308
Albums Rated
3.44
Average Rating
28%
Complete
781 albums remaining
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Reachin'
Digable Planets
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Country
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
39
5-Star Albums
5
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
|
5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
|
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
|
5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
|
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
|
5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
|
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
|
2 | 4.11 | -2.11 |
|
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Reign In Blood
Slayer
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
|
2 | 3.95 | -1.95 |
|
Ctrl
SZA
|
1 | 2.92 | -1.92 |
|
Back In Black
AC/DC
|
2 | 3.85 | -1.85 |
|
Metallica
Metallica
|
2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
|
Boston
Boston
|
2 | 3.71 | -1.71 |
|
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
|
1 | 2.69 | -1.69 |
|
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
|
1 | 2.68 | -1.68 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.4 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Arcade Fire | 2 | 5 |
| Billy Bragg | 2 | 5 |
| Beatles | 6 | 4.17 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (39)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Go-Betweens · 1 likes
5/5
I smiled when i saw this on my list. This is possibly one of the most important albums in my collection. When people think about breakup albums, Rumours is always the the go to, but very few people know about this album which stands up alongside rumours, if not better. As a person who listens to music first, this is one of the few albums where the lyrics are more important than the music, but the music accompanies the lyrics perfectly.
It is full of heartbreak in songs like Clouds, Quiet heart, I'm Alright and Dive for your memory, but juxtaposed with hope in songs like Love Goes on, Streets of your Town which is simply about walking in the sunshine in London on a summers day. McLennan/Forster are one of those songwriting combinations that just don't get enough recognition. The album start with a song questioning whats happened to this person who he loves and where she went in quiet heart, and ends with a song identifying the loss of this love, but accepting the fact and acknowledging that he is all right and will get through this. A beautifully structured story timeline.
I tried not to look at the reviews on this album because I knew they would be indifferent (one mentioned "Insipid tame lyrics") , but I think it is one of those albums that either gets you deep inside or just passes you by, and thats ok. I am also a sucker for the Harmonica. Notable songs for me are I'm Alright, Quiet Heart, Clouds and Dive for your Memory
Rest in Peace Grant. 5 stars
Cream · 1 likes
3/5
It is pretty generic 60s/70s classic rock, although there is a nice bit of jazz elements in some of the songs. Take it back was the standout song by a long shot. 3 stars
Led Zeppelin · 1 likes
2/5
Whole Lotta Love is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Not a good start. The rest is wanky rock. There was a few moments that were ok, but for the most I found it tiresome. Skipped a few tracks
Slayer · 1 likes
1/5
I get it. I understand why people like it. It is still rubbish though
Billy Bragg · 1 likes
5/5
I am a fan of Billy Bragg and I own this album. I knew a lot of the reviews would be negative because of his voice and his very socialist political views. He can be a divisive character, but he is also an artist that has collaborated with a LOT of artists over the years from REM to 10000 Maniacs to Wilco (which is also in this list).
John Peel introduced me to Billy Bragg via the BBC world Service and this album is chock full of a lot of great songs. I wore my cassette out listening to Levi Stubbs Tears, which is up there with my favourite songs. I can genuinely see why this album is on the list. It is unique, varied and simplistically raw, covering a myriad of topics from love to politics, released at the height of the grim times of Thatcherism. Maybe it is my familiarity with the songs, but every song on this album is flawlessly beautiful, but 3 to 12 is just perfect
Notable songs: Greetings from the New Brunette, The Marriage, Ideology, Levi Stubbs Tears, Power in a Union, Help Save the youth of America, Wishing the Days away, The passion, The Warmest Room, The Home Front
When I saw this album on my list I grinned, and that grin continued throughout the entirety of the album. My spirits were lifted. It was always going to be 5 stars
1-Star Albums (5)
All Ratings
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
Generic and Samey and incredibly tedious to get through. It's clear the band is based around a competent bass player because the entire album is driven by bass riffs. slightly stand out song: I could have Lied because it has some variation at least
David Bowie
4/5
Was expecting it to be dated and was pleasantly surprised. It is fresh and diverse and a great listen. there's a certain sadness to this album too. Negatives: starts off great and finishes great - there is a bit of a weak spot for a few songs in the middle.
Queen
3/5
You can hear that they are still discovering their sound. i neither like it or dislike it. bit too traditional rock for me
Bob Dylan
3/5
It is listenable, but like much of Bob Dylan very samey. A nice balance of different musical styles. Can't see myself wanting to listen to the entire album again
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Prefer the more bluesy, country CCW. While there were some elements, This album was more traditional rock. It is not terrible, but could not see myself listening to it again. Probably a 3.5
The Doors
4/5
This completely surprised me. I was expecting long drawn out organ solos, but it had great guitar riffs and complete mix of different styles. Would definitely listen to this again. Very different to the doors i have been exposed to
Basement Jaxx
1/5
that was painful to listen to. I realise it is an important album for electronic music, but there is a lot of electronic music that stands head and shoulders above this. Nothing was even remotely interesting
5/5
You Said Something on its own could give this album 5 stars,but the reality is that more than half the songs on this album standout. This album is a great mix between styles from To Bring You My Love and Rid of Me/Dry. I need to own the physical nedia of this album. This album is special
Depeche Mode
4/5
I would definitely listen to this again. The album is well structured and keeps you drawn in with good variation interspersed with familiar hits
Stereo MC's
3/5
Average album. nothing really stands out. Connected was obviously a massive hit in the day, but outside of that the album is very monotonous
The White Stripes
4/5
A beautifully structured album, with great contrast in styles, while there are elements that make the White Stripes the White Stripes, there is definitely some experimentation of sounds in this album. Some really standout tracks too. Would absolutely give it another listen and buy it if I saw it. Ironically the most popular song (Fell in Love with a girl) is the worst song on the album. It is the generic 2000s style that I cant stand the you see with the strokes and the Arctic monkeys etc
Sigur Rós
4/5
This was an incredible surprise. Having not heard it before (a period where I was not listening to new music at all due to family commitments) i was truly blown away. It is ethereal, unique and captivating. I need to own this album
Janis Joplin
5/5
Totally Blown away by this. A sensational album with beautiful bluesy rock. An artist I have never really listened to and cheap thrills absolutely will go onto the "must listen to" list. The album is littered with incredible and powerful songs
Beatles
4/5
Its the beatles and a Hard Days night. It is something we have all heard a thousand times and know. It doesn't blow you away because it is so familiar. A few songs are less familiar but still solid. I am more partial to later experimental beatles compared to this jangly pop era, but still a standout album
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Great Jazz album to enjoy in the background, but Jazz is not a style that i would sit down and listen to necessarily. it is a good album
Brian Wilson
4/5
I feel like I need to give it another listen. You can tell that a lot of this was conceived during the Pet Sounds era, its fully of drug fuelled styles and lyrics. The album is all over the place and no single song stands out, but it was a cacophony of different moods all thrown together that kind of worked. I started wanting to give it a 2 and then by the end I felt it deserved a 4
AC/DC
2/5
I have to try be objective about this because it is a popular band and album and really tried to listen to it objectively, but i really can't get behind this type of rock music. It really does nothing for me. You shook me all night long is ok...but probably because I have heard it a million times. If not, it would probably not stand out like the rest of the tracks, which all seemed to sound the same. it was pretty generic and sounded all the same. Shake a leg had at least a little bit of variation
Moby
4/5
What a way to start the album! Honey is an absolute Vibe. In fact the first 6 songs are all great. Bodyrock is a bit out of place, but still fits in with the whole vibe of the album. Every song is a little surprise as to what will come next. Album ends beautifully and peacefully. This is damn close to a 5 star album
Elvis Costello
4/5
An album well know to me. all the songs are familiar and all are thoroughly enjoyable to listen to
Jacques Brel
3/5
It was pleasant to listen to in the bacground whilew working. I did not pay attention to any partovilar song (as in none stood out) but they were all equally pleasant. I would put this on t olisten to while doing something else, and would possibly buy the album if i came across it, but I would not seek it out
k.d. lang
3/5
It was a pleasant album to listen to but nothing grabbed me and made me want to listen to it again
N.W.A.
