393
Albums Rated
3.37
Average Rating
36%
Complete
696 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
52
5-Star Albums
13
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
More Specials
The Specials
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
B-52's
The B-52's
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Achtung Baby
U2
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Blunderbuss
Jack White
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
|
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
|
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
|
Synchronicity
The Police
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
|
1 | 2.83 | -1.83 |
|
Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
|
1 | 2.83 | -1.83 |
|
Roots
Sepultura
|
1 | 2.78 | -1.78 |
|
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
|
1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
|
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
|
2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
|
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
|
1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
|
Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
|
1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
|
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
|
1 | 2.69 | -1.69 |
|
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
|
1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| U2 | 3 | 4.67 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 5 | 4.2 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.25 |
| Beatles | 6 | 4 |
| Radiohead | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (52)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Cardigans
1/5
Could not finish.
Ugh, that baby girl voice. Bland 90s music with saccharine vocals.
Had to listen to some Joplin to wash this out.
10 likes
Mj Cole
2/5
When the only meaningful item in the Wikipedia page for the album reads that it was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, it makes you question why it was chosen.
None of the songs are bad, they are just sort of there. It might be fine to listen to while you're at a hotel bar, but the album was way too long. I kept getting bored and switched to other music. Ended up not finishing.
4 likes
The Verve
3/5
Another band from Manchester!?
There were some other interesting bands in the same era that offer more variety... Dave Matthews Band, The Cranberries, Garbage. Nothing really wrong with the Verve exactly, and I like them more than Oasis, but I'm griping about yet another band that sounds like other bands that we've listened to on this list.
2 likes
Jane's Addiction
5/5
I can't objectively rate this album since this is was what I listened to in 1990. A lot.
One thing that stands out is how satisfying it is play through the whole album in one sitting, it has a good arc. And Three Days improved with time.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (13)
All Ratings
The Smiths
3/5
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.
Common
2/5
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"
The Police
5/5
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
Nick Drake
3/5
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.
Beatles
3/5
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.
Sigur Rós
2/5
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.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
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
Eurythmics
4/5
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.
The Cardigans
1/5
Could not finish.
Ugh, that baby girl voice. Bland 90s music with saccharine vocals.
Had to listen to some Joplin to wash this out.
Jack White
5/5
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!
Ramones
3/5
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.
Rush
3/5
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.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
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?
Sonic Youth
3/5
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.
The White Stripes
4/5
Classic
Ray Charles
4/5
Aptly named album.
The voice and piano. Beautiful.
Would be a higher rating, but it reached my limit of listening to big band sounds.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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!?
The Hives
2/5
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?
Tito Puente
4/5
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!
David Bowie
4/5
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.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Catchy Pop Songs.
Common
3/5
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.
Johnny Cash
4/5
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"
FKA twigs
3/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Glorious from the first note to the last.
I pity the album that comes after this.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
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"
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
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.
Talvin Singh
4/5
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.
The Byrds
1/5
Country music. Boring and irritating at the same time.
I tried but could not finish.
The Band
3/5
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
Miles Davis
3/5
I'm ambivalent towards the music.
Striking photo on the album cover though.
The Cars
4/5
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.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
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!
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
What the heck.
I'm going to go with if you don't have anything good to say....
Led Zeppelin
4/5
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?
Bob Dylan
4/5
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"
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
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.
Deerhunter
2/5
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.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
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"
Depeche Mode
5/5
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.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
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
3/5
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.
Slipknot
1/5
Well, isn't that special?
Jethro Tull
5/5
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.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
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".
David Bowie
3/5
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.
The Zombies
2/5
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.
Bob Dylan
3/5
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.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
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.
Pixies
4/5
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.
Sepultura
1/5
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.
Billy Bragg
2/5
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.
Brian Eno
4/5
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"
Thelonious Monk
3/5
I tend to tune out jazz. It sets a nice mood though.
The Doors
4/5
I think there are both better blues albums and possibly better Doors albums, but this was an easy pleasurable listen full of familiar songs.
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
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?"
Buzzcocks
3/5
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"
Haircut 100
3/5
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.
Billy Joel
4/5
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.
Norah Jones
4/5
It's hard to separate the music from the good memories associated with this album.
Solange
2/5
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.
Funkadelic
4/5
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.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
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)...?
Oasis
2/5
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".
Kraftwerk
4/5
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.
Goldfrapp
3/5
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.
The Clash
4/5
Agreed. The Clash are required listening.
I don't think this is quite as good as London Calling, but still strong.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
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.
Van Morrison
4/5
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.
Beatles
3/5
Too cheerful for a Monday morning.
I still love John Lennon's voice though.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
I've never heard this before. Our maybe I have and forgot.
Nirvana
4/5
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.
Roxy Music
3/5
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.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Two great songs.
The Stone Roses
4/5
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.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
My husband played this over and over again... It grows on you.
Mudhoney
3/5
It had some interesting rhythms, but otherwise cruder and less refined sounds than most of the albums in this list.
Black Sabbath
4/5
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".
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Incongruously, this made for good background music while driving around the south of Iceland. Not something I would normally seek though.
Dirty Projectors
1/5
Hated it.
Dolly Parton
4/5
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.
Ray Charles
3/5
A good album to ballroom dance to....
Massive Attack
4/5
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
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Delightful.
Johnny Cash
3/5
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.
M.I.A.
3/5
Teetering on the edge of being brash and fun vs. being brash and annoying.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
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.
Jefferson Airplane
2/5
They sounded very dated. I didn't particularly enjoy this album for some reason.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
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.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
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.
Soundgarden
5/5
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.
Traffic
3/5
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.
Elton John
4/5
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.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
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!
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2/5
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.
Queen
4/5
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.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
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.
Santana
4/5
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.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
"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.
The Chemical Brothers
5/5
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.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
That was lovely. Not something I would normally listen to, but it was nice. I wish I could understand all her lyrics.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
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
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
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.
Public Enemy
4/5
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.
Kings of Leon
2/5
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.
The Triffids
2/5
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.
Elvis Costello
3/5
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.
The Kinks
4/5
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?"
The Smiths
3/5
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"
The Modern Lovers
4/5
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.
Megadeth
2/5
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.
Def Leppard
4/5
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?"
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
"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.
Prince
4/5
80's lacy rock, purple soul, frilly funk, androgynous pop, high heeled jazz, you name it.
Let's Go Crazy is one of my favorite all time songs. The Beautiful Ones starts out awfully but he redeems it at the 3:28 mark. The rest of the album has some great hits and not so good misses.
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
Intimate, maudlin, piano bar or cabaret type music. Anohni seems to be emotive and putting a lot of passion into the delivery. I can see why this album was included in the list, but I personally didn't connect.
Fistful of Love was the highlight.
Steely Dan
3/5
Steely Dan, that ubiquitous 70's music that you neither love nor hate.
3.5 stars rounded down because I'm tired of lips on album covers.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
I had this CD and was a huge fan. Classic Chili Peppers sounds that mix energetic funk with sweet melodies.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Somehow the Cocteau Twins slipped by my attention in the 80's and 90's.
