From the heart of Saturday night (ISH). Although not a truly spontaneous live record it is a live record nonetheless and a beautiful Tom waits record. As much songwriting as theatre but buy the ticket and take the ride into the seedy underbelly of neon lit night inhibited by the wild side of life and the mundane flip side of existence. A genius 5*

A confusing one. I understand the lore around the album, the cry from the soul of a tortured artist once brimming with creativity and losing their weak grip on reality amongst a battle against psycadelics and mental health. Also it's the sound of the death of the sixties hippie ideal. I get all that but also some of it is just a bit crap. Flashes of beauty, flashes of greatness, flashes of unabashed and unburdened individuality but also flashes of rambling and shouldn't have been released. There's some 5s here and some 1s so it gets a 3

Flawless. Great production just let's the rhymes shine through. A sound all of their own and not a bad track. Could mark it down for the creation of the often painful rap rock genre (but equally as killer when done right) but won't. Solid 5

The fucking Ramones!!

Always reminds me of Middle Colenso and listening to this on Mum and Dad's Cd

Great album. Three stars as a whole because I'm not sure at this point if I would revisit as a whole (maybe that will change). Last track is lovely but unfortunately the colossal weight of emotion in All My Friends seems much like a imploding star, crush and devour all tracks around it's 5 star worthy artistry. As a middle aged man listening to another middle aged man singing about those early 2000s it strikes like a two chorded fork through the heart (even though weirdly I missed this track at the time)

Viorar Vel til.... That's the one Beautiful atmospheres but felt a bit tired at the end? Will definitely revisit though probably more in a Background sense than a focused listen

Works great as a complete piece of work. Reason that it misses a 5* is that it runs a little too long for me as opposed to Let It Bleed. Strong start and some stone cold classics. Playing is great and sounds like a hell of a lot of fun at Nellcôte. You can hear the party

Love it! The Old Mans Back Again, Seventh Seal, Hero Of The War, Duchess and Get Behind Me are all gorgeous. Such beautiful orchestration and song construction with a voice that has to be one of the finest of a generation. Inventive and unpredictable. Hard to listen to without absolute attention on lyrics too as you much so much of the detail. Deep listen 5*

This is the first time I've delved any deeper into The Specials aside from the first album and the ubiquitous double greatest hits CD. What a fantastic record. Very interesting mix of the original ska 2 tone with drum machines and kitschy synths dotted around. Always a sense of detachment and paranoia in the delivery yet the lyrics are completely direct in their disillusionment. You can almost feel Ghost Town forming throughout the album.. Will definitely revisit again

Went from a 4 to a 5 as the album swang along. Beautiful playing, a jubilant atmosphere and enticed everyone in the room to listen, enjoy and discuss. Surely what a true work of art is about. Will now class this as a new future favourite

First 2 tracks and last 3 are flawless but this accents the dip in the middle. Was one of 3 CDs that I took to university so it will always hold a special place but listening again showed me why I haven't revised the album in 20 years - a lot more low-fi than I remembered.

Noise as an art form - the more you throw yourself into the chaos the more you get out. Also underneath it all an amazing punk album. So achingly cool you feel uncool just listening to it but after cooler because you have

Went into this thinking a definite 3* but as the album went on realised that as a piece of work it is brave, cohesive, well written and played by a band bit willing to rest on previous Dookie laurels. Kicks off strongly and is a journey from start to finish. Like the banding of tracks together. When September Ends is beautiful. A critique of the mainstream bringing Green Day even more into the mainstream

One of the albums that defined my teenage years. Was a perfect album celebrating a vanishing Englishness which was in equal parts nostalgic but also critical and punky. Think also the artwork sums up the colours in the record. It's autumnal sounding and slightly bleak. Coxon's guitar playing is always something to behold. There's an underlying darkness behind the 'pop'. Masterclass in songwriting and Albarn deserves to be held in the same regard as Bowie Full five stars. No questions.

