Aug 30 2024
View Album
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
On first listen, it didn't really vibe with me. However, the more I thought about it throughout the day, the more I enjoyed the cohesiveness of the entire album and how the songs flowed into each other.
4
Sep 02 2024
View Album
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Very traditional Blues album, down to its roots. As much as I can appreciate how influential Muddy Waters was and, I'm sure, this album was too, there's a lot of similarity throughout this album. Some people like that and would call it a "theme", but I do like a bit of diversity. So again, while I can appreciate the album, I don't think it's for me, and that's okay.
3
Sep 03 2024
View Album
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
The more I listen to Muddy, the more I can understand how good and soulful he truly is. This album from 1960, talked about a full generation after The Great Depression, and I feel like that’s the roots of Blues. People struggling, singing about their problems and trying to connect with others.
3
Sep 04 2024
View Album
Murmur
R.E.M.
Kinda boring. Same pace, no standout songs, bleh. 2/5
2
Sep 05 2024
View Album
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
4/5. The OG Foo Fighters album all written and recorded by Dave Grohl.
As a successor to Nirvana, this first Foo Fighters album achieves just that. There are grunge elements, there are definitely Nirvana riffs, lyrical patterns, and song structures incorporated into this album.
Overall, a fun listen.
4
Sep 06 2024
View Album
Transformer
Lou Reed
What a weird album, to say the least. I feel like Lou is just talking to me with music in the background.
However, the deeper I got into the album, the more I didn't mind the singing style. The instrumentation was unique and interesting. Nothing was overpowering, everything was balanced. The piano was nice, even adding a trombone/horns I thought was really cool and kept me interested.
This album surprised me. I didn't think I was going to like it after the first song, but it grew on me.
3/5
3
Sep 09 2024
View Album
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
TL;DR: 3/5
My first thought, 1956 is a long time ago...
Why is there a whole song dedicated to introducing the band? I know it's a "Live" album, but come on!
This album is one that requires attention. There are little details that are really neat, for example, listening to this album with headphones is a very different experience than listening to it with speakers. The balance and the way everything is space is mesmerizing (in an audio sense). Every instrument has its place in the mix, and every instrument can be heard with absolute clarity. A huge breath of fresh air when comparing to todays mixes and music where everything is punched in your face at maximum volume.
From wikipedia about Duke Ellington:
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. A master at writing miniatures for the three-minute 78 rpm recording format, Ellington wrote or collaborated on more than one thousand compositions; his extensive body of work is the largest recorded personal jazz legacy, and many of his pieces have become standards.
That's really interesting, 1000 compositions! This explains how influential he was and why he's featured in the top 1001 albums.
Overall, an enjoyable listen, but not something that I would come back to, which to me, deserves a 3/5
3
Sep 10 2024
View Album
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
As much as I love Metal and Hardcore music, I was never really a fan of Metallica... They have some really iconic songs, even ones that I enjoy, but to listen to a whole Metallica album filled with B-Sides and all, ehhhhhhhhh.
The first two songs were great, but by the time I got to the third song (The Things That Should Not Be), I wanted to skip it very badly. I wasn't vibing with it at all.
There are moments in this album that definitely got me headbanging. But I feel like for every highlight in this album, there's usually a lowlight that follows it.
Despire Master of Puppets being one of their most well known and renowned songs, I really enjoyed Orion, not because James Hetfield wasn't singing, but because the song made sense from start to end with no jarring changes. Which is weird for me to say since I'm into time signature changes and key changes and Progressive Rock/Metal where stuff like that happens all the time. Just the way that Metallica does it, it feels very... raw? forced? It doesn't flow well in my opinion.
Overall, the experience of this album is a lot of energy and a lot of angst. Definitely skippable songs, but also some memorable parts to the album. 2/5 for me (which makes me wish I can change my R.E.M. - Murmur rating to a 1/5, because man that album was a snooze-fest)
2
Sep 11 2024
View Album
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
The first album of the legendary career of Led Zeppelin.
I never realized how Blues influenced Led Zeppelin was until I listened to this album. There's definitely some HEAVY blues featured here.
There were times where the guitar sound gave me a headache, as well as Robert Plant's voice. He just hits a specific pitch that pierces my ears and goes straight to my head. When comparing the guitar solos to the Muddy Waters album, I now have a greater appreciation for Muddy and how clean his solos were.
Overall, this album was okay. If I can give it a half star, I'd give it a 2.5/5. But since I can't, I would say that this album was on par with Metallica's "Master of Puppets" album, which was a 2/5.