I was impressed by this album. Swirling wispy gorgeous vocals and abstract lyrics over 80's dance beats. But the best part is that despite Fifty-Fifty Clown, which I could skip, the entire album was good.
I found the right soundtrack for a rainy PNW weekend. And glad I could listen to it throughout the weekend!
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
We saw Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club live once. It was fun to watch all the people dancing in the aisles.
The quality of the album felt a little muted or something, but hard to deny the quality and impact of the music.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
It was ok for 1960 rock and roll. But I feel like Ray Orbison, Elvis Presley, Chubby Checker or Sam Cooke have held up better over the years.
Happy Mondays
3/5
They lost me at "Penny Penny, Cocky Locky, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurky, Tricky Licky, Ducky Lucky" and it was difficult to come back from that.
A few good songs and a few bad songs. There were interesting rhythm and funk vibes that unfortunately got lost in the sauce. Hit and miss 80's music.
George Michael
4/5
Surprisingly enjoyed listening to this one. The upbeat 80's pop music was nostalgic even though I was never a fan of George Michael at the time.
I forgot that he great voice.
The Verve
3/5
Another band from Manchester!?
There were some other interesting bands in the same era that offer more variety... Dave Matthews Band, The Cranberries, Garbage. Nothing really wrong with the Verve exactly, and I like them more than Oasis, but I'm griping about yet another band that sounds like other bands that we've listened to on this list.
Garbage
4/5
Music that sounds like 80's dark wave combined with Shirley's distinctive vocals. Yep.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
Blue up some bald guys and this could be the soundtrack to the Blue Man Group in Las Vegas circa early 2000's.
A bit underwhelming for EDM, and too distracting for ambience. There were a few good songs, and aspects of songs that were interesting, but the album didn't work for me.
Grateful Dead
2/5
I guess you had to be there. I feel like at this point they represent more of a brand or lifestyle than noteworthy music. Feedback is painful.
OK, what's next?
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Strange album with a mish mash of different styles. Mr. Soul and Expecting to Fly were the highlights. The rest didn't leave much of an impression.
Duke Ellington
5/5
All the horns, piano, bass, drums had amazing sounds. I don't typically relate to jazz but this had big dance energy and reminded me of New Orleans (although it isn't from that region). Surprised how much I enjoyed this.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Not as varied and special in my opinion as People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, but A Tribe Called Quest grooves are welcome anytime.
Dang diggy dang gi-dang gi-dang diggy diggy.
The Gun Club
3/5
I've never listened to this band before. The music sounded familiar probably because they influenced later better known bands. Interesting twangy punk that is easy to listen to, and easy to forget.
The The
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. Good 80's music, but better in smaller doses. I prefer their Soul Mining album.
5/5
Seems like people either love or hate U2. Sorry haters. This is my second favorite album of theirs after Achtung Baby and have listened to it innumerable times over the decades.
The Edge's unique guitar style shines on this album. Classic.
"A sun so bright
It leaves no shadows
Only scars"
Little Richard
3/5
Respect for Little Richard's style, delivery and showmanship. Not something I'll listen to often but his influence on generations of artists is pretty amazing.
CHIC
4/5
I was wondering when disco was going to show up in rotation. I could listen to the bass lines alone and be happy with this album.
The perfect antidote to Leonard Cohen.
Jane's Addiction
5/5
I can't objectively rate this album since this is was what I listened to in 1990. A lot.
One thing that stands out is how satisfying it is play through the whole album in one sitting, it has a good arc. And Three Days improved with time.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Hmm, my favorite song was Partisan, the song he didn't write. Bleak album. It's a refreshing break from the psychedelic rock albums from that era, but the music doesn't have enough punch to keep up with the lyrics.
The Cure
3/5
This is the first goth album on this list that came up, so I'm happy for the variety. This album had a few songs that appeal to me in this time and place (A Short Term Effect, The Hanging Garden, A Strange Day). Otherwise, right now, I'd pick one of their less depressing and miserable albums.
Dire Straits
4/5
Easy listening. A couple of big hits. Mark Knopfler's call and response guitar playing is as beautiful and clean as ever.
I'm saving the five stars for their eponymous album though.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I suspect that I'll be the only one in my "group" that likes Arcade Fire. Sounds like 80's Art Rock music revamped for the 2000's. A little bit of a dark vibe.
Favorite songs: Intervention, Keep the Car Running, The Well and the Lighthouse, (Antichrist Television Blues)... actually none of them made me want to skip.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Five stars for Janis Joplin. I got fatigued listening to the entire album, it had a sort of unwashed feel to it, better to pick a song or two at a time.
Various Artists
2/5
Great album for any retail store from Nov. 1 until Dec. 24th. I don't like Christmas music though, even on Christmas.
Jeff Beck
3/5
It was fine to listen to. Interesting that it featured Rod Stewart. I bet it would have been great to hear this live.
Overall it made me appreciate Led Zeppelin even more (yes, another Led Zeppelin comparison).
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I like Leonard Cohen less and less with each album. He wears you down.
Elliott Smith
3/5
The album had pretty arrangements. His voice lacked something to make the songs resonate. Tragic life.
Talking Heads
4/5
It's interesting to hear their debut album and see the quirky inventive seeds that paved the way for their later more intricate work. Besides Psycho Killer (of course), I enjoyed Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town, Tentative Decisions, No Compassion, Pulled Up.
"It takes a lot of time
To push away the nonsense"
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
CCR manages to put their own spin on straightforward and catchy blues songs. Not bad for wannabe southerners!
Carpenters
2/5
Another beautiful voice and tragic life. What a shame the songs are just so sappy and cloying.
R.E.M.
5/5
Yep, this is my music. Used to own this album (vinyl). Although it's not my favorite R.E.M. album, I don't see Fables Of the Reconstruction or Lifes Rich Pageant on the list, so I'll give it a five star by proxy.
"It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" is one of those songs that also defines my generation.
Glad we had this album over the weekend so I could turn it into a R.E.M. marathon weekend.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Although Physical Graffiti is supposed to be Led Zeppelin's peak album, I don't like it nearly as much as their earlier numbered albums. Other than a few standout songs, the rest of the long album kinda falls into background music mode. It doesn't have the catchiness or strong rhythms of their earlier works - they branched into a lot of different styles here that don't connect as well for me.
Kashmir is a cool song though, especially at the 3:24 and 6:40 minute marks.
Simple Minds
3/5
I enjoy this type of music - 80's dance beats with atmospheric melodies. Although I was confused by the album, Disc 1 made sense but then the songs were repeated many times on the other sides (actually didn't finish all of it). Strange. This isn't Beethoven variations on a theme level of music here. Enjoyable but not let's not over do it.
Neneh Cherry
1/5
1 minute into the first song and I can tell I won't like this album.
Oh it gets worse. Manchild is so, so bad. Kisses on the Wind? (FFS, what am I listening to, and why?!)
This album is like a bad parody of bad commercial 80's music.
Did not finish.... was this a test?
