Jul 30 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Classic with 3-4 absolute classics, plus 3-4 fringe classics along with a couple of countryfied tracks, solid top to bottom
4
Jul 31 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
Classic from my high school years, know it well. "Mother" is god awful but oddly entertaining. The rest of the album is almost a greatest hits collection.
5
Aug 01 2024
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
One of the first LP's I gravitated to as a kid, pulled it from my dad's collection because of the awesome cover. Not a bad tune on it, absolute beast of an album, especially for a debut. Standouts "Good Times", "Dazed" and "Communication Breakdown" are radio standards while "Your Time", "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" are fan favorites. Solid top to bottom!
5
Aug 02 2024
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Mama sure gets mentioned a lot. I enjoyed the title track and “Here I Am” which is well written. A bit too much of a country church vibe for my tastes. The double vocal got old and her pitch is only good for a couple songs before it’s annoying.
3
Aug 05 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Just listened to it yesterday. I can happily die without listening to it again. I found it boring but creative, just too ambient to enjoy or wonder what surprise is around the corner (spoiler, there is no surprise!). One.Five stars for me!
2
Aug 06 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Soulless. This starts where Radiohead went from my favorite to just confusing. Not a huge fan of any of the tracks. The music is repetitive, looped, computerized, noisy, bordering on boring and has no heart. Gone are the killer guitars, the emotional sing along vocals, the sound breaks, it's just a wall of sound now and not in a good way. I find myself getting 2 mins into each song and fast forwarding. "House Of Cards" is the only real keeper but "Jigsaw..." is solid, "Weird Fishes" (until it wanders aimlessly for 2 minutes at the end) and "Reckoner" (until it also wanders aimlessly for 2 minutes at the end) have their moments. Weak overall, and certainly not Top 1001 quality!!
2
Aug 07 2024
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
I know this from way back. Got me to know RA and explore the rest of his catalog at the time. It's a very slow album with peaks and valleys. I find myself turning it up at times because it's so lo-fi. Really enjoy "Oh My Sweet Carolina" with Emmylou Harris, they sing well together and created a classic track. "Pick Me Up" is instantly catchy and the centerpiece of this album. Would not have made my 1001 List but enjoyable.
3
Aug 08 2024
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
So far, this is the first album I have no previous experience with. Not a band I know other than by name. The opening few tracks were boring and reminded me of late 90's garage band noise with no breaks, just constant sound with barely intelligible (or audible) vocals that drone on. One tolerable tune, but I'd never listen to it a second time. Again, not a 1001 album in my book, I can't see any reason to include it based on influence, revolutionary sound, or anything. Did they get better in later years? I can't make out why they would have had a career at all, nothing stands out. I got thru it quickly as I didn't relate to any of it, nor would I ever want to hear a single song a second time. Worst choice to date.
1
Aug 09 2024
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
I know the band from a distance, may have listened to this a decade ago. It's enjoyable and listenable, but I am not thinking this is a 1001 worthy overall - it breaks no new ground, the vocals are above average, two lead singers, the hooks are there but no classic or cornerstone track on the album. Oddly, the first track has 183M listens on Spotify but I've never heard it on the radio, XM or at a party. There's a Taylor Swift vibe to "Gun" and "Lungs" for sure. "Recover" is a good song but it's textbook pop but it sounds like a weak B-side from Metric. "You Caught The Light" is self-indulgent nonsense. You get 16 songs so there's value if you're a fan. Designed for Millennials maybe? Nothing really intriguing or catchy. Again, this one isn't worthy of being I need to hear before I die.
2
Aug 12 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Now we're talking! I love PG, and his third album spawned classic tracks that have been on the radio and in movies for 40 years. "Games Without Frontiers" is catchy, makes you think as you listen to the words, and is the cornerstone of his greatest hits. I literally know every word. The urgency, vocal gymnastics and hook of "I Don't Remember" is an instant earworm. "Biko", the final track on the album, is a moving tribute that sparked actual change in Apartheid South Africa, it stands as a incredible protest song that encapsulates a troubled time in recent history. "Intruder" is creepy and has you looking over your shoulder, both "And Through The Wire" and "Family Snapshot" are textbook Gabriel and super catchy. Solid album, amazing songs, cutting edge production for the time, worthy of the Top 1001.
