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3.88
Average Rating
20%
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69
5-Star Albums
3
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Want Two | 5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
| White Light / White Heat | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| The Only Ones | 5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
| Ghosteen | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| The Libertines | 5 | 3 | +2 |
| Searching For The Young Soul Rebels | 5 | 3 | +2 |
| Nighthawks At The Diner | 5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
| The Man Who | 5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
| Heartattack And Vine | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Pacific Ocean Blue | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture Book | 1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
| Brothers | 2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
| Third | 1 | 2.43 | -1.43 |
| The Dark Side Of The Moon | 3 | 4.43 | -1.43 |
| Cupid & Psyche 85 | 1 | 2.39 | -1.39 |
| Tigermilk | 2 | 3.22 | -1.22 |
| Fisherman's Blues | 2 | 3.2 | -1.2 |
| Hunting High And Low | 2 | 3.12 | -1.12 |
| The Last Broadcast | 2 | 3.05 | -1.05 |
| Microshift | 2 | 3.03 | -1.03 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Blur | 3 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 3 | 4.67 |
| Stevie Wonder | 2 | 5 |
| Tom Waits | 2 | 5 |
| Pixies | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (69)
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Popular Reviews
Tom Waits
5/5
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*
4 likes
Syd Barrett
3/5
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
3 likes
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Redemptive, bleak and desolate. The minimal textures move gently behind tales of loss, grief and hope.
Not necessarily an album of tracks rather than a journey through stages of mourning. Beautiful.
2 likes
Pixies
5/5
Unhinged and unpredictable. Noisy chaotic and at the same time pure pop.
Pixies are the sound of your brain scrambling to get a killer song out. Unfiltered joy
1 likes
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
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
1 likes
1-Star Albums (3)
All Ratings
Ramones
5/5
The fucking Ramones!!
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Always reminds me of Middle Colenso and listening to this on Mum and Dad's Cd
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
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)
Sigur Rós
3/5
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
Fiona Apple
3/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
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
Scott Walker
4/5
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*
The Specials
4/5
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
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
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
David Gray
3/5
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.
Sonic Youth
4/5
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
Green Day
4/5
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
5/5
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.
Holger Czukay
3/5
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
Beatles
4/5
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*
Johnny Cash
4/5
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.
The Waterboys
2/5
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.
N.E.R.D
3/5
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.
The Who
4/5
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 .
Depeche Mode
4/5
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.
Paul Simon
3/5
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.
Metallica
4/5
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
Blur
5/5
Absolute 5*. A perfect album. Can't put in words how much this record meant and means to me so I won't.
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
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*
Dirty Projectors
2/5
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)
Iggy Pop
5/5
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
Dr. Dre
4/5
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
Little Simz
5/5
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
Brian Eno
3/5
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*
Stevie Wonder
5/5
No words
Genius
5*
The Temptations
3/5
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*
Hookworms
2/5
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
Beatles
5/5
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.
T. Rex
5/5
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!!!
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
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?
Syd Barrett
3/5
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
Elton John
3/5
Killer opener. Can't argue. But genius over an entire album is tricky. Elton albums are different from Elton singles.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
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
Soft Cell
4/5
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...
Amy Winehouse
4/5
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
David Bowie
4/5
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
The Velvet Underground
5/5
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*
Tom Waits
5/5
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*
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
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
Frank Ocean
3/5
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
Little Richard
5/5
Awesome. wooooooo baby!
Van Halen
5/5
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.
Nico
3/5
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.
Rufus Wainwright
5/5
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
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
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.
The Who
3/5
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
The Coral
4/5
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.
Orange Juice
3/5
Some cracking songs especially Rip It Up but largely floated by
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
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
Joni Mitchell
4/5
A gorgeous album. Poetry woven by an angelic voice. Songs of hope and loss
Ray Charles
4/5
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
Method Man
3/5
Great beats from RZA and great rhymes from MM. It needs to be here but can't say it's up there
Kate Bush
5/5
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.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
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
The Replacements
3/5
Good but not amazing. But great but not astounding. Heartfelt but distant. Complete but unfinished
Duran Duran
3/5
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
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Fine but meh.