Death In Vegas
3/5
Sounds a bit like goth electronica. It was fine for background music while I worked.
Nirvana
5/5
Probably one of the best 10 seconds at the beginning of an album, ever. This album was HUGE when it came out and the sound was pivotal for that time. I've probably listened to it 1001 times.
Lounge Act is a perfect little rock song, it was nice of them to put Endless, Nameless at the end so that you don't have to listen to it!
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
That was good. There was a lot going on musically so it took more than one listen. I especially liked Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma), Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro, and África Brasil (Zumbi). Not something that I could listen to at work since it makes you want to move. Unfortunately it sounded like the theme song to CHIPS slipped into A Historia De Jorge, but overall I enjoyed this album.
Beth Orton
3/5
The first song, Stolen Car, was so good I couldn't understand the bad reviews. Then I listened to the rest of the album. Oh. Nice voice, forgettable songs.
Also don't listen to The Dark Side of the Moon the same day as rating other albums. It's unfair. Sorry Beth.
The Beta Band
3/5
When you listen to a lot of different music and the songs and styles get kinda jumbled up like mixing colors into a brown color, this is what you get.
Lion Thief, Easy and Liquid Bird stood out.
Nick Drake
4/5
It's impressive the melodies and rhythm he created with only a guitar. His voice isn't the greatest, but it works for the mood. I feel like this is a more consistent album than Bryter Layter.
I expected the album to be depressing, but actually it was relaxing and comforting.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Sheer lunacy to give this anything other than a five.
Supergrass
3/5
A group of boisterous puppies formed a garage britpop band in the 90's and imitated 70's rock.
A generous 3 stars. Not bad exactly, but nothing revolutionary here.
Joe Ely
2/5
I do enjoy the sound of a steel guitar. This album didn't wear my patience down as much as other country music, but nah, still not a fan of this genre.
Might be fine if you're out dancing a two-step (in small doses).
2/5
Well, this was a challenging listen. I appreciate that they apparently are trying to overthrow conventional expectations and any pretense at normal song structures or melody. The names of the songs and album are interesting. The hypnotic rhythm was fine. The effect: restlessness, doom and resistance.
One extra star for making me think about the noise. Won't listen again, willingly though.
KISS
2/5
Simple riffs, simple lyrics, party noise. I can see why they were popular in the 70's when music choices were limited and they probably put on a fun show, but man this is basic.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I normally enjoy Bob Dillon, but I had a difficult time getting through this album. It might have been due to someone mocking his voice when I listened without headphones.
Janis Joplin
4/5
Some meh songs, but a few that cause frisson. Interesting combination of singing with abandon and control. Me and Bobby McGee is one of my favorite songs.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Apparently they are touring in 2025, celebrating the 50 year anniversary of this album. With the right visuals this could be engaging, otherwise a background soundscape/mood scape music. Kometenmelodie 2 ist mein Lieblingsleid.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Only 166 albums in and this my fourth Leonard Cohen. It was his last, will it be mine?
Despite the recent overexposure to his music, this album seemed to work better than the others. More depressing and lamentable, sure, but his gravely voice and sparse music actually fit the themes of regret, acceptance of doubt, loss, and religion . The violin was a nice touch on several of the songs like Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way, Steer Your Way.
Did I enjoy it? No, but it does make you think.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
It could be the rebound after recent Leonard Cohenization, but I didn't hate this like I expected. Some of the songs were catchy and her voice had a hint of Amy Winehouse.
Otis Redding
4/5
Classic songs. Classic voice.
Green Day
4/5
Fun teenage dirtbag neurosis in 2 minute doses. It's snappy, good bass, good drums and easy to sing along with. First time listening to the album as a whole and surprised at both how many hits there are and the plethora of great one liner lyrics.
"Are you feeling like a social tool without a use?"
Bad Company
3/5
This feels like the convergence of muscle car rock and ballad driven arena rock.
Most of the songs are familiar from repeated exposure on classic rock radio.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Skip this album and listen to his later works instead. Other than Solsbury Hill and Here Comes the Flood the rest was a jumble. The best part of this album is that autoplay led me to listening to "Us" which is an easy 4 stars.
The Specials
4/5
Learned some new things: didn't realize that they started in the 70's, were produced by Elvis Costello, also the definition of "pickni".
3.5 stars rounded up. Ska is fun. In small doses.
Beastie Boys
4/5
A trip down nostalgia lane. It's hard not to smile when listening to these guys rhyme and goof about.
"to do the dishes....to clean up my room...to do the laundry"
Lorde
3/5
Not bad. The usual teenage angsty romance stuff against commercial sounding pop. She does the talky breathy singing to make it appear more intimate. I liked Green Light.
"I overthink your punctuation use
Not my fault, just a thing that my mind do"
¿Am I overthinking her grammar usage?
ABBA
4/5
It's ABBA. A little Swedish coziness for a winter day.
Frank Black
3/5
I was a huge fan of the Pixies but somehow never listened to this album before.
There were some great songs buried in here like Calistan, Freedom Rock, Two Reelers, Superbound. Some that were different styles but not as effective, like Fiddle Riddle.
White Noise Maker actually made me LOL. Need one of those to drown out today's news.
Overall the album was a bit inconsistent despite the gems.
Ute Lemper
2/5
She has an incredibly strong voice, but this musical style is nicht für mich.
Streets of Berlin stood out.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
I was surprised that she isn't more well known. Her voice is warm and captivating. Not the type of music I usually listen to, but this was good.
David Bowie
4/5
Consistently well sung and performed songs - nothing super outstanding, but overall a strong album.
Fred Neil
3/5
I'd never heard of Fred Neil before, although I recognized Everybody's Talkin'. I liked his rich baritone voice. Not my type of music, but appreciate the influence that he apparently had on his contemporary and later artists. The country-ish raga was an unexpected end to the album, although a stark reminder that this was the mid sixties.
Mj Cole
2/5
When the only meaningful item in the Wikipedia page for the album reads that it was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, it makes you question why it was chosen.
None of the songs are bad, they are just sort of there. It might be fine to listen to while you're at a hotel bar, but the album was way too long. I kept getting bored and switched to other music. Ended up not finishing.
Love
3/5
I didn't hate it. It was surprisingly edgy.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Mellow, smooth, hypnotic groove. His voice is genuine and comforting. The lyrics are still relevant in 2025.
My only complaint is the 70's string sounds that accompanied every 70's TV show montage of a gas guzzler cruising down 14 lanes of California highway, which is now probably a series of strip malls or blackened hills.
"Hey, mercy, mercy me, oh
Hey, things ain't what they used to be
What about this overcrowded land?
How much more abuse from man can she stand?"
4/5
This project has made me realize that I apparently really like 70's soul music. Kinda a dark album, but well put together with great rhythms.
The Waterboys
4/5
I'm a sucker for the fiddle. I liked listening to this while working, reading, fiddling around the house. Nice variety on the album.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
Well, I had this cassette tape as a teenager and was a fan back in the day. I tried to listen to this objectively now and had two thoughts. 1. Richard Butler sounds like he just smoked 5 packs of Marlboro Red but his garbled voice works ok for the music and 2. what year did saxophones appear in every single album, and what year did that stop?
