Could not finish. Ugh, that baby girl voice. Bland 90s music with saccharine vocals. Had to listen to some Joplin to wash this out.

A lot of nostalgia listening to this album. I was never a huge fan of the Smiths in the 80s but they were mixed in with the new wave stuff I was listening to at the time. I used to think they were depressing and whiny, but now I found the lyrics hilarious and the guitar relaxing. Not sure about the whole album, but there are three songs that resonate - Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Boy with the Thorn in His Side, and There is a Light That Never Goes Out. Ironically, one of these songs is on a Viridian Spotify Playlist.

Rating this album is like rating a type of beer I don't like (Ciders). It may be well crafted, but not to my taste. I did enjoy the first song BE "The present is a gift and I just wanna BE"

Some of these songs were played to death on the radio when I was a kid. But listening to the album now there is a deeper appreciation for the music and lyrics (except Mother which was quickly fast-forwarded). The Police have their own iconic sound. Ironically, one of the songs on this album were included in the PowSab Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00gGuI2RcApWVfDTCzIRh4?si=MUKSoV4VSlSTVCFAcHTKIA&pt=653dea9fae1afd0e38b5eb7351917b59&pi=b0yq1wnORq-46

Until about a week and a half ago I had never heard of Nick Drake. However I was reading a book "The Quiet Room" (sequel to "Rabbits") which is a multi-reality mind bending book about coincidences and it had an "End of the World Playlist". One of the songs was Nick Drake "Hazey Jane II". So I looked it up on Spotify, found it a strange choice, and since then, Spotify in it's algorithmic glory has been inserting Nick Drake (and Donovan?) songs into my recommendations. That this Nick Drake album showed up in the album a day is an interesting coincidence that fits the theme of "The Quiet Room". OK, this review isn't about Terry Mile's books, but the album. I enjoyed two of the songs "One of These Things First" and "Poor Boy" mostly because of the piano and the jazziness. The rest of the album felt like something you would listen to if you had a hangover. A hangover from the entire decade of the 60s.... I think I'd enjoy Nick Drake more if his songs are heard in between some more upbeat music, but an entire album at once was kinda sad. On a cerebral level the album is good, but it doesn't feel really good to listen to it. 2.5 stars.

I wanted to like this album more because it's The Beatles. Maybe it was a groundbreaking album at the time.... The later albums are so much better IMO. * It may be true that all you need is love, but do all the songs need to be about love? I love her, she loves me, can't buy it, love to love you, love to hold your hand, need to love, love ad nauseam. * John Lennon's voice is and was amazing.

It's atmospheric and background mood music to listen to while your mind is engaged with something more interesting, like a movie or D&D session. Flugufreisarinn stood out. The lyrics translated to English opened up more interest. First time listening to this album.

I've never listened to Leonard Cohen before, although apparently I have heard many covers of his songs. Didn't expect to like the album but between the deep crooner voice, lyrics that made you go "wait, what?", the cheesy 80s sounds and background singers that didn't quite fit the vibes, it was fun weird listen. Tower of Song, Take This Waltz made for a better rating. 3.5 stars

If all the songs were as good as the first one, "Love is a Stranger", this would be a 5 star album. Album starts off strong, then starts to blur. Annie Lennox can really sing.

Could not finish. Ugh, that baby girl voice. Bland 90s music with saccharine vocals. Had to listen to some Joplin to wash this out.

I had this CD (or possibly still have this CD somewhere, maybe in a shoebox in a closet - no longer have a CD player). I really enjoyed the piano accompaniment on "Weep Themselves to Sleep" and "Trash Tongue Talker", also the ragtime like sounds in "Hip Eponymous Poor Boy". Love how the songs evolve, for example the way it takes off at the 2 minute mark in "Take Me With You When You Go". Love the fact that I still find this album intriguing 12 years later. Thanks Jack!

I was happy to see the Ramones come up in the album a day list, but then realized this isn't my favorite of their albums. It was a short listen, but the songs kept playing ear worm melody in my head all day - walking the dog: "Hey Ho, Let's go", reading the news: "Beat on the Brat with a baseball bat". It's the Ramones so I feel obligated to give a high review, but... just not feeling it today I guess.

We recently listened to Geddy Lee's "My Effin' Life" so I have a deepened respect for Rush as musicians. Prog rock is not my cup of tea though. I liked the first 20 minute track and Something for Nothing.

