this, listen to the original, Straight To Hell by The Clash. It's so much better.

That's The Way Of The World

Earth, Wind & Fire

3/5

At times this album is brilliant with excellent funky musicianship all around. At other times it's cheezy romantic 70s shlock. Liked songs added: - Shining Star - Africano

Little Earthquakes

Tori Amos

2/5

The songwriting and musicianship is good, but I'm just not into piano-based singer-songwriters. Sorry Tori.

Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin

5/5

Growing up, I perceived Zeppelin IV to be the over-rated one with Stairway To Heaven on it. I couldn't have been more wrong. Every song is excellent and diverse in style and feel. I started imagining what each song would be like without Bonzo, or Page, or Plant or Jones and I couldn't. Each member adds something valuable throughout. Liked songs added: - When The Levee Breaks

Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul

Otis Redding

5/5

That voice! There's nothing more soulful than when Otis sings. The backing band was also legendary including Cropper, Booker T., Isaac Hayes and Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass. This album will be on heavy rotation on my player. Liked Songs Added: - Respect - Wonderful World - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Who's Next

The Who

5/5

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Classic doesn't begin to describe this album. I would highly recommended listening with headphones. I never noticed how much acoustic guitar is actually on Who's Next. Keith Moon's drumming is from another planet. So entertaining. Entwistle's bass playing isn't too shabby either, especially on Getting In Tune. Won't Get Fooled Again is epic anthemic rock. Liked Songs Added: - Baba O'Riley - Bargain - The Song Is Over - Getting In Tune - Going Mobile - Behind Blue Eyes - Won't Get Fooled Again

Rum Sodomy & The Lash

The Pogues

4/5

This music is joyous. It's very different than most of the albums I've heard so far, but different in a good way. I like the instrumentation including acoustic instruments like banjoes, accordions and fiddles. Liked Songs Added: - Dirty Old Town

Made In Japan

Deep Purple

4/5

Such a classic live album. I knew most of the album versions of these songs, but live on Made In Japan kicks it up a notch. Without researching it, I'm guessing that this was the blueprint for many live albums/performances to follow - with lengthy screeching guitar/keyboard (organ) solos along with an epic Ian Paice drum solo. -1 star for the overindulgent version of Space Truckin' live! Liked Songs Added: - Highway Star - Strange Kind Of Woman

Hot Fuss

The Killers

3/5

This was a lot better than I thought it would be. The musicians are good and this pop rock music is unique. Having said all of this, I'm not really into it.

Alien Lanes

Guided By Voices

5/5

Thank you 1001 list for including this low-fi classic! I've been wanting to listen to GBV for a while now. This album delivers. Listening to Alien Lanes is like listening to a songwriting course. Some pieces are complete, and some aren't, but that's OK. Liked Songs Added: - Watch Me Jumpstart - As We Go Up, We Go Down - Game Of Pricks - A Good Flying Bird - Pimple Zoo - Closer You Are - Motor Away

Eli And The Thirteenth Confession

Laura Nyro

3/5

My first impression is that the bass playing is pretty good. Checking the roster, Chuck Rainey played on this album, so this makes sense! This is not my kind of music, but the strength of the songwriting hooks you in. There are some interesting tempo changes throughout. Nyro's voice was so powerful. Having said all of that, it's not my thing.

Back In Black

AC/DC

3/5

For those about to listen to Back In Black, I salute you. Sorry, just like Highway To Hell, it's not my thing.

C'est Chic

CHIC

2/5

Disco sucks, man. Having said that, I love Nile Rogers' guitar playing and Bernard Edward's bass playing. Plus 1-star for the music and production quality! Even this can save this sucky disco album.

Heaux Tales

Jazmine Sullivan

2/5

Sorry, I'm not into this. It has an interesting and innovative structure at least.

Penance Soiree

The Icarus Line

2/5

Meh. Lots of snarl from the singer, and this is not a good thing.

Mothership Connection

Parliament

5/5

Five seconds in, I knew I was about to get my funk on...and I did. Listening to this album makes you feel like you're at an amazingly fun party. Liked Songs Added: - P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up) - Unfunny UFO - Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication - Handcuffs - Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)

American Gothic

David Ackles

1/5

This sounds like an uncool guy trying really hard to be cool, and not being successful. I guess he (or Bernie) spent some time travelling around the US, to the point where he even namechecks Buffalo! This is wrongly classified as country music, as American Gothic gives country a bad name.

Traffic

4/5

I really liked this. There's lots of variety on this album. Feelin' Allright? is a classic! Liked songs added: - Pearly Queen - Who Knows What Tomorrow Will Bring - Feelin' Allright? - Cryin' To Be Heard - Medicated Goo - Shanghai Noodle Factory

Deep Purple In Rock

Deep Purple

4/5

Solid rock album, with mostly songs I didn't know. Liked Songs Added: - Bloodsucker - Child In Time

At Mister Kelly's

Sarah Vaughan

5/5

When I hear Sarah Vaughan's voice, I hear joy. This live recording is so raw. Flaws are left in, but they give this recoding a more human feel. Having said that, the recording quality is excellent for it's time. Liked Songs Added:: - Willow Weep For Me - Just A Gigolo - How High The Moon

Machine Head

Deep Purple

4/5

Classic rock done by a band at it's peak with five strong musicians. I think that Ian Paice is an underrated beast! Liked Songs Added: - Highway Star - Maybe I'm A Leo - Lazy - Space Truckin'

AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted

Ice Cube

3/5

I thought it would be better, but the songs seemed too much alike for me. Interesting combination pairing Ice Cube with Public Enemy.

Strangeways, Here We Come

The Smiths

5/5

Solid album. In my experience, you have to listen to a Smiths album at least five times to get it, and then it's great. I remember when it came out, so I know this one well...and it is great. For the guitar players who don't like The Smiths, I would suggest focusing on the guitar playing. Johnny Marr plays like nobody else. If you don't believe me, try playing along with him. It's not easy, and it will make you appreciate what he's actually doing. "I crashed down on the crossbar and the pain was enough to make a shy bald Buddhist reflect." That's a solid lyric. Liked Songs Added: - Death Of A Disco Dancer - Girlfriend In A Coma - Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before - Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me - Unhappy Birthday - Paint A Vulger Picture - I Won't Share You

Sunday At The Village Vanguard

Bill Evans Trio

5/5

This was such an unbelievable recording. At times, the trio sounded sparse and at others like a lot more than three were playing. Knowing a bit about the bass, I was shocked that I had never heard Scott LaFaro's playing before. On many tracks he soloed with only the drums accompanying him. This is very rare. LaFaro's bass playing is so melodic and innovative for the time. It's so sad we couldn't hear much more of him. Liked Songs Added: - Gloria's Step - Take 2 - Solar - Jade Visions - Take 1

Django Django

2/5

Django Django? Sorry, I found this boring boring.

War

U2

3/5

I like U2, but this album is thin. The three singles are great, but to me, the rest is filler. Liked Songs Added: - Sunday Bloody Sunday - New Year's Day - Two Hearts Beat As One

Scott 4

Scott Walker

2/5

There is great (sometimes cheesy) production here, but this is not the kind of music I dig.

Sunshine Hit Me

The Bees

2/5

This is probably good enough for the top 10,000 albums of all time. I found it very bland.

Fleet Foxes

5/5

This is such an uplifting album. The production is lush and the harmonies are beautiful. I think there's a lot of depth to this album that I'll discover on subsequent listens. Liked Songs Added: - White Winter Hymnal - Ragged Wood - Blue Ridge Mountains

Ill Communication

Beastie Boys

5/5

I love the Beastie Boys, but never heard this whole album before. It's awesome! I like the variety of styles and live instruments being used, especially the double bass. Liked Songs Added: - B-Boys Makin' With The Freak Freak - Root Down - Sabotage - Sabrosa - Alright Hear This - Ricky's Theme - Heart Attack Man - The Scoop

This Nation’s Saving Grace

The Fall

3/5

This album had its moments. I really wanted to like it, as I really like Mark E. Smith's delivery, but I found the effort inconsistent. Liked Songs Added: - What You Need - L.A. - Cruiser's Creek

Shaka Zulu

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

5/5

Listening to this album was a joyful experience. I'm not sure how you could listen to this and not smile. The depth of sounds that these guys can produce with only their voices, is amazing. Liked Songs Added: - Unomathemba - Hello My Baby - How Long - Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain

Be

Common

3/5

This album was a disappointment. It started strong, but the quality faded fast for me. I needed more Common and less Kanye here. Liked Songs Added: - Be (Intro) - The Corner

Kenza

Khaled

3/5

I'm not into this music, but it was interesting to hear Algerian pop and the different influences present. I got emotional listening to Khaled's version of Imagine. What I'm guessing that many have missed is that the first verse is sung by Israeli artist Noa in Hebrew, then the second verse sung by Khaled in Arabic, then the two of them singing together in English "Imagine all the people/Living life in peace." So nice!

Murder Ballads

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

1/5

I don't get it. I know Cave is well regarded, but I don't get it. Bad Seeds indeed.

The Renaissance

Q-Tip

4/5

I've always liked Q-Tip. His performances always seem smooth and effortless. I liked this album, but I was hoping for a bit more. Liked Songs Added: - Official - You - Life Is Better - Believe

Let's Get It On

Marvin Gaye

4/5

How many babies were made to this album??? It's good soulful music, but Keep Gettin' It On sounded like a reworked version of Let's Get It On and Distint Lover's chord progression sounded very similar to What's Going On to me. Even with this, it's a really good album. Liked Songs Added: - Let's Get It On

Germfree Adolescents

X-Ray Spex

2/5

Low-fi, but not in a good way. I'm sorry, I did not like the lead singer's voice, the music was mediocre and I have to take away a star for the absolutely terrible and often out of tune sax playing which was just mind grating.

Sheet Music

10cc

4/5

I don't think that there's a weak song here, yet nothing stands out as a hit song. Sheet Music's just a solid album that I would listen to again. In the end, this surprised me.

Live And Dangerous

Thin Lizzy

4/5

Solid hard rock libe album. The harmonized lead guitars were nice. Thin Lizzy definitely had their own style. I'm not really a fan, but I do like the singles which are done well here. Liked Songs Added: - Jailbreak - The Boys Are Back In Town

Songs In The Key Of Life

Stevie Wonder

5/5

Quintessential Stevie! I think that this album is simply about love. That's what I hear when I listen to it. Love permeates most songs. Liked Songs Added: - Love's In Need Of Love Today - Contusion - Sir Duke - I Wish - Pastime Paradise - Summer Soft - Isn't She Lovely - As

Rings Around The World

Super Furry Animals

5/5

This is a beautifully produced album. It's been years since I've listened and I don't know why i took so long. Lots of fun! Liked Songs Added: - Sidewalk Seefer Girl - It's Not The End Of The World? - Receptacle Forr The Respectable - No Sympathy - Juxtaposed With U

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

5/5

From the start of that much sampled iconic conga part in Do It Again, Can't Buy A Thrill is a special album. I've heard this my whole life, starting on my older brothers' turntables, and it still sounds fresh. Steely Dan are known for their production. Every time I hear this album, I hear something new (like the arpeggiod rhythm guitar in the Dirty Work introduction on the right side of the mix!). Liked Songs Added: - Do It Again - Dirty Work - Kings - Midnite Cruiser - Reelin' In The Years - Fire In The Hole

Hail To the Thief

Radiohead

3/5

I like Radiohead, but i think that this is an inconsistent effort. It's certainly nice to hear more guitars on this one, but I struggled to listen all the way through. I guess I'm more of a Bends person. Liked Songs Added: - 2 + 2 = 5 - Where I End And You Begin - There, There

Reign In Blood

Slayer

3/5

There's certainly good musicianship here, but the lyrics are a little dark for me. If anything, it's great music to thrash around the room to.

Time Out

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

5/5

I love this album. It's one of my go to jazz albums. I have distinct memories of my high school music teacher Mr. Leach playing bits of this album on his piano when he was waiting for us to get ready. Mr. Leach was the best!!! I'm usually good at figuring out time signatures, but Blue Rondo À La Turk still messes me up! Liked Songs Added: Blue Rondo À La Turk Take Five

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Arctic Monkeys

4/5

I remember when this came out. There was so much excitement around the Arctic Monkeys, but the album ended up being a big disappointment after hearing the raw earlier tapes. Songs like Mardy Bum and especially Riot Van are so over produced here. I can't listen to this sleepy version of Riot Van here. The original featured Alex Turner singing and playing solo guitar, which was so much better. Having said all of that, it's still a good album! Liked Songs Added: I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor Fake Tales Of San Francisco You Probably Couldn't See For The Lights But You Were Staring Straight At Me From The Ritz To The Rubble A Certain Romance

Private Dancer

Tina Turner

2/5

I like Tina Turner the person. This album - and pop is not my thing - reeks of 80s cheesy production.

Grace

Jeff Buckley

5/5

When I listen to this album I think of one word: beauty. This is a beautiful album - that voice, the production, the compositions. His guitar playing is often understated, yet surprisingly complex I feel like the world missed out on Buckley's future output due to his premature death. At least we have Grace. Liked Songs Added: Last Goodbye Hallelujah Eternal Life

Dirty

Sonic Youth

4/5

So much noise...I love it! Liked Songs Added: 100% Shoot Youth Against Fascism Chapel Hill

The Downward Spiral

Nine Inch Nails

2/5

I thought this would be better than it was. In the end it was a lot of noise. Liked Songs Added: March Of The Pigs

Marquee Moon

Television

3/5

The guitar layering really adds to Television's sound. It's interesting music, but I'm not into it. Having said that, I definitely see how Television influenced those who came after them.

Destroyer

KISS

2/5

Unlike a fine wine, this has not aged well. I really tried to listen without bias, but the Gene Simmons songs are clearly the worst on the album. The three hit singles are the best songs on the album, so well done A & R people, but that can't save this mediocre album.

(What's The Story) Morning Glory

Oasis

4/5

Don't Look Back In Anger is Pachelbel's Canon. Just sayin'. Now that that's out of the way, the album still holds up. I still like Definitely Maybe better. Liked Songs Added: Wonderwall Some Might Say Cast No Shadow She's Electric Champagne Supernova

Bert Jansch

3/5

This is really good. He does a lot with only his voice and an acoustic guitar. It's not my favourite music and songwriting, but I certainly respect it.

Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)

The Kinks

4/5

I love Ray Davies as a composer and this album confirms this feeling. I had only heard Victoria before, so it's nice for me to a hear a new Kinks album. I'll probably have to listen a few more times to actually get it, but I do like the concept here. Liked Songs Added: Victoria

Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo

Devo

3/5

There are some great and different and weird (in a good way) moments on this album. The (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction cover is one of the best cover songs in history. Liked Songs Added: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction Jocko Homo Too Much Patanoias Gut Feeling/(Slap Your Mammy)

Surfer Rosa

Pixies

5/5

It doesn't get much better than this. Listening with fresh ears, besides the overall songwriting, I find Joey Santiago's lead guitar stands out. It's such a different approach to lead guitar playing as he rarely takes a break to play rhythm, focusing mostly on some catchy, loud lick. What an amazing and unique debut album. Liked Songs Added: Something Against You Gigantic Where Is My Mind? Tony's Theme Vamos (Surfer Rosa)

High Violet

The National

2/5

So boring. Why is this repetitive music lead by a singer who sounds like he'd rather be somewhere else, on this list???

Beggars Banquet

The Rolling Stones

5/5

There's a lot of great Stonesefied Blues on this album. There's a lot more here than Sympathy For The Devil. Liked Songs Added: Sympathy For The Devil No Expectations Street Fighting Man

Iron Maiden

3/5

This was better than I expected. I'm not into metal, but these guys can play. Steve Harris is a "beast" on bass, even on this early album.

Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman

John Zorn

1/5

I like jazz, but I'd rather listen to a room filled with 100 cats collectively scraping their claws on a chalkboard than this.

Tragic Songs of Life

The Louvin Brothers

3/5

I'm not into Country, but this wasn't too bad. I did a tremendous double take when I read the Knoxville Girl lyrics. Man, that's a really dark song that hasn't aged well. I say it's a dark song, but you certainly wouldn't know it listening to the yearning slow waltz-time music with those sweet harmonies...but these guys would be cancelled so fast if that song was released today.

São Paulo Confessions

Suba

2/5

This genre is not my favourite, but it was OK.

Heaven Or Las Vegas

Cocteau Twins

4/5

Great sounds, and that voice is like no one else.

Queen Of Denmark

John Grant

1/5

This is everything I don't like in music. It sounds like it was made in the 70s and not in a good way. Unlistenable.

Drunk

Thundercat

5/5

This is so weird, humourous, frenetic and, most of all, FUNKY! I love Thundercat's bass playing. I'll definitely be checking out more of his work. Liked Songs Added: Uh Uh Bus In These Streets A Fan's Mail (Tron Song Suite II) Show You The Way Friend Zone Them Changes

Meat Is Murder

The Smiths

3/5

It's not my favourite Smiths album, but it's still pretty good. Andy Rourke shines on this one. The first two songs are epic. Liked Songs Added: The Headmaster Ritual Rushholme Ruffians

A Girl Called Dusty

Dusty Springfield

2/5

She had a great voice, but this is a little too MOR for me. In a word, saccharine.

