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Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Björk | 4 | 5 | 4.14 |
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.6 | 4 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Michael Jackson | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
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Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Shop Boys | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Leonard Cohen | 3 | 2 | 2.5 |
Popular Reviews
The Police
3/5
Decent rhythm section here. I had to check to see if it switched over to King Crimson on track 4. I had no idea Police got down like that. This album was alright, but I don't really like Sting's voice. For that, I'll give this a 3.
2 likes
Taylor Swift
3/5
Here I am. A 44 year old man, taking a big shit at work, and listening to a Taylor Swift album. Where did it go wrong for me? Truth is, I'll never forgive Swift for ruining muh football games!! Listen, I'll try to have an open mind. The music is cool and catchy. I guess there are like 9 producers on this thing. The lyrics aren't for me, and much of it is repetitive. That's ok. There is clearly a market for this with 97 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Kudos to her for creating, or bringing in producers to create, music so many people enjoy. Shake It Off is catchy as hell, and that is my favorite on here. I like I Know Places as a deep cut favorite. I'll mark listening to an entire Taylor Swift album off my bucket list now.
1 likes
The Rolling Stones
3/5
While I respect what these guys have done over the last half plus of a century, I just don't really vibe them. You can hear a variety of styles on this album, and that's really their strength, their musical versatility. Jagger's voice just ruins it for me. I would listen to a music only version. Loving Cup is a favorite on here. I like the brass and piano.
1 likes
The Verve
1/5
I had to start on track 2, because I couldn't listen to track 1 another time in my life. I think I heard it every 5 minutes on the radio back in the day. These guys are good enough musicians to make the type of music on this album, which is to say uninspiring, basic shit. The fellas play their instruments well, but the singer's voice makes me want to stop listening. This has been done before by better bands. It's like a watered down U2, or Oasis, who were a watered down Beatles. The production is okay, but I'm annoyed sitting through this one. These guys got paid, so mission accomplished, I guess. I was hoping that Velvet Morning would be a cover of Some Velvet Morning by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, but I was let down one more time. It was just another song. If I were forced to pick a favorite, I would give a nod to Neon Wilderness, probably because it doesn't sound like the rest of the songs.
1 likes
Radiohead
5/5
This is such a great album, and probably my favorite from them. Pyramid Song takes the cake.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (5)
All Ratings
Radiohead
5/5
This is such a great album, and probably my favorite from them. Pyramid Song takes the cake.
Van Halen
4/5
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I guess I never really listened to Cohen, save a couple of "hits." First time listening to this one.
This is a very somber album. I love the song writing. He is clearly a great lyricist and story teller. It is mood music, for sure.
David Bowie
4/5
This one is a classic. Bowie's catalog has something for everyone, and it's too hard to pick a favorite. Hunky Dory fits perfectly in the time in which it was released, 1971. Such a great year for music.
The Stooges
4/5
I've heard the first track before, but I've never sat through a listen for the whole album. The album name is perfect for how this sounds. Definitely Raw. Definitely ahead of its time.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
I am ashamed to admit I have never heard of this band before. I'm glad it was on the list, because I DIG it! I will now scold my sister for not introducing me to this band when I was younger. When I Dream had me in a trance, and Reward shot me out of a cannon. I love the horns. Great album that will get more plays from me in the future.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Classic Pink Floyd. I didn't listen to this one until the mid nineties. It holds a special place in the annals of music history, and I appreciate its influence. I have to be in a mood to vibe the whole album start to finish. My favorite is US and Them.
Frank Ocean
3/5
I've heard the name Frank Ocean, but I've never listened. I see he has quite the following. The first four songs weren't grabbing me, they seemed uninspiring. I started really noticing the vocal talent on Sweet Life. Super Rich Kids is cool, good melody, and I like Earl Sweatshirt. Wait... I have heard Crack Rock before. I like Crack Rock, the song and drug.
The Smiths
3/5
This is a Smiths album. I like the earlier albums better, but this one's not bad. All their albums do the same for me. Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before is my favorite.
Sparks
3/5
I have heard the name "Sparks" before, but never listened to an album. I hear their influence in many newer groups: Of Montreal, MGMT, Animal Collective, etc. This album is fun, and I'll be giving the rest of their catalog a listen. Equator is my favorite on this one, at least after the first listen..
De La Soul
3/5
This one brings me feelings of nostalgia. At the time, my brother listened to gangster rap, like NWA, Too Short, Ice-T, and the like. My sister listened to mostly metal music, but some 2 Live Crew, JJ Fad, and other party type groups. While I liked all that other stuff my siblings forced me to listen to, I really feel like De La Soul and groups like them spoke to me. I had this cassette, and played it regularly. Late 80's early 90's conscious hip hop holds a special place in my memory, and De La Soul were are the start of that journey. Buddy is a favorite on this one.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Well, I now know where Jimmie's Chicken Shack got their name. This album sounds like the music on Super NES' Side Pocket billiards game. It's mellow elevator jazz. Fancy eatery background music. I get into moods for this type of music, so I'll give some other albums a listen. Jesus, he has many-a-album!
The Verve
1/5
I had to start on track 2, because I couldn't listen to track 1 another time in my life. I think I heard it every 5 minutes on the radio back in the day. These guys are good enough musicians to make the type of music on this album, which is to say uninspiring, basic shit. The fellas play their instruments well, but the singer's voice makes me want to stop listening. This has been done before by better bands. It's like a watered down U2, or Oasis, who were a watered down Beatles. The production is okay, but I'm annoyed sitting through this one. These guys got paid, so mission accomplished, I guess. I was hoping that Velvet Morning would be a cover of Some Velvet Morning by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, but I was let down one more time. It was just another song. If I were forced to pick a favorite, I would give a nod to Neon Wilderness, probably because it doesn't sound like the rest of the songs.
The Smiths
3/5
Hey look, another The Smiths album! No need to repeat what I have already said about them. There is a Light That Never Goes Out is my favorite on this one. I look forward to listening to the rest of their albums in the coming weeks, lol.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
Interesting album. I'm not familiar with any music from South Africa, so this is new to me. Well, Mbube sounds familiar, so I guess I am familiar, lol. I get a Harry Belafonte vibe on The Naughty Little Flea, my favorite on here. Miriam has a good voice, but I probably won't be playing this one again. Glad I listened, though.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
This is another new one for me. I like the music on here, but not a huge fan of the raspy voice. I'll give the rest of her albums a listen. Guilt is my favorite.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Immigrant Song is a great start to the album. Such a banger, and my favorite. I love the music on Friends, but his voice doesn't go well with it. There's a heavy Blues element on this album, particularly on Since I've Been Loving You. Mars Volta has drawn influence from this one, no doubt. There's bluegrass and country on this album, too. Extremely diverse record. My favorite record from them is Houses of the Holy followed by Physical Graffiti, but this one ranks III for me.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This one is special. There are albums that transport you to a place and time, and this is one for me. I've spent countless hours alone in my room at 13 and 14 listening this. This album is what I needed at the time to get me through loneliness. The funny thing is I'm not a huge fan of any of their songs after Pisces Iscariot (which are just b-sides from this one.) Soma brings me to tears. Such a roller-coaster of emotions on that song. It's definitely my favorite. Brilliant album start to finish.
Booker T. & The MG's
2/5
When I first saw the album name I got excited. I use green onions in almost every meal. They are a versitle food. This album makes me want to smoke a doobie and cut a rug. I bet they influenced The Braves' organ player, and probably all baseball organ players. My favorite tune is You Can't Sit Down. I sit down all day at work, so the prospect of me not being able to sit down is wonderful!
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
Talk about nostalgia... I remember the first time I heard Freedom. It was late night, MTV, probably 1AM. I was 12 years old. That video shook me awake. I credit this album's lyrics with opening my eyes to the lies of government. It really kick started my skepticism and questioning of what we were taught in history class. Thankfully, I read some economics books and didn't turn into a communist. For the music, this was an interesting album. I hadn't heard anything like it. I loved the odd, jazzy guitar and hard-core breakdowns and groovy, rhythms. Zack's anger went well with the music. I stopped listening to them after Evil Empire. I guess they lost that feeling with me. Great album, though. One of the greats of the early 90's. Hard to pick a favorite. I like Wake Up the best, maybe..
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
This is a good LCD Soundsystem album. I like their stuff, but none of it blows me away. I usually get into a mood occasionally to listen to one of their albums. My favorite thing that James Murphy has been apart of was the Tim Heidecker movie, The Comedy. North American Scum is my favorite on here.
Pixies
3/5
I was never a huge Pixies listener. I heard the song on Fight Club, and I have listened to Doolittle, but that was about it. I enjoyed this album, and actually streamed their first one after this (I liked it better). I can definitely recognize their influence in several bands throughout the 90's. This album is unique for when it came out, and I can see why they are considered pioneers. Certainly not an album I would put on repeat, but I liked it. Vamos was my favorite.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Not my favorite album from them (Check Your Head is my favorite). It still has some of the fun, party style of Licensed to I'll, but this one is more mature. Shadrach is my favorite.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
I've never owned a Flaming Lips album, but I've always liked what I've heard from them. I definitely like some of the groups they've influenced. This album is good. It doesn't grab me by the ears and kick me in the crotch, but it's worthy of a listen every now and again. I am impressed with the size of their catalog, and I will be giving it all a listen. All We Have is Now is a favorite on here.
Paul McCartney
2/5
It's the Beatles without the rest of the Beatles. McCartney puts together great melodies and is a very talented musician, so this was pleasant to listen to. I'm a big Billy Joel fan, and I can hear a bit of what influenced him on this album, particularly on his Cold Spring Harbor debut which came out a year after this in 1971 (and is a better album in my opinion). Maybe I'm Amazed is my favorite.
Beatles
3/5
I was immediately glad to see this wasn't The Shitty Beatles, because they suck. This takes me back to my high school days, what a gas!
Just kidding. I started listening to The Beatles in my late 20's, and I quickly realized how many hit songs they had. They pumped out the hits. They've been photographed more than Jesus Christ. This was good for the time it was in, before The Drugs ruined the youths and sent this once great nation torpedoing toward hell. And I Love Her is my favorite. I love the vocals.
The War On Drugs
4/5
Man, this one is great! Thank you, Andy, for telling me about this album. At the time, I was actually going through a personal battle in the War on Drugs. I had been arrested in a sting operation for cannabis, a plant that grows naturally upon the face of the earth. I lost my career, and was having to live off my 401k and work several shitty, low paying jobs just to pay rent. I didn't tell my family or immediate support system, and my father passed away (a couple weeks before my hearing!), so any hope of financial assistance was not possible. I would sit, drunken in my car, and blast this first track, crying my eyes out. That was almost 10 years ago, and all is well now. All charges have been dropped, or "conditionally discharged", and FUCK the police and the state. This album means a lot to me. Red Eyes is on my trivia host playlist, so it gets regular play. Hard to pick a favorite on this one, but I'm glad it popped up on here. I guess An Ocean In Between...
B.B. King
2/5
This is a nice live album. King has some good banter with the crowd. While I respect what blues means for the world of music, and I no doubt listen to countless bands who would not be around if not for blues music, I just don't really get into it. I does nothing for me. It's the same way I feel about jam bands, like Phish or Widespread Panic. Whenever their music comes on I'm like, "I have other things I need to do..." I have a hard time feeling anything with the music. BB King is an all time legend for this genre, so I respect it. The crowd loves him, and that's fun to hear. I guess You Upset Me Baby was my favorite.
Pixies
3/5
Another Pixies album. Dead is a good one on here.
Lambchop
2/5
Never heard of this guy, so no expectations here. This is a real mellow album. Grumpus is giving some Mac Demarco vibes. I like the soft horns throughout the album, kind of like Sufjan Stevens' Illinois. Of course, this album came before that. This is good background music, super chill, so I'll check out the rest of his catalog. I like the music, but his vocals are whatever. He has no business singing, so it's ballsy that he does it. Good for him for doing what he loves. Up With People is my favorite.
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Decent pop album. Good vocals and music. Not really for me, but I enjoyed the listen.
Goya Soda was my favorite.
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Interestingly, I was following this artist on Spotify already. He must've been on Jacques Brel's radio (big fan of Brel), and I followed. Right off the bat, I hear Beck's Sea Change in the first song. The man and woman back and forth reminds me of Lovage. And that makes total sense, because holy shit, look at his album cover for the 1959 album Nº2.... Dame as Lovage. It's neat to hear all the influence in later music that I enjoy. Now, I just need to learn French.. I like L'hôtel particulier as a favorite.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
One of the classic bands from the 70's here. Everyone knows the hits, but I really like Emerald. I dig the guitars. This album would be better if the singer didn't talk. He sounds like a chode. I like how, after the first song, he lets the ladies know that he is ready to party if they "want a bit more Irish in them." Really setting up his after concert experience early on in the set, smart. Then, towards the end of the set, he asks them, "Are you ready to rip it up? Are you ready to rock?" He's ready to get backstage and rip up some vagina, and he wants to make sure they are ready, too. This guy knows how to plan his evening. Oh, Huey Lewis on harmonica, nice!
3/5
I have always been anti-war, but this seems like a just-war I can support. Just some groovy tunes here. Funk, groove, jazz, psychedelic, a bit of Latin, it's a nice soup of music. The titular track is my favorite.
Traffic
3/5
Man, what is with all the things I hate? War, Traffic... What's next, Death? Is there a band named Famine we can listen to? 60's hippie music, it's decent and pleasant. I prefer Winwood's 80's pop. (Roamin' Thro' The Gloamin' With) 40000 Headmen is my favorite. I like the flute.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Spotify didn't have this one. I had to go to the Youtubes. This is mellow grooves. At some points, it sounds like Mr. Roger's. I love The Bottle, that bass. Groovy as shit. I'm getting funked up on it.
Paul Simon
3/5
Simple, folky music. Pleasant to listen to while working. I like Armistice Day, mainly because the guitar breakdowns. Almost a heavy vibe on them, but acoustic. Peace Like a River is probably my favorite, also because of the guitar work. Great tune. Paul Simon isn't someone I would typically ride around listening to, but his music makes me smile.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Hmm, I had no idea these guys were from San Francisco Bay area. You hear the singer, and you would think they are from the southeast. This is a fun album. Clearly some really great hits on this one, Run Through The Jungle being my favorite. I hear some 50's influence in some of these songs, some Elvis. This is a good, what I would consider southern rock album.
Radiohead
3/5
A great 90's album. They were honing it in on this one, but not quite there. Although, this was their best straight rock album. They continue to get better on subsequent albums. Just is a favorite, as is My Iron Lung. I take that back, Street Spirit is the one.
R.E.M.
2/5
Man, I am NOT an R.E.M. fan, so I'll get through this one, I guess... My old roommate's dad was in a bunch of Savannah bands back in the 70's and 80's, and he used to tell us that his band played in Athens one time, and they had to open for some shitty house band named REM. I guess they aren't so shitty, because they've sold a ton of albums. Good for them. Maybe Jeff's dad was just jealous. It just isn't for me. I'm actually upset, because now the Spotify algorithm will try and infuse this into my recommendations... There is a nostalgia to some of these tunes. I watched MTV a lot back when this came out, so I was inundated with the "hits." If I had to pick, I like the album before this one, and I like Orange Crush off of their 88 album Green. Favorite song on here, Man on the Moon.