4
Aug 13 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
I remember this one being a huge success and all the talk when it was released. She singlehandedly put piano torch songs back on the radio. There are no bad songs and two or three classics that still get a lot of airplay. "Don't Know Why" & "Turn Me On" are both sexy, catchy and put her on the map! "Come Away With Me" is a love song that you hear at weddings all the time. While there is some filler (bordering on boring) and the pace is slow from start to finish, it's an enjoyable album. If you're a fan you get your money's worth with 14 songs. Groundbreaking, no, but definitely influential and popular.
3
Aug 14 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
First one so far I have never heard of, never seen mentioned, never popped up on a playlist, never seen the album cover, etc. Turns out it's over 20 years old and there's now a Deluxe Edition. DJ dancy stuff - a lot of vocal loops that get super annoying after 4 minutes - but nothing revolutionary, zero new ideas and hardly cutting edge. These guys couldn't carry Moby's jock, compete with Groove Armada, Air or Thievery Corp, their early 00's contemporaries. Mixed like a DJ would, including needle sounds/static pop between songs, the only original idea here. I do like the song title "Pablo's Cruise", that's fun. The Deluxe edition has remixes by Stereolab, Prince Paul and others, they improve the tracks but there wasn't to work with. Another that does not deserve to be in the Top 1001. Two stars is generous.
2
Aug 15 2024
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
This is an album you always hear mentioned when it comes to influential and classic albums. While I enjoy The Band, I've never listened to this album from top to bottom. "The Weight" alone gets it a few stars, add in "I Shall Be Released", which has been covered by everyone & their mother over the years, and you have a strong collection of songs. From the opening tune you can feel the passion of Levon & Robbie's voices, they aren't posing, they're releasing emotions. I like "Long Black Veil" and the storytelling throughout the album. Not all killer, but not all filler, it rolls and fits together, reflects the time it was released and it's cohesive.
3
Aug 16 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Now we're talking! This is am/fm radio from the 1970's but it's held up so well that the kids today all know these songs. From opener "Second Hand News", to radio staples "Dreams", "Gold Dust Woman", "Don't Stop", "The Chain", "You Make Loving Fun", "Go Your Own Way" and fan favorites like "Songbird" & "Never Going Back Again", this is so chock full of songs everyone knows. I believe the only song you don't hear on the radio is "Oh, Daddy", that's 10 of 11 that get airplay. This is the most classic album I've reviewed to this point, this is a true 1001 album. Everyone should know and appreciate the creative genius, the hooks galore and the timelessness that comes with such a classic. 5 stars.
5
Aug 19 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Huge 90's album, dominated the airwaves while generating huge hits "Hand In My Pocket", "You Oughta Know", & iconic "Ironic". Packed with attitude, female-power & an edge that hit hard in 1995. The other songs on the album all fall in line with the hits and aren't filler but perpetuate the vibe she's throwing at the listener. The one exception is "Perfect" which is painfully bad and "Forgiven" which is just annoying. "You Learn" and "Head Over Feet" weren't huge hits but they are fan favorites you still hear on the radio. 5 of 12 songs making the radio is impressive any way you slice it. It's a loaded album, packed with hits and tons of attitude!
3
Aug 20 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Let me start by saying I'm not a fan. I like parts, not the whole. It moves so fast it makes me uncomfortable as the listener. I remember when it was released and it was like nothing anyone else was doing at the time, two vocalists, part rock, part rap, all angry. I do love "One Step Closer", and remember being blown away when I first heard the urgency and the angst they delivered it with. Any entire album in the same vein is overwhelming, he's yelling at the listener for 40 minutes (prime example "By Myself"). The other huge hit on the album , "In The End", is whiny and a bit annoying. "Crawling" got a bunch of airplay and he actually sings parts before the yelling commences again. Truth is the album, beats and music, don't hold up all that well 24 yrs later, I was bored 7 songs in. Groundbreaking maybe, but that sound hasn't stood the test of time, the album is not 1001 worthy.
2
Aug 21 2024
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Truth
Jeff Beck
I know JB, but didn't know this album. Rod Stewart's unmistakable voice opens things up on the classic rock track "Shapes Of Things" and continues into the Hendrix-esque "Let Me Love You". Setting the table nicely with this punch, counterpunch intro to Truth. Rod could sing the phonebook and make it sound good so props to JB for adding him without front cover acknowledgement. Remake of "You Shook Me" can't touch Zep's but it's respectable. I did "Rock My Plimsoul" which I didn't know. "Greensleeves" and "Beck's Bolero" are instrumental classics and show his guitar prowess. Amazing piano on "Blues Deluxe"! Wrapped it up nicely with "I Ain't Superstitious". Solid album top to bottom.