3/5
It is good. a genre that i ventured into in the late 80s and early 90s but never really listened to NWA. a great listen. I would likely not buy the record, but I enjoyed it
Public Enemy
4/5
Listened to this album hundreds of time when it came out. An excellent album with hard hitting lyrics and great samples. Would love to own a copy
Parliament
3/5
It was....Funky...and a good listen, but I cant see myself searching it out again
Ray Charles
3/5
It was pleasant to listen to, but that is about it. I wont be buying the record or seeking it out again
Cocteau Twins
5/5
This is what I would classify as a perfect album. There is not one bad song. The album is beautifully structured and is a pure pleasure to listen to. it build to a crescendo in the form of the title track and then slowly descends into the incredible closing track. I have been listening to it for 30 plus years and i never get tired of it. I own this record of course
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
It was ok. Tuesdays gone was the standout for me. Would i listen again? Unlikely
Kanye West
3/5
Started well with We don't Care, but then it had that annoying Graduation day like nails being driven into my ear. a few pretty average songs and then spaceship is ok. Don't like the R&B songs on the album (i.e. Slow Jamz). I can see why it is popular, just not my style of music. Mostly painful to the ears, Won't listen to it again
Neil Young
4/5
The album kept me entertained throughout with continuous new songs standing out for e. The title track and Only love can break your heart are the real standout tracks for me. Beautifully constructed folk album. I would not mind owning this
Steely Dan
4/5
I am not really sure how to take this album. For one, it is nothing what I expected. I was expecting a lot more traditional rock riffs. There was a nice mix of different styles. I definitely need to listen to more of their music
Wilco
5/5
this is an album that you sit down and listen to. It is not background music, you need to commit yourself to sit down and enjoy it. It is experimental, but it hooks you with incredible harmonies and beautiful instrumentation and samples. it is so close to a 5 star album that I am giving it 5. "How can i be closer yet so far away" Reservations is a perfect way to end the album
X-Ray Spex
3/5
L7 must have been influenced by them because some of the sound is identical. The trumpet amidst punk rock is an interesting combination, but it kind of works. It was interesting enough to listen to. Not sure I would seek it out again though
Steely Dan
3/5
there was nothing too outstanding about this. Pretty standard rock album with nothing that caught my attention. Was it terrible? No, would i listen again, No
The Temptations
3/5
Some great classic songs interspersed amongh some listenable songs. I would listen again
Pink Floyd
3/5
I have come to a realisation that I am a David Gilmour era pink floyd fan. While there were some good songs to listen to, there is nothing really that excited me about this album at all. I cannot see myself selecting this to play when other pink floyd albums are available
The Specials
4/5
One of those bands that I know all the songs, love all the songs, but dont own any of their records. Yes i would buy this if I came across it
Gram Parsons
5/5
Where do I start. This is the album that gave me an appreciation of old country. It is timeles and perfect. I had not listened to it for years but as each song came on , it produced a smile to my face. One of those albums I don't own but absolutely must
Kanye West
3/5
its..Kanye West. Not my genre. The album is ok, it just does not excite me. I am not going to listen to it again. Runaway was ok
ZZ Top
3/5
its guitar rock. Nothing that i really found too amazing, gut it wasn't unbearable. Never really listened to ZZ Top, a and likely won't listen to ZZ top again
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I enjoyed the second album of hers, so was interested to listen to this. It was enjoyable to listen to, but nothing ouststanding. Would I listen again, probably not
Pavement
4/5
Listening to this again was like a breath of Fresh air. It has been years since I last listened to it in full. it starts at 100 miles per hour and just never stops. 40 minutes of pure guitar driven addrenallin
Can
3/5
Not knowing what to expect, I found a smile developing on my face after the first track, and immediately dug deep to learn more about them. And then I heard Mushroom, which I know from The Jesus and Mary Chain. Interest definitely piqued now! Halleluhwah and Aumgn were too long. The album kind of lost appeal. Started as a 4 and ended up a 3
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Apart from maybe 2 tracks it is a no skip listen. Incredible record that is full of emotion, composed brilliantly musically and lyrically. You can understand why it is so highly rated
Marvin Gaye
5/5
it is a classic. Full of amazing songs. Keeps you from the first song to the last. Starts and ends powerfully
The Sugarcubes
4/5
Knowing Motorcrash and Birthday and other Sugarcubes hirs very well, I had never really listened to this album in full before. It was fantastic. Full of vibrant life and fresh and unique. Very very close to a 5
Slayer
1/5
I get it. I understand why people like it. It is still rubbish though
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
JAMC play such a massive part in my music discovery. Psychocandy was a massive influence and in my top 10 important albums. This is equally as important. To me its a 5 star album just because of nostalgia. I played this non stop and i can still listen to it today and enjoy every single song
Garbage
3/5
It has a splattering of good songs interspersed with pretty average songs. It is neither great nor terrible. I would listen to it again but never really seek the album out. Somewhere between a 3 and a 4 but not worthy of 4 stars
The Who
3/5
It is the Who. Kind of what you would expect from a traditional rock band. Of all the classic rock artists, the who are probably the most tolerable as they have some variation in their music. Not a 4 though
Roxy Music
4/5
It was an interesting album. I know Avalon as a child of the 80s but have never really listened to 70s Roxy Music and found it interesting enough to want to explore the first 5 albums. Will definitely listen to more Roxy Music. Its an upper 3 so I will give it a 4
Manu Chao
3/5
its good, upbeat and fun, but not something that I am really into. I would be dancing if this came on in the right environment, but I am not going to listen to it at home
Soft Cell
4/5
The album is not anything I was expecting. Tainted Love, although the big hit, and a great hit, almost stands out as being completely different. The album is funky, sexy and full of energy, and then the whole album kind of shifts direction to that traditional 80s sounds. It is a real ride. The sound is fresh and unique. I was back and forth between a 3 and a 4, but by the end of the listen it was definitely a 4. Torch is my standout apart from tainted love
Leonard Cohen
5/5
what can i Say. 3 of my favourite Leonard Cohen songs on one album. it was always going to be a 5. Starts of superbly, then builds up to an incredible 4 songs in a row from sisters of Mercy
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I am sure we will get the first 2 albums on this list. This album is probably the weakest of the three. More commercial maybe. It mostly held up by the super hit, Its Tricky, but on the whole, not a terrible listen. Somewhere between a 3 and 4
The Police
4/5
Message in a bottle still bangs after all these years. What a way to start an album! the 2 big hits stand this album up on their own. the Jamaican influence is evident. Probably a 3.5, but I have given it a 4 because of the 2 standout tracks
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
An incredibly emotional album, made more so by her recent passing. misunderstood and ahead of the time with her views and politics. A beautifully well structured album with 3 standout tracks in Feel so different, Three babies and Emperors New Clothes. Very very close to a perfect 5. I still want to own this album
Mj Cole
2/5
not unbearable, but nothing remotely interesting or appealing. Just not my music at all
Willie Nelson
5/5
Beautiful album. I loved the little snippers of songs, especially the preacher theme clips. Can I sleep in your arms was just sensational. Definitely would own this album if I had the opportunity. Reading up about the album and the theme of the preacher who killed his wife and her lover and then went on the run makes it even more interesting
Iggy Pop
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. I obviously knew the 2 big hits but had never fully listened to the entire album before. There was a nice mix of punk and glam and a few songs really stood out. Great listen. would definitely listen again
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
it was nice background music, but not something I am going to remember or want to listen to again
The Thrills
4/5
I have owned this album digitally since it came out, but have not listened to it in years. It is a good album with a splattering of really good songs, but I feel like it fades after Hollywood kids. Its not an album I really want to own, but one I will gladly listen to again and again
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It is a recognised album for a reason. A timeless contribution to music by an incredible artist. The album never falters and keeps you entertained throughout the listen
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Incredible. Aretha Franklin really is the ultimate diva. This album is jam packed with sensational vocals. I can only imagine what it must have been like to witness her live. Jam packed with hits and soul and music that gets your foot tapping and keeps it like that for the entire album. I need to own this album
Pixies
5/5
i LOVE Cecilla Ann. One of the best opening tracks to an album I know. I have all the pixies albums digitally, but do not own any physically. I need to change this. This album is, and always has been fantastic, and it is not even their best album, but it is just one standout track after another. 4.5 stars rounded up
Carole King
4/5
This album just keeps producing hit after hit. Jam packed soulful pop album that would be welcome in any persons record collection. An album I certainly would not mind owning. Very close to 5 stars
SZA
1/5
not even remotely my cup of tea
Songhoy Blues
3/5
from the onset. NOT what i was expecting at all. rock/blues with some beautiful blues guitar riffs and with african influence beats...but... Started off brilliantly and then kind of withered and got a bit monotonous
Nirvana
3/5
I Respect the importance of this album, but I could just not get behind it. I know a lot of the songs because i have heard them multiple times over the years, but I just dont like grunge. It is not a record I would have in my collection
Radiohead
4/5
I would say the album is "average" for a radiohead album. I am not a big fan of whiney thom Yorke. There are elements of the album that are good, but on the whole it does not grab me and make me go wow. Would I listen to it again? No. 3.5 stars which i upgraded to 4 because it was still pleasant to listen to
Tim Buckley
4/5
This album definitely has some influence from Sgt peppers and the rise of Psychedelic rock. The album starts off slowly and then erupts into life with Pleasant Street. The album rises and fall with songs ranging from serene to loud and full of life, and keeps you captivated throughout. I would listen to it again
The Kinks
4/5
another Sgt Peppers influenced album, with still a more traditional pop element to it. A collection of great pop songs in an album that was really pleasant to listen to with a few notable songs. Would listen again and might like to own it
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
How I got through life without listening to Jani Joplin I have no idea, but both albums are sensational and littered with incredible music and vocals and lyrics. The cover of Summertime is sensational
Iron Maiden
2/5
its is bearable to listen to. There is nothing that remotely stands out and I am not really partial to this riff rock, but it is not terrible wither. Would absolutely never listen to it again though
Gorillaz
3/5
never got in Gorrilaz really. It is not an album i can listen to an enjoy. I have tried to get into them multiple times and I cant really get into any song to a point that i go wow, this is fantastic. I can listen to it in the background, but i am not going to be putting this album on specifically to listen to. it is meh. 3.5 stars
Deee-Lite
2/5
I honestly have no idea why this album is on here. Except for the single hit, the rest is boring and montonous
2Pac
3/5
There is a lot of Rap on this list. I dont mind it, but it is not something that i would seek out for listening enjoyment. If i was going to listen to rap it would public Enemy or Run DMC. Gangsta rap is not my cup of tea. Nothing stands out for me on this album, but it was also ok. the album ends well.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Its Ella so the singing is always going to be top notch. It was pleasant to listen to but nothing wowed me. I would listen to it again but not really seek it out
Public Enemy
4/5
I don't know why, By PE hit me in a certain way. Maybe it is because i listened to them a fair bit back in the 90s, but I enjoy their music a lot more than other rap artists from the same era. I would always listen to this album
Radiohead
5/5
one of those bands I know very well but never properly got into despite trying to multiple times. The bends is standout their best album in my opinion. Mostly because it edges closer to the type of indie rock i prefer than say, Ok Computer. This album has a plethora of great songs. I own it digitally, but really should own it physically
Scott Walker
3/5
The album was ok. Nothing really stood out, but it was pleasant enough to listen to. Do I want to delver into his back catalogue? no. Will I listen to this again? probably not, but It was fine to listen to 3 stars
Beatles
5/5
It is a Good album with Notable good song. I am not a massive beatles fan, so It is not an album i would seek out, but I would possibly buy it if i came across it. It gets 5 stars because of its importance and the number of notable songs on it
The Doors
3/5
Never been a fan of the doors. I find their sound a bit monotonous, especially the long drawn out organ solos. I marked the End as a notable track because the beginning is good, but it just drags on and on and on. I never have and never will really seek the bands out to listen to, but it is ok
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
it was not bad, but nothing stood out, something i would probably listen to again in the background. but mot to sit down and listen to
M.I.A.
3/5
it was not terrible. it was not great. Not going to listen to it again
The Undertones
4/5
Short catchy pop songs with one of the greatest pop songs ever written. All that aside, it is all a bit samey and about 10 songs too long, but i still really enjoyed the songs. I would listen to this again and I feel like a want to get more familiar with some of the songs. Its probably a 3.5 but i will up it to a 4
William Orbit
4/5
I enjoyed this. Have never heard of him before. its got a bit of everything . electronic is not a massive favorite of mine, but i would listen to this again. There were some really good tracks
Björk
5/5
This really is a phenomenal culturally important album. I am embarrassed that i have never owned a copy in any format yet I know it so well. It is full of elements of jazz, hip hop, electronic and straightforward indie. Some incredible standout tracks. I do need to own a copy of this album. It received 5 stars just by looking at the tracklisting. Big Time Sensuality is such an amazing song
Fela Kuti
4/5
I really enjoyed this. A good mix of rock, african beat and some soul. would definitely try and remember the band and pick up an album if i came across it
Dion
3/5
It started off okay with the a good selection of bluesy rock and then the album descended into something like a cross between an elton john and an Cliff Richard album. It got a bit boring. 3.5 stars
Deerhunter
3/5
I found this pretty average and kind of generic. Nothing really stood out for me. I cannot see myself listening to this again. it was ok. 2 of the last 3 songs were good
Fred Neil
5/5
I came across Fred Neil because of a cover of Dolphins by Billy bragg and never looked back. This album is just pure beauty. His voice is incredible accompanied by a beautiful array of instruments. I do not own a physical copy of this, but this has reminded me that i need to
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
It is a good album, which I already own. Not the best Fleetwood mac album, but still a great collection of the familiar Fleetwood mac sound
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I have always preferred Rolling Stones country influenced songs and not really their traditional rock songs, so was expecting not to really like this, but there was some really good songs on it. I would definitely listen to this again and might actually buy a copy if I came across it
Led Zeppelin
4/5
apart from the wanky rocky bit in stairway to heaven it is not a bad album. Some weak songs, but on the whole ok. I am not going to voluntarily listen to it or buy it but it is still an appreciably strong album 3.5 stars
Cocteau Twins
4/5
In comparison to Heaven or Las Vegas it is miles apart, but on its own it has some decent tracks. Starts out strong and then kind of withers away and never really kept my interest until closer to the end of the album. its between a 3.5 and a 4
Alice Cooper
3/5
I was expecting painful heavy rock and it actually was not too bad. There were even a song or two i liked. There were still ones that need to be skipped. Not going to listen to it again, but it was okay
Led Zeppelin
2/5
Whole Lotta Love is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Not a good start. The rest is wanky rock. There was a few moments that were ok, but for the most I found it tiresome. Skipped a few tracks
Jethro Tull
3/5
Pretty generic 70s traditional rock. Nothing really stood out, but it was ok. Last song was the best
Fever Ray
4/5
Immediately recognisable because of Vikings, although I had no knowledge of the link before listening to this. An interesting collection of songs that have been put together beautifully. the album improves with every song
Tears For Fears
4/5
It really is a classic album. I cannot fault it one bit. The broken to Head over Heels transition is superb. Head over Heels is a perfect pop song. The album is littered with Nostalgia. Very close to 5 stars
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
I did not enjoy this as much as I did the previous album of their I listened to it. It was okay, but nothing that blew my hair back.
