312
Albums Rated
3.4
Average Rating
29%
Complete
777 albums remaining
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1960s
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76
5-Star Albums
14
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Machine | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
| Brown Sugar | 5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
| Duck Stab/Buster & Glen | 4 | 2.03 | +1.97 |
| I'm Your Man | 5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
| Songs From A Room | 5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
| Fetch The Bolt Cutters | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| Live At The Star Club, Hamburg | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| American Pie | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| Bitches Brew | 5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| Sea Change | 5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disintegration | 1 | 3.85 | -2.85 |
| Violator | 1 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
| Seventeen Seconds | 1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
| Pornography | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| Younger Than Yesterday | 1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
| Ray Of Light | 1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
| Sheet Music | 1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
| The Last Of The True Believers | 1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
| You Are The Quarry | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| Songs From The Big Chair | 2 | 3.74 | -1.74 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.75 |
| Leonard Cohen | 3 | 5 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 2 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
| Beck | 2 | 5 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 2 | 5 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 2 | 5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 2 | 5 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 6 | 4 |
| Talking Heads | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Cure | 3 | 1 |
| Depeche Mode | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Albums | Variance |
|---|---|---|
| Van Morrison | 2 | 1.5 |
| Fiona Apple | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (76)
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Popular Reviews
Miles Davis
5/5
This album is a masterpiece. Took me a long time for it to click with me but once it did there was no going back. There’s a freshness there that’s hard to explain. Apparently miles told John McLaughlin to play the guitar like it was the first time he picked one up. Such an important album.
3 likes
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
What a voice. There was a time
In my teenage years when she was one of my all time Favourite vocalists. I’ve listened to her less over the proceeding years but whenever I hear her I remember how powerful she is. She had a punk aesthetic that I would imagine influenced the likes of Patti smith. The album as a whole is good, the band is ok.
2 likes
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This is one of my all-time favourite albums and the soundtrack to high school and university. When I was you young I would argue this was the best album of the 90s. I actually don’t even want to deconstruct why I like it- I just want to let it wash over me when I listen to it.
Inthe proceeding years, Billy corgan has started to become more grating but this album is preserved in my memory as a time before all of that, a time when I could listen to this with my whole heart and feel so much joy
1 likes
Leonard Cohen
5/5
I grew up on this album and think it’s one of Cohen’s best. How can this be anything other than a 5 with lines like ‘stick another turtle on the fire, guys like me are mad for turtle meat’.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (14)
All Ratings
Tracy Chapman
5/5
CHIC
4/5
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Haven’t heard this album in over 10 years. The reverb and mixing always felt claustrophobic which turned me off. Once I got through that this time, I actually found myself enjoying most of it. I would give it a 3.5 if I could.
David Bowie
4/5
The first half finally clicked with me after years of trying of trying to get into this album and I listened to it 5 times through. The second half is interesting but can’t see myself revisiting too often.
Frank Zappa
5/5
One of my favourite Zappa albums. Peaches en regalia is one of the best album openers of all time! I really appreciated the back half of this album more on recent listenings. Classic Zappa
Frank Ocean
4/5
I’ve been listening to this for the last 6 years and admittedly it took me a while to get into it, but again once it clicked, I really enjoyed most of it. Love pyramids, crack rock, pilot jones, and thinking about you. Most of it is very feel good and reminds me of being young and at the start of a relationship. Can hear Stevie, prince, and Marvin all throughout this album. Would have loved to listen to this in my mid 20s!
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Love this album. Started listening to this 20 years ago and still revisit often. I think it’s Isaac Hayes at his best. Lush production and prototype soul album that allowed for evolution of ‘soul sound’ from Motown into a looser more expressive sound. Walk on and Phoenix are so great.
OutKast
3/5
This album soundtracked my mid 20s so I have a soft spot for it. Having said that, it is not their best album and I am worried you will judge this group poorly based of an album that is bloated, even though it has 5 or 6 killer tracks. Andre 3000 is one of the best mcs ever- he broke the mould for what an mc can be and how they are represented. OutKast also put southern rap on the map and and paved the way for the south to dominate hip hop in the 2000s (for good or bad). Fresh and clean, Ms Jackson, gasoline dreams, and bombs over Baghdad still sound so fresh today. Pitchfork ranked b.o.b as the best song from the 90s. I don’t think the album works as a whole but there is still so much of value in amongst the mess
Willie Nelson
5/5
I’d only heard one other Willie album before (stardust) and really liked this one. I imagine everyone on the Burlington hall would know how to play every song on this album- had a very Al vibe for me and reminded me of playing at Mike’s house. Loved the sparse instrumentation.
Janet Jackson
2/5
I’ve never heard this entire alb but remember hearing the singles all the time from my youth. Definitely had a late 80s vibe- I don’t mind the new jack sound, it just become background for me after a while. It’s like eating candy-good at the start but leaves you wanting something more substantial. Definitely important in the evolution and scale of pop - for good or bad.
Soundgarden
5/5
The sweet spot for sound garden- I liked parts of their previous album but the production was muddier and darker. This album was released at the perfect stage in my life when I was just picking up a bass and a guitar for the first time. Biking around somerset listening to this on a walkman in August of 94 are some of the happiest memories of my teenage years.Almost all of the songs hold up and Cornell’s voice is on fire throughout.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
One of the best debut albums of all time- zeppelin were pretty much fully formed out of the gate. Dazed and confused is unreal!
Tangerine Dream
2/5
I can see why this album is considered important and I was surprised by the release date as it does sound ahead of its time. However, as I listened I found it slipping into the background often. The title track was my favourite - you could almost draw a direct line from it to 80s synth pop. I think I need time to let this album grow on me but for now I will not be revisiting- although I can imagine other dimensions being unlocked in the barn while under the influence…
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
I had never heard of this album or guy before. He sounds so much like a Ryan Adams on some tracks (the shining hour, you just have to be crazy). I think I need more time for this album to grow on me- at some points I wanted to shut it off but there was something that prevented me from dismissing it completely. The fact that Michael Stipe called it the best album of 1993 means there is something there.
Talvin Singh
2/5
I really wanted to like this album as it theoretically has all of the elements I love. I did love ‘eclipse’ and wish the rest of the album was as interesting. I found most of the vocals to be almost farcical and off putting (flight of the conchordsish). I appreciate that this probably paved the way for artists like Nitin Sawhney who I love and for that reason alone I can show this album some love.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Literally the first time I’ve ever heard Maiden(I know) and I was pleasantly surprised. I can see how they influenced so many, and were spoofed in countless ways ( spinal tap, school
Of rock, the darkness). This album is Actually more punk than I thought they’d be (probably because it’s their first and only one with that singer). I listened to the number of the beast after this and that seems to be their more classic sound but I did find myself enjoying this more than I thought I would.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This is one of my all-time favourite albums and the soundtrack to high school and university. When I was you young I would argue this was the best album of the 90s. I actually don’t even want to deconstruct why I like it- I just want to let it wash over me when I listen to it.
Inthe proceeding years, Billy corgan has started to become more grating but this album is preserved in my memory as a time before all of that, a time when I could listen to this with my whole heart and feel so much joy
Van Morrison
2/5
I love so many Van Morrison albums (astral weeks, moon dance, Tupelo Honey (thanks Mike!), Veedon Fleece) so thought I would love this.
His voice is great but I didn’t enjoy the music- was almost too straight and loungey at times. Hard to believe he started recording version fleece a few weeks after these shows.
Immediately after listening to this I put on Astral weeks to clean my palette.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I had never listened to this album even though it was just released when I moved back to the uk. When back in black was released, I fell in love with her voice (as everyone else did) and loved the Motown infused songs combined with her London grit.
This album isn’t as gritty and at some points feels almost like a Sarah Vaughan album. But the seeds are there that would germinate into what she would later become, which ultimately led to her downfall. If she had stayed at this level, who knows where she’d be.
Loved the song ‘in my bed’ and that they sampled Apache. The bass drum sounds deep and almost like massive attack.
A good album but whenever I feel like listening to Amy, I’ll always choose back in black.
Big Star
3/5
Always heard of this, never listened to it. Have to admit it grew on me over past 24 hours. This quote stuck with though:
The problem with coming in late on an artwork lauded as 'influential' is that you've probably encountered the work it influenced first, so its truly innovative qualities are lost. Thus, if you are hearing Big Star's debut album for the first time decades after its release (as, inevitably, most people must), you may be reminded of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers or R.E.M., who came after—that is, if you don't think of The Byrds and The Beatles circa 1965. What was remarkable about #1 Record in 1972 was that nobody except Big Star (and maybe Badfinger and The Raspberries) wanted to sound like this—simple, light pop with sweet harmonies and jangly guitars."