The Stranger

Billy Joel

5/5

The first album I ever bought and it still holds up. Classic tunes well played and very well produced. Liked Songs Added: I'm Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) Just The Way You Are Only The Good Die Young She's Always A Woman

Aja

Steely Dan

5/5

Steve Gadd drumming in thar Aja break and at the end of the song. It doesn't get better than this! Oh wait, there's also the classic example of Bernie Perdie's Perdie Shuffle on Home At Last. If you're a drummer and you haven't heard this album, you're in for something special here. The sax solo on Deacon Blues is one of the best! Liked Songs Added: Aja Deacon Blues Peg Home At Last Josie

My Generation

The Who

5/5

What a great debut! I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. The My Generation bass solo is so good. Liked Songs Added: Out In The Street The Good's Gone Much Too Much My Generation The Kids Are Allright Please Please Please A Legal Matter

Foo Fighters

5/5

Right from the first note of This Is A Call, Dave Grohl is making a statement that it's time to move on from the sadness of Kurt Cobain's death - time to rock! I'm still amazed that Grohl essentally did all of the music and vocals on this album. Liked Songs Added: This Is A Call I'll Stick Around Big Me Alone + Easy Target Floaty Exhausted

Ingenue

k.d. lang

3/5

I am not into k.d. lang at all, but she does have a beautiful voice. This album was a bit of a surprise back then after hearing her earlier country-punk tunes from time to time. The production on this album is stunning. It was a bonus to learn that Ben Mink was involved. I remember him well as he took over for Nash the Slash in the band FM. Sorry, it's a Canadian thing, but the guy is a legend!

The Yes Album

Yes

5/5

Classic prog rock album! Liked Songs Added: Yours Is No Disgrace Starship Trooper I've Seen All Good People Perpetual Change

Doggystyle

Snoop Dogg

3/5

I like Snoop and I like Dr. Dre, but this album didn't move me. I found it just OK.

Odessey And Oracle

The Zombies

4/5

This is so psychedelic and I love it, man! Liked Songs Added: Care Of Cell 44 This Will Be Our Year Time Of The Season

The Boatman's Call

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

1/5

Music to listen to while making dinner - specifically, dinner for one after a nasty breakup.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

The Smashing Pumpkins

3/5

I loved Siamese Dream, but didn't like singles from this one, so I never had the opportunity to listen to it until now. Wow it's long, but there is a lot of good music in here, just not as good as Siamese Dream in my opinion. As others have said, Jimmy Chamberlin's drumming stands out. Liked Songs Added: Muzzle Where Boys Fear To Tread Bodies

Honky Tonk Heroes

Waylon Jennings

4/5

I am not a country fan, but I really liked this. The songwriting is strong. Each song tells a story. The musicianship is really good too. My only complaint is that it seemed like a lot of the songs were unfinished. Just as they were getting good, or into a solid groove or solo, they would suddenly fade out prematurely. Liked Songs Added: Honkey Tonk Heroes Low Down Freedom Black Rose

Violent Femmes

5/5

Classic album! You get the "good feeling" that this is what happens when you spend too much time busking on the streets of Milwaukee! (This is a total guess, but without looking it up, I think the Femmes did get their start by busking.) Love this high energy folk-punk weirdness. Every song is good here. Liked Songs Added: Blister In The Sun Please Do Not Go Add It Up Prove My Love Gone Daddy Gone Good Feeling Gimme The Car

Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

3/5

Eclectic to say the least. Ocean's sound is definitely original, but I'm not so into it. Liked Songs Added: Sweet Life

Welcome To The Pleasuredome

Frankie Goes To Hollywood

1/5

Wow, I had no idea that Trevor Horn produced this and Steve Howe plays on one song. It's practically a Yes album...if Yes was a sucky cheesy 80s synth-pop band. By the way, which one's Frankie?

The Bones Of What You Believe

CHVRCHES

1/5

Listening to Chvrches was not a religious experience.

Elephant Mountain

The Youngbloods

4/5

Wow, solid music fusing a variety of styles, sometimes within the same song. You've got to love an album that has at least three bass solos! I hadn't heard any of these songs before and overall, I really enjoyed Elephant Mountain. Liked Songs Added: On Sir Francis Drake Beautiful Trillium Sham

The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Velvet Underground

3/5

There are some highlights and lowlights on this album. Lou Reed in general is a highlight - his composing, guitar playing, singing and songwriting is original and solid. Nico's singing is definitely a lowlight. I'm so happy I heard Japan's version of All Tomorrow's Parties first! Liked Songs Added: Sunday Morning

Celebrity Skin

Hole

4/5

When this came out I ignored it. I'm not into hype and there was a lot around Love. Having finally listened to it, I can honestly say that it's pretty solid snarl alt rock, hype or not. Liked Songs Added: Celebrity Skin Malibu Use Once & Destroy

The Sounds Of India

Ravi Shankar

5/5

I love how Shankar is not only a musician on this album, he's also a teacher. His insightful introductions really helped a listener like me. The music is mind-expnading. It's mellow at times and frenetic at others. I loved the pairing and minimalism of the sitar with the tabla. This was so sonically enjoyable.

Sail Away

Randy Newman

1/5

I was never a Newman fan. Some of his Pixar soundtrack work is listenable, but this isn't!

Thriller

Michael Jackson

1/5

Sorry, I'm not a fan, and this hasn't aged well. Even the Paul McCartney appearance couldn't save this.

Fire Of Love

The Gun Club

2/5

Mediocre American punk. Am I missing the reason why this is on the 1001 list???

Apple Venus Volume 1

XTC

4/5

What a pleasant surprise this album was! I like XTC and know a couple of albums (Skylarking is outstanding), but hadn't heard of this before. Usually "YouTube" albums are bad here, but not this one. I definitely want to hear it again.

The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn

Pink Floyd

3/5

Psychedelic rock/pop that's just ok. Liked Songs Added: Astronomy Domine

The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths

5/5

"So I broke into the palace, with a sponge and a rusty spanner. She said 'I know you and you cannot sing.' I said 'That's nothing you should hear me play piano!'" Say what you want about Morrissey, but he can laugh at himself while penning a great lyric. This is the strongest Smiths album in my opinion. It's also great if you're having a bad day. Listen to this and whatever your troubles are will seem like nothing compared to Morrissey. Feeling down? Hearing "Oh Mother I can feel the soil falling over my head!" will make you feel better. "I know it's over, and it never really began, but in my heart it was so real." sounds worse than most relationships I've seen. Liked Songs Added: The Queen Is Dead I Know It's Over Cemetry Gates Bigmouth Strike Again The Boy With The Thorn In His Side There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Talking Heads 77

Talking Heads

3/5

I don't like Talking Heads, but '77 was actually listenable and very consistent. Psycho Killer is a great song (but not great enough for my liked list). Having said all of this, I don't like Talking Heads.

Buffalo Springfield Again

Buffalo Springfield

4/5

You can definitely hear three solitudes here, with by three different songwriters. Some might say it makes for an unfocused album, but I think it provides great variety. Looking at my liked songs below you can see I'm more into the Neil Young songs, which are just classics. Liked Songs Added: Mr. Soul Expecting To Fly Bluebird Broken Arrow

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

1/5

I just can't with Nick Cave & The Bad Music.

Joan Armatrading

3/5

This was listenable and there were some good songwriting moments, but it didn't rrally move me.

Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle

Bill Callahan

1/5

Sorry I can't handle this guy's mumble-talking-singing.

Rid Of Me

PJ Harvey

4/5

This is a really interesting album. I like the odd time signatures. It's not pretty music, but it's really thought provoking. I don't think I'll really get Rid Of Me until I listen to it again. Liked Songs Added: Man-Size Dry

Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bruce Springsteen

2/5

Boring. I don't mind Springsteen's voice or his songwriting, but overall this does nothing for me. Boring.

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Ray Charles

4/5

You can hear the smile on Ray Charles' face as he sings. This album is mislabelled, as I didn't hear much county here. It's basically Ray Charles with a big band and it's really good! I didn't like the strings and Ray Coniff-like backing singers. Other than that, it was very enjoyable. Liked Songs Added: It Makes No Difference Now You Are My Sunshine

Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

Wu-Tang Clan

5/5

This is a classic. RZA is the genius here. If you think that sampling isn't original, listen to this. RZA provides a masterclass on laying down backing tracks. Overall, it's an incredible debut album. Liked Songs Added: Bring Da Ruckus Can't It All Be So Simple Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) Method Man Protect Ya Neck

Moon Safari

Air

5/5

I usually don't like electronic music, but Moon Safari is an electronic album with a lot of soul. The bass lines are solid and funky. This is good chill out music. Liked Songs Added: La Femme D'Argent Sexy Boy Kelly Watch The Stars

This Is Fats Domino

Fats Domino

4/5

So much fun! Liked Songs Added: Blueberry Hill

Fear and Whiskey

Mekons

2/5

This is one of 1000s of bands that was influenced by the Clash, but poorly. That violin screeching was unbearable. This "groundbreaking" album would be much better at breaking glass than ground.

Fred Neil

2/5

There's a song on this album called "Sweet Cocaine." That sums this up pretty well. Liked Songs Added: That's The Bag I'm In Everybody's Talkin'

Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin

5/5

A perfect example of what happens when you mix blues and rock. This sounds way ahead of its time. Liked Songs Added: Whole Lotta Love The Lemon Song Heartbreaker Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman) Ramble On Moby Dick Bring It On Home

Cypress Hill

3/5

Where's Insane In The Membrane??? I was hoping I'd like this more, but it was mediocre to me. It hasn't aged well.

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

John Lennon

3/5

This was better than I thought it would be, as I'm usually not a fan of John's solo work, along with Yoko's "wind" credit. There's truly some great, stripped down songwriting here. Liked Songs Added: Working Class Hero

Electric Ladyland

Jimi Hendrix

5/5

I've heard a lot of Jimi Hendrix my whole life, but I've heard maybe 5% of this album. Thank you 1001 album generator! It's a psychedelic explosion of blues-based rock, and it's so good! All Along The Watchtower has to be the greatest Dylan cover in history. Liked Songs Added: Crosstown Traffic Voodoo Chile Come On (Let The Good Times Roll) Still Raining, Still Dreaming All Along The Watchtower Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

Oxygène

Jean-Michel Jarre

3/5

Oxygène lies somewhere between Tangerine Dream's atmospherics and Karftwerk's danceable electronics.

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg

Jerry Lee Lewis

3/5

It was ok. Lewis was certainly an energetic performer live. I'm not sure what was going on with the Little Richard impressions. Unfortunately the guitar was lost in the mix. Sometimes you couldn't hear a solo, but this was recorded in the 60s.

Tom Tom Club

2/5

This is almost as good as the Talking Heads. <Insert Face-Palm emoji here!> Liked Songs Added: Genius of Love

1989

Taylor Swift

1/5

1989 ends with the song Clean. I know another album that ends with a song called Clean, Depeche Mode's Violator (also on this list). Guess when Violator was released? You guessed it, 1989. Coincidence??? I know this was popular, but I don't think I've ever heard an album so devoid of any soul. Somebody tell Swift that basslines can consist of more than 8th note roots. Oy.

Tea for the Tillerman

Cat Stevens

4/5

A classic folk-rock album packed with beautiful songwriting, life lessons and minimal production that doesn't get in the way of the music and the message. It's too bad I kept getting distracted, thinking of other media as I was listening, remembering scenes from Guardians Of Tne Galaxy 2 or the Extras outro! Liked Songs Added: Wild World Father And Son

Goo

Sonic Youth

4/5

It's interesting that Nirvana influenced this. Perhaps this influenced Nevermind??? There's so much noise here that's so good. Kool Thing is such a standout track. Liked Songs Added: Dirty Boots Kool Thing

Blunderbuss

Jack White

4/5

Solid solid album. I tend prefer White's guitar-based songs over the piano-based songs here, but it's all good. The I'm Shakin' cover is awesome. White's presented a lot of tasty guitar hooks on this album. Liked Songs Added: Missing Pieces Trash Tongue Talker I'm Shakin' Take Me With You When You Go

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme

Simon & Garfunkel

4/5

Paul Simon's guitar playing (and songwriting) really shines here. Liked Songs Added: Scarborough Fair/Canticle Homeward Bound The 59th Street Bridge Song For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her

Darkdancer

Les Rythmes Digitales

3/5

I was surprised that I could actually listen to this. Some of the beats were basic, but the album kind of grew on me.

Achtung Baby

U2

3/5

That's a strong opening five songs. I seem to remember it being better than it actually was, "even better than the real thing". I guess it hasn't aged well for me.

Paul's Boutique

Beastie Boys

5/5

This album is so much fun. I love the Beastie Boys, but I never got around to listening to this one. It's too bad, as I missed all of this good stuff for so long. Liked Songs Added: Shake Your Rump Johnny Ryall Egg Man High Plains Drifter Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun Car Theif What Comes Around Shadrach

Fetch The Bolt Cutters

Fiona Apple

3/5

This is interesting stream of consciousness lyrics matched with avant garde music. It's certainly not pretty music and lyrics, but Fetch The Bolt Cutters is interesting and intensely personal. It's not my favourite, but it is compelling.

Foxbase Alpha

Saint Etienne

3/5

Foxbase Alpha is very chill and this is a good thing. Liked Songs Added: Spring Nothing Can Stop Us

Beauty And The Beat

The Go-Go's

2/5

The classic Our Lips Our Sealed can't save this mediocre bubble gum pop. Personally, I like the Fun Boy Three version of Our Lips Are Sealed better. It's interesting that the song was co-written by Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall of The Specials (and FB3).

Highly Evolved

The Vines

3/5

In The Jungle? More like Enter Sandman! It's a little derivative, but they're certainly decent songwriters and musicians. This is the kind of music I would normally be into, but there's some element of The Vines (or this album) that's missing for me.

A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector

Various Artists

2/5

I'm not into Christmas music at all, but this is a lot of fun! The cheesy introductory message from Spector cracked me up.

The Rolling Stones

4/5

Lots of blues with lots of covers. I like it! It's a fun album.

Illinois

Sufjan Stevens

2/5

So boring. Chicago was ok.

This Year's Model

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

4/5

Very solid Elvis album! It's so consistently good and the Attractions really shine here along with the songwriting. Liked Songs Added: Pump It Up Lipstick Vogue Radio, Radio

I'm Your Man

Leonard Cohen

1/5

I know that Leonard Cohen is a Canadian treasure...but for poetry. I find this so difficult to listen to. The music, mostly electronic, is absolutely terrible. That voice. Let's just say Cohen's talk-singing baritone is not my favourite. First We Take Manhattan is a great song...as long as Cohen isn't singing it. Same goes for Everybody Knows.

Led Zeppelin III

Led Zeppelin

4/5

It's interesting how this is listed as a "metal" album. Page plays a lot of (brilliant) acoustic here, which is the opposite of metal. No mention of Blues? That is a truly psychedelic cover, complete with what looks like a bagel spread with cream cheese on it! There are some great riffs on III. I like this album, but it's not consistent enough for me to give it a 5. It's still pretty darn good. Liked Songs Added: Immigrant Song Since I've Been Loving You Out On The Tiles That's The Way Bron-Y-Aur Stomp

Red Dirt Girl

Emmylou Harris

3/5

I've heard of Harris, but not heard her music. The songwriting and musicianship is so strong and beautiful. This is certainly more of a folk or folk-rock album than country. It was a surprisingly good listen! Liked Songs Added: The Pearl

Teen Dream

Beach House

3/5

Wow, the more that I listened to this the more I liked it, and it's not the type of music I usually listen to.

Dig Your Own Hole

The Chemical Brothers

5/5

This is intense. I'm amazed at how many songs I know on Dig Your Own Hole. Great beats and samples. Liked Songs Added: Block Rockin' Beats Setting Sun Lost In The K Hole The Private Psychedelic Reel

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

A Tribe Called Quest

5/5

This might be the perfect mix of jazz and hip hop. Q-Tip rhymes so smooth "like butter," as he says on a future album! This is so much fun - easily makes you move and smile while you're doing it. Liked Songs Added: Luck Of Lucien Footprints I Left My Wallet In El Segundo Bonita Applebaum Ham 'N' Eggs

xx

The xx

2/5

In a word, yawn.

Water From An Ancient Well

Abdullah Ibrahim

2/5

To start, I like jazz. I found this album to be very sloppy. The mix was jarring and unbalanced. I felt tense listening to this, and listening to jazz should be a relaxing and perhaps inspiring experience. The saxes sounded unconfident, which made the listening experience unpleasant. I feel bad for anyone that has this as a first jazz album, as it's not a good introduction to the genre.

Dirt

Alice In Chains

3/5

There are some great uses of alternative time signatures on this album. There's great musicianship on Dirt too. Jerry Cantrell stands out on guitar (and the drummer's good too). Although I do appreciate this Alice In Chains album, I'm just not into it.

Different Class

Pulp

5/5

"Oh is this the way they say the future's meant to feel? Or just 20,000 people standing in a field?" "Check your lucky numbers. How much money could drag you under. Oh what's the point in being rich? If you can't think what to do with it. 'Cause you're so bleeding thick!" Great comment on how poor people are exploited by the false hope of potential lottery winnings provided by governments, and the materialism that ensues with a potential win. (Ironically, Pulp won the pop lottery with this album!) I love this album, yet I don't like much else by Pulp. Liked Songs Added: Common People Disco 2000 Live Bed Show Something Changed Sorted For E's & Whizz Underwear

Ananda Shankar

4/5

This is really interesting and eclectic! Matching a sitar, a Moog and traditional rock instrumentation shouldn't work, but somehow it does here. Liked Songs Added: Jumpin' Jack Flash Light My Fire Metamorphosis

Automatic For The People

R.E.M.

2/5

Popular isn't necessarily good. One exception: Everybody Hurts. Now that's a fine tune.