3
Aug 22 2024
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
3
Aug 23 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
I know the bands catalog pretty well up through the late 80's and I feel they have better albums than this. 70's rock was built around their sound and influence. Everyone who's a fan of classic rock knows their sound and their hits. In Rock kicks you in the face from the opening chords of "Speed King" right thru to the closer "Hard Lovin' Man". Big guitars, a lot of screaming and a big sound for early hard rock fans. It's a powerful statement, we came to rock and blow your doors off, no punches were held. The guitar solo in fan favorite, "Child In Time", is absolutely bonkers! Overall it's a plodding, heavy handed, organ heavy, pedal down rock album that doesn't stand up well today and doesn't include any of the songs the general public would recognize from rock radio. They got better later on (1972), both as musicians and songwriters. GREAT album cover though!
3
Aug 26 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
I wasn't stoked to see this pop up. She's good, great voice and a cool vibe but I never thought of her as upper echelon or a must listen album artist. She definitely had an impact on Singer Songwriter types, Tracy Chapman is a logical tie. The first time I heard "Love & Affection" I loved it, great hook, I'm surprised no one has updated it. "Down To Zero" has subtle power and stands up pretty well, it does not sound 48 years old! Her singing style reflects the times it was recorded. The only real stinker was "Join The Boys", just an odd vocal delivery. "Like Fire" is a fun track, another one that could easily be covered and updated, while "Tall In the Saddle" has a surprising guitar solo that I didn't see coming, and it outshines the song itself. Is that Joan?! Overall it's an enjoyable album, revolutionary, no, but solid. I'd be interested to find out what criteria got this album added to the Top 1001.
3
Aug 27 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I love Bowie and there are a few other albums of his I'd put ahead of this one. Aladdin Sane comes roaring out of the gates with "Watch That Man" with boogie piano, Mick Ronson's guitar gymnastics and an energetic chorus that reminds one of an Elton song. The title track missed the mark for me. "Panic In Detroit" is a rocker and a classic rock radio staples along with both "Let's Spend The Night Together" and "The Jean Genie". Solid core songs plus ""Time" which is a standout with that unmistakable Bowie sound. As mentioned, there are better Bowie albums but this is an enjoyable one but maybe a bit less cohesive than others.
4
Aug 28 2024
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Follow The Leader
Korn
Never in a million years would I have thought "Follow The Leader" would make anyone's Top 1001 list. It was unavoidable in 1998 and had people talking while it livened up rock/alt radio. "Got The Life" was all over the airwaves, followed quickly by "Freak On A Leash". Both rock hard, both have undeniable energy & both still get airplay. It was an unmistakable sound for the time and bridged hard rock and alternative rock but I'm not sure overall that the album holds up so well toda - many of the 14 songs sound like they were created from the same blueprint without much change in sound & makeup - kinda cookie cutter. Dark topics, heavy from start to finish, it's a lot to make it through all 14 songs in one sitting! After 4 songs the luster wore off...the Ice Cube collaboration, "Children Of The Korn", was unnecessary, as was "Pretty". "All In The Family" borders on offensive, then and now, while "Reclaim My Place" and "Justin" are just plain boring noise, overall a really weak second half. In my opinion there is no place for "FTL" on the Top 1000, it might make the Top 2000.
2
Aug 29 2024
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Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
I know the name but they were never mainstream, nor did they have any radio hits and they aren't a band people still talk about so their window was small. This album got a 20th Anniversary edition makeover so someone liked it! I like the production from the first track, very 90's but energetic and layered nicely. "God! Show Me Magic" is catchy, fast and hooky. "Fuzzy Birds" was heavily influenced by the Beatles Sgt. Pepper. "Frisbee" is like a kazoo orchestra manned by monkey's, it fits the times though. None of the songs are bad, some are overly repetitive, but none of them blow my mind or should be considered super memorable.
I don't know how many songs were on the original but the 20th Anniv Edition has 47 songs, some live/demo stuff added. Overkill! Not a Top1000 album I don't think but thanks for introducing me to something I missed in the 90's!