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Kind of a snoozefest here. Sounds like something you'd hear if you went into one of those stores across from Junkman's Daughter looking for some JNCO's or Kikwear back in the mid 90's. I love 90's techno and trip hop, but this one is boring. There wasn't a particular song that stood out for me to call a favorite, it all sounded like the same background music. Nightmares, indeed.
2/5
I liked Rocket Reducer No. 62 - Talk. Kind of had a Hendrix vibe. Overall, I didn't really like this album. It was OK. I did, however, let the Spotify radio keep playing after, and some Captain Beyond came on. That was a highlight. Also, another MC5 song, The American Ruse, played. Man, that songs was right up my ally. This live album gets a 2 from me.
3/5
Green Day
4/5
It has been a loooong time since I've listened to this one all the way through. There are some bands that own their genre, and I think Green Day owns pop punk. Every song is super catchy. They are great at what they do. They also put in a lot of hard work on their own dime in the beginning, so they are deserving of the success. I like She and Having a Blast as favorites.
Linkin Park
4/5
I never thought I would be listening to this one again. I gave it several spins when it came out. I had a really cool experience with them I'll never forget. I saw them play in Birmingham before they were really big, and I met them afterward. My friends and I got on their tour bus and we played Playstation. At one point, Chester picked up an acoustic guitar and started playing Alice in Chains, and I did the harmonies with him. He did the Stayley parts, of course. It was really fun. A few months later, they were huge. This album was good when it came out. I'm a big fan of turntables, so I like that aspect of it. I kinda just stopped listening to them after this album. Not sure if it was it was a phase, or my tastes changed. I like Forgotten.
Megadeth
3/5
Ah, the best guitarist from Metallica... This one is an assault throughout. I don't like his voice, but he is a talented shredder. Holy Wars is great, as is the title track. I always liked the Megadeath song on the Last Action Hero soundtrack. Back when soundtracks were killer. 3.5 on this one.
Genesis
4/5
I grew up on Phil Collins Genesis, and have always been a fan. Separately, I grew up on Peter Gabriel's solo stuff. As a child, I just thought Gabriel was always just his solo songs. As I got older, I discovered he was the original singer for Genesis, and as my musical taste has expanded over the years, I have grown to love the Gabriel Genesis more than the iteration with Collins leading the vocals. I was excited to see this album pop up, because it is my favorite. The music and melody is so cool on this one. I will always love the pop Genesis, but prog Genesis has taken over in my mind. My favorite song is The Cinema Show.
Kanye West
2/5
I missed the boat on Kanye West, and now it seems he is on a different boat on a different planet. I just never gave him a listen. I can't really say I can tell you any of his hit songs. This is my first time listening to a full album. Just not my vibe. Get Em High was my favorite, I guess. I do like all of the guests he has on this album. This album doesn't move me. I don't like the music or beats, and his lyrics don't speak to me.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Classic metal band. Definitely innovators, but I do hear some Van Halen influence in there. The bass stands out for me. It's prominent on most of the songs. There's of course some shedding on the lead, but later metal music takes that to a different level. Good grooves on here. I like the energy on Run to the Hills.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
I've always heard the name, but never listened. This sounds like a classic, but more diverse samples than their counterparts. There's break-beats, rock, piano, and funkadelic. It's dope! I realize now that The Prodigy (Liam Howlett) had sampled these guys, and is heavily influenced by them. I like Doin' Our Own Dang.
The Doors
5/5
Such a great album here. Not really any bands like this one in 1967, or now even. Every songs is great, but I'd have to give the nod to The Crystal Ship. Although, Alabama Song is strange, and I LOVE it. Psychedelic circus music at its best. I like that they pushed the censorship envelope with their live performances. Wonderful band!
Ozomatli
4/5
The only album I've ever listened to from these guys is their debut album. I remember liking it, but I never revisited it or listening to any of their later albums. This is a fun one. A nice melting pot of hip hop, latin grooves, and I hear some middle eastern vibes at some points. Oh, I recognize the song "Saturday Night." Not sure where I heard it before. My favorite is Dejame En Paz. I don't dance, but it makes me want to shake my tuccus.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Here I am. A 44 year old man, taking a big shit at work, and listening to a Taylor Swift album. Where did it go wrong for me? Truth is, I'll never forgive Swift for ruining muh football games!! Listen, I'll try to have an open mind. The music is cool and catchy. I guess there are like 9 producers on this thing. The lyrics aren't for me, and much of it is repetitive. That's ok. There is clearly a market for this with 97 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Kudos to her for creating, or bringing in producers to create, music so many people enjoy. Shake It Off is catchy as hell, and that is my favorite on here. I like I Know Places as a deep cut favorite. I'll mark listening to an entire Taylor Swift album off my bucket list now.
The Go-Go's
3/5
I kinda just played this one in the background. Standard 80's music here. I like their opening track, as it is a familiar hit. Honestly, I was too busy with work to really soak it in. I'll need to give it proper attention later.
Roni Size
3/5
I am not a drum and bass, or jungle, fan overall, but there are a few DJ's that I like. AK1200, Dieselboy, Photek (my favorite), and Roni Size. They do it right. Drum and Bass is too repetitive for me. Other than Brown Paper Bag (I like the shorter radio version better), I always enjoyed Share the Fall on this album.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
Assault punk! I love these guys. The goofiness of Chemical Warfare sounds a bit like Mr. Bungle. Actually, I hear a lot of Bungle weirdness in this album. It isn't just a straight punk album, there's some circus rock, surf rock, odd breakdowns, etc. These guys stand apart from other punk contempraries. My favorite song on here is California Uber Alles.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Hmm, I think you mean The Artist Formally Known as Terence Trent D'Arby. His momma called him D'Arby, Imma call him D'Arby. Well, thanks for getting Wishing Well stuck in my head. It has been about 30 years since I've heard it. He certainly has a set of pipes on him. If he composed all the music, I can definitely respect his game. The music and vocals are solid. It's a good album for what it is. I just wouldn't ride around listening to this. My favorite tune is I'll Never Turn My Back On You (Father's Words). Sign Your Name is dope. That would be my favorite "hit" from this album. As Yet Untitled is great, too. I love a cappella songs.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
While I respect what these guys have done over the last half plus of a century, I just don't really vibe them. You can hear a variety of styles on this album, and that's really their strength, their musical versatility. Jagger's voice just ruins it for me. I would listen to a music only version. Loving Cup is a favorite on here. I like the brass and piano.
Metallica
3/5
Metallica is known for being a great live band. It's cool to hear orchestral music with rock, so this was a fun listen. I'm glad they played Of Wolf and Man, which was always a favorite from the black album. I can only take so much of Hetfield's yeah-eahs! So, at 21 songs, this was a bit much for me. I like their first few albums, and really nothing else after that. It is amazing to hear the huge crowd singing. It's a testament to how much their music touches people. They are the pinnacle of popular heavy rock music. One is one of my favorite ones, if I had to pick one.
The Young Gods
2/5
I've never heard of these guys, but I'm hopeful as I see that fans also like Front 242, one of my favorite industrial techno groups. I can see the I guess I can see the similarities, but Front 242 is way better, in my opinion. 242's Front By Front album is far superior. These guys throw some strings in there, and there's a bit more heavy rock. If I want hard, dirty industrial, I'm going for Godflesh. I like the music ok, but I just don't like the guy's voice. Ville Notre was my favorite on here. L'Amourir was pretty hard, too.
Little Simz
4/5
I really like the music! This was a solid hip hop album. I was too busy to really focus on any of the lyrics, but the music was fantastic. Actually, I just let it keep playing into the previous album, Stillness in Wonderland, and that one was even better! I'm now following this artist and I listen forward to hearing the rest of her catalog.
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
So, I had a coworker tell me I had to listen to this album a few months ago. He said it was a life changing album. I listened. I'm just not getting the same feeling. This is actually my least favorite type of music. These guys are good at storytelling while jamming, but it isn't any story to which I can relate, nor is it the type of music I like. I can recognize their talents, and there are people this is for, but it ain't me, babe. If these guys were playing in city market in downtown Savannah, I would probably stop and listen for a couple minutes, then move along. I guess Birmingham is my favorite, because I lived there. Three Great Alabama Icons was a neat story. I enjoyed it. I will say, this album seemed to get better as it went on, but still not my jam.
The Temptations
4/5
Did these guys put out multiple albums a year, or what!? This is a classic. I can't believe they were able to get away with saying the "n" word so many times on Run Charlie Run! That would never happen in today's popular music..... Papa Was A Rollin' Stone is the jam. On I Ain't Got Nothin', I like the nod to The Flamingos' I Only Have Eyes for You with the "shu bop shu bop".
The Clash
3/5
These guys are punk, but not punk. Multiple styles represented on this album. They are set apart from the other bands of their time and place. London Calling is my favorite on here.
American Music Club
3/5
Never heard of these fellas. It's a pretty chill album with some country vibes. Some of it is haunting. I like Pale and Skinny Girl. Nothing groundbreaking here, but good, mellow music.
The Doors
4/5
Another good Doors album here. Not as great as their earlier albums, but still has some bangers. This one makes me feel like I'm driving on the open road out West, making stops at random dive bars to get drunk and party with the locals. It just has that vibe to me. Peace Frog is my favorite on here.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
I am immediately annoyed by this guy's voice. The music is alright, so I'll slog through the rest of it. One of Those Things, I mean Werewolves of London also gets on my nerves. I can't get past all the talking and the vocals. The music is ok, but this album shouldn't be on this list. Thankfully, after several needlessly long songs, I was able to Waltz my way out of this and into a different album.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Good ole Willie. I love the old western country style. There's a heavy gospel vibe on several songs that takes me back to the church pew I so often sat on as a child. Not sure why there's three Time of the Preacher songs, but the short version is hilarious. I thought, "Oh, here it goes again. Oh, it's over." This album takes you to church, then to a saloon in west El Paso, and the dusty trails in between. It isn't something I would listen to regularly, but Willie is fun from time to time. Remember Me is my favorite on here.
OutKast
4/5
There are no other rappers like these guys. They put Atlanta hip hop on the map. Their first two albums got a ton of play from me in high school, but I honestly haven't listened to a complete album of theirs since the 3rd one. I definitely know the hits off this one, so I'm listening forward to hearing this on a continuous play through. The hit songs stand out, so good call making those the singles. The song with B-Real sounds exactly like a song with B-Real should sound. I'm a huge Cypress Hill fan, so that one is a favorite. This is a better produced and more mature album than the previous ones, but I still like the first two better. Either way, Big Boi and Andre are on a different planet from other hip hop artists.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Let's get to cooking! What can be said about this album that wasn't mentioned on the Sounds of Silence review? This a a great rainy day album, which is perfect because I'm working from home on a rainy day! This seems like a continuation of the previous album. I really enjoyed the 7 O'clock News/Silent Night mashup. It's a timeless tune that would work in today's atmosphere.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
2/5
Here we go! Just some good, clean, non-drug induced music. I pretty much let this one play in the background while I worked. Nothing jumped out at me, but I did find myself liking Calvary.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
You can shake your tuccus to this one. It's like if Empire of the Sun was hopped up on meth. Speaking of meth... when I was in my early 20's, I did many meths. We purchased our meth through a gentleman in the gay community in Atlanta. One night, we had to meet him at the famous 24 hour gay nightclub, Backstreet, in order to make the purchase. It was an interesting experience for a young, heterosexual male. Sweaty dudes with glitter on their shirtless bodies, dancing and making out. One guy even hit on me. I was flattered. My mom always said I was handsome, and this experience helped confirm that was true. I tell that story to say that I could definitely imagine hearing this album playing at that club. Yesterday When I Was Mad was my favorite.
Pretenders
4/5
Man, this album is dope start to finish. I have heard Brass in Pocket literally every time I hosted karaoke (frankly, I am sick of hearing it), but the rest of the album is so much better. There are some straightforward songs, but there are some offbeat rhythms throughout the record. I love it. Love the vocals, love the music, love the arrangements.
I'm glad this one is on the list, because I don't know if I would've listened to this on my own. Phone Call and Lovers of Today were favorites.
The Black Keys
3/5
I recognize a couple of these songs, Tighten Up and Howlin' for You. This is like some Mississippi delta music or some Bayou music, or something. It's ok, but not my favorite type of music. I don't really have an interesting critique of this album. It doesn't move me, but it isn't terrible. I like the guitar, keys, and at some points, the vocals. The drums are just basic rhythm most of the time (The Go Getter is an exception), which I think is what bothers me about the album. I feel like I could play these drums, which isn't good because I can't play drums. Not trying to hate on it. It definitely fits this album. It isn't a bad album, but I wouldn't ride around listening to this. The back half of the album is much better. Tracks 7, 8, and 11 were a few of my favorites on here.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Blue is the only full album I've listened to from Joni, so that one is my favorite. I was blown away by that album, so I am listening forward to hearing this one. Her roller-coaster vocals are so cool. It's always a mystery where she is going next, and it's a beautiful ride. The musicality and musicianship, the harmonies,
the songwriting, and the storytelling are all mastered by Joni. I could listen to her all day. In fact, that is what I'll be doing today. Just Like This Train is one of my favorites on this album. I still like Blue better, though. Easy 5 from me on this one, and probably most of her albums.
MGMT
4/5
I love this album! Two separate moments of nostalgia for me on this one. The first is 2009ish living in a loft apartment in Macon next to some preppy Mercer law students. They had three of these songs on all the time. I would go over and play bear pong and do blow with them. Good times. Next was after I moved to Savannah and I actually decided to listen to the whole album, making the ride to the beach, sun out and windows down. It's fun and refreshing, perfect beach music. They've certainly evolved with each album, but this one is my favorite. Production by Dave Fridmann, which makes total sense why this has a Flaming Lips vibe. Weekend Wars is my favorite on here.
Thundercat
4/5
I have Them Changes on my trivia playlist, so I hear it a couple tines a week, but I haven't listened to this whole album. Right off the rip, it is funky. Should be a fun ride here. He's right up there with the best: Flea, Bootsy, Mono Neon, Joel Guerra, Les Claypool. I hear some KNOWER or Louis Cole in here. I love the Kendrick cameo. Groovy album! Besides Them Changes, I liked Inferno. DUI was a cool ending.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Nice! I have this one on vinyl. Living for the City, Golden Lady, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, and Higher Ground are obvious great ones, but I love the mellow haunt of Visions.
The Who
4/5
A great group of musicians here. I just let this one play in the background, but a few songs stood out: Sparks, Christmas, and Pinball Wizard. It seemed like run of the mill hippy music, but way tighter and more professional. Real clean and solid playing. There were some goofy elements in some of the songs, which was fun and pleasing to my senses. I enjoyed the album overall.