I didn’t find the album exciting but it was pleasant and some of the songs were great (but the India song reminded me of Cups and Cakes by spinal Tap). My big nitpick with this album is the production - it felt thin and tinny and I would have loved more warmth.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Great album. Don’t think I can truly appreciate how much influence it actually had having listened to it decades after its release. So ahead of its time in lots of ways and love the punk feel on some of the tracks. When I first heard this in university wasn’t a fan of nicos voice but that has grown on me over the years. Really got into Venus in Furs this time. So many bands and whole genres are indebted to this for breaking new ground in a very fertile time for music.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
One of my all-time favourite albums, and one of the best albums of the last 20 years. Is the soundtrack to my early adulthood. Listen to this with the kids in the car so much they know every song off by heart. I love the orchestration- lush at times and then cartoonish and then sombre and then joyful. Amazing that there is a song about Wayne gacy on the same album as a song like Predatory wasp but the whole album is still cohesive and works. I think it’s Sufjan Stevens masterpiece although there’s still several other of his albums that are phenomenal. Every time I listen to this I am blown away by the songwriting. Casinos Pulaski day still gets me every time.. and he takes and he takes and takes.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
When this was released I did t even give it a chance- why would I listen to a guy from nsync? One of my friends in Calgary who I played guitar with told me I schools really check it out and said the neptunes and timbaland produced it and they were songs meant for Michael Jackson. When I did finally listen, I secretly enjoyed a lot of it. Senorita, like I love you, what I got, rock your body. The songs were catchy, light, and on in every club on London. Takes me right back to being 24-25. Love the production on it. I don’t listen to the whole album often but will revisit a few tracks. Was actually learning Senorita on piano last weekend cause I thought the intro would be a great way to open a show.
Elis Regina
2/5
An album and artist i’ve never heard of before. It took me a while to find on Apple Music until I realized it’s not really a true album but a mixture of two and was then released in the early 80s and 1978. Her voice is great and weirdly reminded me a little bit of feist for some reason. The music was good, but it really didn’t really grab me. I don’t think it would be album that I’ve ever revisit again but nice to have exposure to music I normally would listen to.
The Shamen
1/5
If I was on e in Manchester 35 years ago I might have loved this album. But listening to this as a middle aged man sitting in traffic in new Minas did nothing for me.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
This album is excellent start to finish. It really is bittersweet as the level of fame it propelled her to was her undoing. Every day when I was taking the train to work there’d by another story tearing her down. Believe people when they tell you who they are - and on Rehab she told everyone clearly.
But after its release, Amy was a force and you can see this in her performances at the time- her voice was strong and her lyrics were direct and representative of a subculture in London at the time.
I love Motown and I think it was a stroke of genius to combine the wide eyed happiness and innocence of Motown with her lyrics about infidelity and drugs. Both balance each other out to keep me going back for more and it is one of the most relistenable albums for me. The production is rich and voice is powerful.
I’ll go to bat for this album every day
The Cure
1/5
I have never heard an entire album by the cure before this. Admittedly they never grabbed my attention and part of me really wanted to enjoy this, to finally ‘get’ them. Alas, that did not happen and I am firmly in the ‘not a cure fan’ camp.
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
Unreal- immediately put a smile on my face and the energy and attitude was so unexpected. I would have immediately dismissed a Jerry Lee Lewis album before this and so glad I have it a chance. Such a great time capsule of rock. Just have to forget that he married his 13 year old cousin. But I’m reviewing the music not the man…
MGMT
3/5
Listened to this quite a bit when it first came out and is an album that I always forget about. When I remember and put it on I always enjoy it- just positive sounding, upbeat great songs. Definitely captures the 2007 vibe.
Ozomatli
3/5
Had never heard of these guys before. Solid album, loved the music, although did t love all of the vocals. I’m definitely going to delve more into their music.
Pixies
2/5
I’ve always really wanted to like the pixies and know I should like the pixies but after listening to this I realize I still don’t really like the pixies. All of the songs were fine but none grabbed me. Maybe one day but not now.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Definitely a solid monk album but not my favourite (monk’s mood if you’re asking). The title track was the highlight for me and I was fascinated by the recording process for it- 25 takes, frustration with monk which eventually led to them having to splice takes together to get a final track. I love that for one take they thought there was something wrong with the bass set up as there wasn’t a signal until they realized he was just pretending to play because he totally couldn’t follow monk!
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I’m always surprised at how unpolished and raw this album is at times and I mean that in a totally good way. When I first heard this over 20 years ago I loved it- over time I find myself revisiting less and less but I can still appreciate it and it allowed to understand why the stones were/are so huge.
Weather Report
3/5
I can totally appreciate this album but I have to admit it didn’t grab me and kept sliding into the background. I think this is a band that would be amazing live.
Eurythmics
2/5
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Such a great voice. It must have been amazing to hear this album when it first came out, to hear Otis Redding’s Respect as the opening track and reimagined with such energy. Listening to it now, I didn’t feel excitement although I could appreciate her voice and arrangements. Over the years I’ve started to prefer to singers who have more grit/character in their voice. Otis Redding and Esther Phillips sing some of these songs and those are the ones to which I keep returning.
Fiona Apple
2/5
I really want to like this album. I remember watching her speech at the 97 VMA awards. And I find the albums she has done with Jon Brion are far better. I know she was young when this was released and some of the lyrics are great; however, i can’t stop zoning out or letting this album slip into the background. I really try and then after 5 minutes I’m itching to change the channel. Maybe I’m not in the right frame of mind but I still cannot get into this album- lord knows I’ve tried.
The Stooges
4/5
Fuck yeah!
The Byrds
1/5
I found this a painful listen. It is stereotypical 60s psychedelic at its cheesiest. Never been a Byrds fan and I am definitely not one after this album.
Dizzee Rascal
4/5
Soundtrack to me moving back to London in 2003. Grime/garage mainly underground before Dizzee released this album. Then it exploded. I love the energy and rawness of the music and of his voice. He put London mcs back on the map. I love u is one of my favourite tracks and brings me right back to living there…oh welw
Talking Heads
4/5
Excellent album- one of my favourites and seeing some of these songs performed live in Stop Making Sense makes me love this album even more
Neil Young
4/5
Because it was out of print at a time when I was discovering music and getting into Neil young, this album was always mythical to me. I had heard the couple of tracks on decade but nothing else. When it was finally released I didn’t give it the time it deserved. Listening now, I realize how beautiful it is and found myself returning to it yesterday. The back half is hazy and reeks of honey slides. What a line up on revolution blues! Definitely will be in regular rotation from now on
Deep Purple
3/5
I first heard this in 1996 during my first year of university. I met a drummer from BC and we quickly became friends and started playing music together. He loved music and opened my eyes to a lot of albums I had never given a chance. He was the first guy to introduce me to led zeppelin’s first album. He was also a passionate about Deep Purple, a band I had always dismissed. He loved Ian Paice! Seeing his enthusiasm for it made me appreciate it so much more. Listening now, I can still appreciate it and know the musicians are on fire - I just know I won’t listen to this again for another 28 years.
Tom Waits
5/5
What can I say- one of my favourite Tom Waits albums. I still remember discovering this in the 90s - it felt strange, harsh, and beautiful all at the same time. Just listen to Going Out West.
I remember downloading the mp3 of Dirt in the Ground on my parents computer on their dial up internet and listening to this on repeat for days. The ultimate memento mori. So beautiful and sad and urgent.
I also love ‘A little rain’ and ‘who are you’ - both are incredible songwriting.
As I get older, ‘I don’t wanna grow up’ hits so hard. When I’m in my car by myself I sing this at the top of my lungs and I always find it difficult to get through without getting a lump in my throat. How do you move in a word of fog that’s always changing things? The only thing to live for is today.
50 Cent
3/5
Reminds me so much of being on my mid 20s. I love the production on this album. I don’t want to like 50 cent but a lot of the songs are so catchy and transport me right back to 2003!
Sigur Rós
5/5
I haven’t listened to this album in years. I remember really loving this album whenever I put it on and worried that I would fee differently after so much time having passed. I played it on my phone speakers and listened to the first couple of songs and felt indifferent. Then I got a pair of headphones and listened to the album again and it almost put me in an altered state. So beautiful. I read about this album on Reddit this morning and somebody said they put this album on headphones and lie on their trampoline and look at the stars. I’m now waiting for a clear night. Tju
Miles Davis
5/5
One of the best albums of all time. It’s been almost 30 years since I first heard this and i find the music is still fresh and exciting now. It took me a while to ‘get’ it but once it clicked I was hooked. The first jazz album that I truly loved.