Incredible to listen to for the first time. Radio excerpts and sampling paving the way for so many other artists and albums. Can completely see why it is here. Inventive, ground-breaking and off it's tits in many ways. Persian Love pushed it into 4* / 5* territory but the rest of the album couldn't quite get there so sits at a high 3*. Will recommend and listen again but not hitting the heart strings enough for a four

Now I love The Beatles. This has some stone cold classics It Won't Be Long, All I Gotta Do, All My Loving, Til There Was You. For me the only thing that stops this from a full 5* is there are too many covers. The Beatles are good enough to have every song on every record theirs. Saying that it is obviously one of the first so they were finding their feet. Also my first introduction on album to the band so will always be special. Knowing what else is in the cannon means that it sits at four Surprisingly more raw than I remember and you can sense excitement, naievity, and togetherness in every note. High 4*

Hope, redemption, peace in the valley, punk, kicking against the pricks. The howling of the incarcerated bookending the songs of the outsiders - but weirdly knowing Cash can walk out. When he asks for the water... And the later call to the warden. This is cold hard social history. Even if you don't like the music. It hopefully makes you realise that there is an entire world that exists but that you maybe choose to ignore.

A fine album but so something didn't quite hit for me. The opening track is amazing - love it. The rest of the album failed to live up to it in my opinion. And A Bang On The Ear is beautiful. Unfortunately it's a 2*. Not because it's bad in anyway, just that I can think of other albums I would rather see in this list.

See why it's here. It's inventive and no doubt has been a huge influence on many artists but weirdly I've heard those same artists do it a bit more consistently across an album. Saying that the album really picks up on the second half. Maybe is a great track, The Way She Dances too. Couldn't shake the word patchy from my brain as I listened. I love The Neptunes stuff and the first N*E*R*D* record but this one left me a bit flat and cold. However there is stuff here I would revisit though so going to give it a 3* in the hope I change my mind over time? Think I expected more from such boundary pushing producers.

Didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Always liked The Who from afar but never delved past the usual suspects. It's a great record and a lot rawer than I expected. Very garagey and patchy and full of I don't give a fuck! Great playing and powerful vocals. Think the Tommy era Who always clouded my judgement but this is fierce .

I surprise myself every time I listen to a Depeche Mode album. It never fills me with anticipation or excitement but as soon as I do I wonder why they are not on a more regular rotation. Everything you want from them. Minimal, overblown, love, loss and an undercurrent of darkness always threatening to pull you under.

One of those that I know I should like it more than I do. His voice is faultless, he can play a mean guitar and the songs, when they hit right, are impeccable. It's just that it leaves me sat probably on a sidewalk in Greenwich village waiting for something a bit more... more. Run That Body Down, Duncan and Me & Julio stood out for me.

Fucking fantastic. Overblown, overkill and why the fuck not. The orchestration is beautiful. I wish it might have been a little more leading than accompanying but beggars can't be choosers

Absolute 5*. A perfect album. Can't put in words how much this record meant and means to me so I won't.

Really beautiful. Only one track around the middle of the album didn't connect (I won't say which one) but otherwise it is fantastic. So many ideas and strands of music woven into a rich tapestry that I felt enriched just listening. A solid solid 4*

Challenging. Some highlights some other bits where I felt it was playing with time signatures for the sake of time signatures. Can think of more worthy albums to be here (though they might not be as cool)

The unstoppable Iggy Pop. There is the old saying about the only survivors after the apocalypse will be Keith Richards and the cockroaches but can be damn sure Iggy will be there too. There is an unbounded decadence, depravity and ultimately joy in this record. You can hear the fingers on the strings, the missed kick drums and the sound of songs being written and recorded and served straight to your ears. Though it is not perfect I don't think it ever was meant to be which in turn makes it perfect. No wonder he's smiling

The birth of G Funk. You are witnessing the creation of a style and a sound. That whistling synth over such Funkadelic thick bass lines

I haven't been this blown away by a 'recent' record in some time. From the first note it draws you in. Every song gives more. Beautiful words. Jaw-dropping style and delivery. Production on point. A perfect album Stone cold *5

Lots of beautiful soundscapes. His voice is not the strongest point but never was a borders a little bit on those dreaded words 'pastoral' or 'whimsical'. It's proggy which used to be a huge no no for me but I've mellowed of late. Can hear Bowie's Low in here which is probably why it resonates somewhere... Fripp is fantastic when his guitar appears Worth a listen and feel better for having heard but it's a 'know why it's here' 3*

No words Genius 5*

Solid. Lush. Obviously Papa is a masterpiece but perhaps outshines. Funky Music, First Time is sublime and also Do Your Thing is actually stronger than one might think at first. Want to push it to 4 but can't quite get there but a completely deserved 3*

It's an ok album but unfortunately lacking in hooks and earworms. It went by without being too taxing but didn't leave the experience feeling anything much

How to rewrite the rules on how a record can be recorded. So diverse yet cohesive. Every track individually has the power to be a masterclass and together they create a masterpiece. When dealing with the 5* records I strangely find it more difficult to write notes as the words seem not to do justice.