I've never listened to this before. At the surface level it sounds like coffee house music, particularly fitting for Portland. But then if you listen closer, the music is composed of strange sounds that mix to form the melodies. It's interesting and I enjoyed it while working. Also, a new song for the Viridian playlist: What is the light That you have Shining all around you? Is it chemically derived?

I used to listen to Sonic Youth back in the day, and even have vague memories of seeing them in concert. I may have outgrown them because I haven't listened to them in a long while. They sound more modern even though they are labeled "grunge". But ah the 90s. Kim Gordon sometimes sounds like she's singing karaoke drunk. Guitar distortion, soft, loud, whispering, yelling, droning beats.

Classic

Aptly named album. The voice and piano. Beautiful. Would be a higher rating, but it reached my limit of listening to big band sounds.

OK, so some of the lyrics are uninspired and if I had a dime for every time I heard the words "baby" or "woman".... BUT. The guitar, drums, bass, singing all good on their own and together even better- the way the music isn't rushed and rocks deep and hard is sooo good. And this was their debut album!?

Actually, not. I was relieved when this album was over. The lyrics, although difficult to make out when listening, were interesting to read in Spotify. "Would you like lemon or lime with that piece of advice mister?" Didn't realize they were Swedish, maybe that's why they were added to this list?

Fun listen while cooking. Who doesn't like Cha Cha and Salsa music? I'm vacillating between a 3 and 4. Four because it's enjoyable to dance to, 3 because some of the songs bring back memories of my grandma watching Lawrence Welk. It's a holiday, so I'm rounding up!

I listened to this a few times and other than Sound and Vision (one of my favorite of his songs) it all sounded new and yet familiar. The second half requires being in the right frame of mind. But still interesting. I liked how the songs fade in and out. Surprisingly Speed of Life is one of my favorites now.

Catchy Pop Songs.

Did the album a day generator make a mistake? Didn't we just listen to Common? I do have to say that I felt this was a better album than Be. The funk grooves grow on you.

I guess there is a reason that everyone knows who Johnny Cash is. I've never listened to this before, but it was enjoyable. The way he and the audience fed off each other made it better and more engaging. "Up the elevator of your future, I've been shafted On the calendar of your events, I'm last week"

It sounds kind of like music I've possibly heard in a mall in LA. But now at least I know who sings "Two Weeks" and have been educated. Not as bad as I expected, and I liked a few of the songs - "Numbers" and "Closer" with it's churchy hymn style. Not something I would listen to normally, but I didn't hate the experience.

Glorious from the first note to the last. I pity the album that comes after this.

Took sips of this during the day. Joni Mitchell is like Brussel Sprouts - something I hated as a kid but now I think "hmm.. ok, I guess if you smother it with bacon or figs". She does have a lovely voice and unusual phrasing. I've been listening to a little of this album and a little of FKA Twigs LP1 in the same day and strangely I prefer FKA Twigs. How is this possible? A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, 11 Grammy awards winning world renown artist who has inspired many artists vs. something I'd expect to hear in a mall in LA. Oh well. I did like the last song "Twisted" quite a bit though. 2.5 rounded up "Lately I don't count on nothing, I just let things slide"

I have a soft spot for 80s alternative music. I realized though that after listening to the whole album, I didn't really listen to it. It's good, but nothing really super interesting or off putting.

It could be the novelty of listening to something completely new and foreign to me, but I liked it! Trance like ambient music, but with toe tapping beats. I found it helped to focus on doing things that require focus, like a hard Wordle or yoga. I'll listen to this again, but in smaller doses, it's a lot at once. Particularly liked Butterfly, with the overlaying drumming and flute fluttering about.

Country music. Boring and irritating at the same time. I tried but could not finish.

I feel like this would be a good album to listen to while floating down a river, at a picnic, or live at a bar. But listening to this at home with headphones ...meh. I usually like southern"ish" jam rock, but there are other bands that I prefer in this genre which sound less country. Perhaps they opened the door for these later bands. Favorite songs: Up on Cripple Creek and King Harvest. The keyboards on King Harvest have some Fat Albert theme song like grooviness going on. "The smell of the leaves of the magnolia trees, in the med-oh" 2.5 rounded up

I'm ambivalent towards the music. Striking photo on the album cover though.

Memories of roller skating rinks and Casey Kasem. I'm surprised that almost all of the songs on this album were recognizable hits. It's interesting that they put this out in 1978, I always associated the Cars to the 80s. Points for being ahead of their time. A solid B in my book.