Boston
2/5
More than a feeling is notable mostly for familiarity. On the whole the album is just full of wanky 70s rock which is arguably one of my my worst genres. Its close to being unbearable. 2.5 stars but not worthy to be upgraded to 3
Pixies
5/5
the most commercially successful pixies album with a host of songs that were successful on college radio and even traditional radio. Far too many notable songs for me to not give at a solid 5. I do need to own the physical album of this at some point
Astor Piazzolla
4/5
it went from pleasant to listen to, to really interesting and dramatic and sad with lauras dream and operation tango. I would not necessarily own it but it was a really beautiful album
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
nothing remotely interested me. Mostly just disparate sounds . While it was not displeasing to listen to it was also not pleasing to listen to
Al Green
3/5
It was a pleasant album to listen but nothing outstanding
Bob Dylan
5/5
This is the first Bob Dylan album that has really grabbed me. I found Blonde on Blonde insipid, wheras this was full of energy with a nice mix of traditional folk and some rock elements. I think my preference for folk might be a factor in this. I might even want to own this. I really cant fault it
ZZ Top
3/5
I am copying the review from my previous zz top album: its guitar rock. Nothing that i really found too amazing, but it wasn't unbearable. Never really listened to ZZ Top, a and likely won't listen to ZZ top again
Coldplay
4/5
I vigorously groaned when i saw I had this album, but then also remembered I listened to it a fair bit when it first came out and before Coldplay became limp. It is still very much coldpay like, but it has slightly more of an edge to it compared to what came after for coldplay. Yellow is still a great song. It was not and if i listened to it objectively, it is worth the 4 stars I have given it. ssssh dont tell anyone
The Blue Nile
4/5
What I love about this project is discovering bands I had never come across before. I really enjoyed this album. It was moody, experimental and beautifully varied. Will definitely listen to their second album
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
A great Solid album with some strong tracks and also gave me the opportunity to listen to some songs I had never heard of before. Would absolutely listen to this album again
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
It was a good album with some listenable songs. Maybe not quite my style, but definitely something I could enjoy listening to. 3.5 stars
Ananda Shankar
3/5
It is okay. Some covers of popular pop music from the time. I am not going to listen to it again, but it was fun to listen to . This 1001 list is funny though. This is on yet SO MANY important and influential albums are not
The Prodigy
2/5
I was there when the prodigy came to prominence and I didn't really get it then, and I still dont. This entire album is pretty repetitive and monotonous. You really could not tell one song from the other. If i compare it to something like Leftfield - Leftism, that still sounds fresh and unique while this sounds dated. Halfway through and I am bored out of my head from listening to this. The second half was slightly better...but only slightly
The Flaming Lips
4/5
A very important album to me. Waiting for Superman was on a mix cd made for me that got me back into music after a break when my daughter was born. Outside of that sentimentality, it is a phenomenal album with a lot of notable songs and a beautifully well structured album. I want to own it. 4.5 stars
Sam Cooke
4/5
Incredibly Fun and vibrant album. Felt Like I was there. Really enjoyed listening to this and would happily play this again and listen to it again. Might even buy it
Yes
3/5
it was...ok. Not my style but i didn't not like it. Not going to listen to it again. Nothing stood out
The Temptations
3/5
It was enjoyable to listen and would listen again. a few notable tracks. not necessarily my jam by still good. 3.5 stars
George Michael
2/5
I never listened to the entire album back in the day. It has not really dated at all. I remember it was very edgy then, and now it just sounds like bad pop music. 2.5 stars
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
It was good. Some good tracks. Very raw and personal. I would buy it if I saw it, but not seek it out
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
just not my thing at all. I realise it is important and all that, but it is not for everyone. I listened to it with this in mind but i just could not gel with it.. It was not unbearable though..so 3 stars
Deep Purple
2/5
Feels like 40 minutes of wanky guitar being substituted for a small peepee
Lambchop
4/5
this was an interesting album. I enjoyed it, and it was not what I was expecting either. No single song stood out to a point where I said, I have to have this, but lots of songs stuck out where i went to go and see what the song was. It has prompted me to want to listen to a few more of their albums. Petrified Florist was great. 3.5 stars
3/5
Same as the last album --> it was...ok. Not my style but i didn't not like it. Not going to listen to it again. Nothing stood out
Nick Drake
4/5
I wanted to like this more, but it did not draw me in enough that I was blown away and felt like I had to have it in my collection. a few songs got my attention, but other than that it was good, but not incredible
Louis Prima
3/5
I enjoyed it. it was fun. I would listen to it again, but not seek it out
Elliott Smith
4/5
I never got deep into Elliot Smith, which is surprising because i Like sad music, but something never quite clicked. I did not mind this album at all and maybe i need to revisit his albums some more. Definitely some songs that stood out and I really enjoyed. As normal, the songs i really liked appeared to be the least listened from the album. I was expecting it to be a lot more dreary and it was actually upbeat in some parts. Solid 4.5 stars. I will listen more
Mudhoney
3/5
I was quite surprised because the first few songs were not as grungy as I expected, but then from thorn it switched and became a pretty standard grunge album. It was okay. A few songs stood out, but for the most part it was pretty generically grunge. 3.5 stars
Roxy Music
4/5
After listening to Country Life I made it a decision to see what the first 5 albums were like. The first album is amazing. Experimental and interesting. what a fantastic debut album. 4.5 stars
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
3.5 stars. Some great funky songs . I enjoyed listening to this album
The Stone Roses
5/5
500 Stars. I own 2 copies of this vinyl, plus all the singles, plus almost everything released by the band. VERY important album in my life. Made of Stone changed my life forever. 14 years old, my brother put it on a mix tape for me and from that moment on i was hooked. There is not one bad song on this album and i can still sing each song word for word. Waterfall and Made of Stone are the 2 standout tracks, but i could add bye bye badman, sugar spun sister, this is the one, shoot you down, drums and resurrection. Fools gold does not count because it is not on the album (but is on the spotify version)
The Doors
4/5
of all the doors albums I have listened to, this is the best. It is a lot more varied with a nice mix of organ drums and guitar. A few notable songs. I might even consider listening to it again. I am glad i listened to this because it gives me a different perspective of the doors
Radiohead
4/5
A few really good songs and a few average songs. This was better than amnesiac but not a 5 star album. I would listen to it again but I would not necessarily want to own it . , Where I end you begin and There There are the 2 standout tracks
Anthrax
2/5
Nothing noteworthy, but it was not unbearable. Got my toot tapping occasionally, but that is the maximum positive i can give. Would not even remotely listen to this again
Beatles
4/5
Complete album with a good balance of excellent songs. I cannot fault it. One of the better beatles albums. would listen again. 4.5 stars
Miles Davis
4/5
Same as previous Miles Davis album. Very pleasant. I will always enjoy miles davis. the entire album was pleasing to listen to and calming.
Sade
3/5
It is ok. I was expecting it to be more 80s R&B. It was mostly just boring, but not terrible. 3 stars
Wire
3/5
Interesting to hear the song that elastica got the riff from in context. Here the original of Strange (That REM covered) was also interesting. Clearly an influential album. It is maybe a little too punky for me, but I enjoyed listening to it, and there were a few songs i really liked. Loved the fuzz guitar throughout. Would probably not listen to it again, but I am glad I have. 3.5 stars.