Bryter Layter

Nick Drake

4/5

I was surprised that I really like this and I feel like I need to listen more than once. There's some strong songwriting here. Liked Songs Added: Hazey Jane II

Kimono My House

Sparks

2/5

This is not all bad, but there's not a lot that's good here. They can write songs and play them, but over-dramatic 70s fare is not my idea of a good way to spend 43 minutes and 11 seconds.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John

2/5

I'm sorry I'm not an Elton John fan, as I tend to dislike piano-driven music, but there are at least four classic songs on this album. I'm just not into it. Liked Song Added: Bennie And The Jets

Oracular Spectacular

MGMT

5/5

"Control yourself. Take only what you need from it." Great album that still holds up. I love the Specials' Ghost Town drum beat that makes at least two appearances here. Liked Songs Added: Time To Pretend Electric Feel Kids Pieces Of What

Southern Rock Opera

Drive-By Truckers

1/5

This album reminds me of an old Saturday Night Live sketch. Every song seems to be about Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alabama, Neil Young or a combination of the three. I'm not into Southern rock like this that borders on country, especially 1.5 hours of it.

Doolittle

Pixies

5/5

Until I saw the Pixies live, I didn't appreciate what Joey Santiago brings to the band. His leads are so different than any other guitar player, especially on Doolittle. Anyway, this album is very consistent and raw and sometimes minimal. It brings me right back to the early 90s. Liked Songs Added: Debaser Wave Of Mutilation I Bleed Here Comes Your Man Monkey Gone To Heaven La La Love You No 13 Baby Hey

Shaft

Isaac Hayes

3/5

Daaaaaaaamn right! Liked Songs Added: Theme From Shaft

On The Beach

Neil Young

5/5

Solid Neil Young effort. When you listen to his songs, you've got to get past his singing. The key is the songwriting backed by solid players and this album consistently delivers this. For The Turnstiles, though understated, is one of my favourite Neil Young songs. Liked Songs Added: Walk On See The Sky About To Rain For The Turnstiles Vampire Blues

Eagles

3/5

Mediocre album with some decent singles. Did the Eagles ever make a good album??? Liked Songs Added: Take It Easy

Natty Dread

Bob Marley & The Wailers

4/5

This is a solid reggae album, that I feel I will appreciate more on subsequent listens. No Woman No Cry is a classic, but this sped up drum machine based version was much improved with the more commonly heard live version. Liked Songs Added: Lively Up Yourself Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)

Synchronicity

The Police

5/5

This brought back a lot of memories. I want to dislike this album, since it was so popular, but it's not easy. How do I know so many Synchonicity lyrics??? Btw, Mother is, by far, the best song on this album. Liked Songs Added: Mother Miss Gradenko Synchronicity Ii Murder By Numbers

Clube Da Esquina

Milton Nascimento

3/5

Some of the music is interesting. I especially liked when some of the songs were in different time signatures, like 5/4. Overall it didn't move me much, but it definitely sounded ahead of its time. Fun fact: According to Google Translate, Trem De Doido is Crazy Train in Portuguese! Liked Songs Added: Lilia Trem De Doido

Phaedra

Tangerine Dream

4/5

The drumming is the best part! Seriously, this was groundbreaking for its time. We now take for granted the sounds that took days to record in 1974. I remember seeing them in concert a few decades ago. At one point the sound suddenly stopped and the lights went off. Power failure. After a 20-30 minute delay Froese (I think) apologized and said that in all their years of performing, this had never happened before.

The Poet

Bobby Womack

2/5

Who knew funk could be so cheesy?

Hybrid Theory

Linkin Park

3/5

The songwriting is pretty good and it seems like this is something I should like, but nothing really grabs me here. I think it's the mediocre bass. Insert a decent bass player, insert more stars.

Rust In Peace

Megadeth

4/5

Wow, this is tight! Great production and musicianship. I'm not really into metal/thrash, but this Megadeath album is impressive. The leads are so clean and melodic. I like the speed transitions in many tunes.

Red Headed Stranger

Willie Nelson

3/5

Decent country music, and I'm not a country fan. Tip: listen to this at night. I listened in the morning and it's just not a morning album.

Heroes

David Bowie

2/5

There are two things I like about this album: Heroes, which is a great song, and Robert Fripp's leads. Sorry, no matter how many Bowie albums the generator throws at me (there's 8???), I'm not a fan. I do like the odd song, but that's it. Fripp and Eno couldn't save the mostly instrumental side 2, which sounds like a soundteack to a film that doesn't exist. Liked Songs Added: Heroes

Black Monk Time

The Monks

3/5

What I could find of this album I liked. It's goofy, fun music.

World Clique

Deee-Lite

2/5

Groove is in the Heart saved this from being a one-star album.

All Things Must Pass

George Harrison

5/5

Wow, I feel like just found the missing Beatles album! Liked Songs Added: My Sweet Lord What Is Life

My Aim Is True

Elvis Costello

4/5

This was a solid first effort for Elvis. Liked Songs Added: Blame It On Cain Alison (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes Watching The Detectives

Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)

Loretta Lynn

4/5

If you're a middle-aged woman going through a break-up or divorce, this is a perfect 5-star album. Liked Songs Added: Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)

Calenture

The Triffids

1/5

This might be the most mediocre album on the list.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Kanye West

2/5

I don't think I've ever heard the P-word on an album as much as I have on this one. The production sounded good, but I'm not into this.

Modern Life Is Rubbish

Blur

5/5

My favourite Blur album! There's such a huge difference between this and the first album. The songwriting is at another level and quite varied. Each musician contributes something meaningful to each song. In particular, Graham Coxon's guitar work is on point. It's frustrating that Spotify doesn't have the original version of Chemical World, even though there are two versions on the special edition of the album. These versions are over-produced and inferior. Liked Songs Added: Star Shaped Blue Jeans Chemical World Miss America Popscene I'm Fine Peach When The Cows Come Home

Axis: Bold As Love

Jimi Hendrix

5/5

This is soooooo good. As far as I'm concerned, the more psychedelic Jimi is, the better! Liked Songs Added: Spanish Castle Music Little Wing Castles Made Of Sand One Rainy Wish Little Miss Lover Bold As Love

Os Mutantes

4/5

This is pretty wild and sounds quite innovative for its time. Liked Songs Added: A Minha Menina Bat Macumba Ave Gengis Khan

Blur

5/5

I really like the direction Blur took on this album. It's an odd mix of lo-fi with Street's slick production. The album's packed with great songs. I love You're So Great, but I've never been a fan of Beetlebum. (Sorry I prefer Coxon over Albarn!) Liked Songs Added: Song 2 Country Sad Ballad Man M.O.R. On Your Own You're So Great Look Inside America

Blonde On Blonde

Bob Dylan

5/5

This is a masterclass in songwriting. Some songs were familiar to me, some were new. No one writes lyrics like Bob Dylan. Liked Songs Added: Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35 Visions of Johanna Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat Just Like A Woman

Future Days

Can

4/5

This has aged very well. It has a great rhythm section. Czukay's bass on Bel Air is mind expanding. Liked Songs Added: Spray Bel Air

Crosby, Stills & Nash

4/5

Love the harmonies. There's northing like Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Liked Songs Added: Suite: Judy Blue Eyes Wooden Ships Helplessly Hoping Long Time Gone

Endtroducing.....

DJ Shadow

2/5

Well at least some songs had a good beat. A lot was not listenable.

Superfuzz Bigmuff

Mudhoney

5/5

This is loud, angry, distorted, raw and ugly...and I love it. I guess it was grunge before there was grunge. Liked Songs Added: Touch Me I'm Sick Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More Need In And Out Of Grace

90

808 State

3/5

I usually don't like electronic music so much, but this was very upbeat and seemed to have electronic soul, if that makes sense.

Purple Rain

Prince

2/5

I gave this a listen, but it confirmed that I'm not a Prince fan. I do think that he was a very good guitar player.

Duck Rock

Malcolm McLaren

2/5

This was a poor imitation of Paul Simon's Graceland, but at least Simon gave his contributing musicians credit. One positive was that it was nice to hear the origins of The Art Of Noise. Like the cover, this was a jumbled mess.

One Nation Under A Groove

Funkadelic

4/5

This is quite the trip, and it was an incredible journey, where people have the fear of being eaten by a sandwich and where fried ice cream is a reality! Liked Songs Added: Groovalegiance

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols

Sex Pistols

5/5

Classic punk aggression. Despite their rag tag background - 4 guys with little to no musical experience - the songs are actually good. Steve Jones' guitar playing is really good, especially considering he hadn't been playing that long. Liked Songs Added: G-d Save The Queen Anarchy In The UK Pretty Vacant

Cafe Bleu

The Style Council

2/5

And now presenting the more mellow and jazzier Modfather. Even though You're The Best Thing is such a classic song, this was such an inconsistent effort. It's amazing how in this case, 44 minutes felt like an hour and 44. Liked Songs Added: You're The Best Thing

Ocean Rain

Echo And The Bunnymen

4/5

I knew the singles, so it was nice to hear the whole album. I liked it, but my favourite Echo album is the self-titled Echo & The Bunnymen. Liked Songs Added: Silver The Killing Moon Seven Seas

From Elvis In Memphis

Elvis Presley

2/5

Not a fan of Elvis for many reasons, but that rhythm section cooked.

Station To Station

David Bowie

3/5

Finally, a Bowie album I can listen to! I'm not a Bowie fan, and i know he's a legend, but I question some of the choices. I'm guessing the author of the list is a big fan. Liked Songs Added: Golden Years TVC15

Live At Leeds

The Who

5/5

Hands down, the greatest live album of all time. (Search for my Spotify playlist with the original 6-song version.) Liked Songs Added: Fortune Teller* Young Man Blues Substitute Summertime Blues Shakin' All Over My Generation/Medley Magic Bus *Extended Version

Ace of Spades

Motörhead

3/5

No one sings like Lemmy (RIP). This is a lot of hard rockin' fun. Ace Of Spades (the song) is legendary. Liked Songs Added: Ace Of Spades

If I Should Fall From Grace With God

The Pogues

3/5

This is so upbeat and different from what I usually listen to. I like it. Liked Songs Added: The Broad Majestic Shannon

Arular

M.I.A.

1/5

Apparently she likes bananas.

Warehouse: Songs And Stories

Hüsker Dü

3/5

This was so disappointing. Mould's guitar and vocals are great, but the drums and especially the bass are really weak. At times it felt like listening to your local high school band that's OK, but something's not quite right.

Haunted Dancehall

The Sabres Of Paradise

2/5

My first impression was that this was going to be terribly unlistenable, but there were actually some decent tracks here. It was a little long.

Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea

PJ Harvey

3/5

This is a really interesting album. Lots of the songs had a 4+2 rhythm/feel (as opposed to 3/4), which I like. I probably have to listen to it a few more times to fully get it. The Thom Yorke collaborations were nice. Liked Songs Added: The Whores Hustle And The Hustlers Whore

The Slim Shady LP

Eminem

3/5

Eminem is an amazing storyteller. Via rap, he paints a vivid picture of a particular scene happening in the song, which is often a profanity laced scene that is sometimes quite shocking and disturbing. Whether you're shocked, offended or not, you have to acknowledge the artistry here.

McCartney

Paul McCartney

3/5

This sounds more like a demo than a finished album, filled with song ideas rather than finished pieces. Maybe I'm Amazed is a classic (finished!) and great song. Liked Songs Added: Maybe I'm Amazed

The Next Day

David Bowie

3/5

This must've been nice for Bowie fans at the time - not expecting any music, then suddenly an album appears out of nowhere. I think I vaguely remember that time. I'm not a Bowie fan, despite this list trying to convince me otherwise, with its 20 Bowie albums [sarcasm alert]. This album is incredibly consistent. Nothing stands out to me either way, but as a non-fan I found it very listenable.

Good Old Boys

Randy Newman

2/5

Oh great, another Randy Newman album. The first song called "Rednecks" uses the N-word...a lot. That didn't age well

Tellin’ Stories

The Charlatans

4/5

I enjoyed this very consistent album, which must've been tough to make after the loss of bandmate Rob Collins, whose organ playing was very a distinctive part of The Charlatans" sound. Liked Songs Added: North Country Boy One To Another Only Teethin'

Armed Forces

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

3/5

This album is consistently good with standout singles. You can see Elvis growing as a songwriter here. Liked Songs Added: Accidents Will Happen Oliver's Army (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding

Eliminator

ZZ Top

2/5

I like older, bluesier ZZ Top, but this was just horrible. It's like someone ripped the soul right out of them. At least they made a bunch of money, but it's tough to get past the "poetry" of "I've got the six, gimme' your nine." Yikes. Liked Songs Added: TV Dinners

The Real Thing

Faith No More

1/5

I don't get all the good ratings here. This guy's whiney voice is worse than nails on a chalkboard. Just to clarify, I'd literally rather listen to long fingernails scraping a chalkboard than this.

We're Only In It For The Money

The Mothers Of Invention

3/5

In a word, this is weird! It's weird, but I like it. There's a few parodies (including the obvious - the album cover!) and some "interesting" spoken word. There's some interesting messages that act as themes throughout, focused on superficiality (beauty, general thought). It's anti-hippie, which I'm guessing is the opposite of popular at the time.

The Low End Theory

A Tribe Called Quest

5/5

When hip hop was getting popular I was waiting for an album like this - one that has someone rapping over live instruments. This one features the legendary Ron Carter on bass and the groove is delivered so solidly. Q-Tip is the smoothest! Liked Songs Added: Excursions Butter Infamous Date Rate Jazz (We've Got)

Mr. Tambourine Man

The Byrds

3/5

It's ok. McGuinn's Rickenbacker 12-string is a signature sound, so there's that. Liked Songs Added: Mr. Tambourine Man All I Really Want To Do

Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches

Happy Mondays

5/5

Bez must've been dancing his face off in the studio, because this album is packed with one awesome groove after another. After listening to this I feel that my mellon's been sufficiently twisted, man! Liked Songs Added: Step On

Bitte Orca

Dirty Projectors

4/5

Very different and odd. I liked it. I especially liked the use of voices as an additional instrument. Liked Songs Added: Cannibal Resource

Abraxas

Santana

5/5

What a pleasant surprise! I went into this thinking it would be a 2-star album, but Abraxas is a consistent album with great leads from Santana (of course) and excellent percussion throughout. I'm usually not a fan if Santana's playing or songs, I'll happily listen to this again! Liked Songs Added: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen Oye Como Va Se A Cabo Mother's Daughter Hope You're Feeling Better

Virgin Suicides

Air

3/5

This had really good moments, but it was inconsistent. Liked Songs added: Playground Love Dirty Trip

Mask

Bauhaus

2/5

I was expecting a lot more. No Bella on this one. It's too bad, as I like Peter Murphy's solo work and I like Love & Rockets (the band of the other 3 guys). Liked Songs Added: The Passion Of Lovers

Black Holes and Revelations

Muse

2/5

Good musicianship, led by a guy who can sing, but It's not my thing. It's like they're trying too hard to be anthemic.

A Grand Don't Come For Free

The Streets

4/5

I was surprised at how good this was. The cockney rapping and humourous choruses were so entertaining. Even with the predicable ending, the story was told so well using rhymes. Liked Songs Added: Not Addicted Fit But You Know It

Live Through This

Hole

2/5

Why are there two Hole albums on the list? Pick one...but not this one. Liked Songs Added: Doll Parts

Music for the Masses

Depeche Mode

2/5

This is a very weak Depeche Mode album. I like DM, but after the first song it this album's not that exciting. Liked Songs Added: Never Let Me Down Again

Fever To Tell

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2/5

To me this would sound so much better if they had a bass player and a different singer. I'm not a fan.

Deloused in the Comatorium

The Mars Volta

5/5

This is a sonic bombardment, and I mean this in a very very good way. In a word, it's Intense. Liked Songs Added: Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of) Cicatriz Esp

Here's Little Richard

Little Richard

3/5

I know this is hugely influential on the music made over the next decade, but it's not my favourite. I do like Little Richard's energy.

Rock 'N Soul

Solomon Burke

4/5

This is a great album that's so much fun to listen to. It's so soulful. Liked Songs Added: Cry To Me Hard, Ain't It Hard

Planet Rock: The Album

Afrika Bambaataa

2/5

It was interesting to hear Kraftwerk reworked, but for the most part this didn't hold my attention enough.

The Message

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

4/5

It'sLikeAJungleSometimesItMakesMeWonderHowIKeepFromGoingUnder Great lyrics in this groundbreaking album. Liked Songs Added: The Message

Histoire De Melody Nelson

Serge Gainsbourg

2/5

Non.

1999

Prince

1/5

Cheesy 80s drum machine and keyboard music. It sounds like Prince is snarling as he sings here. This was not enjoyable.

Beautiful Freak

Eels

5/5

This is a beautifully written, performed and produced album. E paints ugly/beautiful pictures of underdogs like the Beautiful Freak in the title track, Spunky (who doesn't like her uniform) and a beloved monster. All of this accompanied by tight, simple and sometimes funky instrumentation. Not bad for a debut. Liked Songs Added: Novocaine For The Soul Rags To Rags Not Ready Yet My Beloved Monster Guest List Your Lucky Day In Hell

Heartattack And Vine

Tom Waits

4/5

Great songwriting with lots of variety here. There is so much emotion in Waits' voice. I remember an older brother listening to Tom Waits when I was a kid and thinking "Why is he listening to this drunk guy???" I guess like wine, he gets better with age. The song Heartattack And Vine is an absolute classic. Liked Songs Added: Heartattack And Vine

Van Halen

4/5

Ahh, this brings back memories of sitting in my friend Bubba's rec. room spinning side 1 of this album and being blown away by Eddie Van Halen's scorching and original-sounding guitar sounds along with David Lee Roth's howling/screeching vocals! That's got to be one of the top 4 opening tracks of all time, including the innovative You Really Got Me cover. What a "We have arrived" statement this is.

3 + 3

The Isley Brothers

2/5

I don't get it. I find this so mediocre. The trio of cheesy covers - Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Listen To The Music and Summer Breeze - are terrible. That Lady Pts. 1 & 2 earned this album an extra star.

Madman Across The Water

Elton John

2/5

It seemed like listening to a whole album of Tiny Dancer-like songs. Not a fan.