Aware of its significance as the blueprint for the San Fransisco sounds but almost sounds like a pastiche.
Fever Ray
3/5
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
Massive Attack
5/5
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.
Miles Davis
5/5
Incredibly accurate album title
TLC
3/5
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
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
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
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
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
Lightning Bolt
3/5
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
Meat Puppets
3/5
Fine, fun, trippy and hooky. What's not to like?
Goldfrapp
4/5
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
Pixies
5/5
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*
Jacques Brel
3/5
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.
Tom Waits
5/5
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
....
Common
4/5
Great samples, great beats and great production. Infused with a sense of joy and love
X-Ray Spex
4/5
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
Stan Getz
3/5
Great playing lovely performances. How much jazz samba does one need? About this much at once
The Cramps
3/5
I know in certain places this would be blasphemy but The Cramps have never really done it for me. Kind of of once you've heard one you've heard them all. This record did nothing to change my mind. The only thing that saved it is their reputation as a live act
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
A sound all of his own. A unique and heartwrenchly 'broken' voice and a dirty and imperfectly perfect guitar tone. Also Crazy Horse have to be one of the greatest backing bands. The song writing is on point and can't fault the record
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
I admire the scope of this record.
Unfortunately I got overexcited accidentally listening to The Dirty South first which has Danko/Manuel on and is absolutely gorgeous. I first came across this band because of the really great album Decoration Day. Both of those LPs I really love.
I couldn't muster the same feelings for this double LP. Like I said, great scope but rock and opera are two words that when placed together scare me
Beth Orton
3/5
Lovely record. When it was tinged with more electronic elements or started to get really interesting. Likewise when it was stripped right back to just voice and guitar. If it had more of either or both them it would be a 4*.
I like forward to listening again
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Perfect. Sun kissed melodies and an angelic voice. The instrumentation is understated and serves only the song and is all the more for it. You can feel the sand in the grooves of a long lost summer. Every time I listen I find something new to love. Every song rejostles for my favourite... Classic 5*
Eels
4/5
Tender and introspective. Lovely use of samples. Knew the big singles, novacaine, Susan's house but hadn't experienced the full album.
Various Artists
5/5
Christmas classic. I know it's the Xmas album it's cool to like but the performances are stellar. Darlene Love and The Ronettes are enough to take it to 5*. The Wrecking Crew are always the backbone to genius too.
Embrace the Christmas cash in
The Mars Volta
5/5
Heard this record before it was released and saw The Mars Volta perform it start to finish at The Electric Ballroom shortly after.
From the opening gunshot drum fills which have to be among my favourite starts to any album to the end it is the concept album that I enjoy. It's oblique and challenging and not paint what you see.
I have no idea how many times I've listened to this over the years and I find more layers. The vocals are acrobatic and the time signatures and textures are enveloping. Weirdly have never felt anything close from any of their other albums. Even Frances The Mute I don't think I could name a track.
But this...
Adele
3/5
Definitely a 3* for the cultural impact of the album. She is one of the most iconic artists of her generation.
Because of that however, I expected more. Beautiful voice and the torch songs shine brightly but the rest of the album feels like it needs to pick up the pace because there is pace missiny
Big Black
4/5
Jarring and uncompromising. Kerosene is a real standout. Didn't know how I was going to feel about a drum machine underpinning the whole thing but actually got better as the album tore on. The guitar sound is on point
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Some absolute belters here. Doo Wop (That Thing), Ex Factor, To Zion, Forgive Them Father and Every Ghetto Every City are awesome. Some tracks meander a bit for a full 5
Fela Kuti
5/5
Perfect. A true genius and an album of defiance.