Björk
3/5
I had never heard this album until now. It started to grow on me but I think I need more time to sit with it and really absorb it. So it’s a 3 right now but am assuming it will click at some point as most of her other albums have.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Sheryl Crow
2/5
To quote one of my favourite Mel Brooks movies…’Nice. Not thrilling. But Nice.’
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
First time hearing and actually really got into it. Had energy and didn’t take itself too seriously. I could totally trace the sound back to The Stooges and Raw Power. I will definitely be listening to this again.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
I’d never heard this album in into entirety. I knew the two huge songs but not the other same it’s pretty good. Not my favourite but definitely enjoyed it. Crazy how fully formed Tom was out of the gate. breakdown and American girl are two of his best and for that alone this has to get 3 stars. Breakdown is also the first in a long line of songs where Tom tells us to listen.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Beautiful beautiful album. These songs are so familiar but this must have been a revelation to people who heard it for the first time.
Madonna
1/5
Not going to dignify this with a response
AC/DC
3/5
I actually enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. I few like I’ve heard all of these songs at some point but had never heard them all together. The lyrics are definitely dated and spinal
Tappy but the album still has a freshness to it and sounds great. People must have reacted to it the same way they reacted when the darkness released their first album- it amidst plays like a greatest hits album.
Sade
5/5
Beautiful album. Warm, smooth production and her voice is perfect. I put this record on often and it’s one of the only ones that my entire family agrees on.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Listening to this hen it was released must have been a revelation. Growing up, my understating of Bob Marley was mainly based on Legend. When I heard the live album I got a glimpse of him that wasn’t so refined and this album furthered that. After some digging I realized there was a Jamaican version of the album that wasn’t mastered in London and that was the one I listened to. Stir it up feels fresh and new as does Kinky Reggae. Love it.
4/5
This album still sounds beautiful. Not a huge U2 fan but can appreciate this for sure. I’m a fan of Daniel Lanois and you can’t underestimate his contribution to this sound. This album is the sound of a band hitting their peak.
The Stooges
4/5
I can’t believe this album came out in 69- completely changes my idea of the timeline of music’s evolution in the 60s and 70s. So ahead of its time and full of so much energy and so different from most albums being released then. I am now a stooges fan.
Gene Clark
2/5
After reading an out this album I really wanted to like it and here were moments that were beautiful but overall it faded into the background. It could be because I tried to listen to it at a time when I was on a Bon Iver kick and this was more straight or something. Good to know this exists and I’ll revisit one day.
John Lennon
3/5
Definitely a classic album. Have to admit that I’ve never been passionate about Lennon’s solo stuff although admittedly there is a lot of great stuff. I’ve always found the music lacked a lightness or something. I was surprised by how biting he was about McCartney on ‘how do you sleep?’ so soon after the Beatles broke up.
Talking Heads
5/5
Such a classic and my favourite talking heads album. Polyrhythmic and influenced by fela. The lyrics are insightful (‘lost my shape trying to act casual’). I could go on but I’m going back to listen again.
OutKast
4/5
An overflowing, beautiful, messy album created by two artists at their peak. Not everything is gold but overall it is an album I keep returning to as it has aged very well.
Tom Waits
3/5
A album that catches waits in a transition - a couple of years later swordfish trombone is released and the rest is history. This album has a couple of my favourite Tom waits songs- jersey girl and rubys arms. Overall not one of my favourites but any tom waits album always has some gems.
Brian Eno
4/5
Was prepared to not like this as I haven’t really been into the eno I’ve heard, although I appreciate him as a producer. Wasn’t really impressed and then I heard the solo on st Elmo’s fire. That drew me in and there were nuggets sprinkled throughout. Not a huge fan of the vocals but I have a feeling this will grow on me. I need to give this time to percolate. Can trace the impact of this on bands like bon over, talk talk, and Radiohead.
The Strokes
3/5
Classic early 2000s New York album. You can almost trace a direct line back 30 years to the stooges. At times sounded a bit like vampire weekend to me as well. Don’t listen to this often but when it’s on I enjoy it.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
So beautiful. I first listened to it this album over twenty years ago and have to admit I wasn’t initially that impressed. But over the years I fell in love with this album and can see its influence on so many artists and albums. Stevie at his finest. Hard to believe how young he was and how he was able to completely reinvent himself and soul music at the same time.
Destiny's Child
2/5
Such a snapshot of music of the early 2000s- hooky songs that were played in every club, bar, and school dance. I’ve seen countless people sing these songs at karaoke. Have never listened to this entire album and probably won’t again though.
The Thrills
2/5
Kraftwerk
3/5
Anothwr band I know I’m supposed to love and who are supposed to be so influential but their albums too often slip into the background. Maybe that’s the point- they are supposed to be hypnotic like modern day electronica. A few tracks get like old Nintendo game soundtracks which isn’t a bad thing. I did enjoy some of it and it did feel tongue in cheek a lot of the time. Need a deeper dive or somebody to explain why they were so revolutionary as I can’t see it yet.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
So difficult to rate an album as influential as this over 60 years later. It’s almost impossible to listen to this with fresh ears as the template it laid has been used in rock ever since. I can almost imagine what it would have been like to drop the needle and hear ‘oh boy’ for the first time as a teenager. Can appreciate the songs on here even if they are a little dated.
Nirvana
5/5
As close to a perfect album from the 90s as you can get and the soundtrack to my teenage years and beyond. A wall of energy- gritty and beautiful. The sound of a band at their peak and about to implode. Hearing the different mixes released a few years ago was interesting although I think the original sounds fantastic. I think that in the next 50 years, only a few 90s albums will still be played regularly and this is one of them. Has aged beautifully and gets all the kudos and recognition it deserves. The drop in Frances Farmer still makes me want yell out in joy jump into the pit.
The Smiths
2/5
Confession: any smiths I have heard thus far I have not liked. Not to mention that current day morissey is an ass. So was not expecting much from this album. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t hate this album. It was pleasant enough and I enjoyed a few tracks. I’m still not a smiths fan but I can now see why somebody might be.
Beck
5/5
One of my favourite albums of all time. I listen to this weekly. The production on this is excellent and I think it is one of the best sounding albums ever. Although the songs are generally about loss and loneliness, I find there is a beauty and wistfulness that o keep returning to.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Couldn’t get into this on first listen. Then I put on a lot of good headphones and could hear the bass properly and could see why this is heralded as a great live album. Three musicians just killing it live. I think this will be another grower for me- nothing really grabbed me although I could definitely appreciate it.
Paul Simon
4/5
Knew some songs but never listened to entire album. Have to say I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Great production and songs had a lightness to them. Will definitely be listening to this again.
Elliott Smith
2/5
I’ve tried so many times to get into this album over the past 20 years and it just hasn’t clicked. I know the songwriting is supposed to be great but the production puts me off. One day but not today.
XTC
2/5
There were times as I was listening that I thought this might be an album I couldn’t into but then a song would come on that would erase that feeling.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Picture it. Summer 98 living in Halifax in an apartment in park Vic, taking classes by day and working at Wendy’s with a murderer by night. I had just bought my first beater acoustic guitar and listened to this album constantly, trying to learn the songs by ear. The last great zeppelin album. The solo on rover is magnificent.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
One of the greatest- so much has been said about this album over the last almost 50 years. Just beautiful. It really does contain multitudes. So rich and warm and laid the template for so much music that proceeded it.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Didn’t know this album well at all. Was actually pretty good- loved supernaut and snowblind. Still very much sabbath although more nuanced in a way than other albums I had heard. Not my favourite but solid.
Van Morrison
5/5
How can this be any less than a 5? And it stoned me takes me right back to being a teenager myself and is one of my all time favourites. Almost a perfect album start to finish that I have revisited at every stage in my life.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
I have argued for a long time that this is one of the greatest albums of the 90s and definitely the best chilli peppers album. It seems in fashion now to dismiss the chilli peppers but when this was released it was fresh. Messy, and exciting- each song full of energy. The songs were all so different- I could have lied is so different from suck my kiss. And the title track still sound phenomenal. A band that were at their peak and who had found a perfect blend of punk, funk, and melodies. A solid 5.
The Replacements
3/5
2/5
John Coltrane
5/5
I have given this a lot of thought and I think may be the greatest piece of art produced in the 20th century. A fully realized spiritual vision of an artist at his prime. I have so many interpretations and ideas about what the songs, and even some of the individual phrases represent. When o first heard this years ago I enjoyed it; but about 10 years ago I listed again and it brought me to tears. Without a doubt in my top 3 albums of all time and one I revisit weekly.