Make Yourself

Incubus

3/5

This was kind of interesting, but not my thing. I appreciate the musicianship at least, and that guy could scratch!

Hot Buttered Soul

Isaac Hayes

3/5

This was ok, but that 10 minutes of spoken word was a bit much. Liked Songs Added: Walk On By

The Trinity Session

Cowboy Junkies

4/5

I've known about this album for years, especially Sweet Jane, but never heard the whole thing. (Thank you 1001 list!) It felt like I was quietly sitting in the corner of a room, listening in on a group's (very organized and intimate) jam session. Margot Timmins voice is as comforting as a warm blanket on a cool rainy night, and the accompanying Junkies warm your soul as if you were sitting by a fire on that same night. Liked Songs Added: Misguided Angel Sweet Jane

Dog Man Star

Suede

2/5

This was disappointing. I know Suede and like pefer Coming Up or Sci-Fi Lullabies to this. Dare I say that in my opinion they're better post-Bernard Butler.

Nilsson Schmilsson

Harry Nilsson

4/5

This is a solid album, with a few classic songs. Liked Songs Added: Coconut

Songs Of Love And Hate

Leonard Cohen

2/5

I can't believe in saying this, but this album was actually listenable. I usually can't stand Cohen's voice, but I guess I'm used to the older Leonard Cohen. Liked Songs Added: Diamonds In The Mine

Emergency On Planet Earth

Jamiroquai

5/5

Such Funky Fun along with some wicked didgeridoo playing! Music Of The Mind is the same as/very close to Level 42's Love Meeting Love. Liked Songs Added: Hooked Up If I Like It, I Do It Music Of The Mind Emergency On Planet Eath

Nixon

Lambchop

1/5

This might be the most boring album I've attempted to listen to.

You've Come a Long Way Baby

Fatboy Slim

5/5

Great beats, great energy. This is what electronic music should be. After all these years, I still can't believe that that's Norman Cook from the Housemartins! Liked Songs Added: The Rockafeller Skank Soul Surfing Praise You Love Island Acid 8000

Phrenology

The Roots

3/5

I love it when hip hop is performed with live music backing it and I really like Questlove, but I wasn't into this so much. I guess I didn't connect with it.

A Short Album About Love

The Divine Comedy

3/5

It's one of those albums I didn't love or hate. I think Neil Hannon was born in the wrong decade, as he's quite the crooner. He also has a decent, self-deprecating sense of humour. It's an interesting album to listen to.

Sea Change

Beck

4/5

I think this one should've been called Mellow Gold! Liked Songs Added: The Golden Age Guess I'm Doing Fine It's All In Your Mind

Melodrama

Lorde

2/5

There's some composing ability here, but I'm not into this over-produced pop.

Homework

Daft Punk

3/5

Parts of this album were classic, worth 5-stars. Other parts were unlistenable, worth 1-star. Let's meet in the middle with a 3-star rating! Liked Songs Added: Da Funk Around The World

Bongo Rock

Incredible Bongo Band

4/5

I want to live in Bongolia! Liked Songs Added: Apache In A Gadda Da Vida

Young Americans

David Bowie

4/5

How many more Bowie albums are there? It's enough already! The above my my initial reaction. This is actually a very funky, listenable album that I enjoyed a lot! I love David Sanborn's little signature exclamation points of sax on the end of Bowie's sentences. Liked Songs Added: Young Americans Fame

Fear Of Music

Talking Heads

3/5

A better TH album IMO. Some if Harrison's guitar work reminds me of Adrian Belew, which is interesting as the were touring together in 2024.

The Marshall Mathers LP

Eminem

3/5

Eminem is an immensely talented rapper, but I'm just not into it.

Is This It

The Strokes

5/5

I love the minimalism of this album. This is low-fi at its best. The two guitar players work so well off of each other. It still seems fresh and raw after all of these years. Liked Songs Added: Is This It Barely Legal Someday Last Nite Take It Or Leave It

Hypnotised

The Undertones

4/5

This is a fun new wave album. (I don't view this as punk.) I know some of Feargal Sharkey's solo work, but I didn't know this. He has such a distinct voice.

Colour By Numbers

Culture Club

1/5

I'm guessing that the reason this album is on the list is that it's an example of music with absolutely no redeeming qualities. Unlistenable.

Figure 8

Elliott Smith

4/5

Smith was a great songwriter with a great voice. I enjoyed this, but I bet it would've been better listening to this in a quiet room late at night! Liked Songs Added: Easy Way Out

Licensed To Ill

Beastie Boys

4/5

I seem to remember this being a lot better than it actually was. Having said that, there are some classic tunes here. I love the odd mash-up of hard rock and hip hop - and the mash-up of When The Levee Breaks' drums and Sweet Leaf's guitar on Rhymin & Stealin! Liked Songs Added: Rhymin & Stealin Fight For Your Right No Sleep Till Brooklyn

Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo

MC Solaar

5/5

This is awesome! A smoothe hip hop artist rapping over live music, and funky jazz at that. Who cares what language he's using! The Inner City Blues sample on Armand Est Mort is sublime. Liked Songs Added: Qui Sème Le Vent Récolte Le Tempo Victime De La Mode Armand Est Mort À Temps Partiel La Musique Adoucit Les Mœurs

Trio

Dolly Parton

3/5

I'm not into Country, but those three voices together are special. Liked Songs Added: Hobo's Meditation

Off The Wall

Michael Jackson

2/5

I really tried to listen to this, but other than the funky bass, there wasn't much here for me.

Like A Prayer

Madonna

2/5

The first half was typical Madonna bubble gum pop, with a little sex thrown in. Then I heard Oh Father, which was actually pretty good. The second half seemed a bit better.

Imperial Bedroom

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

4/5

I really liked this album. I hadn't heard it before other than the three singles. It had lots of variety - even a bossanova! Liked Songs Added: Beyond Belief Man Out Of Time Almost Blue

Heroes to Zeros

The Beta Band

5/5

Apparent the Milky Way results from the crowding of extremely faded stars! There is great musicianship here. I used to borrow this CD from my local library. I'm guessing that I was initially attracted to the cover! It's been years since I've heard it and it still holds up. Liked Songs Added: Space Wonderful Troubles Simple

Get Behind Me Satan

The White Stripes

3/5

I didn't love it, but I liked it. No one song stood out to me.

Talking With the Taxman About Poetry

Billy Bragg

4/5

I love Bragg's songwriting and musical minimalism. Liked Songs Added: Greetings To The New Brunette Levi Stubbs Tears The Tracks Of My Tears

Soul Mining

The The

4/5

This album has a summer vibe to me. I like the minimalism and slow build up of the songs, along with Matt Johnson's emotional vocals. Perfect would've been a liked song too, but didn't appear on my version of the album. That Jools Holland solo on Uncertain Smile is epic! Liked Songs Added: This Is The Day Uncertain Smile

Paranoid

Black Sabbath

5/5

Three of the first four songs are absolute classics. You can't listen to this without a little head banging! Liked Songs Added: War Pigs/Luke's Wall Paranoid Iron Man Jack The Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots

Steve McQueen

Prefab Sprout

3/5

This is a pretty solid album. I like how it's produced in that all of the instruments sound crisp and clean (except the cheesy 80s keyboards!). Paddy's voice is so smooth. Liked Songs Added: Appetite When Love Breaks Down

A Night At The Opera

Queen

3/5

Not bad...for a Queen album. Yes, driving home today I was headbanging to that part in Bohemian Rhapsody, like I was in the back of Garth's car in Wayne's World.

Raising Hell

Run-D.M.C.

4/5

Classic old school hip hop. I love the My Sharona sample on It's Tricky. Liked Songs Added: It's Tricky Walk This Way You Be Illin' Proud To Be Black

The Genius Of Ray Charles

Ray Charles

4/5

Whenever I hear Ray Charles' voice it makes me smile. I haven't heard this before and it's so Jazz/Big Band influenced. The only thing I didn't like was the occasional cheesy strings and backing vocals. Liked Songs Added: Two Yeaes Of Torture Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'

Urban Hymns

The Verve

5/5

This is one of my personal favourites from the 90s, maybe all time. The songwriting is solid and the production is slick. It's wild that at one point, Oasis opened for The Verve. I wish I could've seen that tour. It's too bad they didn't last, but at least we have Urban Hymns. Liked Songs Added: Bittersweet Symphony The Rolling People The Drugs Don't Work Catching The Butterfly Space and Time Lucky Man Come On

Idlewild

Everything But The Girl

1/5

So cheesy dreadful. More like Everything But The Music. I'd be happy to never hear this soulless mess again.

Kind Of Blue

Miles Davis

5/5

The quintessential modal jazz album. I don't think that there is a wasted moment on this album. Liked Songs Added: So What Freddie Freeloader Blue In Green All Blues

A Northern Soul

The Verve

5/5

Right from the first track, Richard Ashcroft declares "This is music!" and this statement is to be taken seriously for the next 60 or so minutes. Great musicians in the groove and a singer singing deeply about life from his perspective. It should be noted that Salisbury's drumming is much different than the average rock drummer. His beats are original, unpredictable and add a lot to the song being played. McCabe's intense guitar playing stands out too. Liked Songs Added: This Is Music On Your Own History No Knock On My Door

Sound of Silver

LCD Soundsystem

3/5

I like LCD Soundsystem, but I don't think I've heard a consistent album from them yet. Having said that, I do like a lot of their individual songs. Liked Songs Added: North American Scum Someone Great New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down

Roots

Sepultura

4/5

I usually don't listen to this kind of music, but this in your face album rocked. I look forward to thrashing around the room on my next listen. Igor Cavalera is a wicked and versatile drummer.

Power In Numbers

Jurassic 5

5/5

This is a great album and a fun surprise, as I haven't really heard Jurassic 5 before. I love the funky beats and how some songs border on jazz. These guys can spit rhymes too! Liked Songs Added: Freedom Break A Day At The Races What's Golden Thin Line Sum Of US Hey I Am Somebody

The White Album

Beatles

5/5

This album is eclectic. It's like you threw the Beatles in a lab and said go play and this is the result. I think it doesn't actually work as an album. It's more a collection of individual songs, but I guess they're so disconnected it actually works as a cohesive incohesive work. Does that make sense??? Liked Songs Added: The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill Happiness Is A Warm Gun I'm So Tired Blackbird Why Don't We Do It In The Road? I Will Yer Blues Mother Nature's Son

In Rainbows

Radiohead

5/5

Solid solid album. I really enjoyed hearing it again, as it's been a while. Liked Songs Added: Bodysnatchers Weird Fishes/Arpeggi All I Need

With The Beatles

Beatles

4/5

This album was fun with so many hits, but many of the covers disrupted the momentum. Having said that, their version of Money (That's What I Want) is the best, for my money.

Toys In The Attic

Aerosmith

3/5

This album was actually a lot better than I expected. Walk This Way is a classic, but the Run DMC version is such a giant step up from the original. I found myself yelling "She told me to..." in between lines in the chorus. Liked Songs Added: Sweet Emotion

John Prine

4/5

This is a songwriting clinic! The music seems simple, but it has lots of unexpected twists. Prine is an amazing storyteller, and some of his lyrics are quite provocative for the time. I thought that bit about "there's a hole in my arm where all my money goes." was written decades later by Spiritualized' Jason Pierce! Liked Songs Added: Illegal Smile Angel From Montgomery

1977

Ash

4/5

This is a solid album that lies somewhere on between rock, pop and garage. I liked it. Liked Songs Added: Lose Control Oh Yeah Let It Flow Innocent Smile

Tres Hombres

ZZ Top

3/5

This album is inconsistent to me. It's has some real highlights and some forgettable songs too. The extra live tracks are an added bonus. Liked Songs Added: Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers La Grange

Sunshine Superman

Donovan

3/5

There are some amazing moments on this album, but I found the mix of psychedelic, pop, folk, jazz, medieval and Indian music more a mess than a melange. Liked Songs Added: Sunshine Superman Season Of The Witch

Crazysexycool

TLC

2/5

Sorry I'm not into this. There are great moments (eg. Waterfalls), but I find it mostly over-produced with decent rhythms wrecked by the over-use of drum machines.

Stardust

Willie Nelson

3/5

Willie's great, but this is not exactly my style of music. I do like his interpretation of many of these classics. Assuming it is Willie, I love the sound of his leads, which were simple yet very effective. He gets a great sound out of his guitar.

Beyond Skin

Nitin Sawhney

1/5

Beyond listenable. It sounds like the generic sample music that comes with digital recording software.

Untitled (Black Is)

SAULT

4/5

This is a consistent album with solid beats and powerful messages. Liked Songs Added: Bow

Damaged

Black Flag

4/5

Wow, Henry Rollins before he was "Henry Rollins!" I've always wanted to listen to a Back Flag album and now I have. Thanks 1001 list! Liked Songs Added: Spray Paint

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels

Dexys Midnight Runners

3/5

This was actually not bad, even without Come On Eileen! I really liked the horn section. Liked Songs Added: Geno Seven Days Too Long

Slanted And Enchanted

Pavement

5/5

You have to love the anger and aggression in Stephen Malkmus' voice here (but not on Here!). I love the lo-fi rawness of it all, along with the odd anti-song at the end of some songs. Liked Songs Added: Summer Babe - Winter Version In the Mouth Of A Dessert Loretta's Scars Here Perfume-V Fame Throwa Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era Our Singer

Country Life

Roxy Music

2/5

This is a little too over-dramatic 70s music for me, but there were highlights including the bass playing. Liked Songs Added: Out Of The Blue

Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret

Soft Cell

2/5

After listening to this album I have determined that there is a clear deliniation point marking the time in my life before I heard Sex Dwarf, and after. Liked Songs Added: Tainted Love Say Hello, Wave Goodbye

Underwater Moonlight

The Soft Boys

3/5

Solid rock/pop album with well crafted songs. I'm just not sure it's something I'll return to, other than the track listed below. Liked Songs Added: I've Got The Hots For You

Ten

Pearl Jam

4/5

Classic album. I wish it was more consistent. Liked Songs Added: Evenflow Alive Black Deep

Roger the Engineer

The Yardbirds

4/5

Solid album that mixes psychedelic rock and blues well. The tone of Jeff Beck's guitar is sublime. Liked Songs Added: Over, Under, Sideways, Down The Nazz Are Blue

Under Construction

Missy Elliott

4/5

I like Missy Elliott's rhyming. She adds a lot of humour to her funky beats. This is a pretty consistently entertaining album. Lyric of the album: "Pussy don't fail me now!" Liked Songs Added: Slide

Signing Off

UB40

2/5

I liked UB40, but this has to be the worst mixed album I've ever heard. The drums and bass were right up front, but everything else was a muffled mess, including the vocals (using headphones). The bass and drums are outstanding here. Liked Songs Added: Food For Thought Signing Off

L.A. Woman

The Doors

4/5

Who knew The Doors could be so bluesy? This is a consistently good album and I enjoyed it a lot, even though I'm not really a Doors fan. Liked Songs Added: The Changeling Love Her Madly L.A. Woman Crawling King Snake Riders On The Storm

Jack Takes the Floor

Ramblin' Jack Elliott

3/5

This is very interesting. A guy and his guitar and his stories. That's it.

Eternally Yours

The Saints

3/5

This was a solid album. None of the songs made it to my favourites playlist, but I didn't hate any of the songs either.

Either Or

Elliott Smith

4/5

I was familiar with a few of the songs here. I like Smith's great, minimal, songwriting. Liked Songs Added: Ballad Of Big Nothing Between The Bars 2:45 a.m.

Surf's Up

The Beach Boys

3/5

Interesting album on an interesting day, the day after Brian Wilson died. I didn't know any of the songs and I'm not a big fan of the Beach Boys, but this was a consistent effort. 'Till I Die was especially poignant today.

(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)

Lynyrd Skynyrd

4/5

Good ol' Southern Rock album. This is another situation where I'm not a fan, but I respect the craft. Liked Songs Added: Poison Whiskey Free Bird

Rocks

Aerosmith

2/5

Other than the single (Back In The Saddle), there's not much here that's interesting.

Teenage Head

Flamin' Groovies

3/5

It was ok, not great, not terrible, just ok.

Tago Mago

Can

4/5

I really liked this, but after an hour-plus of Can, I came to the realization that they would be much better without the singer. In other words, can the singer! Liked Songs Added: Mushroom

Time (The Revelator)

Gillian Welch

4/5

This album usually features only two acoustic guitars and vocals, and I was captivated for most of the album. It's a testament to the beautiful songwriting here. The leads are very tasty as well. Liked Songs Added: Revelator Everything Is Free

Rumours

Fleetwood Mac

2/5

I don't get it. This is in the top 10 (or 2 now!) of all albums of all time. The four singles are great, along with The Chain - not my thing, but great. This incarceration of Fleetwood Mac has the worst rhythm section of all time. I guess Fleetwood can keep a beat, but McVie's bass playing is beyond pedestrian. He'll take a decent song and just do the bare minimum. Lindsey Buckingham, who's brilliant guitar playing and solid singing shines throughout, must've been so mad at McVie for crapping all over his songs. Three stars, minus one for McVie's totally crap bass playing.

OK Computer

Radiohead

5/5

There are some serious life lessons in this album. "A patient, safer driver." After many years, this is now me!!! Even though I prefer The Bends, this is still such a great album on so many levels. In a word, evergreen. Liked Songs Added: Airbag Paranoid Android Karma Police No Surprises Lucky

Kilimanjaro

The Teardrop Explodes

2/5

This was very 80s British New Wave. I know Julian Cope's solo work, so this was a disappointment, certainly not 1001 list worthy.

Greetings From L.A.

Tim Buckley

2/5

Sorry, not a fan.