Then the chorus to All of This and Nothing came on and nostalgia kicked into high gear. I listened to this album twice to make sure that I still like it.
Cat Stevens
3/5
I enjoy his voice and a few of the songs are standouts (Wild World, Where Do The Children Play). It was a pleasant listen.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
She's basically the touchstone for female vocals and soul.
Coldplay
2/5
I tried to keep an open mind while listening to this album.
First tried to listen at the gym - too low energy.
Then tried to listen while working - too maudlin.
Then tried listening before bed - fell asleep.
I enjoyed the piano in Clocks, and A Whisper was unexpected. I won't revisit.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Interesting guitar work. Very stripped down and mellow.
Elvis Presley
4/5
There were undertones of Neil Diamondesque cheesiness, but I really had fun listening to this album.
Wearin' that Loved On Look, Suspicious Minds, In the Ghetto, I'm Movin On... Great songs. Too bad he didn't write them, but his performance and voice rock.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Sorry, this album is a long and tedious drag.
3/5
I feel like the parts were better than the whole. She has a fantastic voice. Angsty moody vibes. Maybe it's the lack of hook that didn't connect with me or just the energy wasn't right. Can't put my finger on it.
'The Whores Hustle and The Hustlers Whore' and 'Kamikaze' are cool songs. 'The Mess We're In' was beautifully done.
Harry Nilsson
5/5
The Dude Abides!
I was surprised that I had never really heard of this artist before, especially since four of the songs are famous. This was a great album, it had a wide variety of styles, catchy tunes, and Harry can belt it out.
This is the kind of album that redeems some of the other choices in this 1001 list. I'll be listening again. Jump into the Fire is my favorite, never realized who the artist was before.
Gotan Project
3/5
Tango meets electronica. At first I was reminded of the type of world music CDs that you could buy at Starbucks twenty years ago. But it got better overtime. Easy to listen to in the background.
Blondie
4/5
This album went to down easy. Debbie Harry has the ultimate rock voice.
Le Tigre
3/5
They're the opposite of what I thought of PJ Harvey - horrible singing, questionable musicianship, yet somehow it works?
R.E.M.
4/5
Pretty fantastic for a debut album. Although the album lacks my favorite R.E.M. songs, it's consistently well done and puts you in a good mood. I can almost understand Stipe on this one too.
The War On Drugs
4/5
Lush and chill. I've heard a few of their songs before on the radio, back when I used to listen to a radio, and remember liking them then. It's interesting how they incorporate familiar late 70's and 80's guitar sounds and song structures with a more modern atmospheric vibe. Will listen again.
a-ha
3/5
I listened to this album as a kid so the great songs are too familiar and the not as great songs are sort of background music. Unfortunately it doesn't resonate as much with me now in later life, but I'm glad the album is enjoyed by others.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
It was good to have this album in order to compare it to the other music styles of the late 60s. I appreciate Bossa Nova and Frank's voice. I found the album bland.
The Stooges
4/5
The album starts off with: "I'm a street walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm" and that is basically a warning label.
I've pretty much only heard songs of Iggy Pop's that were covered by other bands or used in commercials, so I was surprised at how gritty, raucous and punchy (and good) this album is.
Aptly named title.
Alice In Chains
4/5
Yeah this is a Seattle band from the 90's but this is more metal than grunge. Metal with melodies. Layne's voice has this sorrowful bite that cuts right through and Jerry has this sweet voice that carries the harmony. Interesting to hear that dynamic against the wall of guitar and drum sound.
3.5 rounded up.
Boston
3/5
Dive bar karaoke music.
It's hard to appreciate the music with all the overplayed-ness over the years.
The silly (I mean "wicked") album cover makes me chuckle though. AI couldn't have done any better!
Eels
3/5
It had a pleasant jingly fairytale feel but mostly forgettable. I didn't find it very engaging. It was fine.
Air
4/5
Daytime electronic music, nice for getting going in the morning. I especially liked La Femme d'argent, Sexy Boy (really great song) and Talisman.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
I'm not sure if I had a horrible bout of the stomach flu, strep throat or some other ailment as a child while my parents played Crosby, Stills & Nash, but I just can't get through this album without feeling ill.
Radiohead
4/5
I was wondering why at more than 200 albums into this list I've had 4 Leonard Cohen and 4 Elvis Costello albums but zero Radiohead albums. Now I'm wondering why those chose this one and not The Bends, OK Computer, In Rainbows.
For me it's not their strongest work. There are some great songs - "There, There", "A Wolf At the Door", "Where I End and You Begin", "2+2=5". And there are "We Suck Young Blood" and "The Gloaming" which probably only diehard Radiohead fans can tolerate.
This album still has funky drum beats, tense riffs and unexpected shifts that make Radiohead who they are.
An angsty 3.5 rounded up.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Listens more like a greatest hits compilation rather than a debut album.
The Stooges
3/5
I enjoyed this album slightly less than Raw Power. It started off strong with Down the Street, Loose, T.V. Eye but then fell off the rails (intentionally) towards the end of the album.
Kate Bush
3/5
I'm not a fan of her Running up that Hill song so I expected to suffer through this album. It was better than I expected. She certainly doesn't make cookie cutter basic music and I appreciate her creativity and vocal style.
Also, extra points for dogs on the album cover!
Neil Young
3/5
I liked Revolution Blues, See The Sky About to Rain and Vampire Blues. Otherwise, I wasn't in the right mood for this album.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Who doesn't like Paint it, Black? Lady Jane and Under My Thumb are strong hits too. The rest of the album was good, very 60',s but not quite as strong as their later albums (IMO).
King Crimson
2/5
I was told that I needed to be in the "right mood" to enjoy this album. Not sure what that mood is exactly, but I can rule out sober and focused.
It's weird and unexpected, but it doesn't seem to go any clear direction that I can latch on to and enjoy. Oh well, a lot of people like it.
Neil Young
3/5
He's obviously a gifted songwriter. Those high notes though, yikes. Southern Man was the highlight.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
There are a lot of hits in this album. I've never been a fan of the Boss... Something about his voice and the simple arrangements. Innocuous though.
The KLF
3/5
Not sure if I even listened to the right album since it's not available on my streaming service. Pieced together a few of the songs.
Nothing exceptionally memorable except that "Build a fire" started out like the Twin Peaks song.
OK electronic background music.
Green Day
4/5
3.5 rounded up. Never listened to the whole album before and didn't realize that they had created a "concept" album. Personally I prefer Dookie, but the themes in this one seem more mature and sadly relevant.
Deep Purple
3/5
I wanted to like this since they are so influential, but ultimately I found it to be 70's muscle car music that was ok.
Scott Walker
1/5
The first song started off OK. It was weird, it could be something you enjoy ironically or could be a song in a Quentin Tarantino film. The lyrics were funny.
It went downhill from there. The music was like a deranged Disney ride through the 60's and eventually became unbearable.
I couldn't finish. The Girls and The Dogs put a stop to that.