Soft Machine
1/5
Nah
Don't mind noise but this sounds like everyone is playing every instrument for the first time at points.
The fact that it hits some amazing grooves at other points only hammers home that it could have been something better.
Was relieved when it was over
Duke Ellington
5/5
Big band perfection. Swings hard and everything is in its right place. Grabbing the spotlight when needed and sitting in the pocket when not.
Puts you right in the heat of it
The Doors
4/5
Great record. Love The Doors. Unfortunately there's just maybe one too many tracks on here that just ARE The Doors. There's a real difference between the big tracks and some of the others. Slightly going through the motions. But those motions are still good. But I know there are other Doors records to come which are better.
Simply Red
1/5
There's something about his voice though obviously impressive in range and delivery that I find irritates me. The music aside which I find often in need of a focus (aside from the covers), his voice irks me.
Despite never liking Simply Red I tried to objectively listen to the whole record but ended at the same conclusion.
Holding Back The Years is a beautiful song paradoxically however serving as a useful halfway balm saving myself from total despair
Leonard Cohen
5/5
I can't fault it. The production is intimate and sounds so raw and live.
You can lose yourself in the lyrics and let it the music wash over you in endless tides. He makes despair sound uplifting and love sound like hell itself.
Beautiful
Stereolab
4/5
Enjoyed this! Really fun to listen to. Avant Garde and bubblegum pop at the same time.
Not sure it would elevate anything past 'great to have on in the background' but will definitely come back
The Monkees
3/5
It sounds like The Monkees! Big props for battling to play on their records and write the tunes. In places it seems like though that they were given the keys to the studio *big fanfare* and then thought 'shit boys now we need songs'.
Solid album but not standout
Stephen Stills
4/5
Wavers a little over the course of the album but underlying is an absolute desire for perfection. Every note has conviction. Hendrix, Clapton and Starr just helping out on some tracks is testament to Stills talent
De La Soul
5/5
Stone cold 5. Awesome use of samples and a breath of fresh air. Uplifting, unpredictable and trailblazing. Killer
Killing Joke
3/5
Fine. Industrial post punk. Atmospheric but nothing I could get my teeth into. SO.36 was a stand out. Like the claustrophobia.
a-ha
2/5
A struggle to get through. 'Take On Me' is such a strong opener and though it's everywhere and easy to discount - it's a pleasure to actually focus and listen to it. The rest of the album sounds like it could be by any generic synth pop artist.
Forgettable
Coldplay
5/5
I know it is generally acceptable to bash Coldplay but their first two albums are amazing.
Incredible live show too.
Later Coldplay not so much but this has got stellar songwriting. Everything works
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
A tough listen for sure. Not the most uplifting start to the day but you have to admire it's scope and it's all encompassing sonics.
From the opening track to the end it's a ride. Menacing, threatening, frightened and confused.
Not an album that I will have on heavy rotation as don't think I could cope but definitely a 4
Sparks
3/5
Very fun album to listen to. Was teetering on a 4 but forgot about it quite soon after so a solid 3.
Never 'got' Sparks as a whole but can appreciate why people love them
The Avalanches
5/5
Absolute class. Both conceptually and musically a journey.
Loved this when it came out and reminds me of finding my feet in a new chapter of life. There is optimism and fearlessness pouring out of the speakers. Up there in favourite albums of all time
Kanye West
5/5
Class.
Forgot how good this sounds
Depeche Mode
4/5
Personal Jesus and Enjoy The Silence (my god what a tune) are the obvious hits but the whole album is strong and balanced and darker than their previous work.
Waiting for the night was a particular stand out too
Grateful Dead
4/5
Gorgeous record. Lush harmonies and great vibes. Always remember being surprised that a band called The Grateful Dead sounded like this rather than a heavy rock n roll biker band. Box Of Rain, Truckin, Friend Of The Devil and Sugar Magnolia all fantastic but this time round Attics Of My life really floored me
AC/DC
4/5
There's no way you can really knock an AC/DC record. Every track rocks. There's never a ballad or high concept. They sound exactly like them.