The Sensual World

Kate Bush

3/5

This was better than expected. It helped having Mick Karn playing bass on one track. It's hard to believe that This Woman's Work was a single, but it is a beautiful song.

It's Blitz!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2/5

I don't understand bands that don't have a bass player. What's Up with that?

Two Dancers

Wild Beasts

1/5

Ouch, that singer's attempted falsetto hurt my ears.

Shadowland

k.d. lang

1/5

k.d. has a great voice, but it's too cheesy/torchy for me.

Ambient 1/Music For Airports

Brian Eno

3/5

This is music, I guess.

Frampton Comes Alive

Peter Frampton

3/5

Like, this would be amazing if, like, I was a 14 year old girl in 1976. Solid live rock album, but not my thing.

Gold

Ryan Adams

2/5

Some ok pop songwriting that's well produced. If Gold was a colour it would be beige. I'm not into it and it seemed to go on for 6 hours.

S&M

Metallica

3/5

It's too bad I don't know Metallica's music so much, as I'm sure I'd appreciate this album much more. I do appreciate the arrangements and playing, by both the band and orchestra. It's quite the collaboration.

m b v

My Bloody Valentine

2/5

I really wanted to like this and Shoegaze in general, but it always seems to fall just short of my expectations. It's like let's get an electric guitar and go crazy with effects, but unsuccessfully.

The Colour Of Spring

Talk Talk

2/5

Other than the one song, it's very forgettable. Liked Songs Added: Life's What You Make It

First Band On The Moon

The Cardigans

5/5

Wow, that was so much better than i remembered. The Iron Man cover has got to be one of the best in history! Nina Persson has such a pleasant way of singing about choking to death!!! Liked Songs Added: Been It Lovefool Iron Man Choke

Hunting High And Low

a-ha

2/5

This album's mostly harmless Norwegian Pop.

2112

Rush

5/5

ATTENTION ALL PLANETS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION. ATTENTION ALL PLANETS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION. WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL. WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL. WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL. Liked Songs Added: 2112 A Passage To Bankok Something For Nothing

Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette

3/5

Isn't it ironic that all of those situations in the song Ironic aren't ironic? (They're just unfortunate coincidences.) Maybe that's the point! I had low expectations going in, but they were exceeded. Morissette is great at bending words into whatever melody is required at the moment. She definitely has an original voice. Minus 1 star for the totally unnecessary inhale-exhale harmonica playing.

Parklife

Blur

5/5

Peak classic Blur. In a word this album is FUN! Liked Songs Added: Girls & Boys Tracy Jacks End Of A Century Parklife Far Out To The End Trouble In The Message Centre Magic America This Is a Low

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Iron Butterfly

4/5

Wow, it's like a total psychedelic trip, man! The title track, along with that drum solo, is so epic. I'm glad I got the opportunity to hear this album. Thanks 1001 list! Liked Songs Added: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

The Soft Bulletin

The Flaming Lips

4/5

I liked this album, but I feel like I need to listen to it a few more times to appreciate it more. Liked Songs Added: Race For The Prize Buggin' Waitin' For A Superman Feeling Yourself Disintegrate

Graceland

Paul Simon

5/5

By far Paul Simon's best album. His depth of songwriting is highlighted here, both musically and lyrically. "...Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts." There is so much variety of musical styles and musician groupings. It had a huge impact on the world, exposing (not exploiting) a few African styles of music. Somehow with all of this variety it works. Liked Songs Added: The Boy In The Bubble Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes You Can Call Me Al Homeless

Everything Must Go

Manic Street Preachers

2/5

I remember this being really big in the UK at the time. I'm not sure I get it. I find the orchestrations to be a bit much.

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd

5/5

A headphones-only listen. I can't add anything else to the discussion.

Femi Kuti

5/5

This is very reminiscent of his father's work, perhaps with more lyrics per song. I loved it! Liked Songs Added: Wonder Wonder Frustrations Nawa Plenty Nonsense Stubbor Problems No Shame Live For Today

The Specials

5/5

British Ska/2 Tone classic! The Specials is one of my favourite albums of all time. I didn't really know or understand 2 Tone/"2nd Wave" Ska until I heard this, and now I love it. Even without Gangsters - which was included in my version of the album - this is awesome. So much fun, and with a message too (and not just to Rudy!). Liked Songs Added: A Message To You Rudy Do The Dog Nite Klub Concrete Jungle Monkey Man Stupid Marriage Too Much Too Young You're Wondering Now *Gangsters

Boston

5/5

I know Boston, but never heard the whole album before. This is classic rock defined. Solid songs featuring great guitar effects played very well, especially during the iconic solos. That voice is like none other. The harmonies added a lot too. Does any other album have three songs that open an album better than this??? Liked Songs Added: More Than A Feeling Peace Of Mind Foreplay/Long Time Rock & Roll Band

Myths Of The Near Future

Klaxons

2/5

I didn't hate this, but I didn't like it either. It's not list worthy.

You Are The Quarry

Morrissey

3/5

This is overly earnest, even for Morrissey.

Deserter's Songs

Mercury Rev

4/5

Why have I never heard this before? There's some excellent theremin playing here! Seriously, there's some very strong songwriting here. I find it reminiscent of the Flaming Lips, so it makes sense that one of them was in the band. Liked Songs Added: Holes Goddess On A Hiway The Funny Bird Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp

Third

Soft Machine

5/5

Wow, i hadn't heard this before, but it's certainly mind expanding music. It does get experimental at times, but i like that! The musicians are top notch. That bass player was fantastic! Liked Songs Added: Slightly All The Time Out-Bloody-Rageous

The Rising

Bruce Springsteen

2/5

I'm sorry, did I stumble upon the list of 1001 MEDIOCRE albums to listen to before you die?

Metallica

2/5

With this and the live album, I've listened to over three hours of Metallica on this project. That's enough.

Tapestry

Carole King

4/5

I never thought that there was a remote chance that I would like this album, but Tapestry is a songwriting clinic!

Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite

Maxwell

2/5

It's ok, but I don't understand funky music with a potential groove that makes the mistake of using a drum machine. It sucks the soul right out of it. -1 star for all the drum machine usage.

Vol. 4

Black Sabbath

4/5

Ozzy's voice is so pure on this album. It's great to hear this album on this day (the day after Ozzy's death), considering I know Black Sabbath, but don't know this album. Liked Songs Added: Changes Snowblind Cornucopia

Guitar Town

Steve Earle

2/5

Personally I prefer Steve Earl's acting over his music. Having said that, it's not bad for a debut album especially.

A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse

Faces

5/5

Classic lineup, as the Faces are basically a supergroup here. It's classic rock and roll with a heavy emphasis on American blues. The two Ronnies - Lane on bass and particularly Wood's slide guitar work - are standouts here. I'm used to Rod Stewart's solo work, which I usually find cheesy, but here he is a charismatic and commanding front man. Liked Songs Added: Miss Judy's Farm Stay With Me Debris That's All You Need

Kings Of The Wild Frontier

Adam & The Ants

2/5

A positive: this is certainly an original sound. A negative: unfortunately, it's a sound I don't like at all.

Murmur

R.E.M.

2/5

Yawn. I know that lots of people love REM, but i don't get it.

Before And After Science

Brian Eno

4/5

I can see the influence this had on artists to follow (and contemporaries) like Peter Gabriel, post-70s King Crimson, Talking Heads, etc. Eno and Adrien Belew sound identical to me. Overall, Before And After Science is very approachable and interesting music. I liked it! Liked Songs Added: King's Lead Hat

Mermaid Avenue

Billy Bragg

4/5

Great concept that I didn't know existed - a great tribute to Woody Guthrie. I think i liked the Wilco songs more than the Bragg songs, but overall this was an enjoyable experience! Liked Songs Added: California Stars Hoodoo Voodoo At My Window Sad And Lonely One By One Hesitating Beauty

Live At The Regal

B.B. King

5/5

BB is legendary! His playing is sublime. He could really make Lucille sing! This live recording amazingly captures artist and audience totally together. I love the shouted "Ya" and "Yes" responses from the audience. Liked Songs Added: Everyday I Have The Blues Sweet Little Angel Please Love Me Worry, Worry You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now

Chris

Christine and the Queens

1/5

For an album form 2018 to be included on this list it should be very special. This is not.

If You're Feeling Sinister

Belle & Sebastian

5/5

I love Belle and Sebastian. Their songs sound so sweet and earnest, but there is often a really dark, sometimes anti-organized religion, twist in their songs. I love the subversiveness of it. Maybe in a word, it's "sinister!" Liked Songs Added: The Stars Of Track And Field Like Dylan In The Movies Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying Mayfly The Boy Done Wrong Again Judy And The Dream Of Horses

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots

The Flaming Lips

5/5

This one's a classic. To me it sounded futuristic years ago, and I think it still does. Great drumming at times - especially on Are You A Hypnotist?? - for a band with no permanent drummer at the time. Do You Realize is such a beautiful song. Liked Songs Added: Flight Test Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 1 Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell Are You A Hypnotist?? Do You Realize??

...And Justice For All

Metallica

3/5

Hour four of a band I don't really like. This is challenging. The musicianship is really good. I like the time changes. It's more thrash than pop metal, which is a good thing. I actually like this album better than the other two (black and double live album).

The Only Ones

3/5

Really good 70s Brirish garage rock.

Berlin

Lou Reed

3/5

"Men of good fortune, often cause empires to fall." Did Lou Reed predict what's happening in the US now (2025)??? A dark and interesting listen.

Exit Planet Dust

The Chemical Brothers

5/5

I generally do not like electronic music, but I love the Chemical Brothers. Great beats and generally interesting music. Liked Songs Added: Leave Home In Dust We Trust One Too Many Mornings Life Is Sweet Alive Alone

Live!

Fela Kuti

5/5

Outstanding! There's at least two legends here doing their thing (Fela & Ginger). Liked Songs Added: Let's Start Black Man's Cry Ye Ye De Smell

Larks' Tongues In Aspic

King Crimson

3/5

I'm a King Crimson fan, but never got around to this one, so thank you list. Other than Part II of the title track, I was disappointed. I'm generally not a fan of violins used in a jazz-like setting (excluding Jean-Luc Ponty), so I wasn't into a lot of this. Liked Songs Added: Larks' Tongues In Aspic (Part II)

Manassas

Stephen Stills

3/5

This was interesting. Stills is a strong songwriter, singer and guitarist. There's a lot of country influence here, which isn't a bad thing. Liked Songs Added: Song Of Love Anyway

Live At The Witch Trials

The Fall

4/5

I love Mark E. Smith's snarl-singing. I know it's not for everyone, but I really like how raw this album is. Personally, I think it would've been better without the keys, but that's me. Liked Songs Added: Frightened Mother - Sister! Two Steps Back

Hot Rats

Frank Zappa

5/5

Great fusion! Ignore my review three albums ago. Jazz and the violin - especially electric - work well together here. Additional note: I just looked at the credits and Jean-Luc Ponty plays on this album. (I mentioned before that I don’t like jazz with violins, unless it's Jean-Luc Ponty.) When I wrote the above paragraph, I had no idea that Ponty played on this album! Liked Songs Added: Willie The Pimp Gumbo Variations

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon & Garfunkel

5/5

An absolute classic! Listen to the first few songs and you see the depth of Paul Simon's songwriting. Angelic is the word I would use to describe Art Garfunkel's voice. Liked Songs Added: Bridge Over Troubled Water Cecilia The Boxer Song For The Asking

Brutal Youth

Elvis Costello

4/5

Another Elvis album, but I hadn't heard this one before. I quite like it! Liked Songs Added: Kinder Murder 13 Steps Lead Down 20% Amnesia

New Forms

Roni Size

5/5

Another artist I've heard of, but never really heard...except for Heroes. It's not my genre, but I love the use of the double bass to the breakneck drumbeats! Make sure you listen to this with headphones/earbuds. Liked Songs Added: Railing Brown Paper Bag Mad Cat Heroes Share The Fall (Full Vocal Mix)

Orbital 2

Orbital

2/5

So repetitive. If I was in a dance club and on a lot of drugs, this might be more appealing. I think we all know why it's called the "Brown Album!"

Actually

Pet Shop Boys

2/5

Catchy synth pop, I guess, but I'm not into it. It's A Sin is basically a synthed-up version of Wild World, right???

Nighthawks At The Diner

Tom Waits

5/5

Don't be fooled by what sounds like the gravelly ramblings of a drunk streetwalker. This is poetry of those streets, backed by amazing blues/jazz players. Waits is a storyteller who paints a beautiful picture of not-so-beautiful scenes from the streets. Liked Songs Added Emotional Weather Report Eggs And Sausage (In A Cadillac With Susan Michelson) Putnam County

BEYONCÉ

Beyoncé

1/5

Sorry, I'm not into this.

Tusk

Fleetwood Mac

3/5

To me Tusk is like the morning after Rumours. It's a solid collection of listenable songs that I'm not into. Oh, and it sounds like John McVie took some bass lessons, as his playing is much improved (if it is actually him on bass!).

Wild Gift

X

2/5

I really wanted to like this, but I found it mediocre.

Peace Sells...But Who's Buying

Megadeth

3/5

It's not my genre, but I do appreciate the skilled musicianship.

Safe As Milk

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

3/5

This album is wonderfully weird. Experimental is an understatement here!

Here, My Dear

Marvin Gaye

2/5

This was kind of sad, but it didn't move me. It was very well produced.

Pornography

The Cure

4/5

I like the murky sounding production. It really added a lot to the tone of the album, especially with its dark dark lyrics. I know lots of Cure music, but hadn't heard this before, so it was nice hearing this earlier one. Liked Songs Added The Hanging Garden Siamese Twins A Strange Day

Juju

Siouxsie And The Banshees

4/5

It's interesting that I got this album right after the Cure's Pornography, both made around the same time. It's a very unique sound. I'm surprised how much I liked it, based on previous singles I've heard. It's amazing that four people produced such sounds that sometimes sounded like eight! Special shout out to John McGeoch, whose intricate and mind expanding guitar work, made this album extra special. Liked Songs Added: Into The Light Monitor Night Shift

After The Gold Rush

Neil Young

5/5

Coincidentally, I just drove by Neil Young's "town in north Ontario" Omemee, literally a day before receiving this incredible album. This songwriting clinic is so good! It was nice to hear all these classic songs again. Liked Songs Added: Tell Me Why After The Gold Rush Only Love Can Break Your Heart Southern Man Don't Let It Bring You Down I Believe In You

Savane

Ali Farka Touré

3/5

I wanted to like this, but I found the song structures too simple - usually one repeated pattern. I wish there was more bass in this album too. Liked Songs Added: Soya

A Love Supreme

John Coltrane

5/5

I know this album and along with Kind of Blue (on which Coltrane also appears), this is quintessential modal jazz. Liked Songs Added: A Love Supreme, Pt. I - Acknowledgement A Love Supreme, Pt. III - Pursuance

Back to Mystery City

Hanoi Rocks

2/5

I think I know why this album is on the list. It must be one of those "It's so bad, it's good" situations I found this kind of unforgettable except for two songs in particular. Beating Gets Faster and Ice Cream Summer are two of the worst songs I've heard, lyrically. With lines like "All there is left is a photograph You smile and the ice cream's melting down your pants... Just like our summer, I thought it would last forever But as the autumn came, you had gone away" And... "If I'm down in a hole, or out in the streets Nothing else matters baby, if it's you and me baby. " Honourable mention should go to "Well, it's a wham bam gangbang every night there" from the title track. Yikes.

Freak Out!

The Mothers Of Invention

4/5

I don't think you can truly appreciate this album without a sense of humour! Without knowing much about this album beforehand, I'm guessing that a lot of it is satire, and it's done really well. It was a psychedelic trip and a really fun one, man! Liked Songs Added Hungry Freaks, Daddy Wowee Zowee Trouble Everyday

For Your Pleasure

Roxy Music

3/5

This is 70s glam, played and composed well, but a little too 70s for me. You can definitely see the influence on Punk here. Liked Songs Added Beauty Queen

The Gilded Palace Of Sin

The Flying Burrito Brothers

3/5

This was solid, with nice bass playing and harmonies, but I wasn't so into it. Liked Songs Added: Do Right Woman

Vulnicura

Björk

3/5

This is a really interesting listen. For the most part is arhythmic. The voices and strings are very dissonant. Then there's Bjork's vocals. She is adept at manipulating whatever words she's written into whatever melody she's dreamed up. I rrally like how she sings. Overall, this is not an easy album to listen to, but I appreciate the originality of it.

Jazz Samba

Stan Getz

5/5

I love the sound of Getz's tenor sax. It's so smoothe and his playing seems effortless. I'm usually not a fan of jazz guitar, but Byrd's playing is so interesting and paired well with Getz. I'm looking forward to hearing this again. Liked Songs Added: Desafinado Samba De Uma Nota So Bahia

O.G. Original Gangster

Ice T

3/5

Ice-T might be the original hard core hip hop artist. I liked it when he used rock music to back up his powerful lyrics. It's a solid album. There's lots of variety, and the beats still hold up today.

Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)

Bob Dylan

5/5

This is an historically significant album. In this tour, folk went electric, whether the fans liked it or not. Those Canadian boys in The "Band" were absolutely cookin' on the electric disc (Disc 2). Liked Songs Added: Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat Like A Rolling Stone

Ritual De Lo Habitual

Jane's Addiction

4/5

I remember that I used to go to my university's library and borrow this CD. It was great to study to (for me!). Anyway listening many years later, it's better than I remember. I like the diversity of styles and moods in this album. There's a lot more to this than the two big singles, which are still great. Liked Songs Added: Stop! Been Caught Stealing Then She Did...