Patti Smith
3/5
This one was alright, but I did get annoyed with the vocals after a few songs. I liked it better when she straight up sang. Birdland and Elegie were favorites.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Alright, I LOVE Buddy Holly! Nice, clean rock n roll, before the Marijuana took over the youths and turned everyone into hippies. This guy loves falling in love. Times were simple back then, no milkshakes in the yard, no WAP, just loving your sweetheart and eventual breakup and heartbreak. He's kind of a nerdy Elvis, but it works. Died too soon. I like the slower stuff, It's Too Late is the one for me.
Santana
5/5
This is groovy. Nice cover art! Track 2, all I can think of is the little, drunk Vietnamese gentleman that would sing this at karaoke every Saturday when I hosted. It was great, great tune too. I can't hear Oye Como Va without smiling. This is a wonderful mix of psychedelic rock with Latin beats and some jazz mixed in. Great album! Incident at Neshabur was my favorite here.
Otis Redding
4/5
So many hits here. Unfortunately, my notes didn't save (user error). I don't need to tell you that this is a great album. I'll give it a 4.
Jeff Buckley
4/5
I've never listened to Jeff Buckley, although I'm familiar with the name. Man, that first song grabbed me. I'm in for this one. I love the vocals (Chris Cornellish). The music is awesome, too! Reminds me of some Eleven, or Alain Johannes, or Big Wreck, but obviously before them. Great shit! The arrangements and melodies are fantastic. It is hard for me to pick a favorite without giving this a few more listens. So Real, or Dream Brother would get the nod at this point. Glad this was on here.
U2
4/5
Not a huge U2 fan, but this one has some hits and I feel nostalgia with some of these songs. Back when MTV played videos... The last time I actually listened to U2 was the album Joshua Tree when I was driving through Joshua Tree. Good times. I really like Like a Song... Nice guitar work and rhythm on it. I've never heard it before, but it is probably my favorite "deep cut" on here. Actually, Red Light is dope, too. This turned out to be a great album. I guess I've always just hated on U2 for no reason, or without really listening to their catalog. Call it Bono's douchebaggery, or just my own ignorance. It reminds me of how, when I was younger, I caught myself repeating the line "communism looks good on paper." Then, I actually read the Communist Manifesto, and I realized communism looks terrible on paper. Same thing for U2, but opposite. Their albums are really good. Solid 4 on this one.
Fela Kuti
3/5
I was super busy at work, so this one just played in the background. I was able to be highly productive with it, so that was cool. After the album was over, it just continued to play his prior albums. This was the better one of the ones I heard. I couldn't tell you which song I liked better, as it just flowed together with decently long songs. I love the album artwork. I'll give this a 3.5.
Deerhunter
3/5
I much prefer The Dear Hunter, as they are a superior band, but this one is good, too. Totally different style of music. The end of Don't Cry sounds like something from Beck's Mellow Gold. I like Revival! Memory Boy is kind of a throwback. Desire Lines is a favorite here. It's on my trivia playlist, so it gets a spin every week, or so. Coronado is great, as well. I'm a sucker for a saxophone.
3/5
Never heard of these guys. Hopefully, they don't suck like the Shitty Beatles. A bit of a different album for these guys. I wonder if they had partaken in any drugs at this point... the world may never know. Great album. The opening track is baller. Not my favorite album from them, but I'll give it a 3.5
The Avalanches
4/5
I haven't heard of these folks, but this is an outstanding album! Sounds like some Dan the Automator stuff. Right up my ally. Cool artwork, too. I think Frontier Psychiatrist is my favorite, but I'll be spinning this a few more times. Solid 4 here.
PJ Harvey
3/5
This is a solid early 90's album. I realize now just how much Toadies ripped PJ Harvey's vocals off. I've been super busy at work, so I haven't had the time to pause and take down notes, but Me-Jane jumped out to me. Good stuff. 3.5
Screaming Trees
3/5
Another standard 90's rock album. There are some elements of Soundgarden on that first song. I didn't hear anything spectacular on this one, but I enjoyed the album. Traveler stood out to me as a favorite. Solid 3.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was a fun album. I'm not a huge fan of Costello's voice, but it works with the quirkiness of the album. Again, busy at work, so the album flew by for me. I really liked Goon Squad. I'll give this one a 3.75
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
I like Section.80 better, although the production is superior on this one. I'm always down to listen to Kendrick. He really is set apart from other artists in hip hop. He has a crazy control over his vocals, making it sound out of control at times. It's strange and unique. The music on this album is solid, really on all his albums. To be expected from a Compton artist. I love his storytelling, too. He's one of the best at it. I fell like Kendrick took the baton from the hip hop artists I grew up listening to, and he is carrying it for a new generation. I'll give this album a 5.
Steely Dan
4/5
Outstanding yacht rock album. I didn't have time to write down any notes, but I did enjoy the hits and non-hits on here. I'll throw a 4 on it.
Paul Weller
3/5
I missed this one in the 90's. I'm not sure who this is, but the guitar is cool right off the rip. Interesting album, kind of after its time being in the 90's. Nothing jumped out at me, but solid album. Imma give it a 3.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I was really hoping for Neil Young with Crazy Town... You're my Butterfly Cinnamon Girl, Sugar Baby... This is a good, mellow album. I really dug that Buffalo Springfield better than this solo stuff, but I like this album. Glad to see he's back on Spotify. 3.12 stars from me.
Soul II Soul
2/5
Not sure why this is on the list. I remember one of these songs, but overall the album just didn't move me. I'll give it a 2 for the nostalgia aspect.
David Bowie
3/5
Bowie is a chameleon. He changes throughout the decades. This one fits perfefectly in the 70's. It isn't my favorite album, but it does have one of my favorite songs, Fame. If you haven't done so, check out the God Lives Underwater cover of that song. Good stuff. Again, not my favorite Bowie album. But I'll give this a 3.99
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Yet another Stones album. This does have my second favorite from them, Sympathy for the Devil, and for that I'll give this one a 3.87. Many styles on here, as usual. I just don't like Mick's voice, or his face.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Hit after hit after hit on this album. My favorite one is Black Dog. There's really no band like Zeppelin, except of course for Greta Van Fleet. This is such a great album, so I'll just give it a 5.
Culture Club
2/5
Meh. I'm not a huge fan of Culture Club. I think it missed me when I was younger. My sister listened to metal, and my brother was into hip hop. When my mom jazzersised, it was to Wham, which is very similar to this I suppose, but a little more fun. I'll take George Michael over Boy George, both in music and if I were attracted to men. George Michael is superior. There is a slight nostalgia to some of the songs on here, so for that I will give it a 2.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Banger of an intro album. Great music on this one. Luck of Lucien is my favorite here. The basically sums up the type of hip hop I like. 5 for me.
The Temptations
4/5
I'm tempted to rate this one in the middle, but I think I'll give it a 4.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Johnny Cash is the man. This is a cool album, and interesting concept to play and record at a prison. After awhile, the songs begin sounding the same, but Cash is a great story teller. I give a bump to Cocaine Blues.
Big Star
3/5
I've never heard of this one. I found it mostly bland, but I did LOVE For You. Actually, it seemed to get better as the album played on. Overall, this one gets a 3 from me.
Anthrax
4/5
Classic thrash! The music is killer. The vocals don't really go with the music, in my personal opinion, but it clearly has worked for them and their fans. I have never really listened to a whole album from Anthrax, but I dig this one. 4 on the music.
David Bowie
4/5
I didn't even know about this album. I'd like to say I've heard all of Bowie's catalog, but I'm only in my 40's. There just isn't enough time.. He's so versatile. I enjoyed this one, although it was mellow at times. The Stars was a great song. If You Can See Me is probably my favorite here. Definitely NOT mellow. Not my favorite Bowie album, but I'll give it a 3.9, rounding up to a 4.
Bob Dylan
3/5
It goes without saying Dylan is a better songwriter than singer, but I will say Dylan is a better songwriter than singer. I get the influence he has had on music, but his vocals kill it for me. I appreciate what Bob Dylan is, but I'm going to bring it all back home with a 3 rating.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
What a snoozefest! It really isn't for me. If I were on heroin, maybe. There is pain in his voice, much like Johnny Cash in the end. He's a great lyricist, but I can't get into this album, or his vocals.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
This is a Fleetwood Mac album. I'm neither a fan, nor detractor. They make some cool music, but I've never been able to sit down and be enthusiastic about listening to them. Not a bad album, but not groundbreaking. I do like That's All for Everyone. Middle of the road album here, so 3.
3/5
I'm excited to see this one. He has such a massive catalog, and I love Zorn about 75% of the time. This one is decently wild. Not quite Naked City. This guy definitely influenced Bungle. I'm still trying to work through his full catalog, which seems impossible, so I can now mark this one off the list. I like the structured chaos. I'll give this a 3.
Minor Threat
3/5
Right off the rip, I can tell Offspring were fans of these guys. Maybe AFI, too, but the opening song sounds like an early Offspring song. One could say that they were the Offspring of this music. This is a good follow-up to older punk, or even their first album. It's good for what it is. I really have to be in a mood for this. I'll give it a 3.5.
Radiohead
5/5
LOVE this album. The first seven songs are seven of my favorite from them. The buildup on Sit Down. Stand Up, man, I was sitting down, then I had to stand up and boogy. Then, I sat back down for Sail to the Moon. Such a beautiful song. The Gloaming, I could do without. There, There picks it right back up to be my favorite on this album. It's an easy 5 from me on this one.
Stan Getz
3/5
A lovely jazz album. Great background music, but nothing jumped out at me. I'm not able to hone in on a favorite. If it played again, I wouldn't be mad, but I probably won't look for this to play again. 3 for me.
M.I.A.
3/5
A bit of nostalgia with the song Paper Planes, which is the best song on this album. The rest of the album is ok, but seems somewhat immature. She's a grinder, though, and she has had well deserved success. I'll throw a 3.5 at this one.
Q-Tip
4/5
Huh... As much as I like Tribe, I have never listened to Q-Tip's solo stuff. I have news for him, Johnny 5 is Alive! I like this, right of the rip. Should be a fun one. The music doesn't disappoint. It sounds like an alternate universe version of Tribe. I will need to listen to the rest of his solo albums. This one gets a 4.1.
Madness
4/5
I've heard of Madness, and at times have experienced Madness, but this is my first listen. As I listen, I can't fit these guys into a particular box. At least, not on this album. A bit like The Clash, just different than any of their counterparts. Ah, wait, I've heard Our House... ok, yes. Good, catchy tune. I thoroughly enjoyed the song before it, though, Sunday Morning. That one is definitely a favorite. I'll give this a 4.
Björk
5/5
Here.We.Go. The Human Behavior music video was my first introduction to Bjork. I was blown away by how cool it was. He voice, too... I had never heard vocals like this, and still haven't. She truly is on a planet by herself. Each album is different and unique. Ever since I heard Bjork for the first time, I had wanted to go to Iceland. I wanted to see what environment could produce this art. I was able to go on my honeymoon. As I drove around ring road, I played her albums and gazed at the scenery. It was constant goosebumps and raised arm hairs. Such beauty, just like Bjork. There's beauty mixed with chaotic jazz in her voice. Every album from her gets a 5 from me. Hard to pick a favorite. I'll give it to Human Behavior, because that is the one that started it, but I also love Like Someone in Love.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I, too, was born in the USA, so I can relate. Man, so many hits on this album. My mother loved this album, but I never really got into it. It just isn't the type of music that moves me. I get the appeal, but it ain't me, babe. Good storytelling, though. Dancing in the Dark is probably my favorite hit on here. I dig the keys and the sax. Overall, the album is a great representation of the idea of America.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
I love a cappella, so this is starting nicely. Great harmonies and timing. Beautiful album. Yibo Labo is my favorite.
Pet Shop Boys
1/5
This shouldn't be on the list. It's great background music, but I honestly forgot it was playing for a bit. Just seems like a basic album. 1.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Interesting. Never heard of these blokes. I'm hearing some Tunde type vocals there on Modern Dance. Maybe some Oxbow. Strange album, but I'm glad I've heard it. Humor Me was a good ending song, and my favorite.
The Doors
4/5
Some of my favorite songs on this one, Love Her Madly and the title track. This album gets a bit weird toward the back half. Sounds like a band that has been drinking all night, then had to get up on stage and perform. Riders on the Storm is a great ending to the album. Solid 4.5 on this.
Supergrass
4/5
This is a fun, playful album. Some good energy on here. I definitely recognize Alright. Parts of this sound like a watered down Ween mixed with Thee Oh Sees. I enjoyed listening to it, but nothing is driving me to listen again. She's So Loose was my favorite. Good album, so I'll give it a 4.
Beck
4/5
Beck has only gotten better over time. I was a huge fan of Mellow Gold when it came out. This one was the next evolution for him. This doesn't have some of the gloomy, weird style songs that were on mellow gold, but still has some of the flavor. I think it's more mature, but he's still figuring it out. I like New Pollution as a favorite "hit", and Readymade as the deep cut. Not my favorite Beck album, but I'll give it a solid 4.
Björk
5/5
Yes! This is a top 3 Bjork album for me. All vocals, strange, beautiful, magnificent. Loaded with great guest artists. Up until this point, Bjork had incorporated various eclectic instruments and electronic music into her albums, but she flipped the script and went A Cappella for this one. Totally amazing. Getting the best human beat box and best male vocalist of all time to guest was an excellent decision. My favorite song is Vökuró. Easy 5 for this album.
The Byrds
4/5
This is an interesting album pull, because I'm going to my first rodeo tomorrow. Pleasant opening tune. I like the country guitar. Nice harmonies. Just a very old school country vibe on this album, which is really the only type of country worth listening to. I don't know much about The Byrds, but I didn't think they were a country group. We'll, and it seems they ran out of country songs, because it tails off at the end, then comes back. I don't know... I enjoyed this album, overall, so I'll give this a 4.
Duran Duran
4/5
Great album here! The bass stands out throughout the whole album. So many hits, Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, Save a Prayer. Much nostalgia. Duran Duran just hits different than other groups from this time. They have the music you can cut a rug to, and the softer ballads. I really enjoy some of the deep cuts, like Hold Back the Rain and Last Chance on the Stairway. Not quite a 5 for me, but a solid 4.5
Nick Drake
4/5
Cool artwork. I've never fully listened to this guy's music, although I am familiar with his name. Some really nice guitar work! Mellow music, somber vocals, beautiful album. I can hear this influence in some newer music (Father John Misty, Fleet Foxes, The Clientele, José González, etc.) I really enjoyed this, and I am now curious to listen to more of his catalog. I'm giving this a 4.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I love me some Peter Gabriel! This is a great first solo album, but his albums get better as he goes on. I can't not hear the vocals and think of Silverchair's Young Modern album. A solid break away from Gensis, but the best is yet to come. I give this a 4.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This one is good. Again, I'm not a huge Springsteen fan. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out is my favorite hit, and I liked Meeting Across the River. Solid 3 on this.