It's a great pop rock and actually you realise what an influential guitarist Marc Bolan was. It's pretty rare that you can say you birthed an entire genre. But nice one. Welcome glam rock!!!

I see Monster in this. When REM got fuzzy and also the Velvets getting non-seizure inducing tripped out. It has a firm identity. It completely works as a record. Everyday should be a holiday is a formative yeah. Cal me tomorrow for a 3 or 4* tricky now it is the perfect bridge. It's this fun because of the night or is it the hangover?

A confusing one. I understand the lore around the album, the cry from the soul of a tortured artist once brimming with creativity and losing their weak grip on reality amongst a battle against psycadelics and mental health. Also it's the sound of the death of the sixties hippie ideal. I get all that but also some of it is just a bit crap. Flashes of beauty, flashes of greatness, flashes of unabashed and unburdened individuality but also flashes of rambling and shouldn't have been released. There's some 5s here and some 1s so it gets a 3

Killer opener. Can't argue. But genius over an entire album is tricky. Elton albums are different from Elton singles.

Bloody hell that's long. Amazing playing. Not a genre that I'm very familiar with but you have to tip your (Stetson) hat. Wonderful harmonies

Apart from Tainted Love and the one I will mention shortly I had not much of an idea of Soft Cell. This album I enjoyed so much more than I thought I ever would. It sounds like a Soho that is long gone but I was lucky to experience the tail end of. Sex dwarf is phenomenal but the aforementioned track is Say Hello Wave Goodbye. One of the most heartbreakingly strong breakup songs. Every line has you there standing in the rain lit by neon lights...

Obviously not the album she is most famous for but a classic nevertheless. The lyrics are honest, the delivery is fantastic and the moments of naïvety are only more heartbreaking with the knowledge of what her life had in store. There is an experimentation to the record that pays homage to the jazz that has influenced her but trying to create something purely in her mould. Something she would nail on the follow up

A stone cold classics. Changes, Oh You Pretty Things are phenomenal. Would give it a full 5 but I know I have Ziggy and Low to come which I like a lot lot more. The end of the Bowie whimsy

What a downright dirty album. I remember here this about 20 years ago and wondering what the hell was going on kind of expecting VU&Nico part 2 but with every listen it gives more and more and more. I think it took the rest of the music world to catch up too. The alt-rock scene owes so much to this record. As much jazz using feedback as a sax, to punk, to alt-rock to psycadelia to brain melting noise this is a pure 5*

From the heart of Saturday night (ISH). Although not a truly spontaneous live record it is a live record nonetheless and a beautiful Tom waits record. As much songwriting as theatre but buy the ticket and take the ride into the seedy underbelly of neon lit night inhibited by the wild side of life and the mundane flip side of existence. A genius 5*

A real soundtrack to my teenage years. Funnily fell out of love with the Chili's after Californication around Stadium Arcadium but rediscovered and reloved. Powerhouse performances and a flawless record

Really enjoyed it. At times thought I really really enjoyed it but this morning I can't seem to remember too much about it other than the overall feel. Cool sounds and great production. The lyrics were great but none stuck. A solid 3 and will probably revisit and regret not giving a 4

Awesome. wooooooo baby!

Killer playing and heralded in a new era of guitar. Love the fact this is almost a live album - not in the sense of recorded in front of a live audience but as a band at once in the studio. Was going to say four but then realised it ticks every single box of what makes a 5 star. Sometimes it's not just for personal faves (which it also is) - it's for a fully realised vision.

As much as she is a cultural icon I can never shake the feeling that I don't quite enjoy her music as much as I'm meant to. She has a particular style of singing, which at times is beautiful, others slightly grating. Nico is said to have hated the flutes and strings on this record but I feel without them I'm not sure what would be left. Saying that it still should be here.