2
Sep 12 2024
View Album
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Weird doesn’t even begin to describe this album. When the album started, that first song had me questioning what the hell I was listening to. When I look at photos and read descriptions on who Malcolm McLaren was, I was definitely not expecting these kind of sounds from this album.
As the album progressed, and the vibe of the album became more clear, I found myself enjoying it more and I caught myself tapping my foot multiple times throughout the album. Yes, I do think the DJ bit throughout is corny/cheesy, but for 1983, I feel like it was par for the course.
Overall, I enjoyed the album. I listened to it on my way to and from work yesterday, and both times, enjoyed it the weirdness to it. Also, I didn’t realize that Buffalo Gals was the original to Eminem’s “Round the outside, round the outside, round the outside” bit. The more you know
3
Sep 13 2024
View Album
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
One song in particular made me feel uncomfortable.. You can probably guess which one.
I don't think this album is for me. Musicianship was cool, but nothing special in my opinion. There's nothing really that memorable about this album. Honestly sounds like something you'd hear at a diner on the jukebox.
Next was a cool song. Very different then the rest of the tracks on this album. Sounds like it could be part of a musical.
I don't think this album is something I'll think about ever again. To be honest, I'm glad it was short. Really just, not enjoyable for me. 1/5
1
Sep 16 2024
View Album
Imagine
John Lennon
I feel like this album are songs that just didn't make the cut for any Beatles record. It's a nice listen, nothing that was "I really want to skip this", but also just kinda boring. Nothing really stood out for me.
2/5
2
Sep 17 2024
View Album
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
First of all, the name of this album is amazing.
Right away, I love the production and the mix. The drums are punchy but not in your face, which is perfect as it allows you to hear everything else.
I've never gave David Bowie a proper chance before. I knew of him, I knew a lot of people liked him, but I've never really listened to anything more than his singles, and maybe even just Space Oddity at that.
Starman is a song that stood out to me. Never heard this song before and it's absolutely fantastic. Catchy, great guitar parts, great rhythm, this song is definitely added to my rotation.
I can kind of hear how modern artists have drawn influence from Bowie. In Suffragette City for example, there's a "punky" kind of vibe with how Bowie sings.
"Wow", is the only descriptive word I can find to describe this album. Every song was great and had my foot tapping and head bobbing the entire time. The mix of the album is great as I've said previously and by the end of the album I maintain that thought. A lot of really catchy riffs and melodies throughout the entire album and nothing too in your face.
The best way I can describe this album, "It doesn't try to do too much, and it's absolutely perfect". I'm trying to find a reason to not give it a 5/5, and frankly, I can't. I will definitely be coming back to this album and will listen to it for years to come.
5/5
5
Sep 18 2024
View Album
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I love listening to full albums of artists where I only know their singles. CCR has always been mentioned around my friend group and my family as something they listened to, but again, I was really only shown the singles (Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary...)
When the album started with Born On The Bayou, as soon as the singer gave that first note, my face was in completely shock of, "WOW, this guy is incredible". I don't remember that power in the songs that I knew CCR from. That feeling was maintained throughout the album, what an incredibly powerful voice.
All the musicians are fantastic. The bass player is who stood out to me as his lines were unique and just kept my grooving the whole time.
Having just listened to David Bowie's "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy" and giving that a 5/5, I also had that same thought of "Is there something about this album that wouldn't give it a perfect rating?". The short answer, yes. There were sections on this album where it just felt like the band was "jamming", which to their defence, keeps the Blues spirit. In particular, this occurs on "Keep on Chooglin'". As someone described to me one time, "They kept soloing until the cows came home".
Because of that, I'd give this album a 4/5. I'd give it 4.5 if I could.
4
Sep 19 2024
View Album
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
This is an interesting album. Not a genre I'd typically listen to, but I quite enjoyed it. There were a lot of sections throughout the album that were really cool. I'm a sucker for jazz fusion, and this has A LOT of jazz influence throughout.
Every song has its moments and every song is worth listening to. What I really enjoyed about this album is that it never did the expected. Key changes, odd time signatures, those were the main take aways from this.
It's definitely an album that needs a lot of attention, like, "Sit in a dark room with no distractions". Fortunately, I was commuting while listening to this so I was able to close my eyes and let the music take me on a journey.
Enjoyed my time with it, but probably will not be returning.
3
Sep 20 2024
View Album
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
The energy that Sam Cooke brings and maintains pretty much throughout the whole performance is intoxicating. You can hear how much enjoyment he's getting from performing in front of the crowd in this live album.