Django Django
3/5
This was not what I was expecting at all. It is a combination of different styles that mesh together quite nicely. It has some Belle and Sebastian influence for sure. The only negative i would say is that its a bit similar throughout and while it had me tapping my foot, it is not something i will remember and want to discover more about 3.5 stars
Gary Numan
3/5
The album really is Cars with some ok other songs. Cars is a 5 star track and the rest are 3. It is decent enough album with some decent tracks, but I am not going to be rushing off to listen to it again. 3.5 stars
Radiohead
5/5
This was always going to be a 5 before i even started listening to it. Radiohead are one of those bands I know well enough and have listened to their albums many times, but don't own any of the physical media. I would like to own this at one point along with their best album, the bends. No Surprises and Let Down are the standout songs
Dr. Dre
3/5
There are some great songs, and they are some rubbish ones too. 3.5 stars
Little Richard
4/5
short sharp and full of beats to get the foot tapping from beginning to end. such an important album in the growth of pop music. I am not going to own it, but i would listen to this again for sure. 4 stars
The Zombies
4/5
So thats who sings Time of the Season. I have never got into the Zombies. I enjoy the music and its nice to listen to. Would listen again for sure, but would not see myself buying it. I give it a solid 4 stars
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
14th Street is up there in my favourite songs. This album is beautifully gay and so full of big band energy. I have not listened to it in a long time and really enjoyed the listen
Beatles
4/5
I own this because i inherited it from my mother and really cannot fault it. It is not something that i put on to listen to often but I really enjoyed listening to this and there are some great songs. Till there was you is easily the standout song. Solid 4 stars
Johnny Cash
5/5
it is a classic and a cornerstone in the history of music. Everyone needs to listen to this album. Not one bad song, and a beautiful recording (and even better watching the live version)
Sonic Youth
3/5
I took 2 listens of this album because despite being very familiar with sonic youth , I had never listened to this album. I have mixed opinions. Every song has elements that are fantastic along with elements that are repetitive. The best part of the album is the mid section instrumental for pacific coast highway. After that the album kind of wanes. I want to give it a 4 , but it is more like a 3.5
Steely Dan
3/5
there was nothing too outstanding about this. Pretty standard rock album with nothing that caught my attention. Was it terrible? No, would i listen again, No
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
It is a solid album with a great collection of songs. no bad ones. I would like to own this at one point. 4 stars
Portishead
5/5
Used to own this and lost the CD in a collection of CD's I lost. It was a very important album at the time and was part of a collection of artists that came out of the west of England with the same trip-hop genre. I will always listen to this album, and if i came across the CD again, I would buy it. Its A Fire is FIRE. I would want to own this album just for this song and Glory Box. my rating changed from a 4.5 to a 5 because of these 2 songs alone
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Standard rock. Nothing stood out, but it was still listenable. Too long winded wanky guitar though 3 stars
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Only really know them because of the first album and that was not really mind blowing. I am intrigued as to why they are even on this list. lets see what it is like....Yeah..it is pretty average. The last 2 songs are ok, but it is nothing exciting. Not sure why it is on this list - 3 stars
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
i looked at the reviews and its either a 1 or 5 for the most part. People who are giving this 5 are just being pretentious and trying to appear edgy. This is as bad as Red Hot chilli peppers and that got a 2 - so a 2 it is. Not one song stopped me and make me go..ohh thats interesting. for the most part it was unbearable. In Fact, I stopped about 3/4 of the way through
The Jam
4/5
Thats Entertainment was on a mix tape from my brother that changed the trajectory of my music listening for the rest of my life. The standout track on a pretty solid album that is full of short sharp solid pop songs. It's not All Mod Cons, but it is great. 4 Stars
Prince
4/5
I was expecting more from this. I probably last listened to this when I was 10 years old in 1985. It was good, but not amazing. 2 sensational songs in among some okay songs. Those 2 songs alone give this album a 4 though. I feel it maybe needs another listen, so i will definitely listen to it again
Duran Duran
4/5
Nostalgic and very memorable. I own a best of album and while i was not heavy into Duran Duran, I absolutely listened to all the hits back in the day. This is a solid album with a number of great tracks. 4 stars
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
a band that I have never really got into, or had a desire to listen to. it was a decent album and a good introduction to them. I think i could definitely give it another listen. Some good tracks. Maybe not intriguing enough for me that I want to explore their back catalogue though. 3.5 stars upgraded to 4
The Icarus Line
2/5
It is really not as bad as I was expecting. I was expecting noise, but there was some ok songs in there. 70% noise and 30% okay. Not going to lie..had to skip lots of tracks though. 2 stars
The Beach Boys
4/5
aptly got this album the day after the death of Brian Wilson. Not a bad album, some good songs on it and a nice balance of different styles. Solid 4 stars
Rush
2/5
Sounds like a band that really like guitars and drums and that is all they basically do. The camera eye at least has a bit of variation, but there is still lots of compensating guitar and drum work
Talking Heads
4/5
It is not my favourite Talking Heads album, yet, I still have so many notable songs. Considering I own the majority of the Talking heads catalogue, i would certainly buy it if I came across it. it is a solid 4, probably a 4.5
Alice In Chains
2/5
first chords of the first song...this is going to be unbearable. and it pretty much was. wanky rock in the guise of grunge. I remember how everyone was going on about this band in the 90s and I just didn't get it. I still dont get it. Thank god we all have different tastes in music. Nothing even remotely appealing . kept on looking how many songs i had left. 2 stars
Brian Eno
3/5
Brian Eno and David Byrne take a lot of drugs and samples...lets see what happens. It was interesting to listen. A couple of tracks I really liked. Some with some definite David Byrne Influence. For the most part i would have preferred more traditional tracks, but It was ok to listen. 3.5 stars
Ute Lemper
3/5
It was pleasant to listen to, but nothing made me go wow. It is a pretty average album. 3 stars
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
It is Jazz. It is pleasant to listen to, but not a genre I gravitate towards. I enjoy listening to jazz as background music, but thats about as far as it goes
OutKast
3/5
another outkast album. its ok I guess. Nothing too exciting. Not really my cup of tea. One song merged into the other. This is tooo long. I got bored only 11 songs in. The Rooster was okay. It was not unbearable though, in fact, there are some really good songs, but did mention...It's just too damn long. Any good songs get lost in the noise. Easy 3 stars but I downgraded it to 2.5 because it is too damn long
Don McLean
3/5
It was okay. Reasonably pleasant to listen and slightly different to what i was expecting. That said, Everybody Loves me baby sounds exactly like american Pie! pretty much uses the same chord arrangement. Would I listen to this again? Maybe as background music. Do I want to own it? No. 3 Stars
Ray Price
3/5
its pleasant. A live crooner album. Not sure for its reason being on this list though. Like how is this something I have to listen to before I die, when Roy Orbison is not even on this list, and this is. Not something I am going to seek out, but nice background music. 3 stars
John Lee Hooker
3/5
cool. Its Blues, I want something to blow me away. I just feel like I am getting lbums lately that are nice to listen to, but nothing that makes me go wow, How did i never listen to this. I am sure blues lovers will tell me whats special about this, but to the non blues fan, it sounds like pretty much any other blues album, and there are lots on this list. Think Twice before you go and My Dream was cool
The Clash
4/5
I enjoyed. A good selection of Notable songs. The importance of the clash in the history of music can never be discounted. Janie jones and Police and thieves are the standout tracks, but I found I'm so bored with the USA surprisingly poignant while listening to this. Still relevant! 4 Stars
Charles Mingus
3/5
Another Jazz album which I am sure is fantastic if you are a jazz and blues fan, but I cant really discern it from the plethora of others. Good background music. 3 stars
Gene Clark
4/5
Its not "No Other", but it is still a great album. A couple of great songs and really enjoyed listening to it. Exactly what I love and it was the perfect album for the day. For a spanish Guitar was the standout track. 4 stars
The Who
3/5
I get how influential this album is. Prog rock is not my favourite genre...its theatrical with the drama. That said there are some good tracks. Its not an album i will look to listen regularly and not really background music either. There are better who songs and albums. Its not a 3, but its not quite a 4 either. 3.5 stars
Thelonious Monk
3/5
another Jazz album. I dont mind Jazz, but it cannot differentiate one album from the other. Bau-lue bolivar was good with some deep rich bass tones, but the rest was fine but nothing whelming me. some pretty average corners if you ask me. 3 stars
The Rolling Stones
4/5
So...not a very big stones fan. its very rocky, but its not the wanky rock...and I don't mind that. I much prefer gram parsons country influenced stones (like sticky fingers exile on main street era), but this was pleasant enough to listen to. I am not going to rush out and find a copy to add to my collection but i might listen to it again. 4 stars
James Brown
3/5
it was pleasant, but nothing blew me away. Probably would not intentionally listen to again, but would have no issues if it was being played. 3 stars
Aerosmith
3/5
i suppose it was nice to hear the original for the REM cover Toys in the Attic. Still very traditional Rock, but not nearly as bad as I was expecting. Not going to listen to it again, but it was ok. First song and last song were as about as good as it got. Not sure what makes it so special it has to be on this list though 3 stars
R.E.M.
5/5
REM....what can I say, such an important band for me. Lifes Rich Pageant is on my top 10 influential albums. my brother owned this album, so we listened to it non stop. every song is memorable and excellent. I cannot fault this album. What a sensational debut. A plethora of notable songs. Radio Free Europe, shaking through and pilgrimage are the standouts for me. I do need to own a copy. Easy 5 stars
Joy Division
4/5
I like the odd Joy Division song, but it is a band I never really got into. I have tried a few times to listen to them objectively, but i am never going to put a Joy division album on to listen to for pleasure...maybe these pleasures are unknown to me yet...but they still remain that. Dont get me wrong, it is still a good album, just not a 5 star album. I like candidate, the way the tempo and mood went down. She's Lost Control is always excellent. Shadowplay was a song I was not familiar with and enjoyed it. 4 stars
5/5
Starts with one of my favourite Fall covers...great start. The kinks have always been an edgier slightly darker version of the beatles, which I prefer. This album is really good. Like really good. I would actually like to own it. a few songs in I was saying definitely a 4, and now halfway through and on the incredible Shangri La and i am saying 5. This is fantastic. It is diverse, edgy, poppy and continually changing in tempo and style, coupled with great songwriting. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to that! 5 stars
The Beach Boys
4/5
An album I own. Its highly rated because it is good. Full of variation and a great mix of cracking pop songs. Listening to it objectively, it loses a bit in the middle. That said, here are a lot of notable songs and ive listened to it an number of times over the years. 4 Solid stars
Aerosmith
2/5
Big hair wanky rock bullshit. If i never hear this again it is a good thing. its not so unbearable that i cannot listen, but very close. 2 stars
Black Sabbath
3/5
Random album - yeah right. the other person I am doing this with also got Black Sabbath the day after his death. still very much wanky big hair classic rock with those cliche rock riffs, but at least there is a little bit of variation. nothing god awful, but nothing amazing. also amazed with all the 5 star reviews. I guess my disdain for classic and heavy rock is not shared by many people, or are most of the reviews influenced by his death. who knows. 3 stars
The Byrds
5/5
The influence of Gram Parsons is so evident and his influence on country Rock is profound. It is not wonder that the two outstanding songs for me were both written by Gram Parsons. On top of that is a fine collection of great country covers. A record I would like to own and listen to again. 5 Stars
4/5
It is a good album held strong by a collection of really good songs, interspersed with some ok songs. I dont really like the ditty type beatles songs, but they are irrelevant in the greater picture of this album. It still stands out and is still good. I would listen to it again the same way I would listen to any beatles album. Not being a massive fan, i will still give it 4 stars
Adele
3/5
its ok. Its not terrible and its not amazing. Some familiar songs, and the album was pleasant to listen to, but I am not rushing to listen to it again. thats a pretty bad cover of lovesong. 3 stars
The Youngbloods
3/5
There is nothing exceedingly amazing about this. i did not really get amazed at any one song, but there was also a nice variation of jazz, folk and rock. 3 stars
a-ha
3/5
I mean...Take on me! This is such a nostalgia trip. A-Ha were massive when i was in primary School. Some great songs and great memories. Is my review influenced by nostalgia? Absolutely. Would I listen to this again? maybe. With take on Me and Sun always shines on TV, alone those two hold up this album, but it needs more to make it more impactful. It is a bit cheesy in the rest of the parts looking back on it now, but at the same time you have to remember it came out in 1985 too. If i am being critical, I will give it 3.5 stars.
Fugazi
2/5
another pretty generic heavy rock album. I will never wish to listen to this ever again in my life. utter shite. 2 stars
Beck
4/5
I think this was the first album where we saw Beck coming into his own in terms of what he was looking for in music - which is a bit of everything as evident through his subsequent elements over the years following. It has am ix or rock, electronic, jazz, country. Novacane is funky and Fresh and experimental and then straight into Jack-Ass, which is more traditional and slower (which he focuses on more in future albums), then straight into the funky Where its at. sissyneck, he explores some country elements. Finishes beautifully with Ramshackle. what a wonderful diverse album that keeps you entertained. 4 stars
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
This contains the amazing Chicago, interspersed with lots of other great songs. I have and will listen to this album again. This album really comes to life after Chicago. The second half is just fascinating and amazing. I started with a 3 in mind, and then by the end there was no doubt that this a solid 4 or more. I cannot understand how anyone would not even remotely like this album, but then, people have different tastes in music...thankfully. Great album. 4.5 stars. So many great songs. I think I would like to own it
Sheryl Crow
3/5
the history of an album should not impact the music on an album, but in this case I cannot. The fact that she named the album "Tuesday Night Music Club", who is the band that brought her in and wrote the music and songs with her, who she then turned her back on and didn't even use as the musicians when she recorded the album is enough to sour my appreciation of this album.