My dad was a big Rolling Stones fan so no doubt I was listening to this in the womb and it's music is imprinted into my stem cells. The whole album is good (even the country-ish songs) but there are two songs on this album that I find outstanding. Can You Hear Me Knocking - starts off with a bang with that guitar riff. Then there is this part where it transitions into a sax groove, then it starts to sound like a Santana song, then everything is thrown in a blender and ends with a single beat. I was curious about the saxophone so looked the song up in Wikipedia. Apparently, it was only supposed to be the first few minutes, but they kept jamming thinking that the recording was over. The second half was a happy mistake. I think that demonstrates what great band/musicians they were. Second song is Bitch. Rocking rock song and again with horns!

What the heck. I'm going to go with if you don't have anything good to say....

I might be holding Led Zeppelin to a higher standard because I was prepared to give this a three star rating compared to albums I and IV. But then I looked back at the other three star reviews I doled out and have to knock this up one. Easy listening acoustic Zep. Foreshadowing Plant's much later work with Krauss?

This album makes me want to sit around in my pajamas till noon, drink coffee and read. I suspect that Mr. Dylan would think I missed the point. "And the only sound that's left After the ambulances go Is Cinderella sweeping up On Desolation Row"

Wow, this feels like an 80's time capsule. "Cause Calvin Klein's no friend of mine Don't want nobody's name on my behind" Even that is reminiscent of the 80's "Back to the Future" movie! Hip Hop is not my thing, but I do appreciate this for what it was historically and I can listen to a song or two at a time and enjoy it ironically at least. Mostly this sounds like a few guys having fun. "The C's for cool, cool as can be (And why you wear those glasses?) So I can see".

I've listened to this album many, many times. In fact, no kidding, I was listening to "In a Little While" on a randomized Spotify playlist when this album came up on the album a day rotation. Despite being a lifelong U2 fan, this album is a mixed bag. It has some very good songs like Beautiful Day, Elevation, In a little While, Wild Honey, but some sleepy duds too. Band loyalty rating knocking this to a 4.

It had some good moments, but mostly I found the album passionless and unexciting. Nothing about it was bad exactly. With so much music available in the world (thankfully more than 1001 albums), it's doubtful I'll listen to this again.

I've heard Sly & The Family Stone songs before of course and have enjoyed them, but it was the first time listening to a whole album. It's impressive, funky, fun and danceable. There is so much joy and creativity here. "Stand You've been sitting much too long There's a permanent crease in your right and wrong"

This album is smack dab in the middle of my comfort zone. 80's (give or take a year) alternative music, strong hypnotic beats and captivating melodies, and just one good song after another. Yep.

Low key album with subtle hints of coolness and nice melodies, but you have to work hard to get to that through the monotony of blah. Nature Springs, History Song and Herculean are fine. The last song, The Good, The Bad and the Queen finally had some spunk and unexpected timing changes. The rest of the album felt like I was sleep walking though the rainy streets of London. 2.5 stars rounded up.

k.d. lang has a fantastic voice. The music though is ... boring to me. I can see maybe enjoying this album at a dark cozy restaurant.

Well, isn't that special?

First time listening to this album. This is the type of record I anticipated from this challenge. Unexpectedly good, and deserves a deep listen. Feels like a good book set to music. Also, the flute is enchanting and adds nice texture to the rock. 4.5 - rounded up so as to please the hubby.

First time listening to this album. Pop punk with distinctive guard dog like vocals. Many of the songs I've known and enjoy when they are played, but there were a couple of new to me songs that caught my attention like "Lip Service" and "Lipstick Vogue". "Everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed".

I've always thought of myself as a Bowie fan, and if he'd belched out the alphabet I'd think "wow, listen to that range". But for whatever reason I couldn't get into this album today. I'd rather pick from one of his plethora of other records or just cheat and listen to a best of compilation.

I'm having a hard time reconciling how good Time of the Season is compared to how much I hated the bubble gum 60's boyband psychedelic excrement rest.

It's interesting to see how more subdued the music and gravelly his voice is compared to Highway 61 Revisited. Good album, the wrong mood for me this week though. Will listen again later.

It starts off a little underwhelming but by the time I got to Higher Ground, Jesus Children of America and All in Love is fair I was hooked. Amazing that he played almost all the musical instruments on the album.

Oh yeah this is a blast from the past. Had this cassette as a teenager. Looking at this album more than 30 years later, two things struck out - the music is uniquely Pixies and the lyrics are wait, alluding to incest? Were they making obscure biblical references to Lot or Noah's family? Were they singing nonsense? I'll just chalk it up to a warped sense of humor and enjoy the good music.