I think this is the first live album where I was really happy to have listened to. I honestly can't believe Sam's voice and how he's able to maintain that cadence and passion.
I find it kind of funny that there are imperfections of the recordings, even digitally. At the beginning of Feel It (Don't Fight It), you can hear it repeat or skip. Does it give it charm? Is it annoying? Maybe a bit of both?
This album is so much fun. I loved every single second of it. The pacing is great and the vibe throughout is consistent and my foot never stopped tapping.
I've been having a debate in my head all morning whether to give this album a 4 or a 5. On one hand, I don't know how much I'd be returning to this album, on the other hand, I really did LOVE listening to this album.
Even if I don't return to it, I feel like I'll be thinking about it a lot.
I had to give the album a second listen with headphones to settle my internal dispute. Maybe I just gave it a second listen because I didn't want the party to end.
Highlights:
Feel It (Don't Fight It)
Cupid
Twistin' The Night Away
Ultimately, I think I'd regret not giving it what it deserves.
5
Sep 23 2024
View Album
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Overall vibe of the album, "It's cool, but it's nothing special"
There's nothing that really stood out for me. It's funky, it's soulful, but I don't find it, "fun"? I can't really describe it, but I honestly just thought most songs were boring. Until we got about 3:00 minutes into "He's Misstra Know-It-All" and Stevie hits you with this ground shaking voice "tremor", I'll call it. That was cool af.
I don't hate the album, I just don't like the album.
2/5
2
Sep 24 2024
View Album
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I really struggled with this one. I was ready to skip just about every song in this album.
To me, there's nothing here that stands out. All the songs kinda blended together. I was happy the album was over and I struggle to find one song that I enjoyed.
1/5
1
Sep 25 2024
View Album
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I didn't hate this album. Breakdown and American Girl were both cool songs. However, I feel like it's very "generic".
There are times where I feel like Tom is mumbling his words or trying to do be "too cool"? Kind of like a teenager who can't make it seem like they're trying at anything.
It's a 3, but a pretty weak 3
3
Sep 26 2024
View Album
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
The beginning of the album started off really strong, but started to lose me in the middle, and really lost me at the end.
It honestly feels like having a night out where it starts really nice and really fun and then it spirals down to a terrible night because you drank too much.
2/5
2
Sep 27 2024
View Album
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
I loved the horns throughout the album. It really reminds me of ska music, which I'm guessing was heavily influenced by Dexys Midnight Runners. If you want more horns in punk music, Streetlight Manifesto was something I listened to back in the day.
There were times where the singers voice was pretty... whiney? Usually I don't mind, but when you listen to a whole album of it, it starts to get to you in some way.
I enjoyed my time with this album, some highs (and these were great highs) and lows but ultimately I think every song was worth listening to at least once. I was debating between a 2 and a 3, but I think 3 is my correct rating for this album.
3
Sep 30 2024
View Album
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Way too long of an album. And I can't believe there were so many songs that were already cut! Why not just make multiple albums? Does the saying "throw enough wet paper at a wall and eventually something will stick" apply here? Sure there's some really good songs in here, some of their best singles (1979, for instance). But 2 hours for an album is absurd. Now... for my review.
I can imagine if I were a teenager listening to this for the first time, I would probably absolutely love this album. The mixture of angst and sadness pretty much describes a lot of what teenagers are going through and also describes a lot of songs on this album.
I loved the intro piano. I wish there were more songs like that, even with singing. In fact, a lot of the slower sections in this album are very well put together.
There's a lot to like about this album, but the length of it is such a turn off, I just wanted it to end.
2/5
2
Oct 01 2024
View Album
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
There was a lot to like about this album. A lot of sections throughout the album are so memorable and stick in your head throughout the day. The bass player had no business adding all his tasty licks into these tracks. I think the highlight for me was learning how incredible and unique Black Sabbath's bass player is.
The drum solo in Rat Salad is definitely dated. Drum solos at a concert are cool, drum solos in an album... not so much. I don't want to listen to the same drum solo over and over again when I want to listen to the album.
4
Oct 02 2024
View Album
Among The Living
Anthrax
I think the best thing about this album is the cover art.
For the music.. What is with these 80s metal bands and just changing tempos at the snap of a finger? I don't get it. When I'm vibing with the guitars and the drums, it suddenly changes to something completely different! I hate it! I can only imagine the writing process was something along the lines of "Hey this riff sounds cool, let's add it in!"
All of the intros to the songs were great. They all had me hyped up to hear the rest of the song. And then I was met with disappointment with the rest of the song.