Boards of Canada
2/5
This is alright, if I were huffing airduster in a cool-off tent at a rave. Nothing really inspiring about this low-fi trip-hop, just good background stuff. I'll give this a 2.
Iggy Pop
3/5
If Mick Jagger and David Bowie had a baby that speedballed, it would be Iggy Pop. I like Bowie, and I don't like Jagger. Iggy is more on the Jagger side for me, as in I'm not a huge fan. Although, I did like that Stooges album we listed to awhile back. I guess this is a good album, but it isn't something I would listen to voluntarily. Glad I heard it, though. 3
Pulp
3/5
I've never heard a Pulp album, so first for me. This is alright. Kind of a lesser than Bowie or Smiths. Monday Morning was fun. I probably won't listen to this again, but I'm not mad about having to listen. Middle of the road here, 3.
N.E.R.D
3/5
I never really got into NERD's first album, so I never really knew they had additional albums. I'm phamiliar with Pharrell, but I couldn't tell you any song that I like of his. He is regarded as a great producer/performer. So far, the title track is alright. I was going to say this has a slight Lenny Kravitz vibe, then I see that he makes an appearance, lol. Drill Sergeant is is groovy, then it turns into a Flash Gordon tune. Strange and interesting. I enjoyed this album. I give it a 3.4
The White Stripes
3/5
I am not a fan of The White Stripes. I've tried to get into them. I do have respect for Jack White, but this music is just too basic and I don't like his voice. I'm actually upset that I have to listen to a full album of theirs again, but this is the task we have been given... If I had to pick a favorite, it would be As Ugly As I Seem. It isn't a terrible album, but no higher than a 3 for me.
Tina Turner
4/5
Tina Turner rules! Just super strong, powerful vocals. You can definitely jazzersise to the opening track. Sweat it out!! What's Love Got to Do With It? Dope! Much nostalgia. I Can't Stand the Rain sounds a bit like a Peter Gabriel tune. Man, so many hits on this album. Private Dance is a karaoke favorite. Interesting cover on Let's Stay Together, and I love her take on it, as well as Ball of Confusion. Good stuff. This is a solid 80's album with passionate vocals. 4 stars here.
Dire Straits
3/5
Pretty good yacht rock album. It's a bit slow, but nice music. I like the hit song, Sultans of Swing. I don't have much to say about it, as usual. Decent album from a decent band. 3
The Cure
3/5
Definitely not my favorite Cure album, but I love the vibe, more so than their first album. It feels like they are coming into their sound on this one, and they keep honing it in on later albums. A Forest is a favorite. I'll give this a 3.5, but some of their later albums get a 5.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Ah, great voice. A throwback. Good music to fit, kind of Budos Band-ish on track 2. Doowop on other songs. This is a really groovy album. Not much needs to be said about it. I give this a 5, because I don't hear a weak point.
Primal Scream
3/5
I guess I never got into these folks in high school. I did listen to similar stuff, but not this. It sounds ok. I enjoy track 5. I can't fit this into a single category. There's an electronic vibe to it, but it isn't techno at all. It's as if God Lives Underwater was more like Orbital and nothing like God Lives Underwater. Not sure if that makes sense. I prefer God Lives Underwater. This is pretty decent trippy 90's music. Stuka is dope. I'll slap a 3 on this.
FKA twigs
3/5
I'm not sure who this is, but the first song sounds like something you might hear on a Bjork album, so I'll give it a go. This sounds pretty good. Not really something I would normally sit around listening to, but I couldn't see vibing this on a night drive through the city. I dig the music, for sure, so high marks on the production. I'm not sure how involved Twigs is in that process, but this is groovy. The vocals aren't super powerful, but it fits the vibe. I'll go 3 on this.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Nothing needs to be said about this album. It's a 5.
The Cars
4/5
Can there be anymore hits on an album? This one is jam packed. When I think of unique 80's bands, Cars is on that list. Just different than most, but still very palatable. Odd vocals, but it works for them. It doesn't warrant a 5, but on the hits and nostalgia I'll give it a 4.5.
Queen
5/5
Really great rock album, and ahead of its time. I think later bands in the late 70's, early 80's bit this style. I can hear some Van Halen and a bit of Motley Crue in some of this, but then they slow it down with the ballad, Dear Friends. Then, out of the blue, they give you Bring Back That Leroy Brown. Great range here. Obviously, one of the best rock singers of all time. Based on the range and perfect execution, this album is an easy 5 for me.
Lorde
2/5
Oh, Lorde. I like the cover art. I'm not a fan of her voice. It's not bad, but not for me. She seems to be a good songwriter, but this album isn't moving me. I'm thankful that I had the chance to hear it, but I most likely won't listen to anything else from her without being forced to do so. 2 rating.
Soft Machine
3/5
First, I love the hair cuts. I've never heard of these guys, but I like the sound. Jazzy, progressive music? Sign me up! This was a really fun one to listen to while working. These guys were definitely groundbreaking. I'm upset I'd never listened before, but no time like the present to listen to all their albums. The vocals aren't great, but I understand it's difficult to sing on acid. I'll give this a 3.5.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Well, this has a bunch of my favorite Hendrix songs, so this will be an easy 5. There's no need to explain, because Hendrix is basically a legend. Crosstown Traffic and Burning of the Midnight Lamp are my top 2 on this album.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Great live album. I've never really sat down and listened to a Duke Ellington album, but this was a smooth play. Lots of shouts out on the mic. I give it a 3.
Jack White
4/5
Yeah, again, not a White Stripes fan, but I don't respect Jack White's love of all things music. I just don't dig his vocals, or typically his music, but this album is alright. I probably won't listen to it again. I did like Freedom at 21. I give this a 4 for the music, which is quality on this album.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Groovy album. I enjoy this version of I Want to Take You Higher. The title track is a favorite, as well. Great 60's album that gets a 4 from me.
Wild Beasts
3/5
No idea who this is. Let's see if I recognize anything... nice opening track. Vocals are out there.. almost out of range of my desire to hear anymore singing. I like the music, though. In fact, if I could just hear an instrumental version of this album, I would give it a 4 to 5. I'm giving this a 3, because the vocals give it a minus 1. The only number left in my review is 2, which is in the album name, "Two Dancers", and is exactly one less than the stars given in this review.
Snoop Dogg
5/5
This one takes me back. Great album, start to finish. Dre kills it with the production. The skits, the cameos, the music, all genius. Snoop jumps onto the scene and really seals his legacy from the get-go with this one. I listened to this so many times in my early teens. It's an easy 5 from me. Lodi Dodi is a favorite.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Rough and rugged indie sound. At moments it sounds like talented musicians, and other moments sound like people just fucking around. I was never a fan, but my sister loved the Violent Femmes. I got tired of hearing Blister in the Sun. Listening to this, I like it ok. Kind of a Pixies vibe. Weird album, raw. Not my thing, though. This album gets a 3. I like Gone Daddy Gone.
Gene Clark
1/5
I found this album pretty boring. I didn't even like the Stand By Me cover. 1
Fred Neil
3/5
Not sure who this is. Opening track sounds cool. This seems like an odd mix of Johnny Cash and Elvis, if they were a bluesy-americana thing. Interesting. Not really my bag here, but it's pleasant enough to vibe the album. Fred is my dad's name, so he gets a point there. Cool ending song. This was good, but middle of the road to me. 3.
Parliament
4/5
I funking love this one. I saw these guys in the 90's with a gigantic mothership on stage. What a great show! This is a fun album that no doubt influenced later Westcoast hip hop. It doesn't get funkier than this, unless you're talking about another Parliament, or Funkadelic album. I saw a recent documentary about this group, and I lost a lot of respect for George Clinton. He's basically a big piece of shit, and he screwed all these great musicians out of money. Crack is wack. I give this a funky 4.
ABBA
3/5
Abba! Man, I can't wait to read Joel's review of this... It's a fun album that brings out a smile while I'm listening to it. Dancing Queen slaps. The title track is cool. This isn't something I would vibe, but it is groovy at points. Kind of easy listening at other points. I'm going to give this a 3.
Miles Davis
5/5
Well, it doesn't get cooler than this. This is one of my favorite pre-1960 Miles albums out of the 1000 he released before 1960.... Budo and Deception are two favorite songs, with Rogue killing it at the end. It's a straightforward jazz album, a great one. A 5 here.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Ah, The Sultan of Swoon! Great mellow crooning. There are some bangers for grandma on here. I definitely have days where I like to vibe this music. He is one of the greats. I like What Is This Thing Called Love, but I prefer Billie Holliday's version. I'll give this a 4.
The Police
3/5
Decent rhythm section here. I had to check to see if it switched over to King Crimson on track 4. I had no idea Police got down like that. This album was alright, but I don't really like Sting's voice. For that, I'll give this a 3.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Well, not a huge fan of these guys, but we must do what we must do. Hopefully, these shrooms will kick in soon and carry me through til the end. Look, they're all good at their instruments, but I just find this uninspiring. I can't put my finger on why I don't like it, but I have a strong desire to not listen to this ever again. 2
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Hey, I recognize Heads Will Roll. This seems like a groovy album. I dig it, but it wasn't amazing. It's middle of the road. 3
Deep Purple
4/5
Good, classic psychedelic rock. Bloodsucker is killer. I can hear the influence these guys had in later bands. Nice guitar shredding on Child in Time, right into a super cool bridge with the keys and slow build up for the finale. Good stuff. Solid 70's album that I'll give a 3.9 rounded up to a 4.
Arcade Fire
4/5
So, I listened to Arcade Fire's first album many times when it came out. It is deeply ingrained in my memory, along with emotions of a past relationship. I feel like it will be strange to listen to this guy's and girl's voice again, as I think it may bring some memories up. Oh well, here we go. This certainly has better production than their first album, but it sounds like the same band. I like them. Solid album. It's was weird hearing this band again. I give it a 4.
Heaven 17
3/5
Never heard of these folks. I love the song titles. Very synthie. It isn't something I would seek out to listen to, but this album is growing on me as it goes on. Kind of a post Krafterk, but somehow nerdier. We'll, I'm glad I heard it. It gets a 3.
Marty Robbins
4/5
Ha! I listened to this one a few months ago when I was in El Paso. Great Western music with nice harmonies and storytelling. Definitely a classic. El Paso stands out as a favorite. 4 on this one.
T. Rex
3/5
Nice mellow rock album. Some bluesy elements to it, which isn't my favorite type of music. Hey, I recognize the Bang a Gong song. Catchy tune. Overall a good 70's album. Glad I heard it, but wouldn't seeking out again. Maybe a 3.5 on this.
Muddy Waters
5/5
Well now, I recognize this first song. Muddy Waters is a clear legend in the game. While I have great respect for what he means to music, I just don't get into blues. I know that rock wouldn't be here without blues, so for that I'm thankful. As I listen, I can't help but realize just how much Mr. Waters mastered his craft. All the musicians on the album play perfectly together. As much as I don't like the style of music, I must give this a 5, because it is best in class.
The Human League
3/5
I guess this was really cool in 1981. It's nerdy groovy. Do or Die did have me wanting to do some blow and shake my tush. That one is probably my favorite on here. I am the Law is cool. Obviously, their hit, Don't You Want Me, is catchy and great. I can't help but to sing it every time I hear it. It was an OK album, but just middle of the road for me, so 3.
Various Artists
3/5
I can't help but think this album would've been better to listen to around Christmas time, but here we are. I've always said there are only a dozen Christmas songs ever, just redone a million times, and here they all are. These are great versions, especially The Ronettes songs. It's a pleasant listen, even in January, and one of the better all around Holiday albums ever recorded. I'll give it a 3, because bah humbug!
The Beach Boys
4/5
This is one of my top two favorites from The Boys, Pet Sounds being the other. I feel like this was their final great album. Surf's Up hits different than their other albums. Seems more experimental for them. Disney Girls and Lookin' At Tomorrow are favorites. 4.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Damn, this is groovy. I don't know who is playing what, but this jams straight through. I'll need to educate myself on the lineup here, and I definitely need to listen to more of Fela. This is an easy 4.
Willie Nelson
4/5
As this plays on, I realize this is a cover album. Willie albums are so pleasing to the ears, and I like the cover choices here. Solid album that gets a 4 from me. Love me some Willie!
Hugh Masekela
4/5
I haven't heard of this guy before, but I like what I'm hearing. It's mellow, but groovy. The Big Apple is the vibe. Unhome has that noir sound. Makes me want to kick back with a glass of scotch. Inner Crisis has everything I want. Chef's kiss! Excellent jazz album. 4
The White Stripes
3/5
Ugh.. another White Stripes album. I like the guitars fine, but my dislikes would be the vocals and drums. That hasn't changed since the last couple of times we listened to Jack White Stripes. This gets a 3. Should be a 2 for fucking up my Spotify algorithm.
Slade
3/5
At first, I thought this was a joke. It got better after the second song. Actually, the vocals are a joke. The music is banging, though. Yet again, the vocals will subtract from the rating. This is good straightforward 70's rock, and for that I will give it a 3. Favorite song was Candidate. I liked it enough to add it to my trivia playlist.
Yes
4/5
Wow, these blokes were ahead of their time. Really great music. Start to finish, I can't pick a favorite. 5 on the music, 4 on vocals, brings it to a 4.5 rounded down to a 4.
Michael Jackson
5/5
This album is a 5. Every song jams. There are so many hits it's hard to tell if there is a single song that wasn't a hit back in the day. Hard to pick a favorite, but PYT is right there. It's the perfect roller rink song.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I just can't get into Nick Cave, or Leonard Cohen, or Lou Reed. I've tried. At this point, I think the problem is me, not them. Or, maybe it's their vocals. Yeah, that's it. It's them, not me. My musical taste is perfect and better than everyone else's. I'm sure that's it.... I did like the song Christina and the Astonishing. That was cool. I'll give this album a 3.
Billy Bragg
2/5
At first, I really did not like this album, but it got better on or around Christ for President. I like One by One also. Overall, just not to my liking. Too many songs in this album. 2.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
When I think about Honky Tonkin, this is what I hear. Good, classic country. This album sounds like whiskey and cigarettes. There are few who did it right, and Waylon was one of them. 4 on this.
Nina Simone
4/5
Whoa, her voice. Fantastic and powerful. There's a crooner vibe, but with more passion and pain. A bassier Billie Holiday (whom I prefer). Tracks 7 and 8 were beautiful. I can see why Wild is the Wind is the title. I will definitely be listening to this one again. 4 here.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Masterpiece, right here. Trent really took industrial to the masses. There are slow grooves, like Piggy and A Warm Place. Obvious hits like Closer, Hurt, and March of the Pigs (My Favorite). A Hendrix/God Flesh/Faith No More sounding song, like Ruiner, right into a Front 242-ish The Becoming. It really runs the gamut. This album is a 5.