Onto the review of the actual album. its pretty generic pop country, with cheesy lyrics "are you strong enough to be my man, are you man enough to be my man" i mean come on! all that said, its not terrible, but nothing that made me go "wow, this is amazing" i cannot understand why this has so many record sales. I guess people need this sort of thing in their lives. No one said it would be easy is the standout song mostly because it is the most aligned to traditional country. The album was okay. standard 3 stars
Joni Mitchell
3/5
interesting start, with a bluesy guitar driven folk song. not a bad album. Thee was nothing that stood out, but a couple of notable songs including the title song. I think I like Edith and the Kingpin the most. I would listen again, but not something I would seek out to listen to. 3.5 stars
The Band
3/5
I am not sure how to take this. The best songs are the covers, which have been done reasonably well. its a rock album, but its not that annoying generic 70s style rock, and it had some pleasant instrumentation. I enjoyed listening to the album, but again there was nothing that blew me away. The album ends well. Can't say it made me want to go and discover more about them. it is still slightly better than the standard. so 3.5 stars
Pink Floyd
5/5
I own it already. Shine on you crazy diamond is pink floyd's best song and david gilmours best solo. This is the best album with the wall a close second. Every song is superb and considering half of it is Shine on you crazy diamond, this could not be an easier 5 stars
DJ Shadow
3/5
This is really not bad. A good mix of hip hop/trip hop and electronic. This was a relatively popular genre at this exact time and I am surprised I never heard this. I enjoyed listening to this and there were a few notable songs. Its not quite a 4, but it is a solid 3.5 stars
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
It is pretty chill. Something that i can relax and listen to. Something that I can listen to while doing my work or cooking, but not something I am necessarily going to reach for when I am wanting to listen to music. If I owned it I would probably play it in the background while doing something else. It is pleasant enough and therefore gets the standard 3 stars.
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
its electronic with a a bit of pop music. I found it pretty boring and not even enjoyable as background music. Nothing creative really and I cannot see why this is on the list. I wouldn't even recognise a song straight after listening to it it is so generic. 2 stars
Jane Weaver
3/5
I mean this is basically a more poppy stereolab. It is nice to listen to , but I am battling to see what makes it stand out to put it on this list. Yes, there are some good songs, but nothing that makes me go wow. All that said, I enjoyed listening to it. It is more than a standard 3, so I will give it 3.5 stars.
Fiona Apple
4/5
started off well, got a little bit like Alanis Morrissetti in the middle, then had a really good song - slow like honey. A very lyrically emotional album. Never is a promise and the child is gone are very real emotional songs, although i find the voice a little bit strained maybe. the last song, Carrion is also excellent. That and slow like honey are the standout songs. Definitely warrants another listen. 4 stars
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
This album was enjoyable to listen to because of the familiar hits. The rest fit in nicely and I enjoyed the listening experience. Its not making me want to go out and but the album or dig into his back catalogue of records. Buddy Holly is one of those artists for me that I enjoy if its on, but thats about it. 3.5 stars
Peter Frampton
2/5
I am so fed up with 70s rock on this list....maybe this has influenced my listening of this album, but I just could not bear the though of having to go through another 60 minutes plus of wanky guitar compensation.....and then you get lyrics like
She said, "I know it's late to
But I'd really like to play tunes
On your guitar"
"Let's get arrested
Want to be molested
Who cares how old
You are?"
cheesy questionable lyrics aside...it is bog standard 70s rock that sounds exactly like every other 70s rock album on this list. another boring 2.5 stars with nothing really even notable. Not going to be remotely listening to this again
Stereolab
4/5
I know Stereolab well enough to know their sound and their popular songs, but I have never listened to this album in its entirety. It starts off beautifully with Metronomic Underground, and then of course Cybele's Reverie and Percolator, which I know well. The album keeps this momentum with notable songs popping up consistently throughout the playtime. songs I really enjoyed: Cybele's Reverie, Percolator, Olv 26, Slow Fast Hazel. 4 stars
Ryan Adams
4/5
Yes, Ryan Adams is a predatory arse....but then so are a plethora of artists on this list. Ryan Adams, Just like Arcade Fire etc etc etc, I might still listen to the music I own already, but will not support them going forward. So in light of this I listened to this album from my own digital version. Said my piece now let me get onto my review
Ryan Adams represents an incredibly prominent place in my music discovery. During the period from around 98 to 2001, I had pretty much stopped listening to music entirely when I got married and we had our first child. My brother then gave me a mix CD of music, and on that was a few songs from Ryan Adams, The flaming Lips and a few other I dont remember. Listening to that CD literally changed the progression of what I listened to. Not only did I get back into discovering the music I loved, but Ryan Adams also opened my eyes to deep diving into country music which I had rejected my entire life before that.
About the album. It is familiar, and i own it. Starts off well with to be young , and then straight into the incredible winding wheel. Sweet Caroline with Emmylou is just sensational. Damn Sam and Come pick me up keep the tempo of the album. If I had to make one negative comment, is that here is too much reliance on the harmonica, and it maybe dies a little near to the end with the exception of in my time of need. I prefer Gold, but this is a solid debut album. 4 stars. He is still a cunt though
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I own this record. Its great. Homeward bound is a sensational song that everyone should listen to at some point in their life. The album is varied, and the vocals are just magnificent coupled with a great songwriting duo. Lots of notable songs.4 stars
Kate Bush
4/5
Many negative reviewers of this album are listening to it now and forgetting that when it was released. what she was doing then was adventurous and very much against the norm. Yes, there were other bands doing the same, but few and far between. It is interesting and diverse with a wide array of different styles and sounds, all perfectly packaged with her mystic vocals underlying and re-enforcing the central themes of the album. I really enjoyed Hello Earth. I would not mind owning it.4 stars
Arcade Fire
5/5
Enjoyed this album a lot when it first came out. It is not quite the calibre of the first 2 albums, but it is very close. Suburbs into Ready to Start is still fantastic. I cannot understand the comments that this album is boring, it is anything but that. The structure and the subject is complex and carefully arranged, and one of those albums that listens like reading a book. This is few and far between these days. the album is filled with notable songs and that pop up regularly throughout the album. In many cases one after each other. I would still like to own a copy. 5 stars.
side Note: Win Butler is still a creep, and i stopped supporting them after all that came out. The fact that the albums after everything Now were pretty dull made the decision easier though.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
So much better than I expected. Starts off solid. Was never really a fan of Girls wanna have fun, but Time after time, She Bop and All through the night prop the album up to be a really really good album. I want to own this record. very close to a 5, but I am content to give it a 4
Oasis
5/5
Oasis have one excellent album, and one quite good album, and then they became pretentious twats. I found the third album a bit insipid and then I lost interest. This album however is excellent and was groundbreaking at the time. I dont think anyone who wasn't at a music discovering age in 1994 (I was 19) really realise how insanely impactful the band and this album was. The band literally saved a record company from going bankrupt (primarily due to Kevin Shields and his insane perfection for Loveless). a lot of notable songs and without a doubt a 5 star album.
The Who
3/5
Listened to the original record and not the expanded version as i want the authentic listening experience. Another 70s rock album that sounds like every other 70s rock album. Nothing discerns this from any other album. Yes, Pete Townsend is an excellent guitarist and you can hear it in here but its that wanky rock style i just dont like. Substitute was good. My generation was about 12 minutes too long. It was ok to listen to, but nothing amazing. And i agree live albums should not be on here. 3 stars
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I am getting to the point now when i get a 70s rock band, I groan loudly. I do give CCR the benefit of the doubt because they do deviate slightly from that cliche 70s sound, but I felt with this record that every song just blended into the other and there was no discernable difference from one to another. there was a decent bit in the middle that deviated away from this with: Wrote a song for everyone, Bad Moon rising and Lodi, which was quite a nice surprise. 3.5 stars
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
This is my second Dexy's album, and both have surprised me. While I know the hits on this one, Come on Eileen and Jackie Wilson said, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the songs that make up the rest of the album, which includes a good level of complexity and structure. The section from Jackie Wilson Said to Come on Eileen is pretty flawless. It has enough notable tacks for me to consider this as above average and therefore 4 stars
Eminem
3/5
I never listened to this when it came out because it was not my thing and i was preoccupied with life, so it was quite interesting listening to it now 25 years later. I was pleasantly surprised and it started off really well. All songs up to Slim shady were pretty solid and i really enjoyed it. then a few average songs and Marshall Mathers was ok. Then I had to endure the sound of a dick being sucked. Whats the deal with sounds of someone getting their dick sucked. This is the second rap album on this list where i have had to endure that. that put me off a lot. i feel like the first half was very good and the second half was average. It was a definite 4 stars and ended up a 3.5
Destiny's Child
2/5
All the hits...but just not my cup of tea at all. i had to really struggle to sit through this. not unbearable, but below average for me. 2.5 stars
Radiohead
4/5
I like the more solemn songs. Nude was the first song that grabbed my attention. Its a good album, with a few really good songs in the middle. I took a while to captivate me though. Its not Ok computer or the bends...but it still gets a 4
Second listen: Bodysnatchers needs to get added to the list. It did not grab me the first time, but definitely did second time around. Same goes for Reckoner and House of Cards. Honestly, this album is full of great songs. Very Very close to a 5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This was fascinating. really enjoyed. Good balance of soul, R&B, Pop/Rock with beautiful guitar and some fab pop songs too. Would definitely listen again. Sex Machine was the standout standout song
Shack
3/5
I was living in London at the height of the emergence of the british indie scene into what is now known as Britpop. Reading up on this band, outside of an album released in 1988, their first major album was 1995. Maybe they got lost in the noise of the oasis debut album and everything that followed, but I have never heard of this band in my life, and I was fully embedded in the scene at the time. I listened to this album very objectively and it is very very generic. Sounds like every other band from that era that got lost in the noise of britpop. Comedy was probably the best of it. In a year where so many incredible albums were released that didn't make this list, i cannot for the life of me see why this gets the nod ahead of so much. its not unbearable to listen to though so gets the generic 3 stars
Arcade Fire
5/5
I own this record and this is always going to be a 5. Arcade Fire's best album and full of great songs. This is one of the albums that are in my top 10 most influential albums in my life because of when it was released in the course of my life and the impact it had. Tunnels, Wake Up, crown of Love and Rebellion (Lies) are my standout tracks, but every song is a joy to listen to. its a drum driven album thats is collaborated beautifully with a myriad of other instruments, and is perfect.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
More Jazz, but this is Jazz with Funk and I quite like it. Love that underlying bass tone on chameleon...and then they synth kicks in OMG!. Would absolutely put this on and vibe to it. What an opening track. I 100% can see why this album is on the list. it just maintains the intensity through Watermelon Man and Sly. Sly is possibly the most Jazz song on the album. First 2 songs were definitely better than the last 2. Last 2 were more Jazzy and less funky, but I still enjoyed them. I might like to own this. 4 stars
Johnny Cash
3/5
Starts off well, and then kind of withers out. with the exception of hurt and maybe personal Jesus, the covers are strengthened by the quality of the songwriting as opposed to what Cash has done with them. Standout Song: Hurt obviously. 3.5 Stars
David Bowie
3/5
I found this album a little bit underwhelming. I liked Heroes of course and the sons of the silent age, but everything else a found a bit uninspiring. I liked the instrumental in Moss garden in the middle as a change in direction, but then felt the effect was lost when it moved into the next song. On the whole i was not entirely captivated by this album and it gets a standard 3 stars
Genesis
3/5
mixed reactions about this. My first review was very negative (i am doing this project with someone else so I first listened to this album a while ago). A second listen and I found it a lot more interesting and noted a lot more songs of interest. It is not really my sort of thing, but also not what I was expecting compared to what I knew in the 80s. I never really got into them then and I could not see that changing after listening to this. This was a a bit too prog rock for my liking so my rating remains unchanged, but there are certainly moments that stand out consistently throughout the album but they get lost in the sheer length of this album. It is just too damn long. 3 stars
Iron Butterfly
3/5
it was ok. Again, not a big fan of this genre of music. Nothing really stood out for me and I found it quite generic to similar artists from that era (the doors etc), the last song was the best song, the rest was a bit generic. It is not making me want to go out and discover more about them. Standard 3 stars
Billy Bragg
5/5
I am a fan of Billy Bragg and I own this album. I knew a lot of the reviews would be negative because of his voice and his very socialist political views. He can be a divisive character, but he is also an artist that has collaborated with a LOT of artists over the years from REM to 10000 Maniacs to Wilco (which is also in this list).