I really, really don't like this music genre. Although, having been subjected to Slipknot recently, I have to admit this album is musically more advanced and inventive. There were parts of some songs that I appreciated and had compelling rhythms like Straighthate. Ratamahatta was basically a good song (except for the Hulk Hogan vocals). Actually, If I could take a magic eraser to the singer (does posturing growling count as singing?) this could be a tolerable listen. I do relate to being angry about corruption, inequality and deforestation. But I personally wouldn't express it in this way.

The best part is Natalie Merchant appearing on Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key and Birds and Ships. Her voice is transcendent. Otherwise I found the album repetitive and forgettable. Except for Hoodoo Voodoo. Which would have been great on Sesame Street. I hope Woody isn't turning in his grave.

I've never heard of this album before. I expected ambient music that I would mostly ignore, but this was delightfully weird, a little dark, a little trippy. Favorite songs: Baby's on Fire, Driving me Backwards and Dead Finks Don't Talk. Each song was unique but there was an undercurrent of a melody that seemed to tie the whole album together. "Left the Hotpoints to rust in the kitchenettes and they're saving their labour for insane reading"

I tend to tune out jazz. It sets a nice mood though.

I think there are both better blues albums and possibly better Doors albums, but this was an easy pleasurable listen full of familiar songs.

When this album came up I was a little disappointed and thought "oh that Prince song with the overplayed video of the close up and the tear." BUT, I liked this album more than expected. That beautiful fierce voice with that gorgeous Irish accent! She definitely wears it all on her sleeve (no pun intended with The Emperor's New Clothes). Especially liked I am Stretched on Your Grave and Last Day of Our Acquaintance. "How could I possibly know what I want when I was only 21?"

Melodic punk. My main takeaway was the drumming. Although it could be because the last 7 minute song was almost entirely beats (good beats). Glad I stayed for the "credits" though. "You do you do you do you do too"

It's all very lighthearted and 80s. I didn't mind it but it's doubtful I'd actively listen to this again when there are other bands from that era that stand out a bit more. The rhythm was good. Album was maybe too long. I don't think John Hughes used any Haircut 100 songs in his films, but I got the high school in 80s vibes from this one.

Dang. I grudgingly admit this is good album with a bunch of good songs. He is a talented singer songwriter. I'd like to hear an edgier, or funkier cover of some of these songs. That could be fun. Now I just hope Spotify doesn't get confused because I listened to this and it's recommendation algorithm barfs up We Didn't Start the Fire or Uptown Girl.

It's hard to separate the music from the good memories associated with this album.

I couldn't get into this album. I read about "Don't Touch My Hair" and thought it might be a good song based on it's message, but, no. Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) and Cranes in the Sky piqued my interest some. Overall I thought the songs lacked energy or hook or something. I thought she had a great voice at the beginning, but towards the end I found the high pitch fatiguing. Oh well, different tastes for different people.

I've never heard this album or any of the songs before, but I really liked it! Maggot Brain starts off strong, a little bit like Mars Volta meets Jimmy Hendrix. Definitely took the guitar to the edges there. I smiled at the 90 degree shift to the shorter funkier songs. The thing that is keeping me from giving this five stars is the last song Wars of Armageddon. Too much of too much going on. Cows mooing, screaming cats, whoopee cushions... The groove was nice, but the noises felt like a kid scribbled over a work of art. Maybe that's what they intended.

I'm one of those who actually like his voice. I also liked Beyond Belief. The rest was ok. Perhaps it deserves a deeper listen than I could afford today. And maybe only one song at a time. "Don't get smart or sarcastic he snaps back just like elastic Spare us the theatrics and the verbal gymnastics". Hmm (eyebrow raised)...?

The headlines: Oasis is back together, they're going on tour, their tickets are too expensive, blame Ticketmaster! Sound familiar? "Woo-hoo" (Blur quote). From the hype I expected better, way better. Liam's voice sounds snotty and the songs are neither great nor horrible. Basic rock and roll at it's lowest common denominator. There were some highlights. Bring it On Down and Married With Children. "You think that everything you've done's fantastic Your music's shite".

This is great, I'm glad this album came up on rotation otherwise I would never have heard it. Sparse, hypnotic and melodic. Can't believe this EDM type sound was created in the 70's. Will listen again when I'm in a contemplative mood.

First time listening to Goldfrapp and I'm not sure what to think. My attention alternates between enjoying the prettiness of the songs and disinterest. I guess it's one of those artists where the songs are better experienced individually than as a collection. Good to know this exists out there in the world.