The most "consistent" song in that sense, and the one I enjoyed the most from this album, was I Am The Law. Indians was okay too.
There's only 1 feeling that can describe this music, anger. I just felt like I wanted to break stuff while listening to this record.
By the 4th song, I was ready to turn the album off. However, I actually enjoyed the back half of this album more than the front half. In contrast to my previous statement, there were actual transitions between sections and so I felt like the songs flowed better.
I don't think there's any reason for me to return to this album. Not even for a single.
1/5
1
Oct 03 2024
View Album
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Do you promise to funk?
This album was fun! I found myself grooving to the whole album. Never did I think to skip a song.
4/5
4
Oct 04 2024
View Album
Bad
Michael Jackson
Despite the albums name, this record is very good! So many bangers from "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", "Smooth Criminal"... Even the filler songs, if you want to call them that, provide a lot of context to the rest of the songs. I find that these songs allow the record to breathe and shows versatility in the ability to write both upbeat, dance tracks as well as sentimental tracks where both can be catchy and memorable.
I loved this record. I listened to it twice before giving my rating and loved it both times. Every song has a quality to it that make me want to come back to it. Guitars, bass lines, synths, vocals, overall vibe, all on point for every song.
5/5
5
Oct 07 2024
View Album
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Elton John is what I'd describe as "A Showman". It's another way of saying, he's music is very theatrical. If I think about music that would best fit in a musical, he'd be the first person that comes to mind.
This record takes time to digest. It's not filled with singles and ear worms and really requires actively listening to appreciate. I listened to it the first time, and I thought it was okay. I listened to it again, very actively. Listening to every element in each track.
The drums, they're punchy when they need to be and adds a real rhythm to get your foot tapping. It's never in your face, and it's exactly what it needs to be in the context of the song. Masterfully crafted.
The bass lines, are never bland. If you take the time to listen to what he's playing, it's fun. Rotten Peaches is a great example of this. Listen to it, it's a good track.
Elton's singing and piano is absolutely where his theatrics shine. In "All The Nasties", Elton is singing with a choir behind him. Of course he is, he's theatrical.
The instrumentation arrangements are interesting. It's not a record that you would get bored of for a really long time. Each song is different, but on a theme; each song has something that makes it unique, for example, an added instrument.
I think the biggest takeaway I learned about listening to this, is this. Elton John doesn't write music to write singles, Elton John writes records. And this record, is incredible.
5/5
5
Oct 08 2024
View Album
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Guitar playing: 4/5
Singing: 2/5
Vibe: 1/5
Overall rating: 2/5
I didn't particularly like this album, but I can appreciate that some people might. It's very sentimental, but me + folk music don't get along very well.
2
Oct 09 2024
View Album
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Straight and clear, I've never been a huge fan of hip-hop. What I love about Kendrick is that he's not afraid to incorporate other musical elements into his tracks, thus eliminating my biggest gripe with hip-hop, repetitiveness. From the first track it immediately stands out as "This isn't just a a rapper on a beat".
I remember listening to King Kunta for the first time and being absolutely blown away, from the opening all the way to the ending. Upbeat, catchy, funky.. one of my favourite lines "Most of y'all share bars like you got the bottom bunk in a 2 man cell".
The biggest takeaway I had from this album was the poem that is read aloud after (almost) every track. You get a bit more every time and then an entire song is written about the last line he says in the poem. And by the end when he ties it all together, I was floored. Probably the first album, and maybe the only album, that did that to me. I think I remember sitting there in silence just taking it all in, trying to make sense of everything I just heard.
I still don't listen to a lot of hip-hop, but I'll always listen to Kendrick Lamar.
5
Oct 10 2024
View Album
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Not what I expected from a band name "Primal Scream".
I didn't hate it, I didn't like it, I thought it was good background music. It was nothing groundbreaking in terms of music, and probably not something I'd revisit willingly.
Although I'm sure I'll probably hear it in some movie soundtracks.
2/5
2
Oct 11 2024
View Album
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
This sounds like "My kid's first band". What the heck is this? How could this possibly be a top 1001 album of all time? OF ALL TIME?! If this was made with children's toys as instruments, then maybe I can understand and appreciate the limitation that was put on the artists.
The bass player deserves to be here, everyone else needs to take some music lessons. The drummer needs to practice with a metronome.
Here are some sounds that I prefer over this album: babies crying, someone chewing gum with their mouth open, rubbing cotton balls together...
I struggled big time just trying to get through the album. This is terrible. I don't understand.