Hejira

Joni Mitchell

4/5

This is such a beautiful album. I didn't know one song before this listen. It was such a treat listening to Jaco Pastorius' bass playing. I love his work, so it's like discovering a hidden treasure for me. Larry Carlton's playing is great too, but a lot more subtle than Jaco's. Joni's voice is like it's own instrument and her songwriting is so interesting on so many levels. Liked Songs Added: Coyote Hejira Song For Sharon Refuge Of The Roads

Live / Dead

Grateful Dead

3/5

I like the Dead, but this seemed to go nowhere. To me it lacked cohesion. I love a good improv, but a decent part of improv is listening and reacting to everyone around you. This sounded like a bunch of individuals playing on their own, even though there are others around. Liked Songs Added: St. Stephen

Viva Hate

Morrissey

3/5

Other than the two standout tracks, it was just meh. Liked Songs Added: Everyday Is Like Sunday Suedehead

Hms Fable

Shack

2/5

There are at least 10 albums from Canada, Mali, Australia or any other country that are more important than this one. Come on! Liked Songs Added: Natalie's Party

Trout Mask Replica

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

3/5

Wow, this was a diverse and interesting listen. I'm glad I had the opportunity, as I've heard about this album for years, so thank you 1001 Generator! I dont mind experimental music, so I found that it was fine.

3/5

The 70s was a "sensational" time. There were songs published with lyrics like... "Ain't nothing like a gangbang To blow the blues away." Good times.

The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

Genesis

4/5

This album used to freak me out as a kid! My brother played it non-stop for a while. I think the concept scared me along with the strange voices. My brother incessantly singing it to me didn't help either! It's interesting to now hear this album that I've been avoiding most of my life! I certainly have a different set of eyes. The songs have a lot of thought behind them and are well played. Gabriel's lyrics/concept are/is so good. Banks, Collins and Hacket are strong throughout. It's interesting to see NYC (in the 70s), from a British perspective. Liked Songs Added: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Counting Out Time The Carpet Crawlers

E.V.O.L.

Sonic Youth

2/5

Another Sonic Youth album. This one's very mediocre.

Hotel California

Eagles

2/5

Not much there other than the three big songs. Liked Songs Added: Life In The Fast Lane

Chirping Crickets

Buddy Holly & The Crickets

3/5

This is such an historic album. Lots of classic tunes that influenced others that followed. Liked Songs Added: Oh Boy! Maybe Baby That'll Be The Day

Gasoline Alley

Rod Stewart

2/5

This was very beige - not that interesting. Yawn. Somebody needed to give Rod a losenge before he stepped up to the microphone.

The Rise & Fall

Madness

2/5

What a disappointment. First of all, this is not a Ska album. There's a slight influence on some songs, but it's basically a British pop album. I'm guessing early Madness fans were not happy with this effort. Liked Songs Added: Our House

Boy In Da Corner

Dizzee Rascal

1/5

I like Hip Hop, but I don't like this. The beats have no soul and I don't like his clipped style of rapping.

Pet Sounds

The Beach Boys

5/5

It's funny, I don't like The Beach Boys, but I really like this. I like that Brian Wilson sings more leads and not Mike Love. Also the songwriting, production and use of the Wrecking Crew helps. I also like the lack of surfing references here! Liked Songs Added: Wouldn't It Be Nice Sloop John B G-d Only Knows Hang On To Your Ego I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

Vauxhall And I

Morrissey

2/5

It was ok. Nothing too memorable. Can we all agree that one Morrissey album on the 1001 list is plenty???

Sound Affects

The Jam

4/5

This is a high energy and very consistent, album. That's Entertainment is such a good song. Liked Songs Added: Start! That's Entertainment

You Want It Darker

Leonard Cohen

3/5

I'm not a Leonard Cohen fan, but isn't that bad. It's very contemplative and introspective, performed by a man nearing the end of his life. There is a huge difference in the quality of the music, compared to other Cohen albums I've heard, as he used real musicians. There's a lot of soul in/on this album.

The Modern Lovers

5/5

I don't know this music, but I love it. This seems very ahead of its time - evergreen. Liked Songs Added: Roadrunner Astral Plane Pablo Picasso She Cracked Modern World

You're Living All Over Me

Dinosaur Jr.

2/5

Having heard other Dinosaur Jr. music and liking a lot of noise, I had high expectations for this album, but it just didn't deliver for me.

Elvis Presley

2/5

Not a fan. This album made me sad as I was thinking about some of the original artists who did much better versions of their songs, but didn't get the credit that Elvis did.

Aladdin Sane

David Bowie

3/5

To me this is one of the better Bowie albums on the list. It's very 70s rock, and very consistent. Liked Songs Added: Panic In Detroit The Jean Genie

Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby

Terence Trent D'Arby

2/5

I have mixed feelings about this one. Wishing Well is a great song and Sign Your Name is ok, but the rest is a bit bland for me. I hear too much 80s electronic drums/drum machine and synth bass to be taken too seriously. Liked Songs Added Wishing Well

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen

The Residents

3/5

This may be too alternative for people who like alternative music. I found it interesting. It's certainly not pretty music. I like how many of the songs don't follow traditional structures. Before reading the Wikipedia entry, I was thinking that The Residents probably inspired Primus, only to read that Primus covered some of their tunes!

The World is a Ghetto

War

4/5

I love how funky this is. I've heard a lot of War, but other than The Cisco Kid, I haven't heard this album. It's so bass driven and it's so good. The percussion is amazing throughout. Liked Songs Added: The Cisco Kid The World Is A Ghetto

461 Ocean Boulevard

Eric Clapton

1/5

This album is devoid of any hint of soul.

Bayou Country

Creedence Clearwater Revival

4/5

What a great opening track that really sets the tone for the rest of the album's swampy blues done well. Overall, this was very enjoyable. Liked Songs Added Born On The Bayou Penthouse Pauper Proud Mary

The Nightfly

Donald Fagen

4/5

It's odd to me. It's Donald Fagen trying to do pop and it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. In the end, I do like it. The vocal harmonies are really nice. Also, I enjoyed the bass throughout the album. Of course the production is stellar. Liked Songs Added I.G.Y. New Frontier

Welcome to the Afterfuture

Mike Ladd

5/5

This is like the blending of hip hop and spacy sci-fi sounds - a totally original and different listening experience, and I enjoyed it a lot. The drumbeats are so groovy (real drums, I believe) and the bass lines have great hooks. Many of the tunes feature "spacy" sound effects that actually enhance the experience. This is a memorable listen, and I have to thank the list for this one, as I had never heard of Mike Ladd before. I'm looking forward to checking out more! Feb. 4/'99 - if you don't know the date (like me), look it up. Liked Songs Added 5000 Miles West Of The Future I Feel Like $100 The Animist Red Eye To Jupiter (Starship N***a)

White Ladder

David Gray

2/5

I'm not a fan of the cheesy electronic beats. It's like he recorded these songs acoustically, which would've been fine, but then some weak producer added in the electronic bits afterward, and ruined it for me. It's very MOR. The Say Hello, Wave Goodbye cover is a pretty good take...at least until the end of the first chorus when the drum machine kicks in.

The La's

2/5

Pretty catchy pop, but there's not much beyond the stellar single There She Goes. Liked Songs Added Timeless Melody There She Goes

Arc Of A Diver

Steve Winwood

2/5

So mediocre. I lost all respect for him when his singles became North American beer ad soundtracks. Liked Songs Added While You See A Chance

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1

George Michael

2/5

Ironically it's tough to listen to this (or any other album here) without prejudice when there are all these ratings and reviews posted, especially if you're like me and you take a peek at a few ratings before listening to an album! It's certainly not my favourite, but that bass player is awesome!

Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp

3/5

This is an original sound. I don't like her voice so much - it's a little too throaty/whispery for me. On the positive side, the songwriting and production are beautiful.

Another Green World

Brian Eno

3/5

It was fine. Liked Songs Added: I'll Come Running

Bossanova

Pixies

5/5

This is such a classic album! Pixies at their peak. Liked Songs Added: Velouria Alison Ana All Over The World Dig For Fire Stormy Weather Havalina

The Modern Dance

Pere Ubu

2/5

A mix of punk and art. Lots of noise here.

To Pimp A Butterfly

Kendrick Lamar

4/5

This is very innovative hip hop. I like the funk, soul and jazz influences I hear on this album. Powerful lyrics too. I'm not sure what's going on, but when I hear Kendrick Lamar, I keep visualizing that it's actually Kevin Hart rapping. Is it just me??? Liked Songs Added: Complexion (A Zulu Love) i

The Velvet Underground

3/5

Solid melodic pre-punk that gets a little experimental at times. Liked Songs Added: What Goes On Pale Blue Eyes

The White Room

The KLF

1/5

How many times can you use the same beat on one album? The answer is 10.

Surrealistic Pillow

Jefferson Airplane

3/5

A little disappointing. I was hoping to discover more than the two hits, but I wasn't into much else. Grace Slick shines when she's featured. Liked Songs Added: Somebody To Love White Rabbit

Take Me Apart

Kelela

3/5

I guess it was ok, as I didn't skip any songs. Kelela is a good songwriter and singer. It's just not my kind of music, but I appreciate her talent.

All That You Can't Leave Behind

U2

3/5

This was ok. Consistent, but maybe a little too consistent as more variety would've been nice. Having said that, it's not a classic list-worthy album, but it is a solid album. Liked Songs Added: Beautiful Day

Pink Moon

Nick Drake

5/5

This is just a beautiful album overall. As I was listening to Pink Moon, I found that most of the songs ended too early for me. (When I'm listening to a new album, I usually want the opposite!) This is a credit to Nick Drake's solid song writing. Liked Songs Added; Pink Moon Things Behind The Sun From The Morning

25

Adele

2/5

You can't deny that Adele has a great voice. I'm just not into her music.

The Age Of The Understatement

The Last Shadow Puppets

2/5

I guess Dimery is a big Alex Turner fan, but this is far from the Arctic Monkeys and certainly not list worthy. I remember this being a big disappointment in 2008. It still is.

Architecture And Morality

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

3/5

This is solid electronic pop with a few minimal and experimental flourishes, complete with two standout tracks. Liked Songs Added: Souvenir Joan Of Arc

Behaviour

Pet Shop Boys

2/5

Not my favourite.

Play

Moby

2/5

I didn't get this when it came out and I don't get it now. I have no idea why so many people like this.

OK

Talvin Singh

2/5

Traditional instruments from different parts of the world mixed with electronic beats here. I like the concept, but the execution leaves something to be desired - you might say something less than OK.

Dookie

Green Day

4/5

Great mix of punk and pop, or maybe just melodic punk. I ignored this the first time around, but it's grown on me. Liked Songs Added: Longview Basketcase When I Come Around

The Köln Concert

Keith Jarrett

4/5

I'm not sure if I would call this Jazz, but it's still an interesting album. I was expecting more dissonance and tension for some reason, but it was still good. I know a lot of people don't like it, but I love Jarrett's vocalizations as he really gets into his improvising. Liked Songs Added: Köln, January 24, 1975, Part II b

Catch A Fire

Bob Marley & The Wailers

5/5

Classic reggae. I could listen to the Barrett brothers play rhythm all day! Liked Songs Added Concrete Jungle Stop That Train Baby We've Got A Date (Rock It Baby) Stir It Up No More Trouble All Day All Night - Jamacian Version

The Pleasure Principle

Gary Numan

4/5

I knew Gary Newman from when I was a kid and I know of this album, but never listened to it, just the single. I'm guessing that he was influenced by Kraftwerk and that he was a huge influence on electronic music of the 80s, if not pop in general. Overall, I found The Pleasure Principle a pleasure! Liked Songs Added

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill

4/5

There are moments of joy and many lessons learned on this album, to the background of incredibly soulful funk and hip hop. In a word, beautiful. Liked Songs Added: Do Wop (That Thing) Forgive Them Father Everything Is Everything

Queens of the Stone Age

Queens Of The Stone Age

3/5

Solid rock which is ok by me. I wish it was more consistent, as this album had some great moments, with a few great hooks. I'll have to listen again. Liked Songs Added: Walking On The Sidewalks Mexicola You Can't Quit Me Baby

Stand!

Sly & The Family Stone

4/5

There's some all-time classic songs on this album, including the best one-chord song ever written (IMO), I Want To Take You Higher. Every track has such enthusiastic and positive energy, along with a great groove Wow Joe Walsh's Rocky Mountain Way sounds a lot like Sex Machine, and the drum beat is exactly the same. Liked Songs Added: I Want To Take You Higher Sing A Simple Song Everyday People

Da Capo

Love

2/5

This is just a psychedelic mess. I didn't "love" it.

Supa Dupa Fly

Missy Elliott

2/5

The list would've been good with one Missy Elliott album...and not this one.

Pelican West

Haircut 100

2/5

This is Yacht Rock done very poorly. Ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-yah indeed.

Let It Bleed

The Rolling Stones

4/5

Classic Stones with three standout tracks. Liked Songs Added: Gimme Shelter Let It Bleed You Can't Always Get What You Want

Peggy Suicide

Julian Cope

5/5

It's interesting how this whole album is consistently good, but I can't listen to any of Cope's other music. Listening on Spotify, I miss the four phases of the album that Cope originally set up. It really sets the tone of the different parts of the album. Having said this, Peggy Suicide, criminally underrated here, is a classic. Liked Songs Added: East Easy Rider If You Loved Me At All Drive, She Said Soldier Blue Not Raving But Drowning Beautiful Love American Lite Las Vegas Basement

Garbage

3/5

Solid album, but not really my thing. Butch Vig is a legend (great production). Liked Songs Added: Vow

Our Aim Is To Satisfy

Red Snapper

2/5

Why is this on the list? I appreciate the real instruments, but this music does nothing for me.

Groovin'

The Young Rascals

3/5

This is nice, mostly harmless 60s pop. I had no idea they wrote You Better Run! It's so edgy and Pat Benetar did such a great version of it. Liked Songs Added: Groovin' You Better Run

Music From Big Pink

The Band

4/5

I love The Band, but I guess I'm more into the singles. Rick Danko's bass playing was legendary. He had an approach to the bass that made it sound more like a tuba than an electric bass, which added so much depth to The Band's music. Liked Songs Added: The Weight Chest Fever I Shall Be Released

No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)

Motörhead

3/5

I can't believe there's more than one Motörhead album here... then again I can belive it! The high energy British metal/hard rock doesn't let up live either. Lemmy's gravelly lead vocals are legendary. One criticism is that one song blends into another without much variation, but they do it well.

Sweet Baby James

James Taylor

5/5

James Taylor has such a sweet voice and his guitar playing and compositions are like butter. How can you not like this?!? Liked Songs Added: Sweet Baby James Sunny Skies Country Road Fire And Rain

Closer

Joy Division

3/5

I like the minimalism, but I was hoping for more Peter Hook. It's kind of a bleak album. I prefer New Order, but it had to come from somewhere.

Me Against The World

2Pac

3/5

I appreciate the live instrumental backing tracks and the beats, and I can appreciate 2Pac's skills, but I'm just not into this. Liked Songs Added: Can U Get Away

Paris 1919

John Cale

2/5

I found this album to be very bland.

Screamadelica

Primal Scream

4/5

What a weird mix of songs...but I like it! There's a lot of soul on this album and some great songwriting with nod inducing beats. Liked Songs Added: Movin' On Up Come Together Loaded

good kid, m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar

3/5

The beats and music on this album are so good and the lyrics are so raw. Kendrick Lamar definitely has a sense of humour. The spoken bits at the end of songs are so funny, especially the father and his Dominos! With all of this, I'm not fully into it. I usually don't mind explicit language, but this is a lot for me. Liked Songs Added: Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst

American IV: The Man Comes Around

Johnny Cash

4/5

I want to thank Johnny Cash and Rick Rubin for making this album. I feel that my life is a lot richer after hearing this. Liked Songs Added: Hurt Personal Jesus Sam Hall We'll Meet Again

Solid Air

John Martyn

4/5

This was a nice surprise. I like the interesting mix of folk with jazz and a little psychedelia. It's very unique and well executed. Liked Songs Added: Over The Hill The Easy Blues

Debut

Björk

4/5

I haven't heard this in years. What a fun album! It's Bjork spreading her wings post-Sugar Cubes. There is a lot of variety and a fresh injection of electronic music - much different than her former band, and I like it. Liked Songs Added: Human Behaviour Venus As A Boy Like Someone In Love Big Time Sensuality

A Hard Day's Night

Beatles

5/5

This is such a consistent and fun album. There's actually a lot of variety here. This album has great harmonies and it's really fun to song along with. Liked Songs Added A Hard Day's Night I Should've Known Better If I Fell And I Love Her Can't Buy Me Love I'll Cry Instead Things We Said Today You Can't Do That I'll Be Back

Born To Run

Bruce Springsteen

2/5

I know lots of people like this, but I found it mediocre at best.

Broken English

Marianne Faithfull

2/5

Well produced and well written music, but I'm not really into it.

Brothers In Arms

Dire Straits

4/5

I'm not really a Dire Straits fan, but this is actually quite good. Knopfler's playing is other worldly. Liked Songs Added: So Far Away Your Latest Trick The Man's Too Strong

Lazer Guided Melodies

Spiritualized

3/5

This was very noisy, but I don't mind that. I have heard a better Spiritualized album. Liked Songs Added: Shine A Light

Permission to Land

The Darkness

2/5

That singer hits high notes that no human or dog should hear. I definitely hear the Rush influence here...but not in a good way.

Lady In Satin

Billie Holiday

3/5

There's no doubt that Billie Holiday's voice is one for the ages. I loved those trombone solos too. When I saw that J.J. Johnson was on this album I knew that this would be special. His tone was like none other. With all this, I didn't like the arrangements. All of those violins are from a bygone era.

Songs From A Room

Leonard Cohen

2/5

Myv4th Leonard Cohen album. That's enough. I don't know how people enjoy that voice.