Agreed. The Clash are required listening. I don't think this is quite as good as London Calling, but still strong.

This project is starting to feel a bit like 1001 Elvis Costello Albums to listen to before you die. Fortunately this included some interesting songs that I hadn't really heard before like Green Shirt, Big Boys and Goon Squad. The "hits": Oliver's Army, Accident Will Happen, What's So Funny About ... are all great too. I liked this album a lot. Musically well crafted and cheerfully spiteful.

Into the Mystic is one of my favorite songs, period. The rest of the album is soothing and easy on the ears. Not sure how such beauty could be created by a person who later becomes an antisemitic conspiracy theorist curmudgeon. Five stars minus one for knowing what I know in 2024.

Too cheerful for a Monday morning. I still love John Lennon's voice though.

I've never heard this before. Our maybe I have and forgot.

Even though Kurt Cobain receives the limelight when people discuss Nirvana, the rest of the band is tight and it shows when they play live. Love also the cello and accordion. And yes, Kurt's voice does make a mark here especially on the last song. I went down nostalgia lane and watched a little bit of this on YouTube. Dave Grohl wearing a turtleneck, lightly feathering the drums and concentrating so hard he's sticking his tongue out is cute. They were so young. Great collection of songs and a historically significant album.

I really don't know what to think of this album. It's weird and interesting, but not always weird and interesting in a good way. I would chalk this album up as more for my information than pleasure.

Two great songs.

It's nice to be reintroduced to the Stone Roses, I remember liking them back in the 90's but haven't heard them since They have their own sound but each song is different enough to maintain interest. Dreamy rock.

My husband played this over and over again... It grows on you.

It had some interesting rhythms, but otherwise cruder and less refined sounds than most of the albums in this list.

Classic album. Maybe it inspired the Tenacious D song: "You can't kill the Metal, The Metal Will live on. Punk Rock tried to kill the Metal, but they failed as they were smite to the ground".

Incongruously, this made for good background music while driving around the south of Iceland. Not something I would normally seek though.

Hated it.

This one is hard to rate. Her delivery and song writing skills are top notch. Coat Of Many Colors is a beautiful folky song. I personally don't like country music, but for the genre this deserves a listen.

A good album to ballroom dance to....

My first thought was that some of the songs sounded like Flight of the Conchords without the satirical lyrics. A second and third listen revealed more. Chill, arty, trance, dance music. Will add some of these songs to my playlists. Favorite song: Five Man Army

Delightful.

I liked "The Man Comes Around", the blues take on "Personal Jesus", and his stripped down interpretation of NIN Hurt. Also his voice carried "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry" nicely. The other songs were a bit hit and miss. Interesting concept. Overall I felt weary after listening to the whole album.

Teetering on the edge of being brash and fun vs. being brash and annoying.

What can I say, I like Simon & Garfunkel. The headphones picked up some strange almost ASMR effects on Scarborough Fair - with the clavichord in the right ear, some vocals coming in the left and another in the center. They could reproduce this to be very ASMR and it would appeal to the Gen Z crowd! I was surprised by their Dillon satire on A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission) and also the weird heartbeat pulse in A Poem on the Underground Wall.

They sounded very dated. I didn't particularly enjoy this album for some reason.

I had this CD back in the day. Listening again is a trip down nostalgia lane. Even though the lyrics alternate between nonsensical and vulgar, the bass and guitar hold up well. It might not be the best music, but I like it. I was reading about the song I Could Have Lied. Apparently it's about Anthony's breakup with Sinead O'Connor. What?! Strange times the early 90s.

I'd like to see a brain image of his mind when he's playing/improvising. Not sure how all those neural connections are made on the fly like that. This isn't my favorite piano music to listen to by far, but I have to rate this album high out of respect for the skill and flow.

I'm just going to ignore the last three songs (especially that last one) and call this a five star album. I used to own this CD, but listening again I'm impressed by some of the lesser known songs like Superunknown and Head Down and how inventive and rhythmic they were. And ... Chris Cornell's vocals... five stars alone for that.

It was ok, I guess. 60s jam -day drinking- rock. I liked a few of the songs like Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring (I'd pay to hear the Fun Loving Criminals cover that!), Feelin' Alright and Cryin' To Be Heard. Then there were the cringey songs like Vagabond Virgin and No Time to Live that had me running back to listen to Soundgarden.