1/5
One Limp Bizkit song is all you need. Not an album. Apparently this album was removed in later versions of the 1001 list. Can we have one of those versions, please?
As much as this deserves 1 star, I don't want to see this album cover on my summary page.
I can rationalize that there are some decent riffs, Take a Look Around is catchy, and it's exceptionally ridiculous in it's juvenile rage. But no, that would be a disservice to much better albums. One star
The Adverts
3/5
I liked several songs on this album - One Chord Wonders, Bored Teenagers, Gary Gilmore's Eyes. Unfortunately I kind of tuned out towards the end, but it was a refreshing change after Limp Bizkit.
We're just bored teenagers
Looking for love
Or should I say emotional rages.
Cream
4/5
If I were in the mood for 60's psychedelic rock and Jimi Hendrix wasn't available, this would do in a pinch. Strange Brew is my favorite song in the album.
Pink Floyd
5/5
An album that solidly belongs in this list.
The Young Gods
3/5
I don't know what that was, but I made it through the album and caught myself nodding along and tapping my foot to the machine gun growling diabolical noise. Strangely, I hear the skeezy appeal.
2.5 very generously rounded up.
Dion
2/5
I had the sense that decent talent was squandered on this boring album.
The Residents
2/5
It's like having a fever dream of cartoon music reflected in funhouse mirrors.
"You cause the kids of Elmer Fudd to feed the farmer whose
Cadaver's filled with onion rings and feet are filled with glue"
WTF?
Did Mickey Mouse have a panic attack at the end of Lizard Lady?
It's so annoying, but I felt the need to rubberneck this wreck.
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
Groovy and simplified. Extra stars for being forerunners of this type of sound.
Dire Straits
5/5
Ah, listen to that guitar sing and carry the top line melody. Ah, the bass is funky and smooth. Ah, the lyrics tell a story.
So refreshing.
Favorite songs: Down to the Waterline, Water of Love, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery.
Traffic
4/5
Jazzy rock. There were some parts that stood out, like the way the piano took a cool dark turn at the 4:52 mark in Glad. I appreciate the flute throughout. It was easy listening that didn't demand much.
Favorite song was the traditional: John Barleycorn. The cyclical sacrifice of barley for alcohol. Of course.
3.5 rounded up.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Not sure which I like less - Grateful Dead or Patchouli?
Jane's Addiction does a pretty good cover of Ripple though.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Nah. This genre is overrepresented. All tense energy and I didn't pick up on much musicality.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
This isn't my type of music nor does it speak to my life experiences, but I found it educational. Lyrically dense and smooth. I can see why he is so popular. He did ruin the Eiffel tower for me though...
"We made a right, then made a left, then made a right
Then made a left, we was just circlin' life"
Sam Cooke
4/5
Happy energetic music. It all flowed together and sounded a bit like a variation on the same theme, but overall, a pleasurable listen.
Japan
3/5
You can hear how they influenced 80's New Wave. You can also hear how those later bands are more engaging.
2.5 rounded up.
Joan Baez
2/5
There is a little bird outside your window. It's chirping, trilling, going through all it's ring tones drummin' up business. Wow, that bird has been at it for an hour! Isn't it a beautiful sound?
F that, it's 5 am.
Eagles
5/5
Wasted Time is an aptly named song. However, the rest of the album is comfortable listening and fits like a 10 year old Birkenstock.
Hotel California (song) is genius and somehow doesn't get old.
Van Halen
5/5
Growing up I had dismissed Van Halen as hair metal spandex clad horn dogs. This album was surprisingly listenable and fun. Timeless rock, shredding guitars, in your face vocals and a variety of songs.
I guess I liked it. huh.
Ice T
3/5
Nice grooves and provoking lyrics. I actually enjoyed listening to this.
The man's got a
Sure fire system
An economic prison
3.5 stars rounded down since the curse jar overfloweth.
Beatles
5/5
Yeah this is a great album. Dreamy, jolly, harmonic, musically versatile, yada yada, all the stuff any critic would write. Or in their words:
John - Ono!
Paul - Experiences!
George - Sun!
Ringo - Octopus!
Peter Frampton
3/5
Nice 70's music. The album felt a little long to me. Do You Feel Like We Do is the best song, of course.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
I don't know why this album bothered me. Their songs are decent in small doses.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
I just love the bass and drums at the beginning of Pusherman and Superfly. Little Child Running, No Thing on Me, Freddie's Dead also great songs. Easy listening grooviness.
That 70's orchestra sound though keeps this from being a five for me.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Pop 90's EDM. Gets the endorphins flowing. Thanks Mr. Slim.
Killing Joke
3/5
New Wave Heavy Metal? Lots of droning beats. Emphasis on droning.
Favorite songs: Bloodsport, Change and Requiem
Yes
3/5
This felt like a prog version of Crosby Stills and Nash. I'm not a fan of Yes, but I made it through the meandering album. Some parts were nice...until they sharply veered into something discordant in the next measure.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
It's hard to rate since I used to own this album and it reminds me of other times. Trying to listen objectively... Reed intones, the sounds are chunky and off kilter, the lyrics darkly realistic. Yep, still good. 4.5 rounded up.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Why is that some of the best 80's synth pop music in this list was written in 2009?
Not a bad song on the album. I enjoyed Karen O's vocal style - sometimes reminded me of Berlin.
3/5
Since this wasn't available on my streaming service, I listened to dabs of this on Youtube. It sounded like a more experimental version of earlier XTC with a touch of Beatles. Well, more specifically, like the Beatles songs written by Ringo.
Frank Zappa
4/5
This was not what I expected, in a good way. I had associated Frank Zappa with offbeat experimentally weird music, which this is, but it also had skill (I didn't know he was a renowned guitarist!), jazz/classical elements, and was approachable.
I spent some time trying to figure out which song the beginning of Little Umbrellas reminded me of. Not Swan Lake, but something like that?
Especially liked Gumbo Variations and Willie The Pimp
Massive Attack
4/5
It took more than one listen to get in the vibe of this album.
Really liked Nicolette's vocal style.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I really liked the first half of Down By The River, something about the bass, but the long song overstayed it's welcome. Cinnamon Girl was familiar and catchy.
I respect Neil Young, but not something I would seek. Very laid back. Better a song or two at a time.
The Temptations
3/5
First three songs - funky, dancing around the house doing chores. This is great!
The rest of the album didn't maintain the funk - nice, but more lovey-dovey Motown grooves that felt more dated.
John Grant
3/5
I had never heard of this artist before - nice voice, generally pleasing melodies, funny lyrics.
I didn't like that the Sigourney Weaver song so obviously stole from Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I also made the mistake of listening to this while driving around with the windows open and parked next to someone while JC Hates Faggots was playing - the part where he spews off every racial slur (oops).
Queen
3/5
Honestly, a little confused about why this album was added to the list. It was OK. Queen has better.
Pavement
3/5
There's a lot of praise for Pavement, but I found this album to contain a few noteworthy songs, many unremarkable songs and some that sound like the Replacements but not as good.