1/5
1
Oct 14 2024
View Album
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Definitely felt that the front half of the album is better than the back half. Front half sounds more structured, like the band took more care writing those songs. The back half sounds like a solo-fest, and not in a really good way. It's not ground-breaking music by any means, there's some parts and songs that are skippable. Layla still bangs though and is just an iconic riff.
Overall, 2/5
2
Oct 15 2024
View Album
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
It’s a shame that this album is filled with filler for how absolute killer the first song is. I don’t mind listening to it, but when l compare it to other albums it’s just not quite there. I’ll give it a 2 just for the sake of the first song.
2
Oct 16 2024
View Album
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
I don't mind this record, I think it's okay. It had sections that made me pause what I was doing and say to myself "What the heck is this?", in a good way. Mainly the song "Excuse Me" is a good example. Is it the best song in the album, no I'd give that to "Solsbury Hill", but it grabbed my attention with how wacky and different it was. Same example of the section where Peter sings "I will find out" in "Moribund The Burgermeister" (great name for a song)
Would I listen to this album again, probably not. Did I appreciate my time with it, yeah I did.
3/5
3
Oct 17 2024
View Album
S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
I don't really know how I feel about this album. There was nothing that I particularly liked and I think what I'm learning from listening to this (and a few other previous albums) is that I'm just not a fan of psychedelic rock.
It's not that I hated the album, I just didn't find anything that I particularly enjoyed.
2/5
2
Oct 18 2024
View Album
Feast of Wire
Calexico
There's a lot I like about this record. It's moody, it's eerie, it's emotional (which I guess all kind of describes the same thing...) and because of that, to me it's what makes it interesting. When an artist can accomplish moody without it being cringe, I tend to bias towards it more. Black Heart captures that feeling perfectly with the violins. Loved that track.
I think a lot of the instrumentation throughout the record is really good. The layers of guitars and strings are mixed really well and I would guess a lot of care was put into the sound of how those two are interacting with each other.
4/5
4
Oct 21 2024
View Album
War
U2
Felt like the album started off really strong and then faded off towards the end. The sound was more of the same and by the end of it, I wasn’t even sure what song I was on.
2/5
2
Oct 22 2024
View Album
Is This It
The Strokes
Something I’ll always appreciate with The Strokes, their instrumentation it’s always a foot tapper. Something too complicated but always puts your in a fancy kind of mood.
Something I can never appreciate with The Strokes, the singer. I just don’t get it. Maybe it’s good that he’s more hidden behind the music because of how much I like the guitar and bass, but his melody and words don’t vibe with me.
Interesting enough, I think you can pick any song from this album and find it enjoyable. It’s an interesting listen to and I very much enjoyed my time with it.
The deeper I get into the album, the more I absolutely love the sound. I was even vibing with the singer and the energy he brought to the sound. Such a vibe. Upbeat and fun all the way through. Honestly maybe as close to a 5 you can get without it actually being a 5. But 100% an album I’ll come back to.
4/5
4
Oct 23 2024
View Album
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
It’s tough to listen to an hour long album that isn’t in a language you understand. Definitely affected my listening experience. That being said, I didn’t hate a lot of what was going on. If someone had it on in the background I’d probably be vibing to it but I wouldn’t actively put on this album myself.
2/5
2
Oct 24 2024
View Album
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Honestly, I don't think I said "Wow this music is really good" once while listening to this album. I found it was very messy, coming from a Prog Rock fan. I understand they're one of the pioneers, but this music really just isn't for me.
1/5
1
Oct 25 2024
View Album
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
I thought this record was interesting. Nothing I'd normally listen to, but there are elements about it I like. I thought the the rhythm section was really strong and I enjoyed his vocals throughout the record.
However, with some filler songs and some weaker songs, I think I'd have to give this album a 2/5 but I did enjoy my time with it.
2
Oct 28 2024
View Album
Metallica
Metallica
Honestly, it’s a better album than their first album. But I feel like songs can be cut from here to make it better. There are some very skippable and forgettable songs, as well as I think some of their best songs as a group.
Overall, I’d probably give it a 2. If some of the filler songs were cut, it’d be a 3
2
Oct 29 2024
View Album
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
I thought it was okay. I didn’t hate anything, and some parts I thought were nice.
I liked it more than I didn’t, so 3/5
3
Oct 30 2024
View Album
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
I never listened to Meat Loaf before and I didn't realize how cinematic his music would be. Reminds me a lot of Elton John, however, I didn't like it as much as Elton John.
Although cinematic, I think there was too much repetition in terms of his voice and the vibe of the record. I loved the opening track, but was kind of disappointed that the rest of the songs sounded very similar.