2
Aug 30 2024
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Another complete surprise choice for any Top 1000. I know the name, heard a few songs over the years.
2
Sep 02 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
Classic start to the 2000's. Saw this tour, paid $9.47 to see them play all 9 songs and nothing more. Great album from the outside, "Don't Panic is a nice intro to what Coldplay will become over time. "Yellow" is perhaps my favorite song of that initial decade, and "Shiver", "Spies" and "Trouble" all provide star power. This is the first Top 1000 album I have been served up over the last 2 wks that actually was a Top 1000 album. The last 3 tracks are all a bit flat. Not the masterpiece that "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" or "X&Y" would be but it still stands up today. 3.5 stars.
4
Sep 03 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
Amazingly cool album cover from an album everyone who knows classic rock is aware of. Instant classics and rock radio staples "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" along with the beautiful guitar god shredder "Samba Pa Ti", make this a Top 1000 album.
4
Sep 04 2024
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Another one I've never even heard of, artist or album. I listened to quite a bit of electronica music around that time but no one ever turned me on to this album. It starts out very frenetic but it reminded me of a movie soundtrack, not something I'd put on to enjoy at home. A couple of the tracks were so repetitive that I ended up skipping ahead after they went nowhere - repetition was the name of the game back then but the same words over and over for 8+ minutes?! This breaks no new ground and nothing is catchy even for the time it was released, truth is...it's boring. This is definitely not a Top 1000 album.
1
Sep 05 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
This is considered a classic by many of my friends. I've never understood why. I've tried it many times over the years and I keep expecting to learn why people are drawn to it, but I never do. It's got some merit but nothing on here is compelling or leads me to want to listen to it again. Only one song ever kinda got on the radio, "I Wanna Be Adored". Vanilla vocals, pedestrian beats, weak hooks, busy instrumentation with that murky early 90's mix, all this leads me to say this is a boring album. Fine guitaring on "Made Of Stone", but that is the highlight for me. Not making my Top 1000, nope.
2
Sep 06 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I know the band by name only. Dark first song, wow, quite the story and what an intro to the album. Can't say I love his voice across the first few songs, rough with no warmth (think Lemmy Kilmister). It switches to a softer delivery later and I believe "72", which is textbook new country, is sung by someone else altogether. Regardless this album is overall boring, not groundbreaking, no real hooks to want you to revisit and relisten, it plods along like a late 90's album. "Zip City" was the only tune I'd give a second listen if I was required to. A poor man's Seven Mary Three is what comes to mind. C- in my book! Definitely not Top 1001 worthy.
2
Sep 09 2024
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
It's a name I've heard over the years, usually some rockstar complimenting ND on songwriting or something, but I've never really listened to anything he's done. I didn't know he went this far back to 1972! This is much more mellow than I assumed and his voice is more pleasant than what I know from the Bad Seeds days. I can see the draw to this album, I put it on and looked out the window at the beach & boats. Nothing mind-blowing or groundbreaking but enjoyable. The final 1/3rd of the album bottomed out and lacked any sparks. I am glad I had an opportunity to get introduced to older ND, but not sure I'd include this in a Top 1001 list.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Right in my wheelhouse, I know this one and really like it. Top to bottom good with a bevy of hits and tracks people know. 1984-85 radio had the title track, "Glory Days", "I'm On Fire", "Dancing In The Dark" & "My Hometown" ib heavy rotation. Those five, plus minor hits/fan favorites, "No Surrender", "Downbound Train" & "I'm Goin' Down" give you 8 out of 12 songs that got airplay, that's a Top 1001 album by definition, it can't be denied. It's cohesive, upbeat, catchy, and the songs are well written and have stood the test of time. Even my kids know 2-3 of these by heart today.
5
Sep 11 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
I know the name, heard they were influential but have only listened to a track or two over the years. Based on vocal prowess I understand why they never went mainstream, but worse singers are household names. His style is not smooth or catchy, the production is average and the mix is off I'd say. I don't hear anything I'd ever want to listen to a second time. "Prove It" is the only gem on the album. The title track is the only other decent song but again, the mix is so indie band and bland with a half decent solo thrown in. It goes for nearly 11 minutes though, complete overkill. They'd have been better served to have 12 shorter songs vs 8 long songs. Not a Top 1001 album, not even close in my book.