It started off very strong with Tiny Dancer, Levon, Madman Across the Water, but then I realized I wasn't really listening anymore towards the second half of the album. Pleasant enough though that the less memorable songs didn't grate. Elton John has a way of performing songs that make people want to sing along.

I used to own a compilation CD of theirs, but first time listening to this album as a whole. It's enjoyable - funky grooves, witty yet insightful lyrics, nice variety. I was on the fence between a 4 and 5 star rating, but then remembered what I gave The Fun Loving Criminals and need to give this a 5. It's simply better. Looking forward to The Low End Theory coming up on rotation!

My parents subjected me to CSN&Y too much when I was a kid and I hated it. I realize that technically this is decent songwriting and musicianship, but I just can't. Especially Teach Your Children. Oh lord. No.

First time listening to this album and wow it was all over the place, they threw in ALL the sounds. I've never been a huge fan of Queen, I find them sort of cheesy. But they are cheesy in a fun way with great vocals and undeniably good guitar and rhythm. Artisanal cheese.

There are some PIL songs that I've enjoyed in the past, but they aren't on this album. Listening to the first song "Theme" was a chore. The two songs about Religion, were ironically, admonishing and self righteous. Then the album picks up and I found it to be ok. I think I like Lydon's voice because it reminds me of my cat EightBall (R.I.P.), and as for the music, sometimes you need a dose of nihilism on a Thursday morning between work meetings.

Having heard really only the hits by Santana, I was surprised to find this to be a jazz focused album. Some highlights - the beautiful way the piano and guitar intertwined in the later half of Incident of Neshabur, and the guitar playing on Hope You're Feeling Better. A nice album to listen to at the end of the day when you're winding down.

"In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking Now heaven knows, anything goes". Oh Frank, you have no idea. 50's music doesn't particularly resonate with me, but this is absolutely iconic.

My only complaint is that I can't actually feel the music through the head phones. Love this, even if big beats are out of style.

That was lovely. Not something I would normally listen to, but it was nice. I wish I could understand all her lyrics.

After listening to Jefferson Airplane last week, I expected to be disappointed by this album too. It was better than I would have guessed - granted, the usual late 60's bluesy guitars, baroque organ sounds, psychedelic distortions, but it was varied enough that each song had something surprising to offer

He played that piano like a drum kit! Within the confines of 60's rock and roll he seemed to take the energy to the next level.

As I was listening to this (for the first time) I couldn't help wondering why I wasn't listening to more Public Enemy rather than the Beastie Boys back in the day. The lyrics were on point and meaningful, music was strong and layered. I personally felt the album was too long, or maybe I couldn't maintain that intensity for so long, but otherwise it is a great album.

What's up with a southern guy singing with a valley girl accent? I remember that they opened for U2 on their Vertigo tour and can attest that they don't sound any better live. They aren't bad, just incredibly average, and I'd like to protest that they are in this list.

I skimmed through this album to get to the end. The singer had a compelling voice, the music was... sigh.....it sounds harsh, but the word I want to use is lame.

I really enjoyed Armed Forces and This Year's Girl. This album didn't move me through. I think he needs a faster tempo or something more punk like to move this one along. 2.5 rounded up.

I like the Kinks but had never really listened to one of their albums in full before. This was unexpectedly eccentric and fun. Some of the songs were duds, but most were catchy. Now I want to travel Merry England and say touristy things like "Gawd darn it, isn't it a pretty scene?"

This album had tough subject matter to get through while suffering from a headache on a rainy November Monday. Lyrics aside, the music was enjoyable. I prefer their The Queen is Dead album more, though. "You should know, time's tide will smother you. And I will too"

That was fun. Their resemblance to the Velvet Underground is obvious, but they also had some Violent Femmes vibes. I was surprised that I already knew Pablo Picasso from somewhere. My teenage self would have loved this album.

Every time I listen to this type of metal, I have the same thought - the music is fine and the lyrics and vocals are garbage. The speed, the technical abilities and changing dynamics of the guitar/drums/bass are overshadowed by just how inane the stories are about serial killers, satanic orgies, hexes, or whatever nonsense is being spewed for cheap shock value. My Last Words was a good song though despite it all. One extra star for that.

This is like the musical equivalent of flavored Doritos. Over processed, for sure, but each song is rambunctious, enjoyable and begging to be parodied. You gotta like it. "Do you take sugar? One lump or two?"

"Ignorance has taken over. Yo, we gotta take the power back." Heavy guitar, heavy drums, funky bass, defiant lyrics. A little too strident for my taste, but the message is on point.