Beck
5/5
90s classic. This album sounded so fresh when it was released and although it has lost some of that excitement I had when I first heard it, I still think this is an excellent album front to back. The production is rich and the songs sound fantastic. High Five
Willie Nelson
4/5
Bought this on vinyl a few years ago and it’s grown on my every year since. Was the first Willie album I heard and I could see why he’s so popular. His interpretation of these standards are subtle and warm. Perfect vinyl to put on on a Saturday afternoon.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
I think this album is excellent. When I first heard it I just listened to it as a straight album but on subsequent listening realized that the songs were loosely connected and my appreciation grew. Don’t know how Kendrick has the ability to write meaningful, personal songs that still sound fresh and fresh exciting. This is the album that propelled him to superstardom and for good reason.
Eminem
2/5
Eminem is definitely one of the great mcs of all time. Maybe i’m getting old, but I find myself bristling more at a lot of his lyrics nowadays. If I was 18, I may find them edgy and pushing boundaries but more often than not they just sound angry. With Dre at the helm, the beats sound great but not my favourite of his albums.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
I like the idea of this album but found it a little bland. It has the promise of North African music but without the energy and fun that makes people get up and dance.
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Beautiful, beautiful album. Songwriting is outstanding and his guitar playing and voice are almost transcendent. ‘Lover you should have come over’ takes me right back to being a 20 something year old guy trying to figure things out. An album that I will always revisit.
B.B. King
3/5
Some great moments and undoubtedly one of the greatest blues players of all time. I just didn’t (and dont) find straight forward blues that enjoyable at the moment. So great that this moment in history was captured and a perfect t example of blues, just not one I’ll be revisiting any time soon.
The Temptations
3/5
The temps meets Isaac Hayes meets Marvin Gaye. Better than I thought it would be. I love Motown and I love 60s temptations but this was a pretty soulful album.
Stan Getz
3/5
Obviously know Girl from Ipanema but haven’t heard the entire alb. It’s one of the best selling jazz albums and I’m sure it was important to bring it and bossa nova to the masses- I just don’t find it very exciting. Pleasant but not exciting. Great dinner party in the background music.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
This reaffirmed that I am still not a pet shop boys fan. The vocals put me off (although their earlier song west end girls is awesome). Sorry pet shop boys. Not today.
Aphex Twin
2/5
I agree with Mike -I can appreciate how influential this was at the time and its influence can be heard everywhere now. But I appreciate this more as a historical document rather than as a an album.
Gorillaz
4/5
Great album. I prefer their follow up (demon days) but I remember this feeling so fresh and new when it was released and still love it. Doesn’t take itself too seriously but still sounds fantastic on good speakers.
Joy Division
3/5
Went into this with no expectations but was pleasantly surprised. His voice sounds a lot like Gord Downie to me and there was a darker Hip sound there at times. I always have to be in the right mood for Joy Division but when the mood hits I’ll definitely reach for this album.
George Harrison
4/5
A great sprawling album that showcases George Harrison’s potential post Beatles. So many great songs. Sometimes the length puts me off (that’s what she said) but I can definitely appreciate how inspired and beautiful the song writing is.
The Only Ones
2/5
I agree with Mike- firmly in the not a fan camp. His voice grates on me.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
A solid album that I never have the urge to revisit (sorry Vaz). When it’s on I enjoy it and then I go years without listening to it.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Solid album with some good songs but they’ve never been a group I’ve listened to a lot. They helped organize Monterey which brought Hendrix back to the US and I met Denny Doherty when he came to speak to my class at Dal so for that I’ll give them a 3.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Great voice, great arrangements. Can’t see myself revisiting this but can appreciate how influential she was.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Depeche Mode
2/5
Various Artists
4/5
Great Christmas album. Just started listening to this a couple of years ago and is on holiday rotation now in the Darwish house. Any Christmas album that can cut through the treacle is refreshing.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Actually like the early stones. Under my thumb is one of my favourite stones tracks- I’ll say a 3 even though I’ll probably never listen to this again.
U2
3/5
U2 is a huge gap in my musical knowledge. I know the hits because they were everywhere but I’m. It sure if I’ve ever heard an entire U2 album before listening to this one. Two of my favourite U2 songs are on this- Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day. The rest of the album was solid and I can totally appreciate them as a band- some of their anthemic songs are so good. Was great to hear a younger version of the band on this. Good album.
Taylor Swift
3/5
When I think of a pop album, this is exactly what I picture. Some catchy songs and well produced. A time and place for an album like this but I won’t be revisiting any time soon.
The Icarus Line
2/5
Not a huge fan- sounded like a lot of bands from the early 2000s. Would be ok as background but not goi g out of my way to hear them again and will probably never think about them again.
D'Angelo
5/5
I love d’angelo and this album is so good- hard to believe that it came out in 95. He’s almost a style all of his own- and amalgam of so many that came before him but still very much his own
Miles Davis
4/5
Classic Jazz album- I bought this in university expecting another kind of blue and was initially disappointed but had grown on my over the years. Ahead of it’s time and set a template for many jazz albums after it.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
So crazy that this was the first release on Stax and that it was released in 1962. The title track still sounds fresh and is such an in the pocket groove. The rest of the album is good but I find it all sounds similar after a while but must have playing out of every window when it was first released.
David Bowie
3/5
Better than I expected - I’m just getting into later day Bowie and am about to listen to blackstar. Might not listen to this again but glad I did.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Maybe my favourite Springsteen album. The first three tracks and Promised Land are among my favourite of his songs. One of the best concerts I have been to was in London when he played the album in its entirety- allowed me to see hear the album with fresh ears. A solid 5.
Adele
4/5
Definitely a catchy album and I remember this exploding when it was released. I have never sat down to listen to it from start to finish and it was actually pretty good. Her voice is distinct and powerful and carries all of these songs. I would say a 3.5 but I’m feeling generous so I’ll go 4.
Rush
3/5
Tough one for me- on the one hand I really want to like rush and when it’s on I do. However, it takes a lot for me to decide to listen to a rush album- there is still something about geddy’s voice that I just don’t jive with.
Boston
3/5
Reminds me listening to am radio when I first got my license and didn’t have a tape deck in my dodge shadow. Warm sound and great harmonies. Won’t revisit but can appreciate. It has to be a 3, if only for the mere fact that Kurt Cobain writes Smells Like Teen Spirit when playing around with More Than a Feeling.
David Bowie
3/5
Never heard this before -good album but not my favourite Bowie. A solid 3.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Actually really enjoyed this album- never heard the group but will put this into my listening rotation. Can totally hear their influence in so many bands that came afterwards. I’m in a bang up mood so I’ll round up to a 4
White Denim
2/5
Thought I might like this- kind of like upbeat fleet foxes but I found myself wanting to tun it off more as it went on.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I’ve always heard this was one of the greatest live albums ever recorded and have tried to get into it. The first track was always my stumbling block and I would inevitably not get past it. This time I persevered and made with each track, I could finally start to see the appeal. Once I got the last 3 tracks I got it- definitely not what I thought the allman brothers were. Also read the story of the album cover- band was grumpy with morning photo shoot with Jim Marshall. When Marshall went to reload camera, Duane saw his dealer walking by, jumped up, hit his stuff and then sat down before Marshall saw him. Everyone broke out laughing and you can see Duane hiding something in his hand. Great photo and great album.
Radiohead
3/5
I had never heard this album and was surprised by the tone of the whole thing. I need more time with it to let it reveal itself but I’ll give it a 3 with the understanding that it could be a 5 within a couple of months.
Spiritualized
3/5
Not a bad album- had heard of the group but had never listened to them. Sounds were a bit dated but I could definitely picture myself listening to this again at certain times when I need to zone out.
The Smiths
2/5
Approached this ready to dislike and was initially pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the music, especially the guitar. But whenever I tuned into morriseys lyrics any goodwill immediately evaporated. Unhappy birthday cemented this as a 2 for me.
Nirvana
5/5
A perfect album. Sonically so rich and full. A young band hungry and arguably at their peak. Very few albums have had such an immediate impact so that time can be split into before Nevermind and after Nevermind. This album plays like a greatest hits and it was only their second album! This was part of my musical awakening- hearing smells like teen spirit made me want to pick up a guitar and rebel.
Pretenders
3/5
Some songs were better than I thought they’d be but I’ve never really gotten into her voice. At some points she almost sounds likely Patti smith but without the grit. Solid album but still. It a pretenders fan.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
I LOVE Curtis Mayfield, especially his first three albums. Sometimes much energy, social commentary, and joy fills his songs. I actually had never heard this album and was surprised at how it sounded more downtrodden and a little more cynical. Still full of beautiful songs but I found myself wanting to turn it off so I could put his first album on.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
When I put this on I wanted to like it, I really did. But I didn’t.