John Peel introduced me to Billy Bragg via the BBC world Service and this album is chock full of a lot of great songs. I wore my cassette out listening to Levi Stubbs Tears, which is up there with my favourite songs. I can genuinely see why this album is on the list. It is unique, varied and simplistically raw, covering a myriad of topics from love to politics, released at the height of the grim times of Thatcherism. Maybe it is my familiarity with the songs, but every song on this album is flawlessly beautiful, but 3 to 12 is just perfect
Notable songs: Greetings from the New Brunette, The Marriage, Ideology, Levi Stubbs Tears, Power in a Union, Help Save the youth of America, Wishing the Days away, The passion, The Warmest Room, The Home Front
When I saw this album on my list I grinned, and that grin continued throughout the entirety of the album. My spirits were lifted. It was always going to be 5 stars
AC/DC
2/5
I am sure it is great, but nothing excites me. Just sounds repetitive and each song sounds like the previous. I actually found it quite cheesy. 2 stars
Pink Floyd
5/5
Probably my third favourite Pink Floyd album behind the Wall and Wish you were here, but still a great album. the combination of Time and gig in the sky is great. Money is a good song but has been tarnished by fucking Donald Trump. Regardless that section from Money to Eclipse is just perfect. There is more than enough notable songs to make this a 5 star album
Soundgarden
3/5
Never a fan of grunge and this type of rock. I never really listened to this album when it came out, but I had heard enough to know I would not like it. I listened to this very objectively, but confirmed that I do not like this. It is not terrible, but I groaned a bit to see how far I was while listening to the album and I was only on track 4. The best song by a far is Black hole Sun, but that is it, the rest just sounds the same. a 3 Stars (barely)
Erykah Badu
3/5
I was pleasantly surprised by this. Really enjoyed listening to it and would give it another listen. On second listen its very Soul and was enjoyable to listen to, but I still cannot see myself wanting to discover more or listen again. 3 stars
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
and thus concludes my review of all three Dexy's albums on the list. Of all of them this is the weakest. A few good songs, the rest was pretty mediocre. Why all three of their albums are on this list? I think the author must have been a massive fan. I could understand one being added. but all three?? 3 stars
Adele
3/5
No doubt she is a talented singer, and this is very well produced and she sounds great. Apart from being impressed with her chops there is not much that blew me away. It was ok, but I am not going to either want to buy this or listen to it again. I have no recollection of the other album I listened to, and this will be the same in a few days. It was quite monotonous. all the songs had the same structure. Also...what is a 25 year old singing about life flashing by. FFS! 3 stars
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
It was not bad, a few great songs and a few good ones. I was not blown away, but I still enjoyed listening to it. I would say it is not quite a 4 , but very close. 3.5 stars
Van Morrison
3/5
Enjoyable. Not wow. A couple of familiar songs and a few others. some of it was quite similar. A bit better than average. I would listen to it again but not seek it out to own it. 3.5 stars
Frank Ocean
2/5
i honestly cannot see what makes this standout from a plethora of R&B albums that puts it in this list. 2 stars
Common
2/5
it was ok. I dont know what makes this stand out to put it on the list though. I won't remember this next week. 2.5 stars
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
One of those bands that I know the name but never really given them a go. I looked at the rating and the reviews and prepared myself for the worst, but in reality it was not that bad. A couple of songs caught my attention. Lots of the album was a bit heavy for my liking though. I cannot see myself listening to this again, but it was not terrible. an Ok listen and I am glad that this project has given me the opportunity to listen to them. I am not sure why this band exactly made the list when the 90s was choc a block full of bands just like this, but I question that often with this project. 3 stars
The Magnetic Fields
5/5
An album that has been on rotation for me for many years. There are no albums on this list that have SO MANY notable songs, but then there are also few where the album is 69 songs so I need to bear this in mind. All that said, yes there are a lot of songs that are not notable, but they are still good. So really this album is filled with a lot of good songs and a lot of REALLY good songs. I was considering downvoting it for the length of the album but that would not be acknowledging how really good a lot of the songs are. I do find it funny when I look at the reviews, one of my favourite songs on this album, Yeah Oh Yeah, someone said was the worst! it was always 5 Stars
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
from the onset i would say I like the songs that are not specifically their sound. New york I love you was by a country mile the standout song. Second half of the album was great annd i enjoyed it much more than the first half. I am still not going to go out and buy this or have a desire to find out more about them, but after a second listen I upgraded this for an almost 4 to a 4
Notable songs: All my Friends, Us vs Them, Sound of Silver, Watch the Tapes, New york I love you but you're bringing me down
4 stars
Metallica
2/5
insufferable heavy rock music that screams look how hard I am, but I will throw in some rock ballads to make me look edgy for the ladies. I know unforgiven, Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters and thats about as much as I can say about those 3 songs. I had no pleasure listening to this, but it was not completely unbearable. 2 stars
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Echo and he bunnymen are a band I know, but never properly got into them. I own this album digitally, yet I do not know it really, which means that it never really grasped my attention in the past, and it is kind of the same now. I enjoyed listening to the album but there was nothing that really stood out caught my attention. There were a few songs I marked as notable, but for he most part it was just ok. I know they played a role in the music scene in the UK in the 80s, but I just did not find it compelling enough to warrant a score higher than 3.5 Stars
Black Sabbath
3/5
Not my cup of tea. Standard rock riffs and guitar penis extension, but it was not terrible. wont be listening to it again. 3 stars
Gang Of Four
4/5
I Really Enjoyed this. It was fun, Fresh and just what I felt like. I can only imagine what a vibe watching these guys must have been like. some savage base and drum riffs. That intro to Not Great Men was just fantastic. I need to listen to more of them. Notable Songs, Not Great Men, I Found the Essence Rare, Love Like Anthrax. 4 Stars
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Decent album with some great songs. Badlands in my top 5 springsteen songs. Cannot fault any of the songs. It was a great listen. 4 stars
Listened to it a second time and add a lot more notable songs. This listen i was a lot more focused and it really is a well structured and produced album. It is very close to a 5. 4.5 stars
Bob Dylan
3/5
I respect the importance of this album and its role in the progression of rock music, and I have listened to it very critically, and even noted a few notable songs, but the fact remains that I am not a Dylan fan, and I would not choose to put this record on if I was looking to listen to some music. It is good and enjoyable to listen to if it was put on, but not the level for me that I would classify it as a 4. It is a 3.5 stars
Paul Simon
4/5
What a fantastic album that start with the reggae influenced Mother and Chile Reunion. It a melting pot of Folk, Reggae, Soul, Jazz and Pop. Beautifully structured with songwriting you would expect from one of the better songwriters out there. In my opinion it opens and finishes with the 2 best tracks. Congratulations is just perfect. I think I would like to own this record. 4.5 Stars
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
if this album was big or influential in the day (i have no recollection of it) it certainly did not date well. It just sounds like a bad copycat of a collection of electronic, rap and hip-hop artists. Who you funkin with was ok and pushed it up half a star. 2.5 stars
Santana
4/5
To echo someone else in the comments, I saw this and groaned expecting wanky traditional rock riffs, and while there was an element of that, it was beautifully balanced with some weeping guitars. There was a lovely mix of different forms of percussions instruments and the latin influence. Samba Pa Ti was my standout track. I actually really enjoyed listening to that. It did not make me want to go and find ore or want to listen to it again, but what it did do is change my perception of Santana. For that reason it is getting high 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Fela Kuti
3/5
Zombie was fun and full of vibe, but I preferred the jazziness of Mr Follow Follow. In total the album was to short for me to make a n affirmative decision. I see I gave the live album a 4 star rating, but I am not sure this warrants that. I enjoyed it but not that much. 3 stars
U2
4/5
Trying to be objective and not let my opinion of Bono Influence my opinion of this album. We listened to early U2 a lot in the 80s and it has good nostalgic memories which you cannot look past. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day are both fantastic songs. There a number of decent tracks throughout. Surrender is probably the standout track. I would actually listen to this again. 4 stars
The Go-Betweens
5/5
I smiled when i saw this on my list. This is possibly one of the most important albums in my collection. When people think about breakup albums, Rumours is always the the go to, but very few people know about this album which stands up alongside rumours, if not better. As a person who listens to music first, this is one of the few albums where the lyrics are more important than the music, but the music accompanies the lyrics perfectly.
It is full of heartbreak in songs like Clouds, Quiet heart, I'm Alright and Dive for your memory, but juxtaposed with hope in songs like Love Goes on, Streets of your Town which is simply about walking in the sunshine in London on a summers day. McLennan/Forster are one of those songwriting combinations that just don't get enough recognition. The album start with a song questioning whats happened to this person who he loves and where she went in quiet heart, and ends with a song identifying the loss of this love, but accepting the fact and acknowledging that he is all right and will get through this. A beautifully structured story timeline.