Merle Haggard
4/5
It doesn't get more country than this. The twang, the storytelling, the gospel harmonies with lyrics of debauchery. It's glorious. I have to be in a certain mood for this, but it is top of class for classic country. I'll give this a 4.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Straightforward pop rock. It isn't bad, but it isn't inspiring either. I don't hear anything that sets them apart from any other run-of-the-mill pop rock band, except maybe better guitar than most. Star Sign was my favorite, mainly because of the opening spacey guitar. The last track asks, Is This Music? Yes it is. This gets a 3.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Bruh, we just had a Nick Cave album a week or so ago.... No way he has multiple albums in the top 1001 albums, but clearly he does. What a world! Damn this app for fucking up my algorithm. The music is much more lively on this one, so that's good. In fact, the music saves this album. His voice kills me, though. I did enjoy Nature Boy and Let the Bells Ring. The music alone takes this to a 4.
Billy Joel
4/5
One of my favorite musicians, and my first concert! Billy Joel rocks. Great songwriter and musician. He has a good voice, too. This isn't my favorite of his albums, 52nd Street wins that. It does have one of my favorite songs, She's Always a Woman. Billy Joel's albums are all slightly different, changing with the times, yet timeless. He's really great live, too. Super performer. Favorite deep cut on this one, Get it Right the First Time. Again, not my favorite album of his, but I'll give this a 4 because of the hits and my favorite song from him.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Old school classic. Every song is nostalgic, as my brother had this cassette. Listening to it now, it seems dated, both musically and lyrically. They definitely got better with time, but this pushed the style to a wider audience, no doubt. This album holds a special place in the history of rap. My favorite song on here is No Sleep Till Brooklyn (or Brass Monkey, many memories to that one.) 3 stars on this. It isn't their best work.
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Super groovy album. I had never heard of this guy, but I see he has worked with Peter Gabriel (one of my favorites). I will now be listening to his entire catalog. Also, his Spotify radio auto-play has Ethiopiques on there, which I really enjoy. I don't speak the language, but I really appreciate his range. His band also rocks. I'm giving this a 4.
The Notorious B.I.G.
5/5
I never got into this album like I did all the Westcoast stuff. However, this is an excellent hip hop album. This is definitely one of the hardest Eastcoast albums ever. Obviously, the hits are there, but I really like the jazzy, early 90's sound on Machine Gun Funk. My favorite song is Gimme the Loot. Biggie was super talented. I really just didn't like anything else on Bad Boy Records, or anything else Diddy lubed up. This is an all time classic, though, so it gets a 5 from me.
The Stranglers
3/5
Can't say I've ever heard these guys, but I really like the opening song. Actually, I enjoyed every song after that, too. Kind of a 70's Doors. I'll be listening to these blokes a bit more. This would get a 4 based on the music, but as the album went on, the vocals got on my nerves. The vocals knocked it down to a 3.5.
Talking Heads
2/5
Another situation where I don't like the vocals. It's quirky and tolerable at times, but I can't listen to this more than once a year. I can see why Psycho Killer was the hit. It is the best song on the album. 2
Rush
3/5
I generally like Rush, but I feel like this isn't their best album. Maybe I'm not qualified to say that, though, as I haven't given their entire catalog a proper listen. This didn't move me, and there weren't any solid hits on it. I'll give this a 3.
The Killers
2/5
This seems like a completely manufactured band, but I guess they aren't. The second song was on a Madden soundtrack back in the day, I believe. It was my least favorite song on that soundtrack. I don't like these vocals. The band is good at their instruments. I don't know, everything on this album gives me the urge to run to the nearest restroom and release feces all over the place. And for that, I'll give it a #2. On Top was my favorite, but not the vocals.
4/5
Wow, what an opening. It's nice to follow up The Killers with an actual band. I love 70's progressive rock, and this album has it all. It's a sonic journey. Not the best prog album, but definitely worth a 4.
Wire
3/5
There are many parts of this album that sound punk, but other parts that are different from any traditional punk sound. Almost like The Clash is punk, but not. These guys are no Clash, but I can hear their influence in later post-punk bands. Strange was my favorite, with some interesting atmospheric noise going on. Cool band. I'll listen to more of their stuff. This album is a 3.
Van Morrison
5/5
This guy fucks! Just classic after classic here. For the style of music this is, it gets a 5. It isn't my favorite type of music, and certainly not something I'd listen to on the daily, but it puts a smile on my face. The title track is my favorite.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Ah, I really liked his Home Again album, but haven't heard anything after that. I'm excited to listen. This album definitely has a different vibe than his first one, with some psychedelic rock sounds, like Tame Impala-ish, and some Beck vibes. I'm here for it. Tracks 4 and 5 bring that traditional Kiwanuka vibe. Solid album here, with the only knock being the bad transitions between songs. It didn't flow as I would've liked. Hard to Say Goodbye was my favorite, and it's hard to say goodbye to this album. I see he has a new one out, so I'll cue it up. 4.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Well, I just finished listening to black metal band Akhlys' album House of Black Geminus, and cued this up next. Needless to say, it was not a smooth transition, and made this album sound a bit bland. Maybe it is poor timing for me to listen to this, but I wasn't moved at all. The songwriting is there, but yet again, I don't like the vocals. I'm having a hard time figuring out why this is on the list. 2.
Finley Quaye
2/5
Mellow album. Nothing really inspiring or special about it. Supreme | Preme was my favorite. 2.
LL Cool J
3/5
This album helped bring that 90's vibe to hip hop coming out of the 80's. There is a harder sound to this one compared to LL's earlier albums. The two nostalgia songs for me are Around the Way Girls and the title track, mainly because those were the only two songs I've heard from this album. I love the positive messages in some of these songs.
There's something about LL Cool J that is different than anyone else in this genre. It's a testament to his strength that he is still releasing albums today. He's one of the OG rappers and he is still going. Legend. This gets a 3 from me.
Kate Bush
3/5
This sounded like a female Bowie album. I'm not exactly sure what the hell Waking the Witch was about. It didn't really sound like it fits the album. I liked the slow jam, Watching You Without Me. Other than that, it was an ok listen. Pleasant, but nothing stands out. 3 here.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Classic greatness with the first song. I live the flow of this album. It all goes really well together. Very smooth. The hits are great, but my favorite was the last track, Inner City Blues. It made me wanna holler. I'll give this a 4.
N.W.A.
5/5
Oh, this one. I vividly remember my brother playing this cassette for the first time. I had no business listening to this, being an 8 year old white kid in the boonies of middle Georgia. I thought it was awesome! Not only the harsh language and raw imagery, but the beats were so cool. I used to dance around and say every word (when my parents weren't around). It gave my ignorant self a glimpse into what it was like being a black youth in Compton in the 80's. It certainly was an introduction to how state agents actually treated people, contrary to the "protect and serve" public relations scam. I always attributed my "hatred of the state" starting point to Rage Against the Machine, but maybe it was this one. So much talent in this group. Dre is an all time legend. This album is a 5 in my book.
Television
3/5
Again with the terrible vocals. I like the music, especially on Friction and the title track. Anthony Bourdain has mentioned these guys in one of his books, so I know they were an influential band amongst 70's and 80's NYC kitchen staff and heroin addicts, which makes them cool in my book. The vocals bring this down to a 3.
Eurythmics
4/5
Cool album. I was a busy at work today, so it was background music for me, but I Could Give You (A Mirror) made me pause and look at what I was listening to. Anyhoo, great album. 4 rating from me.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
This is a good album, but not my favorite from them. A nice introduction to their style and talent. I'm not a big fan of the blues stuff, but they really do it well for some British fellas. I like Communication Breakdown as a favorite. Only a 3 on the rating. This isn't their best work.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
They don't make music like this anymore. If I'm listening to the correct album, it is several albums and it goes on forever. I just let it play and went for a long walk. Classic songs from a beautiful singer. I'm more of a Billie Holiday fan for this style of music, but Ella is a legend. 4.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Never heard of these guys, but nice psychedelic 60's tunes. Bracelets Of Fingers was particularly interesting, as was Balloon Burning (My favorite). I dig this album, at least enough for a 3.5. I'm going to listen to more of them.
Genesis
4/5
Ah, Peter Gabriel. This one gets quirky, but I like it. Not my favorite Genesis album, but it definitely puts a bow on Gabriel 's time with the band. I guess this is a concept album? I really wish I could've seen these guys live back then, but I wasn't born yet, so that would've been impossible. My favorites on here is Back in NYC, Waiting Room, Anyway, and Riding the Scree. This gets a 4 from me.
Big Star
2/5
This was an alright 70's pop rock album. It just played in the background, and the song that made me look up was a song that auto-played after the album, For You on their Complete Third album. I'll check that one out, but this gets a 2 from me.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Well, well, well, he's back on Spotify. I wonder what changed..? I like a few Young songs very much, but the rest of his stuff doesn't do it for me. 3.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
I've heard this name before, but not the music. It started out alright. A slight 50's vibe mixed with 60's and almost yacht rocky at times, then it moved into long blues songs, which is a turn off for me. I like the Little Wing cover, although Jimi is waaay better. Yeah, this just isn't music for me. Solid 3.
The Byrds
4/5
The American Beatles! This is very similar. Great harmonies. Nice, mellow 60's music. Interesting layers of noise on some of the songs (CTA being one). That seems different than other songs around that time. Maybe ahead of their time on that. Good music and vocals. I dig this, and after hearing this and their country album earlier on the list, I'll be checking the rest of their catalog out. This is a 4.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Good folk/Americana album. Not really my jam, but every once in awhile it's nice. I like the harmonies and guitar. Middle of the road for me, 3. I guess out of 5 that's just beyond the middle...
PJ Harvey
3/5
I haven't kept up with PJ since the 90's, so this will be nice to hear. I liked All and Everyone greatly. Somewhat of a Bjork vibe on England. Bitter Branches had the juice and is my favorite. Good folky alternative album. 3.5
Soundgarden
5/5
Well, this is an easy 5 for me. Takes me back to being a lonely 14 year old sitting in my room listening to music. This album was one of my friends. Soundgarden stood out amongst the "other" bands of this "genre". They had a sludginess to them, and extremely powerful vocals. Tough to name a favorite on this one, but maybe Head Down or 4th of July, or Limo Wreck, hell, I can't pick one.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
This is the one. This is early 90's hip hop. The chill, trip-hop jazzy rhythm. Other groups followed, but this is the standard. This immediately takes me back. By far their best album. Buggin' Out and Vibes and Stuff are my favorites. 5, no doubt about it.
The Offspring
4/5
This album has a special place in my heart. I had a lot of emotional events happening when this came out, and this was on my life's soundtrack. Very nostalgic. I actually like their album before this one, Ignition, better. This one s a bit more refined. Their first album is nice and raw, too. I can't really listen to anything after this one, as I think they just turned to shit. Genocide, Something to Believe In, and Not the One are favorites. Solid 4 from me.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Such a cool album. Smooth music with powerful vocals and lyrics. I tell ya, I loved the videos, too. Super sexy. I have never listened to any of her albums after this one, so I'll need to do that. I was 16 years old boy when this came out, but my favorite was always, and still is, Sullen Girl. I like the piano. Slow Like Honey is a throwback. Great tune. I guess she was 18 or 19 when this came out. This doesn't sound like someone that young, but she nails it. Classic album that I like start to finish, so I'm giving this a 5.
R.E.M.
3/5
Not sure why there's would be multiple REM albums on this list... One was enough, if it was necessary to have in the first place. I just got some new ear buds, and this was my first time using them. The first song had the volume all the way up. Almost blew out my hearing. How terrible would it be to have the last thing I hear to be R.E.M.? Anyway, enough of the REM hatred. This is a pleasant enough album. Good musicianship, nice production, solid lyrics. It's actually a good album, but I like their next one better. I'm sure it will end up on this list, as well. The hits are favorites, and I liked Disturbance At The Heron House. This gets a 3.
Dr. Dre
5/5
Classic banger here. This got several plays and much video time from me. Let Me Ride is one of my all time favorites. Dre is one of the best producers ever. I love the incorporation of the P Funk music throughout the album. It showcases Dre's influences, and set him on his own path away from NWA. This is a 5.
Nirvana
5/5
What a great album and set! It was nice to see these guys do an acoustic live set. The best part of this, in my opinion, are the covers they chose. They were perfect. They did this in one take, too, I believe. Mistakes and all. This was such an amazing time in music. I love when I play Bowie's version of The Man Who Sold the World at trivia, people come up and ask me who is covering the Nirvana song, even though Kurt says "That was a David Bowie song." People are funny. I'm giving this a 5. Hard to pick a favorite. Probably Where Did You Sleep Last Night.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Ah, Andy hipped me to the folks. I work in AV, so I strongly dislike dirty projectors. I do like this band, though. I'm listening forward to hearing this again. Such an unorthodox and beautiful album. It's chaotic but digestible. I don't think there's another album like this, so I'll give them props for creating a unique piece of art here. I like the jazzy vocals and harmonies, and the offbeat music. The Bride was my favorite. 4.5
Bob Dylan
3/5
I have definitely never sat down and listened to Bob Dylan. What I have heard I did not like because of his voice. He is an excellent songwriter. Kind of a bluesy album here. Lyrically, this was good. The music was not my jam, but it was mellow and easy to put on on the background. His voice is godawful. I did enjoy Cold Irons Bound greatly, but not enough to give this one more than a 3.
3/5
Ah, the resurrection of the Beatles. They've been photographed more than Jesus Christ! The hit songs are catchy, but I was never really a fan. She's Electric was a deep cut that I liked. Overall, I'm not a fan of the vocals. He sounds like an annoying British guy yelling at me. Plus, their attitudes are bloody shite. 3.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Oh, this is the Son of a Preacher Man singer? Whoa. I'm not familiar with any other of her songs, but I like that one. Let's listen... Interesting mix of soul, lounge, and 60's easy listening. It's a pleasant enough album, but I wouldn't vibe this on a regular basis. Maybe kick back on a Sunday, drinking s scotch and watching the sunset. I liked The Windmills of Your Mind and No Easy Way Down. I'll give this a 3.5
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
I lived in Macon for awhile, and these guys are worshipped there. This is too jam-band for my liking. I like a few of their songs, Whipping Post being my favorite. That's a badass song. I don't like the extended jam live version though. I'm about 30 minutes from Statesboro, so I can relate to Statesboro Blues. Other than that, I recognize their talent, but I don't worship these guys. This gets a 3.
Pink Floyd
4/5
This is a nice follow up to Dark Side of the Moon. Super mellow and slow burning. Not my favorite Pink Floyd album, but it does have two of my favorites, Have a Cigar and the title track. I love the cover art. Normally, I'd give their albums a 5, but this gets a 4. The songs are too long, yet the album is too short. Not sure if that makes sense. I want more.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Catchy radio hits. I was completely turned off to this band because of how much I was forced to hear the same 2 songs over and over and over. Not a bad album, though. Revelry was my favorite deep cut. They're good at playing this style of music, and they are very good at writing catchy tunes. I don't mind the raspy vocals. I ain't as mad at this one as I thought I would be. 3.75.