Regardless, I enjoyed my time with it.
3/5
3
Oct 31 2024
View Album
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
I've never heard early King of Leon, and I thought it was interesting to hear their roots. I don't find it as good as their modern stuff (post Use Somebody), but again it's interesting to listen to.
I didn't find anything particularly amazing about this record, but I did enjoy my time with it and I'd have no problem listening to it again or if someone else put it on.
3/5
3
Nov 01 2024
View Album
The Doors
The Doors
I really liked this album until I got to the last song. It felt like it dragged in forever. Still, if I don’t let that one song affect my rating, then I’d give it a 4/5.
Super solid record, I enjoyed every song and Break on Through is an absolute classic (first heard it playing Tony Hawk Underground 2)
4
Nov 04 2024
View Album
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This album is very edgy. I had no idea the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s were like this. The only song I knew previously was Maps and so you can imagine my surprise when I heard the rest of this album.
I didn’t particularly like this record. I thought it was nothing more than a venting session, which music is and can be at times.
It felt like some songs were a bit messy, there’s chaos which I guess is the intention, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good, at least in my opinion.
2/5
2
Nov 05 2024
View Album
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I really liked this album. Almost every song was catchy in its own right without it being an annoying ear worm.
Plus time after time slaps again and again.
4/5
4
Nov 06 2024
View Album
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
I don't know what it is about Iggy Pop, but I just can't get into his music. The fact that David Bowie couldn't save my from liking an Iggy Pop album says a lot about my liking for Iggy Pop.
The music was great, the bass lines were sharp at times and caught my interest, but I really don't care for Iggy.
2/5
2
Nov 07 2024
View Album
Make Yourself
Incubus
I'm torn by this album. I absolutely LOVE the drums. It's extremely groovy, kept me on my toes, kept my head bopping, incredible performance throughout. Some of the filler songs were absolutely saved by the drummer.
However, speaking of filler songs, depending on how much you enjoy nu-metal, this album could be riddled with them. I thought there were a lot of very interesting parts scattered throughout the album, but there are also some lows that I don't particularly care for.
Overall, I think I'd give this album a 3/5
3
Nov 08 2024
View Album
Pelican West
Haircut 100
I thought this record was a lot of fun, however, a bit repetitive at times (mainly the drumming with it's typical "boom-tsk-bap-tsk", for lack of a better term). I also find the singer has a pretty limited range, but I loved the rest of the instrumentation. The bass player is fantastic and kept me involved, the horns I really enjoyed, the guitar is super funky and fun.
Overall, it's a solid record, but when comparing to the other records found throughout this list, it doesn't hold that same "wow" factor that others can make me feel.
3/5
3
Nov 11 2024
View Album
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
I thought this album was cute. Fun to listen to an album from the 50s. I enjoyed my time 3/5
3
Nov 12 2024
View Album
Stankonia
OutKast
I very much enjoyed my time with the album. It’s far from perfect, but there are some songs on here that I discovered that are fantastic.
This was a great car ride album, vibes were great throughout.
4/5
4
Nov 13 2024
View Album
The Blueprint
JAY Z
There's a lot to like about this record. It's easy to listen to, doesn't really challenge any musical norms, and doesn't really try to be "different" (maybe for 2001, I'm not sure). There really wasn't a section that I didn't like, everything was solid.
I really like the production throughout the record, the drums are tight and they sound like they would fit really well with live musicians (makes me want to hear some live versions for some of these songs).
Overall, very solid album. 4/5
4
Nov 14 2024
View Album
Django Django
Django Django
I liked the diversity of the record. A lot of different sounds and genres were incorporated which I enjoyed. What I enjoyed about it most is how "listenable" they made each song while also being very different. I find that can be a very trick combination but I think they executed it well. I think "Art Rock" is a very suitable genre for this band/album. It's artistic, it's different, but it works!
I've never really been a fan of the "low effort" singing with any band, and this is no different.
I think overall, it was interesting to listen to and easy to listen to. It might be an album that needs to digest and listen to multiple times in order to appreciate it more.
3/5
3
Nov 15 2024
View Album
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
What a fantastic album! I listened to it twice, back-to-back. It's not a perfect album, but I enjoyed the heck out of it.
I absolustely hate how "The Nurse" just abruptly ends, literally in the middle of a riff. Not even at the end of a 4/4 bar, just right in the middle. Why? Grinds my gears.
What I love about Jack White is how he can incorporate blues in this Garage Rock style, and absolutely rock its socks off.