I tried not to look at the reviews on this album because I knew they would be indifferent (one mentioned "Insipid tame lyrics") , but I think it is one of those albums that either gets you deep inside or just passes you by, and thats ok. I am also a sucker for the Harmonica. Notable songs for me are I'm Alright, Quiet Heart, Clouds and Dive for your Memory
Rest in Peace Grant. 5 stars
ABBA
4/5
Knowing Me Knowing you is an incredible breakup song thats almost lost because of the way it is presented. This will always be the standout track for despite it being in the middle of a lot of Abba hits. That out the way now, this album is jam packed with the hits and you cannot dispute the fact that it is a fantastic album. I also quite liked Arrival It is quite astounding what this band was able to achieve and their songwriting abilities are often overlooked because of how how popular they were/are. I dont want to own the album, but it is always going to be 4 stars and I would listen to it again. 4 stars
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
this is pure Nostalgia. I was only 6 when this came out, but i know all the songs well. Great memories. First song is interesting, but it kind of captivated me, and then it goes into She's leaving me, which is the OMD sound that I am familiar with. Souvenir is such a hit. Sealand is interesting and not bad but a bit long. It felt out of place in the album. Joan of Arc is fantastic, as is the follow on Maid of Orleans. Architecture and Morality is a bit insipid. Georgia was pretty average. The album ends well with the beginning and the end. I really want to give this a 4, but I felt it lacked a bit in a few songs. It was very close. 3.5 stars
The Smiths
5/5
Not a massive fan of the smiths, but of all their albums, this is my preferred album, and it is fantastic. I do own it and it is packed with great songs and fantastically produced with the touch of Stephen Street. When I saw it in my listing my immediate thought was that it was a solid 4, but after revisiting and listening again, it is comfortably a 5. I know its over is the standout track. 5 Stars
Prince
3/5
this is so 80s it is scary! I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I honestly thought 1999 came out much later (after a quick google I discovered that he did redo it, in 1999). The album starts with the 2 biggest hits on the album, but then it delves into cheesy 80s synths littered with sexual innuendo and a few hints of Prince's guitar prowess. I mean.... come on..."Dance, Music, Sex. Romance...everybody clap your hands now" sweet jesus. Yes, its Funky, but still cheesy. Free and Lady Cab driver were ok. It ends well with International Lover .Yeah there is a bit of funk, but for the most part its monotonous. 3.5 stars
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Yes, I know this album is loved by many, but I really don't like this style of music. Is it a California thing? I find his voice incredibly grating, and I knew it was going to be a hard listen from the minute I started playing this album. I remember Been Caught Stealing from the days I used to DJ and people used to request it and then lose their shit the second the dog barking started (sigh!) Three days and of course where ok until he sang, but I ended up with no notable songs and felt like it was border line bearable to listen to. 2 stars (possibly 1.5)
Led Zeppelin
2/5
This is a bit screamy. Nothing really stood out and caught my attention. I'm not really into this type of rock. Not something I will listen to again. I found myself wanting it to be over. Lots of wanky rock riffs and I found this as tiresome as Led Zeppelin II. Tangerine was the standout song. Tangerine, Thats the Way, Bron-Y-Aur-Stomp gave the album some semblance of listenability for me, but I think it is still 2.5 stars
The Byrds
4/5
it is an interesting album. Great pop/folk songs combined with experimental rock riffs with hints of country and even a cover of an Irish folk song. I loved the guitar on Whats happening. Eight Miles is fantastic. Captain Soul is like a rock funk, and then straight into a cover of the traditional song John Riley in classic 60s rock style. Such great variation in this album. Love the instrumental introduction into Psychodrama City. In fact the whole song is great. Love the way the album ends. John riley Instrumental is funky and cool.
Side Note: I have just realised that the The album Carnival of Light by Ride is very influenced by this album - particularly Eight miles high. Solid 4 Stars
Massive Attack
4/5
An album that I never really listened to at the time or in the years following, despite being fully immersed into leftfield and Portishead at the time. On first listen, I was not overly drawn into this album. It was okay, with a few tracks that I connected with. On the whole though, I was actually a little bit disappointed. I was expecting more. Has it been overhyped?. Don't get me wrong. It is still a good album, but not as amazing as I was expecting. On a second listen, I noticed a few of the intricacies that I maybe missed. I was still a little disappointed. At the same time, the album still warrants 4 stars. Blue Lines and Five Man Army were the out and out notable songs. Be thankful for what you've got was the out and out worst song. 4 Stars
3/5
I have mostly dismissed Muse because of the songs I have heard it did not appeal to me really at all. You can absolutely hear that they have been influenced by Radiohead. I kind of liked the first track and then it became a bit theatrical. Second song...aaah yes, there is that sound that put me off them in the first place - basically sounds like the killers. I am not sure how to take this. it is very theatrical, almost like they are trying to hard. Its ok, but nothing to make me want to listen to it again. A band with obvious influences but never going to be influential themselves. I was actually quite pleased when it was over. 2.5 stars
Genesis
2/5
First song was insufferably pretentious and i was dreading an entire album of this.....and it was. After the ordeal was ok. for the most part the songs are long winded and wanky. 2.5 stars.
Madonna
2/5
It s an out and out pop album. It is no Like a Prayer but it starts off well with the first track up until Ray of Light, which was a was a massive hit at the time, but then rest goes into this like synth pop rubbish. The only real positive I can give it, is that it is well produced. If simple pop is your thing, then I am sure it is a good listen, but even the pop is not great. There are better pop albums from that same time that are far superior to this. 2.5 stars
Aretha Franklin
5/5
An album that starts with R-E-S-P-E-C-T has got be be something worth listening to. Fantastic and powerful with a plethora of notable songs. It is everything i expected and more, with elements of Jazz and big band and even some electric guitar. Aretha Franklin was such an important icon in music. this is very close to 5 stars for me. In fact it is. 5 stars
Sex Pistols
4/5
I have never really given this a album a full listen. It never really appealed to me and I had heard the majority of the songs disparately. I was expecting it to be a bit messy and simple, but I was quite surprised at how polished and well produced it was. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and it absolutely stands out as an iconic album. Plenty notable tracks. Would absolutely listen again. I might even consider owning it. 4.5 stars
Pixies
3/5
Gigantic is pure Kim Deal and I love it. has always been the standout track on this album. Where is my mind was absolutely killed to death back in the 90s when i used to DJ, but I cannot deny it is a great song. On the whole, this is not my favourite pixies album. There are some really good songs interspersed with some pretty average songs. While some songs like Something against you and broken face are staple live songs, they are not my favourite by any stretch of the imagination. Outside of Vamos, there is nothing outstanding after where is my mind. 3.5 Stars
Hole
4/5
I really enjoyed this. First 5 songs are just brilliant. The second half is not quite up to that level but still very good and keeps your interest piqued. This is more alt rock than grunge (even bordering on some pop in cases). It is beautifully well produced and it is even almost general population accessible (hence the popularity of songs like Malibu). There were maybe 2 or three songs that were a bit poppy (heaven tonight I am looking at you)
I dismissed Courtney Love a bit back in the days thinking she was producing music on the coat tails of Kurt Cobain, but the two albums I have heard beg to differ. She is an great musician and this was perfectly stereotypical alt rock from that era . I really like her voice. Boys on the Radio might well be my standout track. I might want to own this 4 stars
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Starts off powerfully with Mama Said and especially You dont own me, and then becomes a bit generic, lost somewhere between decades. The album ends well with Anyone who had a heart, Will you love me , wishin and hopin. Standout track: Anyone who had a heart. It was enjoyable to listen, but not enough to make me want to dig deeper. 3.5 stars
The Beach Boys
3/5
Dont hurt my little sister....when I grow up to be a man...I'm so Young, come on! this is next level cheese. Ironically, I prefer this version of Help me Rhonda. I found the album pretty mid. Nothing really stood out. 3 stars
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
enjoyable to listen to. Nothing outstanding, but great to listen to while i was working. There were elements (like Just a Gigolo) where i thought maybe i can understand, but for the most part, I was struggling to see what makes it something i have to listen to before i die though. 3 Stars
Van Halen
2/5
Classic Rock and I and I dont see eye to eye, and when it is this cheesy big hair "Metal" masquerading as pop our paths diverge even further. I audibly groaned when I saw jump, which worked when I was an impressionable 10 year old but now just sounded cheap. I respect that Eddy Van Halen is an accomplished guitarist, but I just don't like this type of generic rock riff guitar work. The one video that was being played the lyric went.."I know we're running a little hot tonight" and then they pulled out a hair dryer. Fuck me sideways. I knew this was not my thing when I saw a review that said "Hey PJ Harvey, this is how to make music that people want to hear". I want to hear PJ Harvey, not this. 2 stars
Randy Newman
3/5
I listened it to it once and it was enjoyable enough, but nothing outstanding. Only one song really stood out (political science). I felt it was pretty bland and generic but that it needed another listen. Second listen, I kind of felt the same. It almost grabbed my attention, but did not quite. Notable songs were Political Science and last night I had a dream. 3 stars
The Hives
2/5
pretty generic 2000s alt rock. not sure what makes this so amazing to include it on this list, and it a greatest hits too. it gets a star off for that. This was incredibly underwhelming. I had had enough after about 3 songs. 2 stars
Neu!