Slipknot
4/5
Strong start. Haven't listened to a whole Slipknot album as always bunched them in with nu-metal. Felt more thrash to begin with. Drumming is awesome.
Then the nu-metal vocals started creeping in and it took the power out of the record for me.
The last track redeems it though. Think I could get more into it over time.
Circle Jerks
3/5
Kind of an album I've always wanted to make. A minute a song. No messing. Loud. No breaks. Fun
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Redemptive, bleak and desolate. The minimal textures move gently behind tales of loss, grief and hope.
Not necessarily an album of tracks rather than a journey through stages of mourning. Beautiful.
Foo Fighters
5/5
Solid gold 5. Great debut. The kind of crossover between Nirvana and what the Foos would become.
Holds a very special place.
Scritti Politti
1/5
Went by without rembering a single detail or hook. That's fine but for a pop record was expecting a memorable moment. Not my favourite genre or period but still I couldn't wait for it to finish
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Enchanting. Great playing and textures. Would have loved the record to be longer
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Uplifting, joyous and life affirming. Only really knew the band from September but this is really special. I don't think one listen alone will cut it and look forward to revisiting.
Hymns to life lived through music
Klaxons
4/5
It's funny to listen to this 'nu-rave' album back without that term being rammed into your skull.
This is actually more of a punk album. A lot more racous than I remember.
R.E.M.
4/5
REM are a great band and sometimes I think easy to overlook due to their stratospheric stature.
This is the sound of a band evolving from indie outsiders into mainstream radio mainstays. Enough weird to keep it interesting. King Of Birds really stood out this time alongside the obvious double hit of End Of The World/The One I Love.
The Smiths
5/5
The Smiths in wide-screen. I always think this album is a bit more cinematic with more adventurous instrumentation.
From the title to the songs you can't really fault it. To once think I never got The Smiths.
The Police
3/5
The Police are definitely a dividing band - mostly down to the Sting thing. However this is mostly outweighed by the sheer magnetude of Stewart Copeland's drumming. The early albums I like. Sounds like a band rather than a Sting record.
Let's be fair too, he has made some banging solo records but that's not why we are here. We are here for a Police record. I think this sounds more like a band losing their collective way. Was a four at time of listening but fell to a 3.5 by time of writing.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
I was wondering how this might stand up. At the time it was a really fun record with some really inescapable big singles. Bee Gees, Elton, euro disco all mixed up on the dancefloor of a nightclub you'll remember forever but forget where the hell it was.
Listening today I was surprised how powerful the finish of the album was. it Can't Come Quickly enough is stunning. Actually played it twice in a row. Return To Oz too. What seemed like a mashup homage/pastiche at the time revealed itself to be a bit of a classic
Paul Simon
2/5
Floated by. Nice sounding. Hard to get excited about songs describing allergies and cars being cars all over the world.
Think there are other albums that could be here
Fats Domino
5/5
Lovely delivery. Effortlessly cool and those triplets with the walking bass are the defining Domino sound.
It's hard to separate how ground breaking this was at the time because this sound has been copied countless times since and can be heard in every blues bar everywhere every night - well and badly.
But this is the blueprint
Hole
4/5
Often overlooked. The sheer weight of drama surrounding Courtney Love eclipses the output of a bad ass alt rock band with some big big songs.
The album is very polished compared with Live Through This which isn't a bad or better thing. It's a West Coast alt album this despite being very of it's time doesn't sound too dated. It kicks butt
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
A tricky one. On the whole I like the Pet Shop Boys. If there was a three and a half stars I think it would get that. Being Boring is a hit, was really taken by To Face The Truth, The End Of The World and Jealousy.