Great album 4/5
4
Nov 18 2024
View Album
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
I thought this record was okay. It's nothing special by any means, and it hits the nail on the head when it's described as "Blues Rock".
There's no earth shattering guitar solos, there's no crazy powerful blues voice, it's all more "in the pocket", so to speak.
3/5
3
Nov 19 2024
View Album
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I imagine back in 1990, this was a very good record. Nowadays, I'm not too sure.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate any part of the album, I just think it's a bit dated as hiphop has progressed a lot in production since then.
3/5
3
Nov 20 2024
View Album
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
It was interesting, but ultimately, not for me. I thought the songwriting was okay and his voice at times was cool, but it still had me bored throughout the album.
2/5
2
Nov 21 2024
View Album
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
I thought this record was interesting, but a bit repetitive. Not really my cup of tea for the most part but some sections were fun. I particularly liked Bananeira.
Overall, I think I'll give it a 2
2
Nov 22 2024
View Album
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
An optical illusion for an album cover automatically gets a +1 from me, especially given it's a psychedelic genre of album.
However, not for me
2/5
2
Nov 25 2024
View Album
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Maybe I'm biased, but I love Muse. I think their discography is incredibly diverse from their early days to how they sound now.
That being said, I love this album. I've never listened to the full thing before. So many highs with Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, and my personal favourite Knights of Cydonia (thanks Guitar Hero).
And I discovered a new song from here that I really enjoyed, Assassin!
Not a perfect album, but really solid. 4/5
4
Nov 26 2024
View Album
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
If I'm to just judge the music from the album, and not the James Brown himself, I'd give it a 3.
There wasn't really a time where I thought the music was particularly bad. His performance was definitely over-the-top, in a good way. He shows a lot of energy throughout the performance. But would I come back to this album and listen to it on my own time? No
3
Nov 27 2024
View Album
Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
Each song sounds like it's own jam session. Similar to ones I would have with my band where we keep the same rhythm and just allow each person to have a solo. I guess when it's described that way and the more I listen to it, it's very blues influenced, and I can hear. Which to me is strange but cool at the same time, I like when artists blend all their influences into their own sound.
It's an interesting album and I enjoyed my time with it. 3/5
3
Nov 28 2024
View Album
World Clique
Deee-Lite
I am definitely not the target audience for this type of music, so that'll influence my rating a bit.
This is a forgettable album. The beats were good, but the repetitiveness is what gets me. By the end of every song, I was glad it was over so I can listen to something else.
Is it a 1/5? Probably not, it's not like I despised the songs. I was just sick of them by the end, and it does have some good parts.
2/5
2
Nov 29 2024
View Album
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Abattoir Blues was a decent disc. A mixture of blues, rock, and a bit of gospal in there as well. Honestly a nice blend of sounds.
The Lyre of Orpheus however, not so great. A lot of skippable tracks in my opinion that brought the vibe down. By the end when I finally got to the most popular song, O Children, I was pretty sick of the sound and didn't even enjoy the track.
Overall, I'd give it a 2/5
2
Dec 02 2024
View Album
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
The sound of this record is very raw, which definitely works in this case. The bass player has some licks that I can't believe are done on an acoustic bass, that shit is not easy. The guitars have their moments too and they're very short and sweet. Definitely kept me interested throughout the record. I loved the sound of this record, even if they're songs I'll likely not return to. I really enjoyed my time with it, and I still think it deserves a 4/5
4
Dec 03 2024
View Album
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
The first track was fire. The bongoes kept me in tune and it was fun listening to that throughout the track. Bass lines were tight, instrumentation in general was tight, loved the track.
Second track was okay, but started to lose me. Third track, even thought the most popular track on the album, I wasn't vibing with it and that pretty much persisted throughout the rest of the album. Felt like I was getting preached to and overall not a great vibe.
2/5
2
Dec 04 2024
View Album
Technique
New Order
I don't really know how I feel about this album. On one hand, there were parts that made me vibe, on the other hand, I don't think anything particularly stood out and it all sort of blended together. Realistically I don't see myself ever coming back to any of these songs.
2/5
2
Dec 05 2024
View Album
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
I didn't hate this album, I just didn't think it was very good.
2
Dec 06 2024
View Album
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
This album was such a nice surprise! I absolutely loved it to bits. I've been searching for nice instrumental music that isn't lofi (which I feel like ALL "chill" music is lofi these days). And whenever I search for chill jazz, it's not "quite my tempo" so to say.
It's not too simple where it's boring, it's not too complicated where solos are melting your face, but complex enough where replaying songs allow you to hear new things each time. It's nice, it's smooth, it's "buttery", it's interesting, it's a great freaking album.