2
Sep 12 2024
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1999
Prince
Definitely a classic and deserves Top 1001 status. Talk about firepower right out of the gates! The album starts with the intro title song which is still in heavy radio rotation 40 yrs later, followed by massive hit "Little Red Corvette", which is followed by fan favorite "Delirious". The 8 minute "DMSR" (Dance Music Sex Romance) is a sing-along dancefloor filler with a killer beat and memorable lyrics. The album is cohesive and sounds fresher than the 1982 release date would indicate. It's a double album so it's a lot of music and some long songs are included. Other standouts and fan faves include "Let's Pretend We're Married", "Lady Cab Driver" & slow jam "International Lover". "Something in the Water" was unnecessary and "Automatic" is a bit redundant at 9.5 minutes, but those are the only flaws. Top 1001 deservedly, it has hits, it's still popular, it's influential, it broke him as a bonafide star & everyone knows the cover!
4
Sep 13 2024
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
I don't remember them being more than a popular name to mention in the 90's. No hits from what I recall. The intro song, and all of these to one extent, are long and repetitive with so much sound and no breaks - it's too much, and there's no time to relax and enjoy the music. Heavy on keys, heavy on guitars, repetitive lyrics, added noise - it's an onslaught and I was drowning after the 2nd song, then "Minnesoter" came on and it was shorter with breaks and structure and playfulness not expressed on the earlier tracks. Then "Orange" hit and it's a slow, very 90's song with beauty and chill. "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth" got some minor airplay, it's a good pop song. Best song by far is "Every Day Should Be A Holiday". Repetition is the key word for this band & this album. Feels there are a lot of "filler" songs. Not Top 1001 caliber by any means but not bad.
2
Sep 16 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Classic selection, any rocker knows the name of this band and album. Tearing out of the chute with the badass rocker "Highway Star", which is still played 50 yrs later on rock radio, sets the tone for this album. Sandwiching good songs like "Maybe I'm a Leo" & "Never Before" between mega-hits "Smoke On The Water" and the album-ending & hugely popular "Space Truckin'" (see the recent animated video if you haven't see it already). I can't say it's all killer with no filler, but it's a solid rock album and definitely showed a generation how to metal-up their rock n' roll. It was a joy to listen to, nothing screechy or too loud, just straight forward jams. Top 1001 worthy!
4
Sep 17 2024
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I remember when this hit, it was very eye opening for the time. I was more into traditional hip hop like Run DMC, Whodini, Beastie Boys, Naughty By Nature, etc in the early 90s. I saw this as angry, not light fun music to listen to in college, so I didn't give it much time back then. From the outset it has aggressive relentless beats & energy, along with a unique audio mix meant for big speakers. In listening to it again, I remember why it never resonated with me... Chuck D just sounds like a preacher to me and I don't listen to music as much for the message as the song structure and instrumentation which are super important to me. Some of the samples are just distracting and disjointed. "Burn Hollywood Burn", "Anti-N Machine", "Revolution Generation", nothing catchy about them, it's all message no focus on the music. They spread a message and opened eyes to what a 90s black man was experiencing, us white suburb kids had no idea. Influential, check. Provocative & eye opening, check. "We do what we have to do to survive" is the message I walked away with. Would I listen to it again? Nope.
2
Sep 18 2024
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Pavement was that band you heard about in the 90's but no one was a diehard fan of. They were on a compilation disc or two I purchased over the years but the material didn't interest me enough to dig deeper. "Cut Your Hair" was the tune. This album solidifies that initial perception - loose sound, weak vocals, vanilla songs, no real hook or groove to gravitate to. I can think of 20+ bands from 1994 that I'd prefer to listen to. "Average" is the first word that comes to mind after persevering through that entire album. It's quite possibly one of the most boring albums I've ever heard. Influential, no. Full of great songs or hits, no. Encapsulation of the times, no. I have NO idea how this makes anyone's Top 1001. I almost went with 1 star!