Understand it's a darker and introspective album and I think if I had a more complete knowledge of their entire catalogue I can see it being one of those records that stands out because it's different. But without that it feels like something I can't get fully. Who knows with time. Very clever lyrics
Spiritualized
5/5
Words cannot describe
I was nervous to listen to such a formative record from my musical awakening. It did not disappoint. In fact it exceeded.
Modern blues gospel. Love destruction addiction despair redemption hope. All in a pill shaped blister pack
Deep Purple
4/5
Don't quite know why I don't listen to this record more. Proper 70s rock. Blackmore's playing is impeccable as is Paice and Lords. Lazy is ace.
The Only Ones
5/5
This was a huge influence on me. Tough to listen to now. But perfect
The Libertines
5/5
The sound of a band breaking up but creating fragile, fractured and songs of shared love and dreams.
Despite all of the darkness surrounding the record, it has a self belief and beauty to it. On every listen a new favourite emerges. Last Post was this one
Love it and I feel lucky to have been right in the middle of it all
Metallica
4/5
These guys are so tight on this record. Like a machine gun firing which simultaneously being hit in the ears with the handle.
Pretty relentless throughout. The lighter moments are still heavy -like Orion. You can't argue with the ambition.
Koffi Olomide
3/5
I really enjoyed his vocal delivery and the blending of Congolese and Latin rhythms is very easy to listen to. The production I found at times a bit jarring and very early nineties. Often the intros gave way to beautiful pieces.
Pavement
4/5
Slacker indie at it's finest! Despite it's frayed at the edges style and delivery it belies some cleverly constructed songs and the playing is focused and sharp. Fillmore Jive is a great way to close the album. Gold Soundz, Range Life, Cut Your Hair and Silence Kid are all stand out
fIREHOSE
3/5
Love the story of the band. Would recount it here but the album didn't get me quite excited enough to go to the additional effort. Still fun though
Lou Reed
5/5
Like being beamed into the back room of Max's Kansas City. Very beautifully written songs about very real lives and loves. You can smell the nightlife through the speakers. Faultless
David Bowie
5/5
Incredible. A perfect ending to a career that endlessly pushed possibility.
Sounds like no other Bowie album.
I will never tire of this record
Pixies
5/5
Unhinged and unpredictable. Noisy chaotic and at the same time pure pop.
Pixies are the sound of your brain scrambling to get a killer song out. Unfiltered joy
Elliott Smith
4/5
Lush and cinematic. Extremely complex songwriting delivered with a vulnerability and tenderness. Sounds like sunshine but with the dark clouds looming on the horizon
Mylo
3/5
Heard someone describe this as dance music Ramones and I guess that kind of sums it up in a way though it's massive disservice to the Ramones.
It's direct and to the point. Each song is an idea and a direction and i
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
This record gets a lot of stick. But it has feel, it has soul, it's fun. A fun loving criminal.
Doves
2/5
Pounding and god I'm trying to remember the name of it. There Goes The Fear. You can tell they were the singles. Instantly forgettable. Sorry guys. Saw them a couple of times at festivals and failed to land there too. Don't know what the fuss was about. Not terrible by any means but don't know why I had to listen to this
4/5
Each Kinks album tells it's own stories and spins more tales than the average soap opera and should be rightly rewarded for such
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
I'm glad I heard this. Did it change my life? Nope
Not that it's bad it's just not good. A bad Only Ones?
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Killer. The sound of Bonhams drums alone make this a classic. A bit too long to hit a perfect 5 but a three sided album gets a 4. Kashmir is incredible. Trampled Underfoot the shame
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Jimi Hendrix forever changed the way electric guitar would be played.
This album however is so much more interesting than the standard cannon of Hendrix hits. A lot of styles colliding, a sense of fun in the production and some beautiful instrumentation and performances across the board.
Burning Spear
4/5
Great album. Would love to hear the original mixes too.