Filmore Jive and Hit the Plane Down stood out. Cut Your Hair was the only one I was already familiar with.
ZZ Top
3/5
ZZ Top - they make traditional hard rock with their own brand of weirdness. Catchy and 80's.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
That was good. I've always liked Pale Blue Eyes but hadn't listened to this album before. What Goes On and Beginning to See The Light stood out. I actually I liked pretty much all the songs, but am sitting on the fence regarding The Murder Mystery.
Cypress Hill
3/5
There was a time in the 90's when my brother tricked out my parent's Jeep Cherokee with oversized speakers and would blast Cypress Hill. Cypress Hill Doppler effect. You could hear him coming from four blocks away. And that's the vibe of this music.
Lyrics about guns, cops, pot don't interest me much, but you gotta admit the funk and beats have sway.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Not sure how to rate this album. They all have beautiful outstanding voices but I just don't like country music.
Those Memories of You stood out - maybe cause of the fiddle.
Brian Wilson
3/5
I suspect the random generator isn't so random.
RIP Brian Wilson and your experimental odd harmonies.
Talking Heads
5/5
One of my favorite bands. Easy 5 stars.
"Facts all come with points of view
Facts don't do what I want them to"
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Maybe it would be nice if they changed the setting on the drum machine more often, but this is a catchy and pivotal album. It seems almost innocent now.
The Cure
4/5
This makes me yearn for a cold foggy winter walk in the woods.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
On the pain scale this falls at about a 6. "Moderately stronger pain. You avoid some of your normal daily activities. You have trouble concentrating"
I tried on 3 different occasions to listen to this album and ended up giving up.
Ravi Shankar
4/5
It's nice to have some non western music in this project. Indian music theory, for instance, 14 beat rhythm cycles with pentatonic and heptatonic scales overlaying the beats and converging on beat one does make my head hurt to think about. A surprising amount of complexity mixed in with the improvisation.
For my personal enjoyment this was a about a 3; you just have to go with it. But does this album belong on this list? Absolutely, 5.
Beck
4/5
I've enjoyed Beck's music since the 90's although this is the first time I've listened to this album from beginning to end.
It made me realize I can tolerate country music. If it's diluted with funky beats, rap and jazz.
Loved the amazing dog on the cover.
Eminem
3/5
"Live half my life and throw the rest away"
There's some angsty stuff and clever rhymes here.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
I don't think I'm calm enough for this. Also, I wanna revamp most of the 80's "new wave" music in this list.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Nice vocals. The songs were pretty dated and could benefit from some edgier more modern covers.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Rich, Maps, Black Tongue, I'm a fan! That was a fun punky brewster of an album.
Nas
3/5
It was a strange experience listening to this while I picked blueberries, fertilized tomatoes and gardened over the beautiful weekend. The songs about urban ills, violence, and social capital aren't exactly the right soundtrack for that activity.
As rap it was fine, but I did like the artists the came on the autoplay afterwards more.
Fiona Apple
5/5
I haven't heard this album in a long while. Objectively it's very good, albeit a tad sad - strong rhythms, delicious vocals. She seems to have an "old soul" for an 18 year old.
Favorite songs: Shadowboxer, Criminal, Sleep to Dream, The First Taste, Never Is a Promise, Carrion.
The Kinks
3/5
It started off fun and interesting. I realized I was half listening towards the end though. The Kinks are pleasant enough and the songs are nice and brief.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
It's kinda of like being stoned touring Epcot's international pavilion with an aging punk rocker. Not a bad experience, but a bit confusing.
John Prine
3/5
5 star lyrics (Sam Stone!).
I kind of liked Paradise (fiddles) , Pretty Good (blues).
It was good to be exposed to this artist, but country music makes me impatient for it to end.
Radiohead
5/5
I love this album and unlike a lot of others in this list where it's better to listen to a few songs at a time, this one is best from beginning to end.
"Immerse your soul in love"
Miles Davis
5/5
Seems like these guys really know what they're doing.
I should listen to more Jazz, I put this on and focused on work better than if I had 2 cups of coffee.
50 Cent
2/5
More songs for gardening.
The rhythms and flow for Da Club and P.I.M.P. were catchy. Overall, the lyrics are a bit ... shallow.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
For as much as I liked their Heaven or Las Vegas album, this one was not the same caliber. It's experimentally interesting and darker, but doesn't have the same beauty.
Prince
5/5
This is one of those albums that gets better with repeated listens. Prince is funky, musical, cool. The album makes me happy.
Favorite songs: Sign O' the Times, Housequake Strange Relationship, If I Was Your Girlfriend.
"And together we'll stare into silence
And we'll try to imagine what it looks like"
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Nostalgia - I remember trying to emulate Axl's Davy Jones snake dance in front of MTV as a kid.
So many good songs on this album. Slash is a beast.
4.5 rounded up
Barry Adamson
3/5
The imaginary film seems like it would have been interesting.
I liked the variety of instruments, especially the xylophone sounding keyboards. I probably won't listen again, but I didn't mind the experience.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Nice summertime fare. Relaxed funkiness.
Especially liked their cover of Listen to the Music.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Respect for Emmylou. But country music is something that wears my patience down after about 10 minutes.
Songs that stood out: Bluebird Wine, Too Far Gone, Bottle Let Me Down.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This was actually one of the strangest albums in this project. It felt like a psychedelic children's album.
I kind of liked Don't Go Near The Water and Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song). I found the first half of Surf's Up annoying but then it gets good at around the 3 minute mark. Strange vibes.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Some songs were pretty. Some were pretty dull. I prefer their later work, but this list tends to favor the inclusion of debut albums.
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Wake Up and Rebellion (Lies) made the most impression.
Britney Spears
2/5
This album is like totally awesome.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I was listening to Janes Addiction's Pigs in Zen the other day and thought - this sounds like a Black Sabbath song. They are incredibly influential. This album had a few surprises including a ballad (Changes).
R.I.P. Ozzy.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I like Echo and the Bunnymen, but this album isn't quite up to par with their later work.
Do It Clean is a fun song though.
Beatles
4/5
Classic.
Joy Division
5/5
I had this album back in the day. So bleak and wonderful. Disorder and She's Lost Control are classic goth dance songs. Listening now it seems weird that they morphed into New Order.
"It was me, waiting for me
Hoping for something more
Me, seeing me this time
Hoping for something else"
Dr. Dre
3/5
I like the grooves, the synthesizer sounds, the vocal delivery (especially Snoop's), but I just can't get into the lyrics.
Undisputedly an influential album. Also my favorite gangster rap album to garden to so far.
Blur
2/5
Nah. Too long, too not fabulous.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Sort of a hazy cloud of layered noise. More atmosphere than anything else. I didn't mind it. I think repeated listens would reveal more, but I'm on to the next album already.
Sister Sledge
4/5
Sisters can sing! Yeah I like disco.
Sade
3/5
I recognize that this isn't yacht rock. BUT, If I were on a yacht, and a couple of cocktails in, I could easily get into Sade's voice and the saxophone as the world sails by.