The first time I heard Want One I was seduced and entranced and it struck every string of my soul. I got a copy of Want Two about four months early and excitedly I listened and strangely got sad. It wasn't Want One. For that I shunned it. Listening back I realise I was wrong. It just was a different album. That today I have loved to see again as a beautiful eccentric friend

While I respect the stories and characters interwoven in the lyrics which are easy to get lost in, I can never get over the Belle & Sebastian sound. Non offensively trickling along with whimsy and tweeness that in an absent moment rips you from the words and into a gentle irritation. If this record goes on in the background it's game over.

Understand why it's here but very underwhelming. Latter quarter saved the rest. I reckon you'd love it if you like the rock opera side of the band. Unfortunately I don't

Great debut... Obviously has the mighty Dreaming Of You but the whole record bristles with a sense of daring and taking risks. Nothing sounded like it at the time and it only really sounds like The Coral.

Some cracking songs especially Rip It Up but largely floated by

Flawless. Great production just let's the rhymes shine through. A sound all of their own and not a bad track. Could mark it down for the creation of the often painful rap rock genre (but equally as killer when done right) but won't. Solid 5

A gorgeous album. Poetry woven by an angelic voice. Songs of hope and loss

When this popped up today I had a slight trepidation as wasn't in the mood for what I imagined a whole album of Ray Charles would sound like. I was in for a lovely surprise. Gorgeous orchestration dancing around beautiful piano and a velvety voice. The second side was extremely string heavy which caused the eyelids to drop which is both a plus and minus. Easy 4

Great beats from RZA and great rhymes from MM. It needs to be here but can't say it's up there

An absolute classic. So many textures and musical ideas but so truly reflected in the concept. A truly original sound and a truly original artist.

Lovely and expensive. Liz Fraser has a stunning voice. As an album the whole record is immersive but I'm not sure I can remember the waves

Good but not amazing. But great but not astounding. Heartfelt but distant. Complete but unfinished

An absolute iconic album and something that I probably have avoided as it brings to mind a load of yachts and pastel suits and synths. First time I have delved into the album. The singles are belters obviously. I was really drawn in my the musicianship. Those guys can really really play. John Taylor is a fantastic bassist. Did it stick? Apart from Rio, Hungry and Save A Prayer? Not really but not that it's bad - it's just not my genre. Stunning album cover Solid 3 and want to make it 4 but don't like it enough

Fine but meh. Aware of its significance as the blueprint for the San Fransisco sounds but almost sounds like a pastiche.

Very atmospheric and great lyrics. Love the production and enjoyed the album. Unsure if I will revisit time and time again but who knows. Surprise me

A perfect album. So dark and brooding and slightly menacing but beautiful at the same time. Awesome performances all round. Horace Andy's vocals are magnificent, Tricky is a genius and Unfinished Sympathy a stone cold classics.

Incredibly accurate album title

A very slick record. Beautiful vocals. You can't argue with Waterfalls. A classic. Red Light Special, Creep, Something Wicked... Solid 3. Think it might reach a 4 over time

Far less LCD than I was expecting. This album had escaped my radar but feel better now knowing it exists. The sounds are great and there is a darker tone to the album. Really cool and felt an emotional connection. Don't know why exactly but it hit

A beautiful record. Just not my cup of tea. Deserves to be here for sure though. Just tends to fade off into the background. However special mention must go out to the title track but moreso The Only Living Boy In New York. Unbelievable song

Wow. This is massive. A tough listen but not necessarily to it's detriment. First half of the album I was battling the thought that this is either absolutely amazing or undeniably terrible. By the end of the record I must admit it was wearing thin. But I err on the side of amazing. But not in one sitting

Fine, fun, trippy and hooky. What's not to like?

Lush and lonely. Tender and seductive. Was going to give a 3 but think it really works as a complete piece. Every track deserves to be here and compliments the record. It flows and tracks really well. Concise and to the point I was a bit sad when it ended

Absolute belter. From the first notes of Debaser you're in. Timeless. This time around I really found myself focusing in on just how raw the vocals are. Just A*

A lovely voice and the whole record is great. I'm sure to sure a Brel fanatic this would be an iconic recording of a legendary performance but unfortunately I don't know enough about him. However I will delve further on account of this.

The man is a genius. I find something else to nail my heart to in every record. Listen to the music and it hits you. Disregard the playing and view it as poetry and you have a winner. Put the two together ....

Great samples, great beats and great production. Infused with a sense of joy and love

Great album. Want to give it 4 but something never stuck with X Ray Spex. Fuck it I will. Love the passion and it was kicking against the pricks