The production of these 70s reggae records is something to behold. So rich, warm and focused.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Extremely raw and emotional songwriting. Love the way she is literally playing the room. The lyrics hit hard and it feels like you are listening to each track as she plucks it from the ether.
Will definitely revisit but couldn't fully connect with it
MGMT
3/5
The singles are undoubtedly stone cold classics of the time but always felt it more difficult to get into the rest of the record.
Frank Zappa
5/5
Absolute genius. Wild
Kings of Leon
5/5
The transition of Kings Of Leon from the 'Southern Strokes' to arena rockers. Big choruses,epic production. I wish it still had the ragged charm of their first two records but you can't fault it's ambition.
Paul Weller
4/5
A great album. Sounds like a load of musicians who really know their shit playing in a room together.
Weller's songwriting when it hits is soulful, raw, tender and in your face at the same time.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
What a voice. Fogarty is an amazing songwriter. This album misses a five because I don't think there is enough variety to show the breadth of his craft. Saying that though the album oozes southern charm and you can feel the bayou in every beat
The Rolling Stones
5/5
The start of The Stones accession into legends.
It's got the down and dirty licks, the unstoppable Sympathy and the tough talking Street Fighting Man.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Intruder was a strong start but not necessarily in my wheelhouse. As the album progressed there are some lovely production techniques and the songwriting is good. Not sure I'll revisit but who knows
TV On The Radio
4/5
A fountain of ideas and endless experimentation. They always sounded so different to their early 2000s peers and continue to do so
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Really enjoyable. A lot of ideas exploding out of the speakers. Though musical like in it's storytelling and concept unfortunately this proved to be it's undoing for me. Fantastic songwriting but missed making a lasting impact for me. The last track is special
Ozomatli
3/5
Tricky to find so will definitely have a deeper dive to make sure I have heard it all as it definitely was a record brimming with energy and soul. I imagine they are fantastic live
The Darkness
4/5
Fun fun fun.
When they first came out I did not like this at all. As a lover of big hair guitar rock I felt that maybe they were being disingenuous and it was a piss take.
However, the further away from the record and the further along The Darkness' career you realise that it comes from a place of respect, skill and... Fun.
And why the hell not
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
Captivating performance. Raw, intimate and classy. You feel you are right there. Mistakes, improvisations and all. A beautiful encapsulation of what live music is all about.
It helps that Vaughan's voice is absolutely stunning
Air
4/5
Beautiful and evocative. Playground Love is a classic. Tender and lush
John Coltrane
5/5
Extraordinary. Stunning. A mantra for all time. Pure expression, passion, soul and fearlessness
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
Intimate recording of virtuosic prowess from all three. Love the block chords of the piano dancing over the endlessly searching double bass underpinned by the restless drums.
10cc
3/5
Ok. Wow. There's a lot going on here. So many time signature changes, vocal layers, song sections and subjects.
No doubt these guys can write and produce completely original tunes but for me the album was all over the place.
Maxwell
2/5
Sexy as hell but music to put on when there are more important things to be getting on with ;)
Louis Prima
4/5
Joyful and a lot of fun. Like the Vegas showman he became it plays like a live album.
Would have loved to see this
Queen
5/5
A trip. Bombastic, overblown, theatrical, technically stunning and innovative.
Prophets Song is absolutely amazing - the Freddie solo is jaw dropping. Bohemian Rhapsody nuff said
Baaba Maal
3/5
Hypnotic and beautiful.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Absolute perfection. Was a formative album of my teens. From the opening track - lush uplifting and joyous - to the last (depending on how you view the end - Another Star or Easy Goin Evening as the bonus Ep) it's a hymn to life, it's stages, its highs and lows, the ebbs and flows of people, love, loss.
Billy Joel
3/5
Great writing. Great playing. Just kind of passed by but I felt guilty about it doing so. Sorry Billy. Couple of belters there though
Dennis Wilson
5/5
Beautiful. The ragged glory of his voice over such lush instrumentation provides a fascinating contrast. Often unfairly overlooked in favour of his brothers but the man is a genius.