Miles Davis
3/5
For as much as I enjoyed Kind of Blue, I expected to like this more. It's all good, but I didn't remember much of what I listened to at the end.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
I bet this would be great to experience in person.
On a streaming service, it's background pleasant uplifting harmonies that miss some of that human connection.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Pass
Pixies
5/5
My favorite Pixies album.
Television
3/5
I thought I'd love this based on the write up. I respect what they're doing and recognize the musical talent. But like prog rock, when the music veers into too many unconnected intricacies it feels like it's more enjoyable for the performer than the listener.
See No Evil was my favorite.
2.5 rounded up.
David Bowie
5/5
I remember when this album came out I didn't care for it.
Not sure what's changed, but now I lean into the electronic and jazz fusion. Especially the way the saxophones start to veer of course and then resolve.
Appreciate the creativity - using the Nasdat language from A Clockwork Orange.
It's hard to listen to knowing how closely this album is tied to his death. Maybe 4 on the enjoyment scale, but 5 stars conceptually.
The Jam
4/5
A fun short album. Seems very British (in a good way). Pub drinking music.
Magazine
4/5
I had never listened to this band before. There were a few songs that I'll add to playlists: Definitive Gaze, Shot By Both Sides and my favorite The Light Pours Out of Me.
The White Stripes
5/5
This may be too generous, but the White Stripes are always welcome music to my ears.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
So many happy 70's songs on this album. I realize that I prefer ELO in smaller doses, interspersed with other music.
Collectively this album is a 3, songs individually a 4. I'll round up, it's Friday.
Patti Smith
4/5
Patti Smith, showing it how it's done. Edgy poetry wailing punk.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Some decent classic rock songs. I found the production quality muted or lacking.
Fugees
4/5
Huh, I liked this? The skits were a skip and didn't age well, but the fusion of reggae, low key rap, beautiful singing on the part of Lauryn Hill all stand out. I've had Fug-Gee-La stuck in my head for a few days now.
4/5
I like The Kinks. They reaffirm my faith in 60's music.
"Permission to breath Sir"
Fela Kuti
5/5
This project has revealed that in fact, I do like jazz. Even better that it's against the backdrop of of those high energy beats. Need to listen to more Afrobeats.
Respect for someone who walked the walk and paid the price for speaking out against injustice.
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
Soulful, melancholic, beautiful.
Favorite songs: You Ain't the Problem, Hero, Light.
Ryan Adams
2/5
The bluegrass aspects and backing voices were nice.
The Fall
3/5
Annoying and repetitive, but it works in an edgy way.
I don't mind the vocals.
U2
5/5
Probably my favorite U2 album, and a contender for "if you are stuck on a deserted island and only have 1 album to listen to". Edge's guitar soars, Bono can take his voice up to 5th gear. It's all good.
Sadly I read some of the reviews and there seems to be a group think where it's popular to bash on U2 and Bono in particular for being a prat or wanker. These same folks like Oasis and Kanye, so all I have to say is people are strange.
"I'm only hanging on
To watch you go down, my love"
Amy Winehouse
5/5
What a distinct voice. She blends classy and vulgar into something her own.
The National
3/5
It was nice. Mellow, nice melodies, pensive. Somewhat reminiscent of 80s alternative music. I wanted more bite though.
Beyoncé
3/5
Skittles, Cherries and Breasteses, Oh My!
First time listening to one of Beyoncé's albums. I was impressed by the variety in the music and the skillful way she uses her voice. It was actually better than I expected.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Intentionally rough and grating.
I enjoy it for about 10 or so minutes and then find myself skipping or going to something else.
OK, what's next?
Michael Jackson
5/5
I didn't appreciate him enough when I was a kid.
Radiohead
4/5
Dystopian. Weird. Doesn't sound like all the other music ever made.
There are misses (Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors?!) and there are some that standout: Packt Like Sardines In a Crushd Tin Box, Knives Out, I Might Be Wrong, Life in a Glasshouse.
"Let's go down the waterfall
Think about the good times and never look back"
The B-52's
5/5
Don't let your lava love turn to stone.
I'm sorry, but the B-52's are my happy place. It's rough around the edges but too much fun to care.
The Monks
3/5
They didn't have this album on my streaming service. Listened to bits and pieces.
I bet this would have been wild back in the 60's. Enjoyed what I heard, but probably won't revisit.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Nick Cave can really .... annunciate. Cool singing style.
This is one of those albums that deserves a deeper and repeated listen. Favorite songs: Get Ready For Love, Nature Boy, Supernaturally, Breathless.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Beautiful voice. All over the place. Sounds like it was produced from hell to back.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Upscale jazz
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Being Florida born and raised, there is an obligation here to respect my cultural heritage: flip flops, cut-offs, beer in koozies, lawn chairs, mosquitos and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Or in proper Floridian vernacular: I'll tell you what, this album is as good as the day is long.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I'm wondering if Dimery was friends with the DJ? Odd choice for 1001 albums.
It was calming.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
I had forgotten about Terence Trent D'Arby. Actually quite talented.
The Who
2/5
Parliament
4/5
Good stuff! I love funk and the free spirited dance party rhythmic repetitiveness of it all. The album cover of the dude emerging from the UFO in platform shoes is joy.
Although listening to this, I wish I could go back and change my ratings for Sly and The Family Stone and Marvin Gaye to five stars.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Down tempo, a mix of styles. A few standout songs like Homeland. And some that had unexpected vocal rhythms like Serpents and The Conference.
If I hadn't read the Wikipedia page, would have not guessed at the theme of the album - until the last song, maybe.
Fiona Apple
4/5
She became fiercer and funnier with age. Thought provoking album overall.
Anita Baker
2/5
I'm sorry Anita, your voice is beautiful. The music is tired.
The Temptations
4/5
Relaxing funkiness with dollops of soul.
Miles Davis
3/5
Just when I was starting to think that I liked jazz, now I wonder... It sounds like someone is trying to keep their groove while navigating obstacles, random interruptions and instrument issues. If I think about it, I don't like it. If I let it play in the background and don't think, it's ok.
Solidly belongs on this list though.
The Specials
5/5
Proudly raising the freak flag. I loved this madhouse of an album.
Why have I never heard "International Jet Set" before?
Can't listen without dancing awkwardly around the house.
Sabu
3/5
Well, that was something. The sound quality wasn't great, which I guess is to be expected from the age of the album. I liked Choferito-Pleno and Tribilin Cantore. Probably won't listen again, but it added some variety at least.
Erykah Badu
2/5
The first song was ok. Ended up sampling the rest of the album.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Oh goody. ANOTHER Elvis Costello Album.
That said, Watching the Detectives remains a great song.
"She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake"
The Who
4/5
Never have been a big fan of The Who. But dang, this album is bursting with classic rock hits.
Favorite: Behind Blue Eyes
Van Halen
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. Overplayed and 80's flamboyant.
I would like to have David Lee Roth as an audible narrator for some class book though.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Teetering on a 1. It have me a headache.