Kelela
3/5
Don’t know why, but I kind of like this. Straight up pop but there are little flourishes that hook me in. Not high art but I’ll definitely put this on in the car in the summer with the windows down
The xx
4/5
Actually really like this album- I’ve been listening to it off and on since it was released. When I feel like listening to something but I don’t know what, it’s usually the xx.
Talking Heads
4/5
Hard to believe that this was their debut album. They already have their signature sound right out the gate which they would continue to build on, reshape, and explore. Love the overall tone of this album- upbeat, positive and weird. Not my favourite talking heads album but one of their best for sure.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
This really is a stunning debut. Every song is beautiful and immersive. This was the soundtrack to my late teenage years- when I thought I understood it all. Listening again bring me right back to that time and the music has aged so well. This was one of the first albums my father bought when he moved to Montreal from Egypt and because of this always heldna special place in our family. There are many cohen albums that I love, but this may just be my favourite.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Found myself enjoying this more than I anticipated. Reminded me of swing revival of the 90s. Wouldn’t but down to listen to it but wouldn’t mind as background music.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Coldcut
3/5
Better than I expected. Sounds dated but brought me right back to the late 80s early 90s.
The White Stripes
4/5
Excellent debut and very much captures the feeling of 2001. Has grown on me steadily since its release.
The Police
5/5
Such a great album- I remember reading something that said ‘King of Pain’ might be the perfect pop song and they might be right.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Genesis
2/5
I’ve never heard of this album - so much happening on here. Some songs weren’t that bad (‘broadway melody of 74’) but o found myself skipping through sings as the album progressed. Definitely had vibes of the who’s Tommy. Will probably never listen again but good to know it exists.
Sebadoh
3/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
A perfect rock album. I’ve listened to this more than any other zeppelin album. One of the best opening songs and closing songs on any album.
The Who
4/5
I was a long haired early 20s idealist during one of final teaching practicums in Halifax. One of my grade 11s found out I was a fan of the who and made me the greatest who mix of all time. I listened to it for years. I remember playing it on repeat when I visited Windsor castle one May weekend when I moved to London. Many of these songs were from Tommy and I forgot how much I love the who. This album is ambitious and messy but overall is a great listen.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
Liked this better than I thought I would- have heard a few of their songs over the years. Really like their more upbeat songs (minnesoter, last junkie on earth, every day should be a holiday) but found myself skipping through the draggy songs. Definitely a west coast Sloan feel in the harmonies. Not bad at all.
Coldplay
3/5
Not a bad album- I prefer their debut and found that they were already a bit samey by this album. A few good songs that I enjoy when they come on but can’t imagine I’ll listen to this as an entire album again.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Another album I had never heard form an artist I never have any thought to except for her hit. I was pleasantly surprised but his. Isaac Hayesish arrangements and really liked where the bass was in the mix. It’s a 3.5 for me but here’s a 4 for you Dusty.
Norah Jones
4/5
Beautiful album that reminds me of the optimism of my mid 20s and the early 2000s. Beautiful voice and an album I still revisit.
Bob Dylan
5/5
A perfect album that has soundtracked most of my life. This is one of those albums that refuses to be categorized in my brain. It transcends genre, transcends chord progression and key. It just is a fully realized piece of art that I refuse to deconstruct. Visions of Johanna is up there for sure me of my favourite songs of all time- so beautiful. The Royal Albert Hall version (I know- it was actually Manchester) is incredible and was performed at his second last concert before his motorcycle accident which ended this unbelievable run of Dylan albums. And blonde on blonde was the icing on the cake, the exclamation point for an unrivalled period of songwriting and creativity.
Britney Spears
1/5
There will not be one more time of listening to this
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Weirdly I’d never heard this entire album. Actually really enjoyed the mellow vibe of it and will def purely be relistening. In some ways I enjoyed this more than The Velvet Underground and Nico which is saying a lot.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
I discovered Jimmy Smith through the Beastie Boys Root Down. This whole album has such a great funky feel and I don’t listen enough so was glad for the chance to revisit.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
The Cardigans
2/5
Had zero expectations of this album as I had only ever heard love fool. Some of it was actually init too bad. I really wanted to like it more than I did. Sownof iron man was good but the intro ruined it for me.
Orbital
2/5
Some interesting moments but ultimately not enough overall. This started to all blend together for me. If I was at a house party in the 90s, I might have enjoyed it more but alas, those days are gone and I’m a middle aged man in his car listening to music that feels very much of its time.
Iron Maiden
4/5
I have no idea how I lived this long g without hearing any iron maiden. I genuinely have never heard number of the beast u til today and I’m not ashamed to say that I enjoyed it. It’s campy, and over the top but most of it was pretty good. At times it sounded like the band at the start of school of rock (and I would bet they were intentionally copying iron maiden) but this album and the last one we heard have reshaped my views on this band. And Bruce Dickinson sounded great. Yes, the Bruce Dickinson. And because he was responsible for signing the hip to MCA, this album gets a 4 from me.
James Brown
5/5
One of the greatest live albums of all time that captures one of the most influential 20th century musicians at his peak! The sounds of the audience give a glimpse into how it must have felt to be at the Apollo that night. If I only had a Delorean and some plutonium…
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
I love this album and has two of my favourite Neil songs - cowgirl in the sand and down by the river. The solos on both of these are full of so much emotion and his voice is so beautiful. Be on my side, I’ll be on your side.
Blur
3/5
I agree with Mike. I really wanted to like this and have tried several times to get into them but just can’t. Can appreciate how important this was in establishing Cool Britannia and Damon albarns later with Gorrillaz is superb but this album didn’t grab me.
The Cure
1/5
It’s a nope from me too
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
One of my all time favourite albums and one of the greatest hip hop albums from the golden age. The production on this album is bass heavy and just right and they named it accordingly, although the name also was a comment on the status of black Americans. Almost every song is a classic. When I first heard this 30 years ago, it felt a little sparser than their other albums but I grew to love this sound. Pure hip hop. It’s like butter, baby.
Television
3/5
I bought this album a decade ago because I read how great it was and totally underwhelmed. I have to admit I liked it better this time when I just let it play. Don’t love his voice but definitely more intricate than a lot of 70s punk.
The Who
4/5
I agree, Mike. What a diverse album and almost complete statement of a band out of the gate. So many great songs on here!
Roni Size
3/5
A bit dated but some great ideas buried here
Beastie Boys
5/5
A truly classic and stellar album of hip hop made by 3 Jewish kids from NYC. They snuck this album in just before the ruling was made about sampling and it shows- an album lush with samples and one that even samples the Beatles which is almost unheard of. Fun and funky and great. After their first album, people thought they were kind of a joke. PB showed they were here to stay.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
How can you’ve ate an album that has America and hazy shade of winter anything but a 5? This must have been massive when it was released. And book ends theme is still one of my favourites, despite its length (that’s what she said). What a time it was.
Yes
3/5
Didn’t expect this from yes. I always associate them with prog stuff but a lot of this sounded like csny with a little more experimentation. Not bad and some grooves peppered throughout.
Tears For Fears
2/5
I used to have shout playing repeatedly in my head when I was in grade 2. Brings me right back there. I approached this ready to hate it but actually a bit better than I expected and such a quintessential 80s sound.
The Residents
4/5
It’s taken me a long time to review this- so different. Fees like Zappa meets Tom waits meets psilocybin. Not sure when I’d listen to this but will definitely revisit so I can embark some of the layers.
Dolly Parton
4/5
The cover of this always out me off for some reason but the album is quite beautiful and quintessential dolly. What a voice! I’ll be listening to this again and hope to find it on vinyl
Sonic Youth
3/5
I’ve always really wanted to like sonic youth and feel like I should love sonic youth but I have to admit I don’t find their albums that enjoyable. I’ve tried for years to get into this but find it a bit of a slog. I can totally appreciate and respect their influence but it still hasn’t clicked for me yet (although quite like drunken butterfly).
Michael Jackson
4/5
I remember how massive this album was when it was released. It was everywhere. I didn’t appreciate at the time that it was the follow up to thriller so the anticipation must have been massive. In classic Jackson style he co-opted the emerging style (new Jack) and made a pretty great album. The singles are powerhouses. I remember singing dirty Diana over and over as a 9 year old. The last great Michael album.