A criminally underrated album.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Firmly 4. What a lyricist and great delivery. Some aspects haven't aged well
Manu Chao
4/5
A lovely free-wheeling album. Relaxed, laid back beach vibes. Perfect sunshine music
Wilco
3/5
Wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did.
Really interesting to get into a record by a band that for some reason I'd previously dismissed.
Great atmospherics, Jesus Etc is a winner.
Would I come back to it again. Yes.
Has it changed my life? No
Faith No More
4/5
Cool.
Great band. Think the mix let's it down a little bit but there's a lot going on here. Patton is an incredible vocalist and Jim Martin is a mean guitarist.
Stereo MC's
3/5
Very vibey and works well as a whole but nothing jumps out to elevate beyond a 3. The End was a nice touch.
The Strokes
5/5
Stone cold classic. Effortlessly cool. Blazed a trail at the beginning of the new millennium without looking like they even cared.
Not only the music but suddenly the fashion on the street changed. There was a buzz again about guitar music. Scuzzy, rough and beautiful.
One of my top albums
The Black Keys
2/5
It's ok.
Never been grabbed by the singles before (in fact they have always slightly annoyed me) and the album did nothing to convert me. However some of the tracks were ok.
The Zutons
4/5
A slice of great songwriting. In a similar vein to The Coral - not in that they are both Liverpool - but twisting what can be done with a guitar band.
Great harmonies, the sax, and storytelling lyrics
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Absolute class. I think she has one of the greatest voices of all time and is a genius of a songwriter.
Perfect in every way. Possibly one of the best albums of all time.
Nirvana
5/5
Raw, honest, incredible.
I grew up on this album.
I can't even put into words what this album means to me.
Roni Size
4/5
Brown Paper Bag and Heroes are the stand outs for me. First time I heard BPB I was so intrigued and it wasn't til a while later I learnt what it was called and who it was by which led me to track down this album.
About six years late to the party but it's a great party
Travis
5/5
Beautiful record. Was absolutely obsessed with it when it came out and still know all the words today.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Lovely but failed to grab. I don't think I'm done with Elliott Smith as at certain points it is perfect to listen to but I've never reached for it.
Solid big radio friendly rock album. Some killer tunes on here. Beautiful Day was everywhere but Stuck In A Moment and In A Little While are lovely.
Sure Bono can be intolerable at times but don't let it spoil the fun
Pretenders
4/5
An album of two halves. The first there's a lot of weird time signatures and post post punk leanings and the second side is more polished pop.
Chrissie Hynde's voice is pure magic throughout
The Specials
5/5
Fantastic. The sound of a concrete jungle where hope is found in the cracked pavements with the beauty of music
Led Zeppelin
5/5
5 5 5 5 5
ZZ Top
4/5
Great guitar work and sounds exactly like ZZ Top.
Not mind-blowing but solid
3/5
Tried a few times with this record over the years and failed to make it all the way through.
This time however I did and found myself enjoying it more than I thought. Especially the latter half.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Some solid gold here. Radio Radio and the first four tracks in particular.
I have gone through some big Costello phases generally around the earlier stuff and he was amazing live.
Sometimes I find a whole album of him a stretch so this would lose half a point for that as I don't think that's his fault.
4.5
Pink Floyd
3/5
It's a good record. I try every year to 'get it' in the way people go absolutely crazy for it but to no avail. I actually tried a couple of weeks ago but even will a double whammy it still reminded me of when the party gets boring.
I will keep trying but right now it's a 3
Coldcut
4/5
Very cool.
People Hold On actually was the curveball as started to make me think I wouldn't like the record. However can see myself playing this again and again and now love the first track
The Pretty Things
3/5
You can't knock the ambition of the record. The production is a bit clunky at times especially the stereo panning but it's the sound of a band doing exactly what they want to do
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Super chilled and Hard Times is unbelievable. Not as immediate as Superfly but beautiful.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Obviously talented.