Motörhead
4/5
I like opening with the title track. I sing this at karaoke, or I yell this, rather. It's such a badass song. I haven't listened to the rest of this album. Here we go! This album rocks! Just a constant driving rhythm and groove. It makes me want to snort some speed and drive really fast off a cliff. Dope! I can hear the influence in several 2000's Savannah metal bands, Baroness, Kylesa, and Bear Fight! Anyhoo, this was a nice jam worthy of a 4 spot.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
I probably shouldn't have followed up Imperial Triumphant's new album with this. This is filled with classic hits from a legend. Nothing to say about it but 4.
The Cure
4/5
Classic Cure. I was never a huge Cure fan, but I always like what I hear from them. This album is the sound I think of when I think of The Cure. Mellow, spacey, somber. There are some really great tunes on here, Lullaby being my favorite. While this album doesn't blow you away, it is in a league of its own for the style. 4.
Lou Reed
3/5
Whoever made this list has a clear bias for this type of music, because every album is somehow on this list. I get it. If it were my list, every 311 album would be on here, so I guess this person REALLY loves Lou Reed et al. Rant over. As usual, the music and lyrics are great, but the vocals are terrible. Almost painful to hear. The music pulled me through. My favorite on here was The Bed. His voice worked on that one, and the lyrics and haunting choral vocals at the end hit hard as fuck. Vocals bring this album down to a 3.
Prince
5/5
Easy 5. Generational talent, one of a kind, and best album by him. All I can say is, "Game, blouses."
The Beach Boys
4/5
My favorite from them! It has a different vibe than their previous albums. The title track is cool, but my favorite is Sloop John B. 4.
Metallica
4/5
This one got much play back in the day. My brother had the cassette. It was never really my favorite from them (I like their first 3 albums better), but I played the hell out of this. This is definitely a metal album made for mass adoption. It's an easily digestible album, and it won't blow anyone's head off, like their first couple albums. I always liked My Friend of Misery. This album still gets a 4 from me.
Norah Jones
3/5
This takes me back to my karaoke hosting days. Many of these songs were requested. This is pleasant music to the ears. Not something I ever sit around and listen to, unless I'm hosting trivia, of course, in which case I'm being paid to listen to it while drinking myself into oblivion. This is good music for that situation. The album is ok, and she has a great voice, but it doesn't move me. I'm giving this a 3.
Björk
5/5
This is a beautiful album with interesting, spacey string arrangements. Somewhat "back to normal" for Bjork after some pretty strange sounding albums before this one. I use strange to mean awesome. This one is a more somber album. Cool production here. All of her albums are a 5 to me. She is truly one of a kind. Three favorites are Lionsong, Family, and Notget.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Never heard of these blokes. I'm not hearing anything that would warrant being on a list of "must hear" albums. It isn't bad, but it isn't groundbreaking or special. I do like The Smiths vibe, and the violin solo on Was There Anything I Could Do? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is no. I would never intentionally play this again. I'll give this a 2.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Another Cohen! Another album with a guy talking to me over music. Again, good songwriter, nice deep voice, but I just get bored listening to this. I don't understand the appeal. Jazz Police was different and interesting. I'll give this a 2.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Great harmonies on this. Groovy hippie music. I like the song that goes, "Do do do do do, do do do do do do."
Frank Zappa
3/5
The king of weird. Peaches En Regalia is a great way to kick off the album, and is my favorite song on here. Zappa is a creature that stands alone in the world of music. I think many folks tried to imitate him, and that's okay in my opinion. Good album, but too short. 3.69.
Suede
3/5
This played in the background while I worked. Look, they are good at playing their instruments, and this was a pleasant enough album, but I found it largely a snoozefest. Just kind of basic with little flares here and there. We are the Pigs stood out. New Generation had a David Bowie vibe. Good production, but the songs are middle of the road for me. It did seem to get better as it went on, but I can't bring myself to give it more than a 3.
Kraftwerk
5/5
I guess these guys are the godfathers of electronic music? I love it! It isn't particularly awesome by today's standards, but in retrospect it is groundbreaking and was probably mind-blowing when it was released. This is the first of a genre and paved the way for countless groups, so for that it will get a 5 from me.
Hawkwind
4/5
A live album? I have a really difficult time getting into a band for the first time with a live performance. Typically, I need to be familiar with the music to be able to enjoy them live. The exceptions would be 2 Skinnee J's and Dial7. Those were bands that were introduced to me live, and I immediately got hooked. This performance sounds psychedelic and fun. I could imagine being stoned and enjoying this, but it isn't doing much for me while I'm at work. I'll need to give it a proper headphone listen. Cool, spacey noises, and driving rhythm. Lemmy was in this band, so that's nice, and they have a million albums. Apparently, they influenced several musicians I like. I guess it was groovy enough for a 4. Lord of Light was a favorite. The spoken word on The Black Corridor and 10 Seconds of Forever reminds me of something on FishHawk's 2010 album Spacehawk. If you haven't heard that album, I highly recommend it.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Nice rockin album with some classic hits. I was listening at work, then all of a sudden it was done and playing the auto play afterward. Good, but not great. 3
Adele
4/5
Strong voice. Solid music. Million Years Ago moved me the most. I can give this a 4.
Radiohead
5/5
YES! More nostalgia here. I love the opening track. This one really ventures into the electronic space and continues the separation from their early selves. I really like the atmospheric space on this album, especially on tracks 4 and 5. There's a sadness throughout the album that I feel, and that sadness warrants a 5.
Blondie
4/5
I know the hits, but nothing else. I'm liking the deep cuts, Fade Away and Radiate being a favorite. Great tack. I Know But I Don't Know is groovy, too. Several different styles blended together on this album. It's better than I thought it would be. Heart of Glass is an all-time great. This is a 4.1.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Whoa, I recognize song after song. I had no idea some of these were Fleetwood Mac. This is an album full of hits. Makes me want to boof some cocaine! I'm giving this a 5 for the amount of hits on here. Not too many albums can boast that. The Chain is my favorite.
CHIC
3/5
I thought this was just going to be a disco album all the way through, so I sniffed a bag of blow, put my roller skates on, and got ready to boogy. Savoir Faire threw me for a loop. Slow jam grooves. Great tune, and my favorite. Overall, the album was ok, with a couple of hit ones. Not enough to push it over the middle. 3.
Nirvana
5/5
I was definitely glued to MTV at this time, and this was a game changer. On the mainstream, music completely shifted from the previous decade because of this album, and there was an explosion of new bands getting signed and played on the radio trying to ride this wave. So many styles on here, and such a catchy album. It's dirty, sludgy, punk, rock, messy
clean, and beautiful. Every song is great. This album is a 5, no question about it.
New York Dolls
3/5
You can almost smell 70's New York in this music; moist concrete, rats, garbage, sewer steam and sex in the air. Has a gutter punk vibe. I like the piano on the opening track. I really don't like the vocals. It's like the worst part of the Rolling Stones amplified. It works for this music, but not for me. I can respect the influence the lads no doubt had on music to come. Lonely Planet Boy was cool. I'm a sucker for the sax. This is a fun enough album, but it's a 3 for me, dog.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
This is a cool album. It has a bit of that Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and Parliament vibe. I enjoyed it as background music while I worked, and a few songs piqued my interest. I give this a 3.5.
Happy Mondays
3/5
This will be a new one for me. Never heard of these blokes. This isn't bad, but I'm not blown away. The bass guitar is prominent in the mix on several songs. This kind of has some INXS, pre-Patton Faith No More, and general 80's vibe to it. Performance and Brain Dead were favorites. It was ok. 2.9 rounded up to 3.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
It's the Son of a Preacher Man lady, again! She's a very soulful white lassie. There are some good classic hits on here. 3.5 is what this gets. Summer is Over was a nice deep cut.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Didn't we already have a live Johnny Cash album on here? This one isn't as good as Folsom Prison, for which I gave a 4. This one gets a 3, because fuck San Quentin.
Mercury Rev
4/5
Another new one for me. It's Chewsday Innit? Indeed! Another Brit pop band, but this one sounds a bit different. A little like Flaming Lips. Nice orchestral arrangements. There's something strange about this album, and I like it. I'm glad I got to hear this, even though it isn't my jam. I can now say I heard Mercury Rev before I die, which will hopefully not be for another 50 years, at least. If not for this list, I would have never stumbled across these blokes. Opus 40 is a favorite on account of the whistling, and Hudson Line is great. The Funny Bird is my top favorite, though. It has a bit of everything. I'll give this a 3.9 rounded up to a 4 for its uniqueness.
Destiny's Child
3/5
Now, this album speaks to me. Especially such hits as Bootylicious, Nasty Girl, Sex Daddy, and Perfect Man. Beyonce has an amazing voice. The lyrics are repetitive at several points, which is a negative, but overall the vocals make up for it. 3.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Influential band right here. Pretty terrible vocals throughout the album, but there some gems on this one; Plateau, Aurora Borealis, Oh, Me and Lake of Fire. I'll give this a 4 for its Influence on some epic bands, and for its originality, but bring it back down to a 3 for its quality. Not too many bands sounded like this in the early 80's.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
YES! This one is special and will be a 5. It's one of a kind, really. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. is a favorite, as is Jacksonville. Too many favorites, Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day.
Interesting music and cool harmonies throughout the album. I love it!
Dire Straits
3/5
This one has the goods. Money for Nothing is what I need. Seriously, give me your money. The first three songs are Yacht rock classics. Unfortunately, after that it was pretty bland. I think they put all the bangers at the beginning. I'll give this a 3.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Hilarious cover art. I would like to have this framed and hung in my bedroom. Something about Marvin Gaye's music that just puts a smile on my face. Most of this sounds like standard Gaye, which is great, but Sparrow stood out to me. That was my favorite. Groovy album, 3.4.
50 Cent
2/5
God, I never wanted to hear this again. I had a roommate back in the day that played this on repeat for months. I like the first song with Eminem, and PIMP. Other than that, I just can't get into this album. I know Dre produced some of it, but I don't like 50's flows. Not my thing. 2
Pere Ubu
2/5
Never heard of this band. Outrageous vocals. Interesting music. This band, and the vocalist, clearly influenced Oxbow. Sounds like if Tunde from TV on the Radio took too much acid and smoked crack then tried to sing underwater. The vocals are too much for me to rate this higher than a 2.
Lauryn Hill
5/5
I will always respect Ms. Hill for her evasion of taxes, because fuck theft. That money was better spent on her children, than it was for drone bombing the middle east. Good for her for doing what was best for her family, and fuck the US government and the IRS for putting her in a cage for it. Anyhoo, this is a great album, with a bit of nostalgia. This came out my senior year, and it got much play. Doo Wop is a classic hit, but I like Final Hour. Good, uplifting lyrics, nice mix of soul and hip-hop. The music on When it Hurts So Bad is awesome, as are her vocals. Definitely my favorite. She has a great singing voice and flow. Really a complete artist. This album is a 5 in my ears.
Oasis
3/5
Dude, again? There are too many bands out there to have multiples of the same artist.. You can't deny the hits, but I don't like Oasis and I'm not going to start now, so I'll give this a 3.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Another funky, groovy album from Superfly Curtis Mayfield. This one is super mellow. I don't hear any"hits", per se, but as usual, Mayfield brings the mindful lyrics, soulful grooves, and smooth vocals. The final track was my favorite. Not his best album, so I'll give this a 3.
Guided By Voices
3/5
Very garage bandy sound on here. Short songs, and too many of them. It sounds like it was recorded in the 60's, so they're a few decades late with this sound. All that said, it isn't terrible, but it isn't necessarily moving either. Middle of the road. 3.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
Holy shit, 69 songs for real? Nice.I guess this is what I'm listening to today... It's cool a band did this, but this is not for me. It is 68 songs too many. I imagine if I were to inject heroin into my veins and pass out on the living room floor for the afternoon, this would be a good album to have playing in the background. OMG, I'm going to lunch and it's still playing... I am glad I can mark this off the list, never to revisit it again. Track 22 was a favorite, Sweet-Lovin' Man. Kind of a 60's throwback. This album has some ok songs, followed by some of the worst songs I've ever heard. It ebbs and flows, which would happen when you have 69 songs on an album. Thank Buddha, it's over. I'm giving this a 2.
Elvis Costello
2/5
This is the third Elvis Costello on this list? Geez... I had a hard time getting through this one with any sort of enthusiasm. It sounded like I had heard it before, and I had no desire to hear it again. I found myself getting annoyed by his voice. This is a 2 from me.
Nirvana
4/5
This one is good, but it hits differently than Nevermind. I didn't get into this as much, and I'm not sure why. I would've loved to have heard another album from them, but it wasn't meant to be. Fun fact, The Prodigy samples the opening guitar on Very Ape for their song Voodoo People on Music for the Jilted Generation. Give it a listen. Anyhoo, this album is a 4 for me.
Portishead
4/5
I like Dummy, but I have never listened to anything from Portishead after that one. This is sounding great so far (a couple of songs in). Mellow trip hop with intermittent electronic intersections. I really enjoy this album. It's great to have on while I work. With the exception of Deep Water, every song was wonderful. This gets a 4.
Solomon Burke
3/5
I see this guy has a huge Australian following. Interesting. I hear a few different styles on here. Definitely a bit of gospel, soul, and blues. My favorite is You Can't Love 'Em All. There's so much going on in that one. This was easy on the ears. I'll give it a 3.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
There's something oddly familiar with this, though I've never heard it before. There's a bit of The Cure meets shoegaze. Interesting and mellow. Wolf in the Breast moved me the most. This album is a 3. It's good, but not crazy good. Definitely glad it was on here, though.
Van Halen
5/5
Killer album. Legendary guitarist. Cocaine fueled madman singing. Some great tunes on here. All the hits are my favorites, along with Eruption. This is a perfect wave goodbye to the 70's and a friendly how-ya'-doin to the 80's. I'm giving this a 5.
Portishead
4/5
Ah, nostalgic 90's trip hop. I LOVE IT! Sour Times is a classic, as is Wondering Star. Buscuit is the favorite for me. Such a dope album. 4.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
I've mentioned it several times already, I'm not a huge fan of the Rolling Stones. This album, however, has some great tracks, and some of my favorites from them. I didn't even know Can't You Hear Me Knocking was a Stones song, and I love that one. This is a great album, and his voice isn't as annoying on this one. I'm going out on a limb and giving this a 5. It has multiple styles, less of the annoying vocals, and several hit tracks. Maybe one day these guys will turn out to be something... one day...
Björk
5/5
YES YES YES!!! Probably my favorite from her, although that is a tough call. Every song is a 5, but Pagan Poetry is the best. Easy 5.
k.d. lang
4/5
First time hearing this album. I LOVED track 2. Actually, as I'm listening, it's all great. Super mellow, great songwriting, good singing, pretty harmonies. Oh, this is the Constant Craving album, lol. I had no idea. Wonderful album start to finish. So It Shall Be is another one I enjoyed. I'll give this a 4.
Pink Floyd
4/5
This is a loooong one! I think they hit the nail on the head choosing the singles from this album. Those are the best songs. Some of the deep cuts are good: The Show Must Go On, Mother, and Goodbye Blue Sky. Great set of albums, but a bit too long for me. I'll still give this a 4.