AC/DC
2/5
Music that hasn’t aged well although it does bring me back to junior high dances in 1990…
Adele
2/5
Great voice. Enjoyable and instantly forgettable.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Not my favourite Marvin album but still solid. Pretty confessional soul
Songwriting about his relationship with Ann Gordy.
The Kinks
4/5
Actually really like this album- all new kinks songs to me except sunny afternoon and one I will come back to. Still sounds 60sish but has an extra layer (musically or lyrically) that makes it stand out often.
Supergrass
2/5
I don’t why I avoided listening to this for so long because I don’t really know much Supergrass. Not as bad as I expected but not really into the mix or the vocals.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
I discovered this album in university and still listen from time to time. Suite Judy blue eyes is an unreal opening song on a debut album and always reminds me of them at Woodstock. Fantastic.
Carpenters
2/5
A few classic songs- close to you is imprinted in my mind because of the Simpsons.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I tried. I’m out.
Love
4/5
I’ve heard so much about this album and have always meant to listen but have never heard the entire thing before. I’m actually pleasantly surprised. Sure, some of the lyrics and vocal stylings are a bit cringe but ultimately I found a lot here and can recognize its influence in many albums of that time and afterwards.
Dr. Dre
5/5
One of the all time great hip hop albums. Dr Dre and snoop have always left me a little conflicted. Sonically this album is lush and fat and bass heavy and perfect for driving around to as a teenager or as a guy in his 40s. Lyrically, some of it is a tough sell. But what a great document of early 90s LA anger and disillusionment and bombast. Some of the clips of people speaking are taken directly from video taken during the riots. And I love that a tip was inspired to use more bass after hearing NWA and then dr Dre was inspired to use more bass after hearing tribe’s Low End Theory. Nothing but a G thang may be the most perfect hip hop song of all time.
Public Enemy
5/5
Love this album. Still sound powerful and at times depressingly relevant. Definitely paved the way for rage and a direct descendant of Gil Scott heron and the last poets.
Manu Chao
3/5
Heaven 17
3/5
Gotta be a 3 just for the bass alone!
CHVRCHES
3/5
Actually not too bad- there is definitely a time and place for this. Summer day, windows down.
The Offspring
4/5
I discovered this right as I was starting to play bass and learned each song by ear by repeatedly listing to it over and over again. When I got an acoustic guitar I went back and learned them all over again. I remember playing self esteem with my band in front of our school. Looking back, it was definitely pseudo punk for the masses but it was hard baked into my dna before I realized.
Pixies
3/5
Like sonic youth, I always feel like I should like the pixies more than I do and this album is cited as one of the all time greats. There are some great songs in here but I’m never excited to put it on. I’ll give it a 3 because i know it is important and paved the way for many bands I love.
Cee Lo Green
4/5
Had no idea this existed! I knew cee Lo from ‘Crazy’ and that album but this is a bit rawer and funkier. Definitely going to revisit.
Roxy Music
2/5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Been a casual listener for years. Always like it when it’s on and then forget about them for long stretches. This album is solid.
ZZ Top
2/5
This must be what spinal tap was parodying. Even 30 years ago I was changing the channel when this came on.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I listened to a lot of creedence in high school and university alongside all of my 90s music. I loved it when it was on. I even went to see creedence (minus John) with my girlfriend’s dad who was also called John. Anyways. Putting this album on brought me right back and the songs are distinct and great.
Beatles
5/5
Gets so much love and for good reason. Must have been absolutely groundbreaking when it was released. Sonically beautiful and the songwriting is top tier. Rumour has it thta Dylan introduced the lads to cannabis and then they recorded this. Whatever happened, one of the greatest albums.
Beatles
3/5
Amazing that they sounded almost fully formed this early on. A solid album although I feel Motown did a lot of the heavy lifting for this. Far from my favourite Beatles album but still good.
George Jones
2/5
I’m torn with these country albums. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never gotten into country as a genre. But I definitely love Willie Nelson, Emily Harris, and sturgill Simpson , who sound a lot like George jones. So maybe my dislike of country is starting to thaw… Jones’ voice is great. Still not a huge fan but didn’t hate it.
Moby Grape
3/5
After living in London for a year I decided to return to Calgary. One of my friends at work (a lawyer turned teacher) gifted me this album. I had never heard it and whenever I put it on it brings me right back to the uk. Don’t listen to it often but a great reminder of what a lot of people were listening to and in to.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
What a voice. There was a time
In my teenage years when she was one of my all time Favourite vocalists. I’ve listened to her less over the proceeding years but whenever I hear her I remember how powerful she is. She had a punk aesthetic that I would imagine influenced the likes of Patti smith. The album as a whole is good, the band is ok.
Blur
3/5
I remember first hearing their first single Girls and Boys and didn’t really like it although there was something different about it. When this album came out, Song 2 was everywhere, and I absolutely loved it. As a whole the album is solid but doesn’t have enough to keep me coming back.
Bill Callahan
3/5
If there is a time when I want to listen to something and I don’t know what it is, it will be this album. Enough here to keep me coming back although not 100% convinced. It definitely scratches an itch or fills Mike’s hole.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Some of my all time favourite cohen songs are from this alb in m- lady midnight, the partisan, bird on a wire. Such a strong second album and the songwriting really is astounding. Cohen was the soundtrack to a lot of my childhood and his voice feels like family.
Slayer
3/5
This is a funny one for me. My brother was a huge fan so heard a lot by proxy. And there were loads of excellent bands around when I was younger that sounded like this. On the other hand the lyrics are pants. But the musicianship is great. I’ll give a generous 3.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Hard to believe that I’ve never heard this album before now, even though I’ve heard about it for years. Have to say on first listen I wasn’t blown away, though interesting hearing them exploring new sounds on this though. I’ll have to revisit at some point but for now it’s a 2.5 but the sun is shining so a 3.
The Kinks
5/5
This album grabbed me right from the start. I’d never listened to this before but had always heard it was great. Man, 68 was a crazy year for music. As I listened, I could hear notes of Dylan. I could also hear its influence in belle and Sebastian and Spinal Tap. Such a diverse group of songs. I will be including this in regular rotation.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Mudhoney
2/5
Hard to believe they were bigger than nirvana in their heyday and before Nevermind exploded. Even im the 90s could t get into these guys and still can’t. Maybe it’ the mix, maybe it’s the vocals. Maybe it’s Maybelline.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Have always heard his name mentioned as being a guitar virtuoso and influential to so many, jimmy paige included. Have to admit that this album didn’t do much for me. Looked him up and Neil young says he is to the acoustic what Hendrix was to the electric. Maybe time to delve deeper into this guy…
Neil Young
3/5
One of Neil’s albums I don’t revisit to often. Love the title track and the rest of the album has that rough sounds I like. Might grow on me but right now thinks it’s fine. Some of the tracks don’t grab me.
Miles Davis
5/5
This album is a masterpiece. Took me a long time for it to click with me but once it did there was no going back. There’s a freshness there that’s hard to explain. Apparently miles told John McLaughlin to play the guitar like it was the first time he picked one up. Such an important album.
The Band
5/5
An album that’s seeped into my DNA. I find it hard to believe there was a time in history when this album didn’t exist. Beautiful.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Beautiful. This plays like a greatest hits album and one of the foundations of popular American music. Like most people, I grew up with these songs and they’re in my blood. They still sound fresh even though I’ve played them thousands of time.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
This is one of the soundtracks to grade 12 for me. I had a record player in my room and played this repeatedly while burning strawberry incense. I know. And I don’t even do drugs. Anyway, great album and Gracie’s voice is always on point.
Gang Of Four
2/5
The Beach Boys
2/5
Better than their earlier stuff but still do t think I’m a beach boys fan, except for pet sounds.
The Cure
1/5
Make it stop. No more cure.
The White Stripes
3/5
Listened to this a little when it was released- sounds very much like early 2000s. Always like it when it starts and then it slowly fades into the background.
Elton John
3/5
Man- this was the tape that was played on the car the most when I was little. Driving to dentists and doctor appts and the grocery store listening to Bennie and candle In The wind. My brother was obsessed with the title track and couldn’t stop singing the chorus until my parents had to ban him from singing it. Good times. Some great tracks but some skippers too.
Eagles
3/5
I can appreciate the eagles and there was a time in my life where I enjoyed them but I don’t listen to them much these days. This album is solid and some great songwriting but a bit middle of the road for me.
The Stranglers
3/5
I like the stranglers and this album is actually pretty good. Peaches gets stuck in my head for days. Not sure if it’s tongue in cheek (no pun intended) but such a groove.