4/5
4
Dec 09 2024
View Album
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
3
Dec 10 2024
View Album
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
This album was way better than I thought it would be. I think I took George Harrison for granted in his role in The Beatles as his solo work is nicely composed and thought out.
I really enjoyed my time with the first disc. These songs had a lot of life, which is shown not only in Harrison's guitar playing, but also with his voice and composition of the songs. Despite being the lead guitarist, he doesn't take his solo album as an opportunity to shine his ability to play guitar (he does in the second disc, but we won't talk about that just yet). Instead, he takes the opportunity to craft beautifully written songs.
The entire second disc could have been removed from this album. The first disc is a really good compilation of songs and it's kinda tarnished from the second disc. Both from the full length of the album, and the quality of the songs. The last few songs are full length guitar solos.
First disc, 4/5
Second disc, 2/5
Overall, 3/5
3
Dec 11 2024
View Album
Virgin Suicides
Air
Although I can appreciate the atmospheric sounds, I don't think I can give this a higher rating than 2. I'm impressed that a movie soundtrack made the list of top 1001 albums of all time, and I do think its earned its place here.
It's not quite a 1 star because it's not like I hated the album, there was just nothing exciting or memorable about it. I'm sure it's a great movie score, just not a great album
2/5
2
Dec 12 2024
View Album
Ingenue
k.d. lang
I actually liked this album more than I thought I would after listening to the first song. Once I heard that country twang, I kind of rolled my eyes a bit thinking "Oh boy, buckle up", but there's some good tunes in here.
Miss Chatelaine and Constant Craving were great! Still Thrives This Love's guitar intro is also cool, but then it fades away. The vibe of the song is cool though. I can see someone performing some interpretive dance to this song and really bringing out the emotion from the song.
The rest of the album... meh. I did notice that a lot of the songs started off weak, but the more it played and as the song unfolded, it became decent.
It's a 2/5, but a strong 2
2
Dec 13 2024
View Album
The Libertines
The Libertines
edgy, raw, rebellious are a few words I can think of when I listened to this album. It was cool at times and just noise at other times. Considering this came out in 2004, I feel like there were other punk bands that were just better (at least in my opinion) so it's not like they were "ahead of their time" and I can't give them that benefit.
I did however, like the vocal exchanges between the two singers. I think they play well off each other.
2/5
2
Dec 16 2024
View Album
Moving Pictures
Rush
Man I love this album. Neil Peart was one of my idols growing up. The Godfather of complex drumming (at least to me). He really opened my eyes to what you can be done on the drums. Honestly, this whole band was so innovative and so many bands that I currently love are heavily influenced by their sound.
Tom Sawyer, YYZ, and Limelight were already in my love list of songs. Honestly I want to give this album a 5 stars, but I don't think it's a perfect album. The last 3 songs are kinda lack luster, especially when the first half of the album are just BANGERS!
4/5
4
Dec 17 2024
View Album
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
A very powerful album. I really enjoyed the first half and not so much the second half. Fast Car still holds up as an amazing track and also very bold to have a song with just vocals. I really like her style, I just don't know if I would listen to an entire album at once.
3
Dec 18 2024
View Album
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Certified hood classic. One of my favourite albums. Less than To Pimp a Butterfly, but before that, I was obsessed with this album. I love the concept of a kid (a good kid) growing up in Compton (maad city) and being pressured into gang activity but then finding God after one of his friends gets shot from a rival gang. I think the story telling throughout the album is incredible and it paints a vivid picture to the listener. Some of my favourites is The Art of Peer Pressure and Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst.
To me, this is one of, if not the best concept album I've heard. What I love about Kendrick is his ability to be able to pull an entire album together and be able to not just produce "party singles" like most hip-hop artists.
5
Dec 19 2024
View Album
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
I've never gave The Rolling Stones a full album listen before, and I gotta say, I enjoyed this! I loved the guitar work. I 100% see their appeal and why they're given their acclaim.
Some of the songs were meh, for example, You Gotta Move and honestly the rest of the album after that point. The album started off with great energy and after this point, it dies down. I can understand a song or two and spreading out the high energy songs, but it was just one after the other after the other and really brought down my overall appeal of the album.
Overall though, better than I thought it was going to be
3
Dec 20 2024
View Album
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
This album is awful. Not a single song I enjoyed. Extremely repetitive and just honestly terrible. I also find it funny that the most played song from this album wasn't even on the original release of the album and was released in 2000 as a bonus track...
1