John Lennon
3/5
Oh, cool, Yoko Ono's husband. Hopefully his music is half as good as her singing.... A lot of blues on this. Imagine that! While it seemed there was much going on, I just didn't get into this. Maybe, one day he'll make a good album. I liked Harrison's All Things Must Pass better than this. I also am a huge fan of Sean Lennon, so John gave us that, and The Beatles are great together, though. This album is a 3.
Rush
5/5
Already better than the last Rush album we had. This one fucks. 5
The Sonics
3/5
This was a rocking good time. I had already pit a couple of these songs on a 60's playlist, but I hadn't listened to the whole album yet. Are some of these covers? We'll, it jammed. I'll give this a 3.
Joe Ely
3/5
I like to think I am a fan of classic country, but I haven't heard of this guy, so I question what I actually know. Maybe, I'm more of a Honky than I am a Tonker. This is solid classic country. It has a place, for sure. Good lyrics, nice music. I would rarely ride around vibing this, but I like it. I'll Be Your Fool is a good one. I'll give this a 3. I just check his other stuff out, and his 1977 album is baller.
The Police
3/5
When are going to defund these bastards!? This one played in the work background. It was not unpleasant.
R.E.M.
3/5
I guess we're going to have all of REM's albums on this list? This, at least, has my favorite song from them, Orange Crush. I Remember California turned out to be good, too. This is a 3.
Tori Amos
3/5
This was pleasant to the ears. Not really my jam, but I like it. I like the beautiful singing and piano. Little Earthquakes was DOPE! I'll give this a 3.
Kings of Leon
2/5
I'm sorry, I'm not a fan. I don't believe there should be a second Kings of Leon album on this list. Again, they are good at their instruments. Solid album, but I just don't vibe with their style. It isn't for me, but it doesn't have to be. They are successful for a reason. This album was going to get a 3, but track 9 dropped it to a 2.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Aww, a day after Brian Wilson passed.. RIP. This is a heckin' good time. Every time I hears these fellas, it puts a smile on my face. Good classics on here. Please Let Me Wonder was a favorite that I hadn't heard before. It's a fun album, but middle of the road for them. 3.
Cat Stevens
3/5
I'm familiar with the name, but I can't say I recall listening to one of his albums. Holy crap! Wild World is his song?? Right on. I like this original version. I always am amazed how bands put out multiple albums in the same year back in the day. I love the strings on Sad Lisa. There's a bit of a Genesis vibe on his vocals, and I can tell this influenced Billy Joel, as well. Especially, on Miles From Nowhere. This is a solid album, but it's only a 3 from me, because it isn't something I'll ever search out to listen to again. The crazy thing is when this was over, my next cued up song was Aerodynamic by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and it flowed perfectly. Oh, baby baby, it's a Wild World, I tell ya.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
This has some classics and a fair amount of nostalgia. My sister was going through a tough relationship when this came out, and she had seen Alanis at the Masquerade before she blew up. This album was big for her during this time. I can't really relate to it, but it's a solid album. 3.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
I don't have any thoughts on this one. It played while I worked, and it largely went unnoticed. I guess I wasn't in the mood. 2
Barry Adamson
3/5
Ah, this dude was on the Lost Highway soundtrack. That was a great album. I like the trip hop vibe on Something Wicked This Way Comes. This is a sufficiently weird album, and I like it. Miles and Dirty Barry were my favorites. 3.
Julian Cope
2/5
I did not like this album. Safesurfer had some interesting stuff going on, as did You.... Not a fan of the vocals, or the music for the most part. 2
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Funky. Innovative. Dope. Hints of Parliament on the funk side, but much jazzier. Only 4 songs, but 41.5 minutes. Bang for the buck. I love the funk-jazz mix!! It's probably one of my favorite things. I'm giving this a 4.
Radiohead
5/5
One of my favorites from them. Instantly takes me back. I'll just go ahead and give this a 5.
Primal Scream
3/5
This sounds like some early 90's heroin music. Not really my vibe.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
I like some 50's Monk. This has Sonny Rollins of Rollins Band, I believe... I'm a liar, don't listen to me. Monk is the embodiment of jazz on the piano. He's all over the place, but it works. These guys play well together. I like some of his later stuff better, like Monk's Dream and Monk., but this is a good one. A nice loungy jam session. I like this music, so it gets a 4.
Solange
3/5
I am somehow following this artist already on Spotify. I don't recall when or why, but I'm excited to find out the why. Ah, it was the Don't Touch My Hair song. I liked it. I'm not a fan of Lil Wayne, so I could do without that song, but overall, I like the music on the album. Solange's voice is good. This isn't a particularly moving album, but it's chill and groovy. Junie was a favorite. This was a 3 for me.
Judas Priest
3/5
Classic 80's metal. Solid, heavy grooves. Breaking the Law is the best. This is still a 3 for me.
Ray Charles
4/5
I'll be damned if this doesn't put a smile on my face. It was interesting to hear these songs from this perspective. There was a feeling of listening to gospel songs in church. It was a nice listen. I'll give this a 4 just for Ray doing a bang up job on some country songs.
David Bowie
4/5
Bowie does it with every album. This one doesn't have any of the "hits" with which I'm familiar, but the title track and Cracked Actor are favorites here. I like the group singing and piano on Time. Seems like a Beatles-esq album, mostly, with a little Elton John/Billy Joel. I hear a definite influence on Daniel Johns from Silverchair. Let's Spend the Night Together was banging! Love it. I'll give this a 4.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
This is alright. Sounds a bit like an amped up REM. Not really something I'd listen to all the time. Good guitar work at parts. Friend, You've Got to Fall was a favorite. 3 overall.
Talking Heads
4/5
Whoa, Crosseyed and Painless sounds like a Friendly Fires song. I would've never put this band as an influence on them. I guess I've never heard this album, so... I normally don't vibe this guy's voice, but it's working on here. I take it track 6 is written as a nod to 19th-century French economist, Frédéric Bastiat, who penned the 1850 essay, "What is Seen and What is Not Seen." One can hope.. This was a groovy album, and I'll give it a 4.
Charles Mingus
5/5
Man, I fucking love this music. It's my favorite type of jazz. Track B was the jam. I will be listening to more of this gentleman. This is a 5 from me.
The Band
3/5
Oh, this is "The Band" who wrote the song "The Weight"? I like that one. This is a pretty chill album. A mash of styles, kind of a chiller CCR. Decent album I could hear on a boat, or at a family picnic, or something. Not really something I'd listen to on the regular, but I'll give it a 3.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Hey, this is the Somebody That I Used to Know guy... Uhhhh, wait.. I'm really digging the music on this. Pleasant vocals and we'll crafted music. It's more on the lighter, pop side, so not necessarily the style I love, but I'm not mad at it. Kind of has a Scott Weiland voice at times, and a slight Sean Lennon vibe. I'll give this a 4.
The Damned
3/5
This was a cool album. I wouldn't really consider this punk, and I thought with their name it would be heavier, but it wasn't bad. Still, not enough to get over the 3 mark. Noise, Noise, Noise was a favorite.
Travis
3/5
This wasn't terrible, but it was pretty boring. It was preferable to the music playing at my office today, though. This has a similar vibe to, yet not nearly as good as, Keane. Nothing stood out or moved me. 3.
Jethro Tull
3/5
There really isn't another band like Jethro Tull. I like the softer music with heavy metal grooves. The flute is always a plus. This was a decent album, but I can't go over 3 on it.
Neil Young
5/5
This, in my opinion, is his best album. So many great tunes on here. I could name them, but it's track 1 through 10. The Needle and the Damage Done is the best. I'm really not a Neil Young fan, but I can't deny this one. This gets a 5.
The Roots
4/5
Oh, this has The Seed. I heard that many times. This is a great group. I liked Things Fall Apart, and really their first three albums, but I never really listened to anything after that. I love the music on this. It's different at points than other hip hop acts. The lyrics are good, as usual. Break You Off is a favorite. 4.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
Whoa, this one is crazy. I had to crank it up to hear it properly. These blokes are going apeshit on their instruments. Sounds like some Mars Volta. I love it. I'm giving this a 4.
Lucinda Williams
2/5
I am not in the mood for this one. To follow Emerson, Lake, and Palmer with this is a travesty. I actually did not like this at any point in the album. I was happy when it ended. I didn't like the boring music, or her voice. I found myself getting more anxious as the album went on. I kept checking to see when it was going to be over, and I was disappointed every time until it was finally over. Lyrics were well written, so that will take this to a 2. Sorry, it just wasn't for me, and not on this day.
David Bowie
3/5
Haven't heard this one! He has such a huge catalog. Super head-bobby at the start. I like the grooves. Oh, I recognize Golden Years. That's definitely the best song on here. This album is too short, so I'll give it a 3.
The Clash
3/5
This is more punk than some of the other albums I've heard from The Clash. I've never really considered them punk, because they incorporate so many different styles, but this one fits the bill. I recognize some of these songs from a Clash tribute album (Burning London) I had in my teenage years. Silverchair did London's Burning. Good stuff. This was pretty good, but I like their later albums better. 3
Stereo MC's
4/5
Well, there is a good bit of nostalgia with Connected. I forgot about Step it Up, too. Other than those, I had never heard this album. It's groovy early 90's dance and British hip pop. Cool music, nice raps. Repetitive, but smooth. I would be fine listening to this every so often. 4.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Oh, man. The day after the Prince of Darkness passes... Was this just a coincidence? Just some good, classic stoner metal here. A few psychedelic guitar leads mixed in. Then, you get to Changes, which isn't metal in the least, more of a soul song. I guess it's kind of metal to put a soul song on a metal album... FX is cool. Just having fun in the studio type shit. Perfect song title for Laguna Sunrise. Matches the music, which also isn't metal. This album broadens their horizons, showing they not only rock, but are also able to roll. This album is a 5.
Korn
3/5
In my opinion, this was their last good album. Their first was the best. There was nothing like it, and they could never recreate that raw emotion. That being said, this got several spins back in the day. It has better production. This takes me back to senior year. I saw them a couple times the year before this came out, and they killed it live. Really, listening to this makes me want to listen to their first album. This is still pretty good. It just feels like it has a commercialized darkness, instead of the truly terrifying darkness of the first album. Regardless, this has some bangers, and I'll give this a 3.5.
The Strokes
2/5
I never got into this band. I guess we'll see what old man me thinks.. Yep, I remember the Last Nite song. Hard To Explain was ok. This just doesn't get my loins moist. 2.5.
Green Day
4/5
Well, the title track has rang true every day since they wrote it. I kind of feel that the title is redundant. I like the double songs. This is a pleasant, well produced album. I'm still a bigger fan of their first few albums, but this one is solid. Some catchy tunes on here. 4
Nico
3/5
This is some good hippy shit. She has a bassy voice, but it works. I prefer Joni Mitchell's voice and music, but Nico is gangster. Winter Song was nice and different. I like the strange string arrangements on here. Pretty good album, but not more than a 3.5
Dolly Parton
4/5
I can honestly say I've never listened to a Dolly Parton album. I have seen the movie 9 to 5 and heard the title track, and I've heard a few songs from her from time to time. This will be a first complete album listen. Wow, what a great country voice! Really old school country, which is my favorite. Good storytelling. I like the vibrato on her voice. Gospel Hymns vibe on My Blue Tears, reminds me of childhood. I like the short song format, most songs under 3 minutes. They pack a punch. I enjoyed this enough to give her catalog a listen. 4
Alice In Chains
5/5
YES! They kick your ass from the start of the opening track. I was an MTV kid around this time, so that was my first into to this band. My sister was into 80's hair metal, so this came along and ran that shit away. I love the odd harmonies and the heavy, sludgy, grimey music. Dirt is a great name for this album, because it's dirty. There isn't another band like these guys, save Soundgarden maybe. Both killer bands. Rain When I Die is fucking hard and beautiful. This is a 5, easy. The worst thing about this album is the band God Smack got their name from the song God Smack. That band sucks. That song is great.
Beck
5/5
I already know this is a 5, and I can't wait to listen to this again. Man, I love a good breakup album. Beck does a great job releasing the sorrow on this one, and I've sobbed several times listening to this in the past. Too many good ones for me to name a favorite. Probably, Lonesome Tears. Fantastic album.
The Zombies
4/5
I those these folks would sound like The Cranberries for some reason...This has a very Beach Boys vibe. I'm not mad. This is actually a cool album. I love the music and vocals. I'll give this sucker a 4, and I'll listen to their other albums.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
70's industrial music. It's definitely different for that time, and now I would say. I'm not a huge fan of industrial, and this is rough around the edges. I give props for being different and creating something unique, but I can't go past a 2 here. Difficult to digest. I like later groups, no doubt influenced by this group, but I probably won't listen to this again.
Gang Starr
4/5
Important, influential, iconic. This is early 90's thought provoking hip-hop. Guru and DJ Premier kick open the door and put on a clinic with this debut. I absolutely love the music on this album. Premier is a beast. 4
Morrissey
3/5
I'm not sure I like the music on that first track. 2nd one was ok. This just isn't The Smiths, so I'm uncomfortable listening to this. Late Night. Maudlin Street was nice, though. Cool music on that one and Suedehead. This got better as it went on. Imma give it a 3.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
I am tired of hearing this guy's voice. Are we going to have his entire catalog on this list? The music is ok on this one. 2
Prince
4/5
This has several good hits. Not my favorite one from Prince, but it's got a nice mix of funk and groove. Giving this one a 4.
The Associates
3/5
Interesting. A bit of a David Bowie vibe, vocally. Also, like Nick from FishHawk. Schizophrenic music. I like that. I actually enjoyed this whole album. Having never heard them before, I'll check out their other albums. 3
ZZ Top
3/5
These guys fuck! Especially, their beards. Ultimate dad rock. Just constant driving rhythm and guitar riffs. Kind of like AC/DC, but the singer doesn't sound like he needs to take a shit. This would actually make really good jazzersise music. It makes me want to snort some blow. ZZ Top is tolerable for a song or two every once in a while, but a whole album is too much for me. I think it's just the same drums and constant guitar leads. I get it. It's a 3 from me.
The KLF
3/5
Madrugada Eterna was cool. Decent early 90's techno groove music. Nothing groundbreaking here compared to other techno of the same era. 3.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I have never listened to this album. I listened extensively to Funeral, to the point where I never wanted to hear another Arcade Fire song. It has been a couple of decades, so I think this will be ok. I immediately am interested after hearing the first song. I'm rather enjoying this album. It takes me back, just their sound and vocals, to my mid to late 20's. Kind of strange getting nostalgia for something you've never heard. Anyhoo, this is a well produced album, or at least better than the one before it, and I'm glad I heard it. I'll give this a 4.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not really my jam. How old was he on this? He sounds like a grandpa. He's one of the great songwriters, but I don't get into this type of folk music. Plus, I don't like his voice. I'll give this a 3.75 out of respect for him. I also liked Masters of War greatly. Fuck war, and fuck the psychopaths that instigate, support and perpetuate war.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Great, mellow album. Oh, Our House is their song? I enjoy this kind of music with all the harmonizing vocal layers. Country Girl was a favorite. It doesn't blow me away, but it's a nice album. 3.5
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Well, this album is no Chinese Democracy... Seriously, though, this is a legendary banger. So many hits on this debut album. I remember all these videos like yesterday. I eventually grew to make fun of these guys, but there is a great deal of nostalgia from this album to the Use Your Illusion albums. This is an iconic debut album for a band. I give this a 5.