Cream
4/5
I loved this album for a few years but haven’t listened very much since. Not sure if it hasn’t aged well or my tastes changed. They are without doubt one of the great trios of all time. The fact that Hendrix loved them is enough for me. And there are some great tracks on here.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
This album is a modern masterpiece. I am genuinely in awe of how he created such a cohesive work of art and statement. I loved it when it was released but then listened to a podcast where somebody dissected every song and the album as a whole and appreciated it on a whole new level. I’m the processing years I actually find myself preferring good kid and damn but this album is testament to Kendrick’s singular vision at the time.
Funkadelic
4/5
Hard to find the complete album. Great grooves and hits right when I’m in the mood for funk.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
He sounds like an interesting guy hit this album didn’t have enough to keep me interested - some cool ideas though.
Snoop Dogg
5/5
I ‘be always felt conflicted by this album. I’ll say from the start that I LOVE IT and always have. But there was a time when I felt like had to listen to it in secret, especially when I had eschewed all music that used samples in my purist period in the 90s. But this album was always there in the background with its lush production and funk. I can’t help but sing along to every song when I’m rolling down the street (but not smoking indo or sipping anything). So so great and my favourite west coast hip hop album of all time.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Tribe is my favourite hiphop group ever. This was the third album that I bought of theirs and it took me a while for it click. I would run every day through London listening to it and eventually I loved it. Q tip talks about writing a lot of these songs when he was 14 and 15 on ‘pause tapes’ and you can tell - there’s a sample followed by another section etc because that’s how he sketched the song out on a tape recorder. Hard to state how anticipated this album was (I think they received the biggest advance ever for a hiphop group to record it). Some of the tracks are good but many are iconic and paved the way for their future sounds and inspired others. Love the playfulness and lightness of this album. Hard to believe these guys were 19 when it was released.
U2
3/5
I’m still on the fence about u2. They were everywhere when I was growing up and when they’re on, I enjoy them but I always have an aversion to putting them on. The activation energy is too great or something. This is a solid album but there’s something too slick about them although admittedly there are some excellent songs on here.
Minor Threat
4/5
Right from the start I can hear its influence in so many bands I grew up listening to - bad religion, face to face, pennywise. So crazy it was released in 1983- so many punk bands must have used and added to the path they furrowed. Admittedly this is the only Minor threat I’ve ever heard so this may be a hot take
Hookworms
3/5
Not bad- when the first track came on I thought it was going to be more than it turned out to be. Sounds fine but quickly dissolved into the background.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Pretty dated listening now. Never a huge beach boys fan and this album encapsulates why.
Depeche Mode
1/5
Really don’t see what the fuss is about depeche mode- I always had a feeling I should stay away and I was right.
De La Soul
5/5
A great album from my favourite era of hip hop. Doesn’t take itself too seriously. A classic album to play in the car in summer with the windows down. At times it crosses the line into goofy but I’ll forgive it because the beats are great and I love these three guys.
Don McLean
5/5
One of my all timers. I threw up listening to this and when I got into vinyl in my teenage years I played this record endlessly. It has such a warm production. I have spent hours thinking about the title track and who is who (of course the jester is Dylan). When I was little I thought this was another Anne Murray record. It is so much more.
Fiona Apple
5/5
When this was released it was a grower on me but now I love it. A modern classic. Powerful and beautiful.
The Vines
2/5
There’s something about early 2000s rock that is I fulfilling. When it’s on, it’s pretty good but I’m left feeling empty and hungry after 15 mins. Reading that they have been compared to nirvana annoys me- he is defnitwy trying to channel scott weiland or Kurt but comes across as a bad impression.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Where it all started- I learned every word to paul revere with one of my friends when I was 11 and still know it to this day. They only got better from here but the energy on this album is great. In some ways it boxed them into these caricatures and it took an album as seminal as paul’s boutique to break them out and show the world that they had something to say.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Not bad and a powerful backstory that shows how powerful magic can be. It m kind of over the blues but this was solid.
Nanci Griffith
1/5
Not for me.
Black Sabbath
5/5
This couldn’t have been a coincidence. This is one of my favourite albums from the 70s and plays like a greatest hits. I have listened to this so many times and it still sounds fresh. Fairies wear boots is one of my favourites and has a great backstory about its origins. As a teenager, this was the album that bands dipped into to beef up their repertoire as they always got people up and moshing. Sabbaths impact on music cannot be overstated and Ozzy, in all of his raw, beautiful messiness , will be missed.
Iggy Pop
3/5
First time hearing this and actually way better than I expected. Love the opening two tracks and china girl. You can hear Bowie’s influence all over this.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
I love this album so much. The opening track is so lush and rich. He was on fire! I’m almost afraid to watch the film because these songs work perfectly as stand alones.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Brings me right back to high school. Know the singles off by heart and at one point I thought this was what punk should sound like- gritty and raw and energetic. Seeing the video of them performing god save the queen on the boat going down the Thames still fires me up. One of the essential albums in understanding the evolution of punk.
Doves
2/5
Nothing here grabs me- it’s ok but won’t be relistening
The Police
4/5
My favourite police album. I don’t listen often but when it’s on, I love most of it. Admittedly I don’t love every song but I still
Find it. Solid album with some standout tracks (love the bass in message in a bottle).
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Pleasant but forgettable.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Such a huge album when it came out- everyone was playing it that summer. I grew to love it and still know it off by heart. Reminds me of a time in my life when I was voraciously devouring new music.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Oh to be able to hear this album with fresh ears! It must have been insane when it was released. Familiarity has dulled it over time for me and it’s. It the first zeppelin album I reach for but I can still recognize how powerful it is and how amazing the song writing is.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
Can’t say it better than Mike (as usual). Totally agree.
Lorde
3/5
Still on the fence about Lorde. Actually enjoyed this more than i thought, although it still has the generic breathy quality so prevalent 10 years ago.
R.E.M.
4/5
Crazy full length debut. Again, a band fully formed from their first album. How did they create such a unique and immediately identifiable sound? Not my favourite rem album but still great.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
This is my all time favourite album of all time and one of the greatest (if not the greatest) album of the 20th century. It is right up there with a love supreme. It captures Hendrix at a creative peak right as he is allowed total freedom in the studio. So much of the music and genres that would follow are indebted to the groundwork he laid here. The album is so varied and if I could hear one album for the rest of my life, it’s this one. I’ve been saying that for the past 30 years and it still holds true. A work of genius.
Boards of Canada
3/5
I always forget what this album sounds like - before hearing it I just assumed they were punk because of their name. Need more time with it, but enjoyed it more this time around.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
1/5
Never listened before and won’t be listening again.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
I know their Woodstock performance well but have never heard an album. Apparently I wasn’t missing much
Nico
4/5
Like everyone, I first heard Nico through the velvet underground and wasn’t initially a fan. Have since come to really like her voice and forgot how much I love These Days and great Dylan cover too. Had no idea Tom Wilson produced and one of Hendrix’s engineers was involved. Definitely a grower.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
Interesting but not sure when I’d be in the mood to listen to krisco kisses again. Frankie says relax.
Ray Charles
3/5
A very important and lauded album. Love Ray Charles and the arrangements on here are great, especially when compared to the originals wish there were a few less strings.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
I cannot say enough about this album. One of the greatest and my favourite Joni album of all time. Every song is beautiful and honest and raw at times. She is right up there with cohen and Dylan. Incredible. Also, I just realized that when she says ‘I’d even kiss a sunset pig’ she’s talking about a cop on sunset blvd.
The Auteurs
3/5
Found this really interesting because for me it was the missing link between early 90s and Brit pop that I didn’t know existed. Not too bad.
The Yardbirds
4/5
This is the first yardbird’s album I’ve heard and it is excellent. I’ve always known the yardbirds (the Good Morning Vietnam soundtrack was a staple in our family growing up and it included For Your Love) and flagellation always been interested, especially because Clapton, back, and Paige were all members and it was a big part of the birth of zeppelin. Much more experimental than their singles. A great listen.
Morrissey
1/5
Still not a Morissey fan.
The Verve
2/5
Never understood the appeal based on the single. Maybe you had to be in he uk in the late 90s. The rest of the album is a bit better but pretty bland.
Carole King
5/5
One of the best albums ever- I’ve been listening to this regularly for over 25 years and enjoyed it just as much. Hearing James and Joni singing harmony on will you still love me still gives me chills. So glad that Carole stepped out of the writers shadows. This and Blue are blueprints for singer song writers that followed.
Madness
2/5
Madness are beloved by a lot of Brits and I never had the heart to tell them that I didn't think they were that great. It was extra hard because I taught in the same school they attended years before (they write Baggy Trousers’ about the school). Our house is a great song but I’m not a huge fan of the album as a whole.