2
Sep 19 2024
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Love me some Talking Heads! I will start by saying I can think of 2-3 albums of theirs that I prefer more. This was the end of Disco and the beginning of New Wave. 77 starts out with the uplifting "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town" and wraps with the stellar classic "Psycho Killer" which holds up really well after all these years. You still hear it on the radio, acoustic covers, elevator music, tv/movies, etc. Even my kids know that one! In between you get gems like "Tentative Decisions", "Pulled Up" & "The Book I Read", which are blueprint Heads songs, catchy and quirky. While I would not put this on my Top 1001 I did enjoy revisiting it as I'd never listened to it front to back.
4
Sep 20 2024
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
I don't know what to say other than this sucked hugely. Just noise and screaming from the get-go. The second song has the worst repetitive guitar intro maybe of all time. There is NO reason this made ANYONE's Top 1001 other than shock value. This is crap and sounds like an album they gave away at their show where they played in front of 35 people on a Tuesday night. Every song sounds essentially the same, 100 mph and screaming nonsensical lyrics over and over. There is no way to sit through all 12 songs and remain sane - if you can make it through "Bullet Train To Vegas" in its entirety, you are bulletproof! This album is not worthy, No Stars is my rating.
1
Sep 23 2024
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I know the name, I am familiar with a few of their songs, but I've never understood the hype around them, so I welcomed the opportunity to listen to an entire album that's considered essential. I like the opening track, "Black Mirror", "Keep The Car Running" feels familiar and sounds like a Springsteen penned song, didn't care for "Intervention" at all. It wasn't long before I was bored. His voice does nothing for me (he wouldn't last long on the cruise ship) it doesn't make me want to keep listening and I'm at a loss for why they're popular. They feel like that band everyone tells you you need to love, but they can't explain why. Not Top 1001 for me, I don't feel it's that solid, it has no anchor songs & I can't imagine it's influential cause all I hear are other bands in their songs (Springsteen, Talking Heads, The Killers, Chris Isaak). Not worthy, but thanks for confirming what I already thought.
2
Sep 24 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Not familiar with this album at all but know of WuTang and GZA. Saw him perform solo a few years ago, amazing to see someone rhyme like that without reading anything, sharp brain. While this is not exactly in my wheelhouse I gave it a solid listen. I liked how they set the table on the intro so you get the concept they're going for. You can understand what he's saying, it's intelligent & engaging, more storyteller than rapper. I enjoyed it, glad I heard it but it wasn't life altering and I didn't find a great song that I can't believe I'd never heard before. Not a Top 1001 in my book.
2
Sep 25 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
I know the band name, never heard this album though. Apparently no one else on Spotify has either, not a ton of listens. I understand why after hearing the first track. This guy is not a singer, he sounds like a guy who stole the mic at a gig and slurred some words to the startled crowd. I didn't hate the album but I see no reason to give it a second listen, no compelling songs (even the only one with a bunch of listens, "Lost In Magic") and no great music. The best thing I can say is they have clever song titles. "Light/Fireworks" is pure garbage. Who's coming up with this list? Definitely, definitively, 100% not a Top 1001 album in anyone's world.
2
Sep 26 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Now we're talkin'... I love me some Bob! THIS is a Top 1001 album without a doubt. From the slow rhythmic intro of "Natural Mystic" into solid songs like "Guiltiness" (better version on the box set), "Exodus", "Waiting In Vain" & "Turn Your Lights Down Low". All reggae gems in their own right, but then you throw in classics like "Jamming", "Three Little Birds" and "One Love/People Get Ready" and you have a true masterpiece. Even my 75 yr old parents know the last 3 song I mentioned, my kids know them, they're timeless and always welcome on the radio or at a party. I would have absolutely loved to see Bob in 1977-78 playing all these fresh songs! 6 of his biggest hits on this one release - this is a Top 50 album.
5
Sep 27 2024
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I know QOTSA but was not expecting to see them on a Top 1001 album list. Typically they have 3-4 great songs and a bunch of filler tracks on each album. This album is no different. I missed this album and started with 2000's "Rated R". I can't deny their groove and the nice hooks they throw into their some of their hard driving songs that leave you wanting more, but also wondering why they can't do it more regularly. Good intro track in "Regular John", great jam in "If Only", a deep groove on "You Would Know", a galloping rocker in "How To Handle A Rope" and
On the flip side, sandwiched between the rockers mentioned above you get sloggers like "Avon", "Walkin On The Sidewalks", "These Aren't The Droids..." & "Hispanic Impressions". Great song titles though! For this reason I can't grade this too high, but it's a good rock & roll album.
3