Sex Pistols
4/5
If you're going to listen to punk, this fits. And if you live in a "hell-hole", "war ravaged", "burning to the ground city", this fits.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Again with the debut albums. Tom Petty (and the Heartbreakers) have a gift for making catchy, short, smilingly simple but well crafted songs. I wouldn't have chosen this album though to represent America's favorite Floridian though.
Beck
3/5
I guess this album demonstrates that Beck is a musical chameleon.
When it comes to his slow music, I prefer Morning Phase album, however this one is perfect adequate for afternoon napping.
Favorite Song: Lost Cause
Kelela
2/5
Nice voice. Music is too commercial for my taste.
Röyksopp
3/5
It was good background music while I worked. I could see this being music for a travel vlog.
OutKast
5/5
I don't often listen to Hip Hop, but when I do, it should be fun, inventive, intelligent and danceable. This checks all the boxes.
Knew the hits (So Fresh, So Clean, Ms. Jackson, B.O.B.), but surprised by Gasoline Dreams and Humble Mumble.
"Do you wanna live or wanna exist?"
James Brown
4/5
Yeah, he's good. His style has been mimicked so often it's hard to gauge just how raw and powerful this must have been in the 60's.
N.W.A.
4/5
Huh, this came out four years before the LA riots. A seminal rap album that captures the era and place. Controversial, and controversy sells.
On the gardening to gangster rap scale, this ranks offensively high.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
It was all ok and they explored different areas. But it never really rose above ok. It was ok.
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
That was straight up good bluesy rock and roll.
Never heard of them before. Thanks 1001 albums!
Tom Waits
4/5
This music doesn't belong to any era, listening to it now it doesn't seem to have arisen from the 80's.
Didn't like Tom Waits as a kid but I can get behind this now. Dark and unusual. Favorite songs: Clap Hands, Jockey Full of Bourbon, Tango Till They're Sore
Depeche Mode
4/5
"I'm not trying to tell you anything
You didn't know when you woke up today"
Familiar songs and melodies on droning beats.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
It was a fine album and none of the songs were bad, neither were they exciting. 3.5 rounded up.
Favorite songs: Shake Your Hips, Shine a Light
Dr. Octagon
1/5
Yuck. I worked with a guy who showed up one day wearing an "I might not a gynecologist, but I'll take a look" t-shirt.
This album is the musical equivalent of that. Don't need this.
Primal Scream
3/5
It started of pretty good, but then I started to lose interest. At times they reminded me of an electronic Stone Roses.
Favorite Songs: Loaded, Movin' on Up, Slip Inside This House.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
AI:
[Genre: 90s Eurodance / Cheesy Pop / Dance-pop]
[Tempo: 135 BPM, high energy, driving rhythm]
[Instrumentation: Pulsating synthesizers, bright piano riff, simple but heavy kick drum, upbeat bassline, a few basic sound effects like "whooshes" or claps]
[Mood: Exuberant, ridiculously happy, fun, anthemic, nostalgic, a total "earworm"]
[Vocals: Auto tuned simple male vocal chorus]
[Lyrics: Cliché and generic lyrics about dancing all night, love, unity, and having a good time]
[Song Structure: Classic pop structure with a clear intro, verse, big chorus, bridge, and a final chorus climax]
The Cure
5/5
Perfect soundtrack for reading, drinking coffee and snuggling with the dog on a rainy day. Beauty in the gloom.
The Head on the Door is my favorite album of theirs, but this is my favorite in this list.
The Black Keys
4/5
They front loaded this album with the good songs.
The Blue Nile
2/5
Unfortunately I think this is one of those bands I won't remember having listened to in a few years.
Reminder to self: Like a husk of Peter Gabriel.
Madonna
3/5
I don't mind Madonna, and was actually surprised by the second half of the album. Unfortunately the title song was a meme for some of us at company I used to work for (one which will remain unnamed).
"Don't tell me to stop
Tell the rain not to drop"
Al Green
3/5
I wanted to like this album more than I ended up enjoying it. A few standout songs, the rest was less memorable.
Nirvana
3/5
Sacrilege, I know. I just prefer Nevermind.
Favorites: All Apologies, Rape Me.
Nick Drake
3/5
He's an impressive song writer, and when you're in the right mood, the music is pretty good.
Man in A Shed was my favorite - it's a livelier, swinging, jazzier song than the others.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I prefer their later work, but this falls into the first album rule of 1001 albums. You can see that they are experimenting with different sounds, but it doesn't quite congeal in all cases.
Iggy Pop
4/5
That was consistently good. The Passenger is one of my favorite songs.
The Band
2/5
At the risk of offending my father: 2 stars. Doesn't appeal to me.
Beastie Boys
5/5
This is almost more funk than hip hop. Love the funkiness.
Circle Jerks
3/5
Was the short duration a metaphor? The music was pretty bad, but it made me laugh.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
I really am in no position to rate country music. Her voice was nice and the album wasn't very long. Why is county music always so wistful? 4 for her voice, 2 for the music.
Madonna
3/5
It's the Madonna version of Massive Attack. Frozen has been stuck in my head for days.
"mmm mmm mmm If I could melt your heart..."
Genesis
2/5
Sometimes less is more.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
It's like listening to muzak with crappy headphones next to a jet engine.
The Pogues
3/5
Enjoyable. Better in smaller doses.
Public Enemy
4/5
Beatles
4/5
This is when they are starting to make the turn from catchy pop songs to Beatle brilliance.
Tomorrow Never Knows could be a song from the 2000's. (Let Forever Be?)
"wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door"
The Only Ones
3/5
I saw the genre punk and groaned... not again. But it was not punk, more new wave/rock with a mix of different styles. Easy to listen to and have the music playing in the background.
The singer sounded like a worse version of the guy from Violent Femmes.
Van Morrison
3/5
He was emoting and delivering songs with a lot angst. It was good, but I didn't get into that intensity for the full 47 minutes.
Sweet Thing is a beautiful song, and I was pleasantly surprised by The Way Young Lovers Do.
"And I will walk and talk in gardens all wet with rain"
Burning Spear
4/5
Nina Simone
4/5
And she cried 'power'.
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
He has a smooth style, but too repetitive and lyrically limited for my enjoyment.
David Bowie
5/5
I loved this album. Hadn't listened to it all the way through before. Bowie could do anything well.
David Ackles
2/5
Why?!
Sparks
3/5
Well that was unexpected. In a good way. A little bit like Queen meets ABBA. Well, if only two dudes comprised ABBA that is.
5/5
"I read the news today, oh boy"
When I was a little kid and my parents let me pick out an album to listen to, it was always this one.
The Thrills
2/5
Nah. Alternates between ok, to oof this is bad, to boring and back again. The world doesn't need any more songs about California.
Tom Waits
3/5
I'm thinking half-orc bard. I enjoyed listening to the album, but not something I would regularly seek.
Saint Etienne
2/5
It started off OK, but then I lost interest.
James Taylor
2/5
I thought I would like this album since Fire and Rain is so iconic, and Sweet Baby James is a lovely song. But no, I cannot stomach a whole album of James Taylor.