Fugees
5/5
One of the albums that got me firmly into hip hop. So lush and Lauryn Hill is on fire. Still sounds fresh today. Love it.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Some great songs on here and some not so great- I’ll be so happy if I never hear coconut again. Who knew he wrote without you (‘Ken Lee’)?
Moby
3/5
A little too cute for its own good. I tried getting into this when it was first released and always immediately forgot what it sounded like. Not awful but lacking substance.
David Bowie
4/5
Never heard this Bowie album before and I think this this was the missing Bowie link for me. This is going into my regular rotation.
Joanna Newsom
4/5
Once again, Mike expressed it so much better than I ever could. On this one, we totally agree.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This is a tough one but I’ll be honest- I never got the appeal and acclaim for this album. The Beach Boys are fine and have great harmonies but it has always sounded like bubble gum pop to me. Having said that, God Always Knows is a phenomenal song. I understand that the production is great and that it was influential but in 2025 it sounds a bit dated. When I listened this time I tried to listen with fresh ears and concentrate on all the elements and parts are beautiful. There’s just not enough there to convince me this is one of the greatest albums.
The Doors
5/5
The first doors album I owned and of my favourites. Their sound on this is the doors I love and almost every track is gritty and Morrison’s voice is gravelly and great. Hard to believe he’d be dead a year and a half later. Must have been so refreshing to fans to hear them go back to their roots when this was released, especially after enduring soft parade (which I actually don’t hate).
Coldplay
3/5
Oh Coldplay- when this was released there was no baggage with this band and I actually enjoyed my second copy that I picked up somewhere in Calgary. I actually still Listen to sparks quite a bit. Not a bad album overall all things considered.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
I fully expected to dislike this, but there’s a kernel of something here that stopped me from turning it off. More to the writing juts 80s pop. Maybe I’m just feeling good cause I’m full of turkey but I don’t hate this and the single (streets of your town) is great- such a nostalgiac vibe.
Neil Young
5/5
A perfect album. I’ve listened to this so many times and still keep coming back. Beautiful.
ZZ Top
3/5
Such great riffs but not enough here to want me to keep returning. Admittedly this was the album that convinced me that ZZ Top wasn’t just a novelty act
Slipknot
2/5
Leonard Cohen
5/5
I grew up on this album and think it’s one of Cohen’s best. How can this be anything other than a 5 with lines like ‘stick another turtle on the fire, guys like me are mad for turtle meat’.
Massive Attack
5/5
When I moved to the UK I remember sitting in the pub and having conversations about who the top 5 UK groups were of all time. Massive Attack kept being mentioned. I picked up Blue Lines and it slowly grew on me. I still play this at least once a week. Love the production and so influential.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This album is part of my DNA. I grew up listening to Dylan and then actively sought him out in high school, digging out my dad’s old dubbed Dylan tapes he made when he moved to Canada. When I started university, I picked up a copy of Freewheelin and was immediately hooked. I played it for anyone that would listen. I still think it’s one of his best and unbelievable to me that he was still in his early 20s. The songwriting is beautiful and astounding and he only got better from here.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
One of the all time greatest debuts. I could write a book about this album and how it came to be. What I will say is that is still
In my top 10 albums of all time and when it was released it blew the roof off of what was possible in music. It plays like greatest hits album and still sounds so fresh almost 60 years later.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
In my top 5 zeppelin albums. This used to be one don’t immediately reach for but every time it’s on, I love it. I can’t quit you babe is perfect as is out on the tiles, tangerine, and bron yar stomp. These guys were such powerhouses at this time- hard to believe it was still only the early 70s.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Classic song but the rest of the album feels a bit like filler. Great background music which guess was the point.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
I used to listen to this daily in the spring of 2008. Excellent writing. But once I noticed that the end of each bar, he would inhale loudly, I stopped listening. And I can’t unhear it now!
Johnny Cash
4/5
One of favourite cash albums, just behind Folsom prison. I never understood why cash was so revered until I heard both of these albums. I went straight out and bought a the johnny cash autobiography, Cash by Johnny Cash, and I finally understood why Dylan was in awe of this man. Great energy on the album and cash commands the crowd perfectly.
R.E.M.
3/5
Not my favourite R.E.M. album but that doesn’t mean it’s not great. Orange crush is one of my favourite rem songs. Can’t believe they’re less than 4 years away from recording automatic…
Jethro Tull
3/5
Discovering Jethro Tull in university was a revelation to me. This hit me less hard now. Vocals sound surprisingly close to Jack Black at times. Although flute playing is still on fire. Listening to aqualung and locomotive breath brings me right back to a less cynical time in my life
Brian Eno
4/5
I admit that I dragged my feet before listening to this. I had heard a little Eno before and wasnt a huge fan. For some reason, reason, I really liked this album. It sounded fresh and new and each track mined different ground. I could hear elements of bands that came afterwards: talking heads, later day Bowie, even elements of bon iver. Definitely will be relistening.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
This is one of my all timers Neil and crazy Horse were on fire and at their peak. After reading your review Mike I might have to rethink my Halloween costume (French mad if you were wondering).
The Monkees
2/5
I have a mental block with the monkees where I equate them with bubble gum pop- like the proto boy band. Admittedly this album exceeded my expectations but they were very low to begin with.
Steely Dan
4/5
I’m late to the game with steely Dan and am always surprised by how much i like them. I expect them to be difficult and dense but their songs are catchy and light. Love this album.
10cc
1/5
I listened to this after listening to in a silent way and it was a jarring difference. Not a fan.
Miles Davis
5/5
One of the all time great jazz albums. Learning that there was a lot of overdubbing and editing really opened my eyes- it sounded spontaneous and live while still deliberately using the studio to make it something even greater. Many years later My Bloody Valentine and Talk Talk would use the studio in much the same way. Beautiful album and I have to say I prefer this to bitches brew.
G. Love & Special Sauce
1/5
Make it stop.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I anted to like this more than I did. Never heard an album by him before and only knew a couple of songs. Some really interesting things happening on here but not enough to bump this up past a generous 3.
5/5
This album explains to me why Bowie has always been held (in my lifetime) as the epitome of cool. The opening chords of moonage daydream still get me every time and the whole vibe of the album is fresh and full of energy. In anyone else’s hands it wouldn’t be nearly as catchy or interesting. And the songwriting on some of the songs is exceptional.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I always forget about this guy. One of my friends in the uk loves him and i tried getting into Costello and this album was the closest I got to understanding the appeal. Opening and closing track are my favourites. Not bad at all.
The Who
4/5
Not my favourite who album but still so good. I always thought this was released much later than it actually was. Baba o Reilly might be the best opening track on an album. Man they were great.
Ray Charles
3/5
Not the ray charles I love but the album is pleasant enough. If I was having a dinner party in the 80s or going through a breakup in a romcom, this would be my soundtrack.
Elton John
4/5
Actually is quite good. Forget about Elton John for months and then remember and play him non stop for a week. repeat. This is the Elton I like the most- limited instrumentation. Tiny dancer (tony danza) is still one of my favourites so for that alone it’s a 3. But I’m in a generous mood.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
I’m the 90s I always felt like should like these guys. And I really tried. And I do like parts of this. There’s just not enough to hold my attention- it’s too trebly or something for me. It need more weight. I can still appreciate their impact though.
Lou Reed
4/5
Another album that I have listened to a little Over the years and when it’s on, I like it. Lou reed is without a doubt so important to music and this album is great. But I already know I won’t listen to this for another 2 years. Doesn’t mean it’s not great, it’s though.
Japan
2/5
Was fully prepared to hate this and I was merely indifferent.
David Bowie
5/5
My favourite Bowie album. He is such a chameleon and love the sound he adopted for this. My love for YA was cemented when I saw a video of him performing the title track with Luther vandross as a backing vocalist. He owned the stage.
Johnny Cash
5/5
I love these albums. His voice at the forefront and the sparse arrangements make each of these songs memorable. And hurt is one of my favourite cash recordings which says a lot.
Stereo MC's
2/5
On first listen sounds dated- very early 90s- some of it almost sounds like c and c music factory. Not awful but won’t be listening again.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Don’t tell Eduardo but I’m not really a fan of Peter Gabriel after he left genesis. Admittedly, there are some good moments on this and when it was on I didn’t dislike most of it. I guess that’s damming with faint praise.
Steely Dan
5/5
I came to this album late and had always heard how great it was. And when I finally listened, I completely agreed. A perfect album.
Funkadelic
5/5
I forgot what a great album this is. The opening guitar solo is insane and for that alone that makes this a masterpiece. My favourite funkadelic album by far.