The Seldom Seen Kid

Elbow

3/5

This is interesting and very eclectic music. I can hear the Peter Gabriel influence as the singer often sounds exactly like Peter Gabriel. Liked Songs Added: Mirrorball

Call of the Valley

Shivkumar Sharma

4/5

It took me a while to get into this, but Call Of The Valley really grew on me. I love the call and response between the three musicians. They really told a story with each song/raga. While I was listening I could see landscapes. (Thanks to previous reviewers for the YouTube tip!)

The Doors

4/5

Great music played by solid musicians led by the ultimate front man. Manzarik's organ playing is legendary. It always bothered me that they didn't have a full time bass player. Liked Songs Added: Break On Through (To The Other Side) Light My Fire

Slipknot

2/5

I'm sensing a lot of anger here. The drummer was pretty good.

Meat Puppets II

Meat Puppets

4/5

The quality of the music is not that good. This sounds like some guys who are really trying, but are aiming too high for their playing ability. Having said that, somehow I like it. It works and I think it's the strength of the Meat Puppets' songwriting. Liked Songs Added: Plateau Oh, Me Lake Of Fire What To Do

S.F. Sorrow

The Pretty Things

4/5

This is a fantastic psychedelic trip. Liked Songs Added: She Says Good Morning Balloon Burning Baron Saturday Walking Through My Dreams

En-Tact

The Shamen

1/5

My finger is sore from hitting the 'next' button so much.

At Fillmore East

The Allman Brothers Band

5/5

Live jammy, bluesy rock at its finest. I was not expecting this album to be this good! Liked Songs Added: Statesboro Blues Stormy Monday Whipping Post

The Grand Tour

George Jones

2/5

Songs about loving women and loving another man's woman to the point where roses are blooming in the

In It For The Money

Supergrass

4/5

Well this was a lot of fun. I once saw them at a general admission venue. We ended up in the 2nd row. The Coral opened for Supergtass and my cousin and I both thought that they blew Supergrass away! Whatever happened to the Coral? Liked Songs Added: Ri hard III Tonight Late In The Day Going Out Sun Hits The Sky

Treasure

Cocteau Twins

2/5

This was disappointing. I really wanted to like it, but I found that it lacked soul without a real drummer. Fraser's voice is one for the ages.

Walking Wounded

Everything But The Girl

2/5

Music for really bored housewives who have given up.

Winter In America

Gil Scott-Heron

4/5

This album really grew on me. At first I found the vocals a little too earnest, but the messages from 1974 are unfortunately still relatable in 2025. It's an interesting mix of jazz, blues and soul with great piano/B3/Rhodes playing. Liked Songs Added: Rivers Of My Fathers H2O Gate Blues

Guero

Beck

3/5

This is a typical Beck album, complete with a few standout tracks and then a bunch of mediocrity. I've always believed that the best Beck album would be a compilation of the 2-3 good songs on each album. I guess I should make a playlist. Liked Songs Added: E-Pro Girl Hell Yes

Central Reservation

Beth Orton

3/5

Couldn't Cause Me Harm pretty well has the same chord structure as Bad Time To Be Poor by The Rheostatics. This is a very well produced album, with some nice songwriting, but it dragged for me. Liked Songs Added: Pass In Time

Low-Life

New Order

2/5

I remember this being better than it was. Peter Hook's bass leads are awesome. Liked Songs Added: Love Vigilantes Perfect Kiss

Green River

Creedence Clearwater Revival

4/5

Often misheard lyric from this album: "There's a bathroom on the right!" Liked Songs Added: Green River Bad Moon Rising Lodi

Vulgar Display Of Power

Pantera

3/5

Very well written and performed metal. It's not my genre, but I liked it!

Le Tigre

4/5

I feel like I should've heard this before, but missed it along the way. It was a really enjable listen. I like the raw punk feel. Liked Songs Added: My My Metrocard Les And Ray

Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts

The Adverts

2/5

This is like listening to your friend's local garage band, recorded in an actual garage.

Dusty In Memphis

Dusty Springfield

3/5

Dusty Springfield had a beautiful voice that made complicated-to-sing songs sound easy. It's not my favourite music, but I appreciate the voice and strong songwriting teams behind it. Liked Songs Added: Son Of A Preacher Man

Lady Soul

Aretha Franklin

5/5

Pure soul. Period.

Tubular Bells

Mike Oldfield

3/5

I like how the instruments are introduced and Added toward the end of Tubular Bells Pt. 1. "Plus, tubular bells!"

Copper Blue

Sugar

4/5

Pretty solid power alt-pop. It's true, at times Bob Mould does sound like Michael Stipe! Liked Songs Added: The Act We Act A Good Idea Helpless

Time Out Of Mind

Bob Dylan

2/5

I wasn't feeling this one, despite the Lanlois production. I had no idea Dylan wrote Make You Feel My Love. That's a good tune!

Palo Congo

Sabu

2/5

So much percussion and not much else, except for the odd vocal and guitar wig out.

La Revancha Del Tango

Gotan Project

2/5

90 minutes of accordian tango trance music. Sorry, this is not my jam, but the accordion playing is really good.

Music

Madonna

2/5

Ugh, another Madonna album and William Orbit certainly isn't helping things here. The 2nd half of the album, was actually much better...until Madonna attempted to cover American Pie. Wow, that was amazing. Amazingly bad.

Risque

CHIC

3/5

Rogers and Edward's were such a funky duo - both incredible musicians. That Good Times bass line is iconic. I still don't like disco - especially those disco strings - but this album made me respect it a tiny bit more. Liked Songs Added: Good Times

Bookends

Simon & Garfunkel

5/5

There are some timeless classics here. Simon's songwriting seems mature beyond his years on Bookends. There's some innovation in the instrumentation used, including an early synthesizer on Save The Life Of My Child. That Hazy Shade Of Winter riff still rocks 50+ years later! Liked Songs Added: America Old Friends Mrs. Robinson A Hazy Shade Of Winter At The Zoo

Medúlla

Björk

3/5

Bjork is an individual- an artist in the true sense of the word. Medúlla isn't an easy listen, but it's certainly thought provoking.

Sign 'O' The Times

Prince

2/5

Honestly, I was bored through most of this. I'm not into those 80s synth beats and sounds. This is background music at best.

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

5/5

Thank you list! I know there's lots of Dylan albums on the list, but this one's definitely essential. Other than a couple of songs, I hadn't heard it before. It's basically a guy with an acoustic guitar, singing about the American experience, much of which is sadly relatable 60+ years later. Liked Songs Added: Blowin' In The Wind Masters Of War A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Locust Abortion Technician

Butthole Surfers

3/5

I get it. Sweet Loaf is a parody of Sweet Leaf! This is certainly a lo-fi sonic exploration. I get why some listeners wouldn't like this, but I feel my life is richer having listened to these Butthole Surfers! I like the raw, experimental and unpolished sounds.

Infected

The The

3/5

I would describe Infected as Soul Mining after Matt Johnson took a trip to America. His lyrics are very compelling, but I still like Soul Mining better. Liked Songs Added: Heartland

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago

5/5

This is like a high school stage band on steroids. It's so good! Liked Songs Added: Introduction Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Beginnings Poem 58 South California Purples

Moving Pictures

Rush

5/5

"I feel a sense of possibilities. I feel the wrench of hard realities." - Neil Peart I don't know of another album that makes me want to somehow play air guitar, air drums and air bass simultaneously. Liked Songs Added: Tom Sawyer Red Barchetta YYZ Limelight

The Predator

Ice Cube

3/5

This was ok, with an nteresting and powerful theme. I like Ice Cube and wanted to like this album, but it fell a little short to me.

All Mod Cons

The Jam

3/5

It was ok. I think I'm more into the Modfather's solo work. Liked Songs Added: David Watts

Casanova

The Divine Comedy

4/5

This sounds like a parody of a cheesy, pervy lounge singer singing to a backdrop of eclectic well played music. I shouldn't like this, but somehow it works for me.

Antichrist Superstar

Marilyn Manson

1/5

Whisper-Scream-Whisper-Moan-Scream-Whisper. If he's trying to iritate the ears of the 1001 listener, job well done.

Bummed

Happy Mondays

2/5

This is an over-produced mess. Having not heard the album before, I'm "bummed" that Lazyitis (AKA Ticket To Ride) is the best song on it. Either of the first two Black Grape albums would've been a better addition to the list than the first two Happy Mondays albums. Liked Songs Added: Lazyitis

Space Ritual

Hawkwind

3/5

In five words: Jam band psychedelic wig out. I think I liked the Beatnik poety in between songs the best. "Our drummer would like to know if there are any Liverpool supporters in the audience..." [faint cheer] "...because he digs Chelsea!" Classic misleading live banter! [Snaps fingers multiple times.]

Rattlesnakes

Lloyd Cole And The Commotions

5/5

I've liked this album for years, discovering it at my local library. I like the pop compositions, Cole's unique voice and the odd and timely use of the accordion. Liked Songs Added: Perfect Skin Rattlesnakes Forest Fire Charlotte Street Four Flights Up Patience

Penthouse And Pavement

Heaven 17

2/5

I like Heaven 17, but this is not their best album. The excessive use of those goofy 80s drum sounds (fake hand claps, bongos, whistles, etc.) was unbearable at times. Liked Songs Added: (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang

Dig Me Out

Sleater-Kinney

2/5

I'm sorry but Carrie Brownstein's vibratto really gets on my nerves (assuming it's her). I didn't see or feel much depth to the songs which sounded more like a series of unfinished demos without any bass present.

Spiderland

Slint

4/5

I liked this. The tempo changes and different time signatures were really interesting.

Smash

The Offspring

3/5

I can't stand the lead singers voice, but damn some of those "nu-punk' tunes are catchy. Liked Songs Added: Come Out And Play Low Sel Esteem

Tommy

The Who

4/5

Three words: Classic Rock Opera. Liked Songs Added: Pinball Wizard Sally Simpson I'm Free

The Notorious Byrd Brothers

The Byrds

3/5

Nothing stands out about this album, good or bad. It is truly a whole album with lots of variety and some innovation (early use of the Moog synthesizer and notions of threesomes!).

Something Else By The Kinks

The Kinks

5/5

I had no idea that David Watts was written by Ray Davies! The more I hear them, the more I love The Kinks, and I've heard them all my life. Having said that, aside from a couple of tracks, I hadn't heard this album before, but it was awesome. Liked Songs Added: David Watts Death Of A Clown Situation Vacant Love Me Till The Sun Shines Afternoon Tea Waterloo Sunset

Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche

Koffi Olomide

2/5

Music to do housework to.

Morrison Hotel

The Doors

3/5

This was a solid album with only the one single. It grew on me. Liked Songs Added: Roadhouse Blues Peace Frog Maggie M'Gill

Movies

Holger Czukay

2/5

I usually like "experimental" music, but other than a few minutes of Hollywood Symphony, this didn't really resonate with me.

The Libertines

3/5

This was ok drug-addled rock and roll/punk. Honestly, I found that it was decent background music, nothing more. Are these guys still alive??? Liked Songs Added: Don't Be Shy

The Undertones

2/5

This sounds like the band that plays at the high school dance of a lame 70s or 80s teenage movie. I'm guessing that the reason this is on the 1001 list is that Robert Dimery got his first kiss while this was on in the background.

Rain Dogs

Tom Waits

4/5

I've got to check out more Tom Waits, as I like what I've heard from the list so far. His raggedy piano playing, on a piano that sounds like it's not quite tuned right, is at times reminiscent of Thelonius Monk's playing. Liked Songs Added: Big Black Mariah Time Downtown Train

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

Lupe Fiasco

3/5

The production is just sonically overwhelming for me at times. I'm guessing this would be closer to 5 stars if it was just stripped down to Lupe Fiasco and an acoustic guitar. Having said that, it's still pretty good! You can definitely hear the Kanye influence. Liked Songs Added: Sunshine Daydreamin'

New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)

Simple Minds

5/5

Simple Minds at its peak. Derek Forbes' bass playing is so strong and melodic throughout. The band wasn't the same after he left. Liked Songs Added: Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime) Colours Fly And Catherine Wheel Promised You A Miracle New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) Glittering Prize

Darklands

The Jesus And Mary Chain

2/5

This is an over-produced, cleaned up album, compared to their debut. I like the raw, less produced version of them better.

Wild Wood

Paul Weller

4/5

This is a solid Weller effort. Personally, I prefer his first solo album, but this is still pretty good. Liked Songs Added: Sunflower The Weaver Hung Up

Green Onions

Booker T. & The MG's

4/5

I don't which is better: Booker T.'s M3, or Steve Cropper's clean guitar playing. I loved listening to both. How could you listen to this in the 60s and not want to learn to play the organ? Booker T. made the it sound so cool. Liked Songs Added: Green Onions I Got A Woman Lonely Avenue

Cheap Thrills

Big Brother & The Holding Company

4/5

Solid bluesy rock album...and that voice! Liked Songs Added: Summertime Piece Of My Heart

Machine Gun Etiquette

The Damned

4/5

Solid/consistent punk rock that I would argue sounded a little ahead of its time. Liked Songs Added: Looking At You

Every Picture Tells A Story

Rod Stewart

2/5

Wow there's some sloppy bass playing on this album, and some great guitar playing as well. Let's just say there's some interesting production choices. (Amazing Grace? 🤦‍♂️) Then there's Rod Stewart's singing. Sometimes he sounds like his earlier cool bluesy self, and at other times the cheesy, loungey Rod that I know from his later years. It's quite the dichotomy.

Vanishing Point

Primal Scream

4/5

Psychedelic trip out, man, with some very funky/catchy basslines. Liked Songs Added: Burning Wheel Star Medication Trainspotting

System Of A Down

4/5

I'm not into metal or nu-metal, but I liked this. It actually seemed like "prog-metal" to me. There was a lot of good musicianship and variety on the album.

The Beach Boys Today!

The Beach Boys

2/5

Standard Beach Boys fare. Other than Pet Sounds, I was never really a fan.

Justified

Justin Timberlake

1/5

I liked him better when he was working with the Lonely Island guys.

Peter Gabriel

4/5

This is a nice/logical continuation from the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. It's nice to hear Fripp and Levin here too. Solid solid album. Liked Songs Added: Solsbury Hill Here Comes The Flood

Innervisions

Stevie Wonder

5/5

Classic Stevie! Sadly, the lyrical picture he was painting in 1973, hasn't improved much 50+ years later. Liked Songs Added Too High Living For The City Higher Ground Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing

I Against I

Bad Brains

2/5

I found it to be just ok.

Exodus

Bob Marley & The Wailers

5/5

This is a masterclass of rhythm. Music you can dance to that is played well with .meaningful lyrics. What more could you ask for? Liked Songs Added: Natural Mystic So Much Things To Say Exodus Jamming Waiting In Vain Three Little Birds One Love/People Get Ready Punky Reggae Party

LP1

FKA twigs

2/5

An album sadly in need of a rhythm section.

The Last Broadcast

Doves

3/5

There's some quality here, but some songs are forgettable. Three is the perfect rating. Liked Songs Added: Words Caught By The River

Public Image: First Issue

Public Image Ltd.

3/5

This was better than I thought it would be, mostly thanks to the solid work of Jah Wobble.

Vespertine

Björk

3/5

Bjork has such a unique approach to writing music. I think I've said this three times now for the Bjork albums I've reviewed here. Maybe two was enough?

Your Arsenal

Morrissey

2/5

I don't mind Morrissey's music (or The Smiths) and this is ok, but it certainly shouldn't be on the 1001 list. Liked Songs Added: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful

Fly Or Die

N.E.R.D

4/5

This is wonderfully eclectic. I had no idea about this album/artist before, so I'll have to explore. It's wild that they learned to play their instruments for this album! You wouldn't know. Liked Songs Added: Don't Worry About It Backseat Love Maybe The Way She Dances Chariot Of Fire/Find My Way

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

Raekwon

3/5

It was ok...pretty solid.

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)

Ministry

2/5

I can appreciate the influence this had on industrial music, but I wasn't into it.

Roxy Music

3/5

Solid debut with great bass playing and lots of variety. You could tell Eno needed to go solo, as his synth didn't quite fit in with the rest. Liked Songs Added: Virginia Plain 2HB

american dream

LCD Soundsystem

3/5

I enjoy LCD Soundsystem's minimalism, but I have yet to find a whole album of theirs that I like. Liked Songs Added: Oh Baby Tonight Call The Police Emotional Haircut

Music Has The Right To Children

Boards of Canada

3/5

Nice low-fi ambient music that I was somewhat into. Liked Songs Added: Roygbiv

Hysteria

Def Leppard

1/5

No, just no. They don't even know how to spell leopard.

The Band

5/5

Was there ever a tighter band that featured three incredible lead singers, who backed each other up so beautifully when they weren't singing leads? I know all of The Band's singles, but it was nice to hear some of the deeper cuts here. It was also nice to hear the odd accordion and mandolin too. I loved this album! Liked Songs Added: Across The Great Divide Rag Mama Rag The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Up On Cripple Creek Look Out Cleveland King Harvest (Has Surely Come)

Being There

Wilco

4/5

This is not my favourite Wilco album, but it's still pretty good. Solid songwriting along with interesting mixes of instruments. It was nice that I got to hear it on a Monday! I definitely need to listen to this again. Liked Songs Added: Misunderstood Forget The Flowers Someone Else's Song Kingpin

Coles Corner

Richard Hawley

4/5

My first impression was that this guy was too torchy for me. He sounds like a coroner from the 40s. However, after a few beautifully written and produced songs, Hawley had me hooked! Liked Songs Added: Darlin' Wait For Me The Ocean Born Under A Bad Sign

Home Is Where The Music Is

Hugh Masekela

5/5

Great jazz that definitely has a 70s feel to it. I know it's a Hugh Masekela album, but that piano player was unbelievable! Liked Songs Added: Part Of A Whole The Big Apple Unhome Inner Crisis

Rust Never Sleeps

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

4/5

I found that Neil Young was at his best when on stage, solo, with an acoustic guitar. Having said that, the crunching distortion on the last track is iconic. Liked Songs Added: My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue) Pocahontas Powderfinger Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black)

Now I Got Worry

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

3/5

I'm a sucker for raw low-fi backed by a good beat. It's very rare that I like an album with no bass. Liked Songs Added: Wail Chicken Dog

Sticky Fingers

The Rolling Stones

4/5

Classic Stones album, but I find their albums have excellent songs/singles supported by lots of filler. Liked Songs Added: Brown Sugar Wild Horses Bitch Dead Flowers

Happy Trails

Quicksilver Messenger Service

2/5

I'm guessing this band was better to see live than hear live. They really seem to like the song Who Do You Love and I think they like that Bo Didley beat a little too much.