Undeniably dull
Cypress Hill
4/5
Love the samples. You can hear the dust in the grooves and the hours put into the crate digging.
Unmistakable sound these guys make.
Metallica
4/5
Metallica are unstoppable when they get it right but over the course of this album I found my attention waning towards the end. Always have.
Beach House
3/5
Lush and washy. Was very impressed by the vocals. A beautiful timbre and texture.
Really thought I was going to hate it during the first two tracks, then got into it, but lost it again by the end.
Would play again in a background situation
Funkadelic
5/5
Genius.
An album that works together and apart. The musicianship is world beating. Eddie Hazel's playing on the title track is heart-wrenching. Someone truly exposing their soul through a guitar.
A classic record that I believe does not get the recognition or adulation it deserves.
Eagles
4/5
The Eagles are a phenomenal band but find this album just lacks the extra hit to stick it firmly into a 5.
4.5 sure for the lush harmonies, the deceptive songwriting skills making subtle twists in the chords you barely notice but inform the melodies, and the guitars.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
A genius.
So much subtle instrumentation working seamlessly together like a wristwatch. Every note has soul. Musicians at the top of their game.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Incredible voice but found the album to be too scattered stylistically to be coherent.
The singles still sound awesome.
Moby
3/5
Some bangers. Made for sync. Perfect background stuff. But in a wallpaper way
Nirvana
5/5
Just everything yes. One of the best records of all time
Brian Eno
4/5
I really enjoy this album. Mad but in a lovely way
Elvis Costello
4/5
Solid songwriting from Costello. Tender and petulant at the same time.
The Icarus Line
3/5
Got better towards the end but largely lacking anything memorable.
Loved The Stooges throwback but its not The Stooges
Gang Of Four
5/5
Caustic, angular and weirdly funky. The guitar and vocals contrast so wildly with the rhythm section it creates a bit of magic
The Temptations
4/5
Solid record. As always The Tempations are a class act. Cloud Nine the track is a belter. Feel the record takes its foot off the gas towards the end
Portishead
5/5
Beautifully produced and the vocals are sublime.
3/5
Very cool but not enough to get truly truly excited
Dexys Midnight Runners
5/5
One hell of an energy. Driving. Fun. Heartfelt. Seven Days Is Too Long - one of my favourite songs of all time (original Chuck Wood version) - so the cover here is most welcome. Yeah
Blur
5/5
Another Blur classic. Bruised and aggressive
Shack
4/5
Was dreading getting to a Shack album as it's a band I've never heard but everyone tells you that you would love.
The first two songs did nothing to convince but by the fourth I was in.
John Martyn
4/5
Very beautiful. As a piece of work you really can't fault it but for me hits a 4.5
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Undoubtedly beautiful, evocative and atmospheric but pretty unmemorable
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Everything he touches is incredible. Love the duality of the two parts
Manic Street Preachers
5/5
Forgot how good this is. What a record. I lived by this
Britney Spears
4/5
Ok there are a couple of duffs but as a pop record this is pretty iconic
Television
5/5
Some albums you say changed your life.
Some albums actually change your life. They changed how you approach music, the guitar, a band, songwriting, life.
This is one
John Prine
4/5
A real surprise. I have always heard the name and Clay Pigeons but only first time I've sat with an album.
Loved it. 4.5 for sure. Every song is a story that means your full attention
Black Sabbath
5/5
It's Black Sabbath performing in just 40 minutes an entire genre forming truth and passion.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Beautiful voice and songs but passed me by
Billy Bragg
3/5
Cool idea of setting unreleased Woodie Guthrie songs to new music. Always a tricky one to pull off as you wonder if the orginal songwriter would be happy or were they never finished for a reason. Deserves to be here as an interesting artefact