Bobby Womack
4/5
I love Bobby Womack! This album is a first listen for me. I can tell it was recorded in the 80's. It's a funky album, and whoever is playing bass is killing it. Stand Up has a Rick James vibe to it. Lay Your Lovin' On Me got me moist. If You Think You're Lonely Now is a classic, and I actually have heard that one. Didn't know it was from this album. It's my favorite on here. 4.
Fleet Foxes
5/5
Boy, I love this one. As with many of the albums I love, I can thank Andy for hipping me to it. I had never been a folk music guy, but this slapped me in the face and got me listening. I like the atmospheric vocals. Great album. Favorites are Tiger Mountain Peasant Song and Blue Ridge Mountains. This album is a 5 to me.
Beatles
4/5
This album, at least to me, begins their journey out of the "g-golly, aw shucks" wholesome, innocent Beatles of their previous albums. It still has some, but you can tell it's a stepping stone toward Revolver. There are some of my favorite Beatles songs on here: Norwegian Wood, Think for Yourself, and Michelle. Most songs are under 3 minutes, like previous albums. Short, to the point. Good music, great harmonies. Not their best album, so maybe a 4 from me.
Red Snapper
3/5
Interesting trip hop, and I have never heard of these guys. I guess I was out of the game around this time, but I still should've heard their previous albums because that's when I was in the game. Although, trip hop isn't something I listen to often, I did enjoy this one. Don't Go Nowhere was a favorite. Good night driving music. Good grooves. I'll give this a 3.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Far out, man. I can taste colors on this one. Looks like these guys were pioneers in psychedelic music, before the CIA opened up shop in San Francisco for their big social experiment handing out candy to the hippies. You can hear the drugs coursing through their veins. This is cool psychedelic that I've never heard before. The vocals sound too much like Mick Jagger for me to really like. I thought Splash One and You Don't Know were good ones. I'll give it a 3.
Kid Rock
4/5
Oh, I haven't heard this album since, well, 1998. This one had the height-disadvantaged gentleperson on the album. I miss him. I like how he tells you his name at the beginning of the first song. I have a sneaking suspicion that Kid Rock isn't his real name, though. He does mention his name throughout the album, just in case you forget who you're listening to. Cowboy shows some versatility. The title track has an old school vibe that's pretty dope, and even has a slight Too Short sound for a second. That's probably my favorite song on here. I see he toured with Too Short early in his career, so that makes sense. I would say this is his best album, but I haven't listened to any of his other albums, so there's that. Look, I think Kid Rock is generally an asshat, but he is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, and he worked his ass off throughout his career. Mad respect. I really like the old school rap vibes and the blend of styles on this album, plus Eminem has a cameo. I'll give this a 4 for all that. I refuse to listen to any of his country albums, though.
Miles Davis
4/5
What a cast! I love Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea. John McLaughlin, and of course Miles. I'm not sure who the rest of the guys are, but it works.The title track is dope! Uber long songs, perfect for a psychedelic listen. I like the journey on Spanish Key. Long jam session on this album. Miles Runs the Voodoo Down is a change of pace, and Sanctuary takes it back to an earlier Miles sound. Groovy album with a stellar ensemble. 4
Metallica
3/5
Hey, this has that One song on it!! The title track is a bit different of a vibe than many of songs on previous albums. The drum sound gets on my nerves on this. Not sure I really noticed that before. It's not that I can't hear it, but it just sounds strange to me. Might be the guy playing.. I don't find this nearly as awesome as the previous three. There are some killer riffs in it, so I'll give it a 3.
XTC
4/5
I've always liked Making Plans for Nigel, but for some reason have never listened to anything else from these blokes. I'm really enjoying this album, and now I'm interested in hearing the rest of their catalog. This is a quirky, yet palatable album. No doubt, this is a unique sounding album for 1986. Great instrumentation and cool vocals. Ballet For A Rainy Day stood out to me. It had it all, and I liked how it flowed into the next song, which was a nice song with strings. Season Cycle sounds like a Self song. Hell, so does the next song. I can hear their influence on Mahaffey. This was such a wonderful album. I'm having a difficult time finding anything wrong with it, and it aroused my sensibilities throughout. I guess the first couple of songs weren't as good as the rest of the album, so I'm giving this a 4.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
I'm not well versed on Brazilian music. I enjoy Seu Jorge, but that's as far as I've listened. I love latin music in general. This album sounds mellow. It was pretty good, but I wasn't blown away. The last two songs were my favorite, Ave Maria and Eles. I wasn't completely turned off, so I'll listen to a few more albums from him. This one is a 3 from me.
The Smiths
3/5
We have another The Smiths album! Their albums all sound the same to me, which is fine. You could probably just put all their songs on one album and nobody would know. I like The Smiths, so it's a pleasant listen. I'm of the opinion you only need one The Smiths album on this list, and that would cover it. Maybe this list should be 1001 Bands To Listen To Before You Die. 3
Massive Attack
4/5
Trip-hop icons. We've had a few of these trip-hop albums on this list. Sure beats Elvis Costello... My favorite on here is Blue Lines. Sounds like it could be on a Digable Planets album, plus it has Tricky, who I saw live in 97. 4
The Cure
3/5
I'm not one who knows The Cure backwards and forwards, but I'm aware of, and enjoy, many of their songs. This album starts out with a driving, atmospheric darkness that I absolutely LOVE! The first couple of songs and A Strange Day ended up being my favorites. Overall, I think the songs were repetitive, but cool. I give this one a 3.5
PJ Harvey
4/5
Debut album? This has a very 1992 sound on the music. Even though I have never heard this album, it oddly sounds familiar. I have to say, I think Happy and Bleeding is my new favorite PJ Harvey song. Hair, Joe, and Fountain were also killer. Great album! 4.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Interesting album. I'd never heard of these folks. Again, folk isn't something I listen to often, but this has a slightly different vibe. I LOVED Autopsy. Added to my ole Chill playlist. The singer sounds like Joni Mitchell at times. This was actually a fantastic album. Glad I heard it, and will be listening to others from them. 4
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Like Rancid and Reel Big Fish had a baby who had Elvis Costello's voice. It's alright. I appreciate the horns. If it has horns, I'd prefer The Urge or Fishbone. I'll give this a 3.
Talking Heads
3/5
I like the music on here, but his voice gets on my nerves. This is a quirky album. I thought Remain in Light was way better. This one just hit me on the wrong day. 3 for the music.
Fats Domino
3/5
Blueberry Hill!!! Great tune. Blue Monday, apropos song for today. This is a nice 50's album. I'd like to think I would've jammed this back in the day. Although, I normally don't favor blues, I liked Reeling and Rocking the most after Blueberry Hill. Overall, most songs had the same swinging rhythm, so that took away from my rating. I'll give this a 3.
Tom Waits
3/5
I bet this guy smokes. I normally wouldn't go for an album like this, but this wasn't bad. Interesting stories and a bit of comedy. Many of the references I wouldn't get, because I didn't live in NYC in the mid 70's. I did get the Bowery Ballroom reference, because I saw Mineral play there. I'm still not a huge Tom Waits fan, but I give this a 3. It was a fun listen.
Tom Waits
2/5
Not another one.. I find myself getting annoyed with his voice. I like him as a person, and actor, and I respect him. I just don't dig his albums. It's not him, it's me. I suck. 2.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I didn't think I had heard of this artist, but I vaguely recognized the opening track. I didn't recognize anything else. Love the music on this!! Afraid 2 Fly and All I Ever were favorites. Not typically something I would listen to, but i enjoyed it. 3.5
Louis Prima
4/5
It's cool this guy covered David Lee Roth... Man, this is a banger for the 50's! I'm not sure if these were originals or covers, but I think several of these have been covered. This was a fun album, worthy of a 4.
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
Seems like some standard lounge jazz with a bit of improv, especially on the bass. This didn't really move me at any particular point. It was nice background music.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
I'm not sure why this one is on the list. Pretty run-of-the-mill 80's jams. Buffalo Stance brings back memories. Manchild was pretty good. This reminds me of the skating rink in the 80's. I'll give this a 2.
a-ha
3/5
Nothing brings more nostalgia than this opening song. Great tune, great music video. Really takes me right back to a time and place. That being said, this is my first listen through this album. It ended up being a groovy, dancie 80's Eurovision style album. Cool synth vibes, but nothing like Take On Me. That was clearly their hit on this album. I'm interested to listen to some of the newer albums to see how they grew after their early success. This album is a 3. The first song is a 5.
The Fall
2/5
The Fall was a great TV series. I can't say I recall hearing the group. This music and vocals are not for me. It's A Curse was ok, but the vocals ruin it. This album is a big ole 2.
4/5
Classics on here with Starman and Ziggy Stardust. I love the vibe on this album. Music, vocals, lyrics, the whole shebang. Not his best album, but definitely a 4.
Depeche Mode
5/5
This is a 5 before it even plays. This is a perfect album for 1990, as it transitions the decades with its sound. It's filled with outstanding songs, like World In My Eyes, Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence, and Policy of Truth. The whole damn album is a hit. Perfection.
Tim Buckley
4/5
No man can find the war? Hell, which one? Kind of hippyish, this album. Really good vocals. Nice songwriting. I'm not totally into the folky stuff, but occasionally, I am. This has its place. The music was ok for me, but the vocals take it to a 4.
4/5
Last time I heard this was when I drove through Joshua Tree. I'm sure that's a thing. I'm not a crazy U2 fan, but one cannot deny the hits on this mamajama. For that, I will give this album a 4.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Well, this takes me back to my first marriage. This album got overplayed when we began dating. It wasn't what I was into, but I endured because she liked it. Eventually, it grew on me. Didn't think I would listen to this again. There's something different about this band. They aren't like a corporate cutout, but they aren't super "indie" either. Just good ole mature music for adults who don't like to blow their ears out ti heavy music. Kind of folky, but not folk music. Neighborhood 3 and Wake Up were always favorites. This album is a good 4 for me.
David Bowie
5/5
Wow, what a perfect ending to a legendary career and life! I love the almost 10 minute opener. Probably my favorite behind Lazarus, which brought a tear to my eye watching the video after Bowie passed. This album has a Peter Gabriel vibe to it, and I'm here for it. Girl Loves Me is another favorite. There's a darkness to Blackstar. Bowie ends with a 5 from me.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Wow, these folks have been at it a long time. I've heard a couple of songs from them, but haven't heard anything else. I immediately hear their influence in several bands I like. I hear At the Drive-In, Nirvana, and Frodus, among others. Is this considered post-punk? Good stuff, whatever it's called. This album was a banger. 5
Sepultura
5/5
Ah, high school. Max's vocals are psychotic. Attitude is hard. Ratamahatta was always a favorite. I don't know what the fuck he's saying, but I love it. Kind of a Brazilian Jonathan Davis. This has such a 90's hard-core vibe, it's awesome. Tribal sounding throughout. This will always be a 5.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
This album sounded repetitive and boring to me. She does have a nice voice. It isn't for me, though. 2
Eagles
3/5
I like the two hit songs on this one, but the rest is kind of bland. Their greatest hits album is really good. This is a 3.
Miles Davis
4/5
Great cast on this one. So What is a nice, smooth intro. This is just a mellow album overall. Just lounging at a pool hall on a Monday evening on the first two songs. Blue in Green is definitely my vibe. Bosch coming home and having a scotch after a long day of busting criminals. It's probably my favorite flavor of jazz. I thought the album was too short, so I'll go with a 4.
Ravi Shankar
4/5
Cool. Heard about this guy, first listen. I love the music lesson at the beginning! This is excellent music to listen while working. Gets you in a trance state. The last song was no frills. Well, maybe some frills, but my favorite. You know I love frills. This album is a 4 to 5.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
This singer has a cool first name, but his voice got on my nerves. Seems like they missed their place in the 60's. I Wanna Sleep In Your Arms was a favorite, but this is a 3 to me. Not really my jam.
AC/DC
4/5
Why's this guy yelling at me!!? Honestly, I've never been a huge fan of these guys, but Back In Black is a hell of a rocking tune. This gets a 4.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
This one has had several spins on my record player. Why not one more!? The album changes vibes halfway through. It's a nice Cuban sound throughout. I love it. 4
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It's another Stones album. 3
The Stooges
3/5
I like how they let you know what year it is when the album starts. He repeats it a bunch, so I'm not sure if he's reminding the listener, or if he keeps forgetting what year it is. This seems pretty noisy for the times. 1969, that is. Track 3 should be called We Will Fall Asleep. I just don't like this. It's too repetitive. The music is alright, and I imagine it was cool when it came out. Just isn't for me. 3
Sepultura
4/5
This one is more or less like a Metallica album. I feel like Sepultura came into their own later on with the tribal sound. That being said, it's heavy as fuck, and worthy of a 4.
Carpenters
4/5
Pleasant album, perfectly sandwiched between Sepultura and Metallica... Reminds me of a Mr. Bungle concert when they go from melting faces to playing What the World Needs is Love, then back to face melting. This is a 4.
Metallica
4/5
Ah, the last great Metallica album. This one rocks hard front to back. I love that it got revived for a new generation with the Stranger Things play. Such a great album. 5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Groovy album. It gave me a but of energy early in the morning. I liked the weirdness of Too Shy To Say. Too busy to write a solid review (not like I do that anyway). This is a 4.
Robbie Williams
3/5
Never heard of this guy. At first listen, or on the first song, it definitely sounds produced and like a watered down Oasis. However, as the album plays, I'm impressed by the range of musical styles. None of it is in a style that I really like, personally, but it's a good album. I'll give it a 3.5
Donovan
3/5
I like the first few songs here, then it trails off the path. Bert's Blues was also cool. I added some of these to my 60's Playlist. I'll give this a 3 overall.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
This was an interesting album. While it's cool that there's a blues element, I just don't like blues. This seemed a bit repetitive, too. That being said, this was a fun listen. I'll give it a 4.
Steve Earle
2/5
This isn't a terrible album, but it isn't one I enjoyed. With a name like Guitar Town, I thought there would be some standout guitar, but it was pretty bland. His voice sounds too much like a country version of Elvis Costello, so basically two things I don't love. This is a 2.
The Kinks
4/5
These guys sound like a cooler Beatles. I definitely relate to Too Much on My Mind. Good stuff. This is a 4 for some early 60's jams.
Pentangle
4/5
What is this?? Folky, jazzy, jams. I'm digging this. Sounds like Ravi Shankar is riding the snake. I love the acoustic instruments. It's far out, man. This kind of sounds like they were in a cult. A hippy cult. I'm in! This is a 4.