4/5
There is something to be said for beautifully arranged music and i really am enjoying this. Album builds up nicely and the first vocal track kicks it off nicely with Hero. The next three songs are all excellent. I really like this album. It was well structured and the music was great. Someone said the signing was noisy, but I felt like it accompanied the music perfectly. Might find out a bit more about them 4 stars
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
This album was played over and over again when I was younger and I have not listened to it in a while. It was so refreshing listening to it again. So many great songs and there are very few bad ones. Chelsea is always a standout song. I would like to own this album. It is very close to a 5 star album. 4.5 at least
Cream
3/5
It is pretty generic 60s/70s classic rock, although there is a nice bit of jazz elements in some of the songs. Take it back was the standout song by a long shot. 3 stars
3/5
For the most part I found the album pretty insipid and monotonous. one song just blended into the next and no single one was really discernible from the rest. With the exception of maybe the last song ( Mothers of the disappeared) I found it pretty generic. The opening three songs were massive in the day, but listening them again they try to build to something and have their moments but never really get there. I think this is when Bono started becoming a bit of an insufferable twat (youtube music shows videos if they are available and most of them are really cringe!). 3 stars (probably 2.5)
Def Leppard
3/5
We listened to this non stop in junior schools as 12 year olds. My judgement will definitely be distorted with nostalgia. Its mostly VERY cheesy hair rock ...but so many memories associated with this album that I am going to rate it way higher than it probably deserves. i still remember half the songs lyrics. It does deteriorate significantly as the album progresses though. realistically it is a 2.5, but I will give it a 3
Devendra Banhart
3/5
I quite enjoyed this. That being said I listened to a lot of this type of folk in the mid 2000s and there were a plethora of singer songwriters producing albums exactly like this, so I am not sure what makes this stand out above the rest. My sense is that I will likely forget about this at the end of the project and for that reason I cannot give it a 4, but it is a solid 3.5. Will is my Friend is the standout track. the album ended well 3.5 stars
Nick Drake
3/5
I really wanted to like this and I listened to it twice, but both times it never captivated me. I enjoyed it, and a few songs grabbed me but it was not outstanding. Not as good as the first album, which I found a lot more appealing.3 stars
Muddy Waters
4/5
got my foot tapping, and I really enjoyed the experience. Would buy the record if I came across it and would therefore definitely play it again. good classic blues. 4 stars
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
This album opens with a 80s feel about it, and then moves into bowiesque type rock and settles on 2000's alt rock at the end, almost like they are tipping their hat to their influences (the video for tonite kind of confirmed this). other Voices sounds like they listened to Talking Heads and decided to try something similar, but did it quite badly. I am not 100% sure how to take this album. I quite enjoyed listening to it, but it still didn't make me want to leap up and go and find all their albums and listen to them. There were a few notable songs in among some pretty average songs. The album relies on a catchy beat with some nostalgic riffs. I gave the previous album by them a 4, but I don't think this is quite there. Ultimately it is borrowed music and not unique or new. 3.5 stars
Waylon Jennings
5/5
Great find. Surprisingly, this is my first introduction to Waylon Jennings, and simply put, a solid album with not one bad song. The first time I listened to it was when my listening partner got this album and I gave it a 4, but I have since listened to it another 2 times and this is an album I want to own. This alone is a 5 criteria for me. I have added it to my "to buy" list. Standout track was Ride me down Easy. 5 stars
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
I have learnt that anyone who puts Sensational or Fabulous in their title is not. Look, it was not terrible, but I will not be listening to this ever again. It is like a bad musical soundtrack. 2 stars
Dire Straits
4/5
I know the album well having grown up with a lot of the songs, but I am not sure I have ever listened to it in full though, so it was an interesting experience. I was expecting a lot of Money for Nothing/Walk of life type rock and what I got was something completely different. I loved the way the album progresses from pop/rock to Mark Knopfler falling in love with his guitar. A lot of people in the reviews saying that side 1 is better than side 2, whereas I found the completely opposite, the album really came into its own in the second half, and then it ends with Brothers in Arms, which is easily the standout track, but I feel like mention should be made of "Why Worry" which really shifted the album in the right direction. 4 stars
The War On Drugs
4/5
I really enjoyed this at the time. less so now, but I still enjoyed the listen. Its like a more indie Dire straits in some parts with a foundation in folk music. Red Eyes is a fantastic song, but there are also a few others in there worthy of attention. The weeping guitar in disappearing is beautiful. The folky Eyes to the wind is my standout track. Is it 4 stars? I think it is. 4 Stars
Megadeth
1/5
fast drum beats combined with the generic heavy guitar riff into generic guitar solo accompanied with generic heavy voice talking about the devil to sound hard - rinse repeat times 8. I am sure it is a fantastic album for people who like this sort of thing, but not for me. 1 star
Deep Purple
2/5
God. another Live Album. Another tiresome generic 70s rock album with those generic rock guitar riffs. Oh, they do smoke on the water..figures. While you are at it, throw in a 7 minute drum solo why don't you. I know people love this sort of thing, and I can see why it is on the list I guess, but this is not for me. 2 stars
Various Artists
3/5
its an album I will listen to once a year only. I listened to this while cooking the Christmas dinner and it served its purpose. 3 stars
OutKast
3/5
it's mostly meh. i see why it is popular, but it is very monotonous and too long. Nothing really stands out. B.O.B was the one notable track and then was a decent section of the album with the 2 or 3 songs after it. 3 stars
Beck
4/5
It is an album that was played very often when it first came out and I have not listened to it for a while. It was refreshing and nostalgic to listen to. A really good album with a plethora of standout tracks. Melancholic and almost soulful. Sunday Sun was the standout track. 4 stars
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Not sure why this has such a low rating. While it is nothing exceptional it is still very listenable with some decent tracks. I have marked a few notable songs and felt the record was well balanced. I could not see myself diving into her current catalogue but i enjoyed the listen. Fly By night was my standout track. It is somewhere between a 3 and a 4. 3.5 stars
3/5
I own this album, but it has been a very long time since i listened to it because unfortunately you couldn't go anywhere in the UK without hearing songs from this album when it first came out, and I have had zero desire to listen to it since. A bit of a weak start with hello and I was never really a big fan of Roll with it. You have to give some merit to Wonderwall and Don't look back in Anger despite them being absolutely played to death. Some might say (sandwiched between a few mediocre songs) is ok, if you ignore that 70s rock intro. I remember quite liking She's Electric at the time, but found it a bit lacking now. The album ends well with Champagne Supernova. Standout track: Bizarrely, probably Some might Say or champagne Supernova.
It has been quite interesting listening to this after all these years. It is not remotely at the same level as the debut album (which I gave a 5). In fact, I felt it was rather weak compared to it. it is mostly held together with some really big hits. When I saw I had this, I figured it was going to be an easy 4 and a good trip down memory lane, but I found myself sometimes bored listening to it, and I have very little interest in revisiting the album again, which according to my criteria puts it below a 4. In fact, I was quite disappointed. I feel like the album has not really stood up over time...so 3.5 stars.
Mike Ladd
3/5
When I started listening to this I thought it was going to be another crass modern hip hop album, but I ended up enjoying the journey. i enjoyed the middle part of the album from Bladerunners to the Animist. The end was ok except for Red Eye to Jupiter which was ghastly. To the Moons Contractor was probably my standout track. It was chill and full of vibe and funk. It did not finish the album wanting to discover more, but I enjoyed the listen. 3 stars
Beatles
4/5
I am not sure i have listened to this in its entirity before, despite knowing the majority of the songs well. There is a beautiful small guitar solo I never noticed before on Come Together and it is fantastic. Something is just pure class. I was really enjoying Oh Darling until Paul started screaming, but then I read up about the context and it all makes sense. Octopussys garden is, well, Ocotopussy's Garden. I did not care too much for I Want You. Here comes the Sun is one of my favourite Beatles songs. I quite liked Sun King and how it went into Mean Mr Mustard. Golden Slumbers and Carry the weight are absolutely fantastic. The album ends well.
Despite a few weaker songs, It is a good album, but I am not a massive Beatles fan and therefore do not really have a desire to own the album. Based on this criteria I give this a solid 4.5 stars
Lorde
4/5
I am not a fan of Lorde at all. In fact I do not like her other 3 albums at all, but this came to me at a time where I was about to make a big change in my life, and in her breakup album I found inspiration of the big change in my life. it is a fantastic pop album .Pop songs are my guilty pleasure and this is full of synth and drum. Hard Feelings/Loveless was always my favourite on the album, but it is accompanied by a lot of notable songs. I am not out to own it, but I have it digitally and I am ok with that. 4 stars
Pink Floyd
5/5
Roger Waters and any opinion on him aside, I would still say this remains as my favourite Pink Floyd album (a toss up between Wish you were here). I am not sure if I am influenced by the fact that my sister used to play this non stop growing up, so I know it very well, or because this is a concept theatrical album, which I absolutely love. Maybe a bit of both, but it is a great listen. Every song blends into the next and accompanied with Gilmour's shimmering guitar makes a beautiful listen.
2/5
Not really a fan of live albums on the list in the first place, and this really did not give me a good first impression of this band. I found it very shouty and noisy. Not really my thing at all. Motor City Burning was okay because it had some guitar work in the middle that I liked, but for the most part this was very forgettable and I wont be revisiting ever again. 2.5 stars
David Gray
2/5
Certainly living up to his namesake. That was appropriately very Grey and Beige. For a second there I thought I was walking through a supermarket. It was not unpleasant, but it was pretty dull and boring and not quite a 3. So 2.5 stars
Tina Turner
3/5
I was not sure what to expect when I got this. Obviously Tina Turner was massive for us who grew up in the 80s, but I only ever knew the hits so It was interesting listening to this. When the opening bars came on I groaned because I thought it was going to be cheesingly 80s, but then the first song really grew into itself and it gave us a great combination of guitars and drums driven by her powerful voice. Still very clearly 80s, but a good start....and then it delved into cheesy 80s. Private Dancer is still a great hit and a good song and probably the standout song. Better be good to me and steel claw were ok'ish. On the whole, first impressions started off well and then the album kind of deteriorated with the odd glimmer of hope. I am not going to be listening to this again. 3 stars..barely
Ramones
3/5
A band I never really listened to or got into, they just never really appealed to me. Oh, They sing that song! Good start. The album was ok to listen to, but I found it very similar. Every song pretty much sounded like the previous one. I get why it is on the list because of when it came out and the role that punk played, but I cant see myself listening to this one again. Looks like I have not missed much by not discovering more about the Ramones. Lets Dance is like a Grease song with a punk riff. In fact half the songs are like that. 3 stars
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
what an opening track! Musically I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was great listening from start to finish. I am a music first, lyrics second person, so the fact that lyrics were in French did not really matter to me, I found the music captivating with a lovely contrast between slow and melodic and then the frantic guitars thrown in. en Melody was the standout track. I do not necessarily have a desire to own this record but it was captivating enough for me to say 3, maybe 4 stars.....Then I looked at the reviews and discovered what the lyrics are about. sigh. Rating the music 3.5 stars. rating the person 0 stars.
on a side note, there is a lot of hypocrisy here from reviewers who will overlook popular artists who have had historically raped girls under 18 and dismissed it in the name of "it was the 70s" or any other such excuses. Every scenario is despicable. If you want to stand on a high horse then be consistent
Ministry
1/5
Heavy and Metal is not something I remotely enjoy. The first song was not too bad. The second was awful. Lets just bang the drums and thrash the guitar and speak. same goes for song 3 and 4 except its shouting instead of speaking. At least the hotrod one wasn't shouty and was kind of listenable but very repetitive. scare crow was okish..a bit repetitive. Psalm 69 is sooo00o hard (faceplam). It is cringe. Corrosion and grace were awful. 1 star
Foo Fighters
3/5
It was not as unbearable as I was expecting. Still littered with those rock riffs that just do not appeal to me, but not something that I could not stand listening to. Big Me was the first song that caught my attention, largely because it is less grungy and rocky I suppose. Some songs were unbearable (like Weenie Beenie). Oh, George was okay. It got a bit tiresome by the end though. Would not listen to it again or remotely want to own it. I actually listened to it twice to see if I was missing something. I was not. Standout song was Big Me. 3 stars
Amy Winehouse
4/5
This is such a great album with some really good songs that are poignant and sung by someone with an incredible voice. lots of notable songs and an album I would happily listen to time and time again. I already own this. this album holds out with love is a losing game on its own, which is the standout track. 4.5 Stars
MGMT
4/5
Outside of knowing the obvious hit songs, I have never listened to this album before and know very little about the band. I was genuinely surprised at how many good songs there were. I was also quite surprised how many songs I knew. The album is quite diverse and a great mix of different styles. There is big Rolling Stones influence in songs like Weekend Wars and Pieces of What as well as psychedelic rock influence in a few others. The album kept you invested throughout. Maybe it is time to listen to some more of their albums. Notable songs: Time to Pretend, Weekend Wars, Kids, 4th Dimensional Transition, pieces of what, Of moons, Birds and Monsters, The Handshake. I felt like it ended really well. I love being surprised by an album. 4 stars
American Music Club
3/5
It has certain moments, but on the whole the album is a little bit insipid, and I feel like they are not sure what genre they want to be in. I did not mind it, but it certainly did not make me want to go find out a bit more. Standout track was Pale and Skinny girl. 3 stars
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
This was slightly better than the previous album I listened to. I listened to this with even more of an open mind, but again, this type of hip-hop it is just not my thing. I am not going to seek it out and I will not listen to it again. Nothing stood out and caught my attention, but at the same time it was not unbearable. Standout track was probably "I" or "The blacker the berry". 3 Stars
Billy Bragg
5/5
I own this Album and know it well. I listen to it regularly and thoroughly enjoy it. It is a perfect collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco singing the songs of Woody Guthrie. There is vocal support with Natalie Merchant - so Three artists I hold in high esteem. Of course I am going to love it. The album never falters and keeps you invested from start to finish. Chock full of Notable songs, but, "She came along to me" is the standout. "Hesitating Beauty" is a close second. I was going to say 4.5, but fuck it. This is 5 stars
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Listened to it twice and it was a great listen that I would listen to again, gut, much like all jazz, not something that I would choose to sit down and listen to as opposed to something that I would play in the background. Still a solid listen and good album. 3.5 stars