In The Wee Small Hours

Frank Sinatra

3/5

Classic crooner, Sinatra had a voice like no one else. Liked Songs Added: In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning

The Gershwin Songbook

Ella Fitzgerald

5/5

This album has such a great combination of a legendary voice, impeccable songwring (lyrics too!) and musical arrangement. I've heard lots of Gershwin, but not like this. Liked Songs Added: Let's Call The Whole Thing Off 'S Wonderful Slap That Bass

Djam Leelii

Baaba Maal

3/5

This is a pleasant and mellow album, with lots of nice acoustic guitar. I found it to be very ok.

Electric

The Cult

3/5

I'm surprised a Cult album is on the list. I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but Love is probably the better choice. Most of this is solid rock and roll with some great leads, but what were they thinking with that lame Born To Be Wild cover??? Liked Songs Added: Wild Flower Love Removal Machine

Fragile

Yes

5/5

What an amazing album that I know very well. It's interesting how on this album Yes works well as five masterful individuals and as one cohesive group. Liked Songs Added: Roundabout South Side Of The Sky Long Distance Runaround The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) Heart Of The Sunrise

Oedipus Schmoedipus

Barry Adamson

1/5

As I said for the other Barry Adamson album, and I can't believe there's more than one on the list, unlistenable.

Street Life

The Crusaders

2/5

This sounds like mediocre porn soundtrack music. Every 30 seconds I was expecting someone to interrupt saying "Please stay on the line. Your call is important to us." 🤦‍♂️

Rubber Soul

Beatles

5/5

How many budding guitar players has this album influenced? Rubber Soul is the quintessential album. It's probably my favourite Beatles album. Liked Songs Added: Drive My Car Norwegian Wood Nowhere Man Michelle Girl In My Life If I Needed Someone Run For Your Life

What's That Noise?

Coldcut

3/5

It's actually not bad noise. I was somewhat entertained. At times it reminded me of Art Of Noise.

Better Living Through Chemistry

Fatboy Slim

4/5

I didn't know this album existed. It's not my genre, but I really enjoyed Norman's cooking (sorry). Liked Songs Added: Song For Lindy The Weekend Starts Here Going Out Of My Head

Rising Above Bedlam

Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart

2/5

There's lots of variety on this album, but it wasn't that interesting to me. Liked Songs Added: Visions Of You

Leftism

Leftfield

3/5

This album grew on me. It's kind of edgy electronic music, which is not my favourite, but I found my head subconsciously bobbing up and down to the beat a few times, so I guess I liked it! Liked Songs Added: Song Of Life Inspection (Check One)

The Joshua Tree

U2

5/5

This was the soundtrack to my March Break trip to Arizona 39 years ago. Coincidentally, today is the first day of March Break. If you want to listen to a U2 album, then this is the one. I would describe it as simple, melodic music played well. I'm not a U2 fan, but I like this album. Liked Songs Added: Where The Streets Have No Name I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Running To Stand Still Red Hill Mining Town Trip Through Your Wires One Tree Hill

Neon Bible

Arcade Fire

2/5

I really wanted to like this album now and when it came out, but upon relistening to it, I found that Neon Bible was just passable.

Bone Machine

Tom Waits

4/5

“Excuse me while I sharpen my nails!” “The riptide is raging and the lifeguard’s away, but the ocean doesn’t want me today..but the ocean doesn’t want me today. The ocean doesn’t want me today.” You don’t normally hear lyrics like this, and there is nothing “normal” about the music of Tom Waits. His albums don’t contain pretty little pop songs, but the ugly pictures of life he paints with his music and gravelly voice are somehow…beautiful.

Blue Lines

Massive Attack

4/5

Great beats and grooves. I like the updated version of the classic Be Thankful For What You've Got. Liked Songs Added: Be Thankful For What You've Got Five Man Army

Talk Talk Talk

The Psychedelic Furs

3/5

I don't mind the Psychedelic Furs, but this is a mediocre album which is not even their best. Liked Songs Added: Dumb Waiters Pretty In Pink Mr. Jones She Is Mine

The Madcap Laughs

Syd Barrett

3/5

Pretty interesting and slightly experimental songwriting here. I think it's interesting how the album sounds psychedelic, even though some songs are just Barrett singing with a guitar. Liked Songs Added: Love You

GI

Germs

3/5

This is great music to use to seriously thrash around the room if you're having a bad day. It doesn't always sound like they're playing well together, but hey, it's punk. I like the guitar playing, and then I read about the Germs and learned that this was actually Pat Smear!

Mama's Gun

Erykah Badu

3/5

I've always like Erykah Badu from a distance, but never really listened to any of her music at length, so I appreciated the opportunity to listen to this album. The quality is great. I like her voice, and the backing musicians are excellent, seamlessly moving between jazz, funk and soul. It's definitely original. Having said all of this, Mama's Gun didn't quite connect with me and I'm not sure why.

Midnight Ride

Paul Revere & The Raiders

3/5

Solid rock pop. Liked Songs Added: I'm Not Your Stepping Stone

Sweetheart Of The Rodeo

The Byrds

2/5

I know this is a "classic" album according to some, but I found it bland for a Byrds album, and that's saying something.

Entertainment

Gang Of Four

3/5

This is ok. Better than I anticipated. Liked Songs Added: Damaged Goods

Opus Dei

Laibach

1/5

Wow that was just awful. I mean really bad.

Nothing's Shocking

Jane's Addiction

4/5

I love Dave Navarro's guitar shredding and unique sound. I don't think he gets enough credit. Liked Songs Added: Mountain Song Jane Says

B-52's

The B-52's

5/5

"Why don't you dance with me? I'm not no Limburger!" This must be the most fun album on the list. Fred Schneider is legendary. Liked Songs Added: Planet Claire Dance This Mess Around Rock Lobster

Sister

Sonic Youth

2/5

I like alternative music and noise in general, but I'm just not into Sonic Youth. I tried.

Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde

The Pharcyde

5/5

I've never heard this album before...and I love it. It's got great soulful beats often based with a nice jazz vibe. There's a real sense that these guys aren't taking themselves too seriously. They're having a great time and so was I listening this! Liked Songs Added: Oh Shit Soul Flower - Remix On The DL Officer Ya Mamma Passin' Me By Otha Fish

Grievous Angel

Gram Parsons

3/5

Good songwriting (some written by Parsons) well played with those beautiful Emmylou Harris backing vocals. It's not my genre, but I appreciate it.

Clandestino

Manu Chao

3/5

This is very different than most of the list, which is a good thing. It was interesting how many songs were sung in Spanish, some in French and some in English. I liked how the songs blended in with one another and the acoustic guitar playing was pretty tasty.

Bandwagonesque

Teenage Fanclub

5/5

"She wears denim wherever she goes. Says she's going to get some records by the Status Quo, oh yeah, oh yeah." That opening line just paints a picture. This is one of my favourite solid melodic rock albums. It's so consistently good, even after all these years. Liked Songs Added: The Concept What You Do To Me Metal Baby Alcoholiday

I Should Coco

Supergrass

4/5

This is a fun anf energetic debut album. I like In It For The Money a bit more, but it's still a solid album with two great singles. How many ads has Alright appeared on around the world? Liked Songs Added: Caught By The Fuzz Alright She's So Loose Time

Want One

Rufus Wainwright

3/5

It's not my music, but I do appreciate the high quality voice and songwriting (and production).

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

Lucinda Williams

3/5

Pretty good songwriting and great production on this album. It's not my favourite type of music, but I appreciate Williams' drunk/stoned country-ish voice. Her approach is certainly original and worthy of inclusion on the 1001 list.

Golden Hour

Kacey Musgraves

3/5

I was not expecting to like this at all, but boy was I surprised. Decent songwriting along with some interesting bass playing, often with a nice skeletal acoustic guitar underneath all of the layers of sound. This made for a generally enjoyable listen.

Moby Grape

3/5

Good ol' psychedelic pop/rock.

The Infotainment Scan

The Fall

2/5

I used to think I liked The Fall. It turns out that I don't. On this album, it sounds like they're trying to match their sound with what's going on around them, but it doesn't work. Liked Songs Added: I'm Going To Spain

I See You

The xx

2/5

The XX gets a 20 divided by 10 from me.

Life Thru A Lens

Robbie Williams

2/5

Sugaree pop. No thank you.

Countdown To Ecstasy

Steely Dan

5/5

I've known this album for years, but I had no idea that the legendary Ray Brown played bass on Razer Boy! There's lots of great playing, songwriting and production. I liked the variety throughout. I was sad when it ended, as I wished that the album was longer. Liked Songs Added: Bodhisattva Boston Rag My Old School Pearl Of The Quarter

It's A Shame About Ray

The Lemonheads

3/5

Solid alt-pop. I've always like the Lemonheads' acoustic first approach. IMO Come On Feel The Lemonheads is a more solid effort. Even better, check out the Juliana Hatfield Three's Become What You Are, which is much better than these two albums, again IMO! Liked Songs Added: It's A Shame About Ray Bit Part Mrs. Robinson

Liege And Lief

Fairport Convention

3/5

This was very interesting. I had heard of Fairport Convention, but never listened to an album until now. Thanks list! I once saw Richard Thompson play solo acoustic guitar and he blew me away, so I was looking forward to hearing some of his earlier work. I'm not into this kind of music, but I certainly appreciate it and the storytelling within many of the songs. Liked Songs Added: Matty Groves Tam Lin

The Sun Rises In The East

Jeru The Damaja

4/5

I liked the beats and overall vibe of this album. Liked Songs Added: Mental Stamina

Songs The Lord Taught Us

The Cramps

2/5

It's basically what happens when take punk and put it into a blender with rockabilly. Not my thing.

Felt Mountain

Goldfrapp

2/5

White Lotus music, anyone?

Here Come The Warm Jets

Brian Eno

2/5

There's something about 70s "art rock" that I don't like. It seems overly grandiose/dramatic to me. Having said that, I'm a sucker for a noisy Robert Fripp guitar solo, like the epic one on Baby's On Fire.

Pacific Ocean Blue

Dennis Wilson

2/5

This is very well produced, but I wasn't into it.

Bubble And Scrape

Sebadoh

3/5

Solid lo-fi noise that I found mostly pleasant. Liked Songs Added: Soul And Fire

Whatever

Aimee Mann

2/5

This was an album filled with a series of forgettable pop songs.

Fever Ray

2/5

This was pretty moody. You can hear the 80s influence a bit. Some good beats and a very slight Bjork vibe. (I know, they're from different countries, but both Scandinavian.)

Aftermath

The Rolling Stones

3/5

I generally like the 'Stones, but this isn't a strong album. This is a few classic singles accompanied by a bunch of filler. What was with that 11-minute Going Home song? There were about 7 unnecessary minutes in there. Liked Songs Added: Mother's Little Helper Lady Jane Under My Thumb Out Of Time What To Do

Disraeli Gears

Cream

4/5

Classic psychedelic rock by one of the best trios in history. Liked Songs Added: Strange Brew Sunshine Of Your Love Tales Of Brave Ulysses SWLABR

Music From The Penguin Cafe

Penguin Cafe Orchestra

3/5

This was really interesting. I like how much music was produced by so few instruments. It seemed like each song told a story. Very interesting.

Ready To Die

The Notorious B.I.G.

2/5

Apparently he was quite the condom filler.

Ragged Glory

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

5/5

"Respect Mother Earth and her healing way Or trade away our children's days." Solid raw rock, often delivered with a good message. Liked Songs Added: Country Home Fuckin' Up Love To Burn Farmer John Days That Used To Be

The Score

Fugees

5/5

Great beats, samples and lyrics. What else do you need? The Score has got very entertaining interludes that act as seamless segues between songs. Liked Songs Added: How Many Mics Ready Or Not Fu-Gee-La Killing Me Softly With His Song No Woman, No Cry Fu-Gee-La (Sly & Robbie Mix)

Tanto Tempo

Bebel Gilberto

3/5

Gilberto has a beautiful, throaty, sexy voice. Yes, I said it. This music is a little cheesy, a little mellow. The acoustic guitar playing is excellent. Liked Songs Added: So Nice (Sunmer Samba)

Microshift

Hookworms

3/5

It was just ok.

At Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash

4/5

A true classic. Cash singing songs about love and crimes and paying for your crimes, all in the incredible setting of Folsom Prison. The cheers of the audience of prisoners at inappropriate times are wild! Liked Songs Added: Folsom Prison Blues Cocaine Blues Jackson

Junkyard

The Birthday Party

2/5

This must be the worst album cover on this list! I don't usually like Nick Cave, but his singing was actually tolerable here. Interesting punk, that I didn't mind it so much.

Master Of Puppets

Metallica

2/5

Four Metallica albums??? That's a bit much.

Brown Sugar

D'Angelo

3/5

This is certainly funky, and I like funky, but for whatever reason I couldn't get into it despite the good musicianship.

Headquarters

The Monkees

2/5

This album has The Monkees doing original tunes playing the instruments themselves. The first song I hear, You Told Me, sounds a lot like the first song on The Beatles' Revolver album, Taxman. Nice try boys! (Having said that, it was the 2nd best song on the album IMO.) Like Songs Added: You Told Me For Pete's Sake

Kenya

Machito

3/5

I love the rhythms, especially the percussion. Liked Songs Added: Wild Jungle

London Calling

The Clash

5/5

It's a double album, but I wish it was longer! London Calling is so much more than a punk album. It's The Clash exploring many related styles successfully, and at their peak. Liked Songs Added: London Calling Brand New Cadillac Rudie Can't Fail Spanish Bombs Lost In The Supermarket Clampdown The Guns Of Brixton Wrong 'Em Boyo Revolution Rock Train In Vain

Survivor

Destiny's Child

1/5

Somehow I survived this album.

All Hail the Queen

Queen Latifah

3/5

This was fun with lots of interesting cameos. Queen Latifah is a good rapper.

It's Too Late to Stop Now

Van Morrison

4/5

This is a very solid live album, with lots of great players playing Morrison's soulful music along with a few covers. Liked Songs Added: Ain't Nothin' You Can Do Domino Listen To The Lion

Dr. Octagonecologyst

Dr. Octagon

4/5

Once you get past the name, the cover and the first track, there's an amazing journey of an album here. Dr. Octagon must've watched a lot of sci-fi and porn and visited lots of doctors growing up, as you can hear these influences throughout, but somehow it's put together in a sound that is totally original, yet also seems familiar. Shoutout to the DJ, as that's some of the best/most creative scratching I've heard. Dr. Octagon reminds me of Mike Reid a little. It's Hip Hop that's just out there. I'll definitely listen again! Liked Songs Added: Earth People Blue Flowers

Cosmo's Factory

Creedence Clearwater Revival

4/5

This is such a classic album. I had no idea so many solid songs were on it. I liked the originals a lot more than the covers. Liked Songs Added: Lookin' Out My Back Door Run Through The Jungle Up Around The Bend Who'll Stop The Rain

American Beauty

Grateful Dead

5/5

Such a great and soulful album with solid songwriting and meaningful lyrics. I've known this one for years. There's no evidence of the Dead's "jam band" status here, just some great tunes that I'm sure lead to great jams live. Liked Songs Added: Box Of Rain Friend Of The Devil Sugar Magnolia Ripple Truckin'

Shleep

Robert Wyatt

3/5

This is an interesting album. There's lots of experimental sounds and song structures. Wyatt seems to go places sonically that most wouldn't think of. It can be challenging to listen to, but the payoff is worth it in the end. Liked Songs Added: Heaps Of Sheeps

Protection

Massive Attack

2/5

Protection is a fairly chill album at times, but overall I found it kind of dull.

Step In The Arena

Gang Starr

4/5

This is solid hip hop with great beats and very interesting basslines. I didn't know this before, but I really enjoyed it. Liked Songs Added: Step In The Arena Execution Of A Chump Beyond Comprehension Lovesick Take A Rest Precisely The Right Rhymes

L'Eau Rouge

The Young Gods

2/5

It's basically French Leonard Cohen. Hard pass.

Something/Anything?

Todd Rundgren

3/5

Other than the two big hits, I was disappointed. There's still a lot of 70s pop that's well produced here. Liked Songs Added: I Saw The Light Hello It's Me

Go Girl Crazy

The Dictators

3/5

"Cars, girls, surfin', beer Nothing else matters here." This wasn't that bad, and it's got the best version of I Got You Babe I've ever heard. That guitar player is pretty solid too. Liked Songs Added: The Next Big Thing

GREY Area

Little Simz

3/5

I really like this album's beats, basslines and meaningful lyrics. Little Simz is totally adept at rapping. Like really good. Liked Songs Added: Sherbet Sunset

Dance Mania

Tito Puente

3/5

I love the energy in this album. It was so much fun listening to the percussion and how it was presented front and centre in the mix. Tito Puente is a legend! Liked Songs Added: Varsity Drag

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