299
Albums Rated
3.42
Average Rating
27%
Complete
790 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Post-punk
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
80
5-Star Albums
39
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| White Light / White Heat | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| I See A Darkness | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches | 5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
| Music From The Penguin Cafe | 5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
| Halcyon Digest | 5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
| Kimono My House | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
| Life's Too Good | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Ambient 1/Music For Airports | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Immigrés | 5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dark Side Of The Moon | 1 | 4.43 | -3.43 |
| Thriller | 1 | 4.22 | -3.22 |
| Cosmo's Factory | 1 | 3.93 | -2.93 |
| Ten | 1 | 3.92 | -2.92 |
| Back In Black | 1 | 3.86 | -2.86 |
| (Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd) | 1 | 3.76 | -2.76 |
| Vol. 4 | 1 | 3.75 | -2.75 |
| Brothers In Arms | 1 | 3.74 | -2.74 |
| Master Of Puppets | 1 | 3.73 | -2.73 |
| Boston | 1 | 3.71 | -2.71 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.5 |
| The Beach Boys | 3 | 4.67 |
| David Bowie | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kate Bush | 2 | 5 |
| Prince | 2 | 5 |
| OutKast | 2 | 5 |
| Brian Eno | 2 | 5 |
| Beatles | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Eagles | 2 | 1 |
| Metallica | 2 | 1 |
| AC/DC | 2 | 1 |
| Queen | 2 | 1.5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Green Day | 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (80)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Franz Ferdinand
5/5
Franz Ferdinand eschewed the traditional formula and released their greatest hits album as their first record. Instant classic. Every one of these could have been a single.
4 likes
Beyoncé
4/5
Those three most popular takes at the top of the overall 'reviews' list are really telling of the type of people that a list designed in this way will hold the most appeal for.
Great album that easily stands alongside OK Computer and Man Machine.
2 likes
Miles Davis
5/5
Always think Blue should release an album called Kind of Miles Davis.
Took me so long (and listening to a lot more entry level jazz) to get into this. Very glad I put the time in. Feels perfect. Especially in the bath.
2 likes
1-Star Albums (39)
All Ratings
De La Soul
5/5
It's De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising.
Marty Robbins
5/5
The original true crime podcast
Yes
1/5
No
Louis Prima
5/5
I think all music artists should recreate this album cover for one of their own albums
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1/5
Records like this are why I gave up on my initial attempt to listen to all of the albums in this list in chronological order when I reached the mid-70s
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Don't Give Up is a proper classic (with such an interesting use of percussion and rhythm for such a popular ballad). The rest is more palatable than I anticipated, with some nice melodies and a couple of interesting experimental pieces (hooray for nine-song albums too!).
Still a bit put off by how earnest it all is though. Not at all keen on that bombastic 80s overproduction too (especially evident on both Sledgehammer and Big Time, which are nearly unlistenable for me). And no way can I give more than three stars to an album that has a song with these lyrics:
"Show me round your fruit cakes
'Cause I will be your honey bee
Open up your fruit cakes
Where the fruit is as sweet as can be"
The Vines
3/5
Did not expect this to be on here. Loved listening to it in 2002/03 while I played Gran Turismo 3 and Max Payne on the PS2. And I still love Get Free and Highly Evolved. But there's a reason I've not thought about this album in 20 years.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Why did Mike Oldfield see the urologist?
He had tubular balls.
A lot I really liked. A lot I really didn't. All in the same song. I'm glad it exists even though I'll probably never listen to it again. And also amazed to learn he did this all when he was 19.
Kate Bush
5/5
1989 - what a year for albums.
This Woman's Work is easily the best song from any album we've listened to so far.
The xx
4/5
Never really listened to this at the time as it was released in my new music wilderness years (2009-2012) and I was always a bit put off by the cool posh kid vibe.
Reflections now: Intro, VCR and Crystalised are among the best songs of the past 20 years. Not sure my interest is held over an entire album though, especially when it's this front-loaded. Still, most songs are great additions to any 'quiet times' playlist.
Radiohead
3/5
Everyone's second least favourite Radiohead album?
Definitely too long. Glad I tried Thom Yorke's alternative track list, which is a superior version and would definitely up its star rating by one.
Radiohead
5/5
Four of these stars are for Idioteque, which is up there with Blue Monday when it comes to drum machine magic.
Admire this album more than I love it as it lacks a genuine emotional connection for me (I think mainly due to the lack of sense of fun/humour). Still bloody amazing production and imagination though. Especially when you think how shit and slow computers were in 1999/2000. Very patient guys.
Gene Clark
3/5
Completely new to me. Only managed three listens. First three songs were not promising (especially the awful No Other). Strength of Strings is proper standout though and everything after that is very cool in a Glenn Campbell/Neil Young on LSD sort of way. Feels like a proper attempt to try something new.
The Who
1/5
Second worst thing Pete Townshend ever did
Automatic one star for any album that I can't get the whole way through. The Who have done some great stuff. This isn't it.
Steely Dan
2/5
Some great pop choruses, but really put off by all that ugly sounding electric piano/organ, all those noodly guitar solos and quite basic lyrics that just don't connect for me.
Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me) seems to be the most toned down and subtle song, and is definitely the highlight for me. Very glad to be introduced to it. Just wish it would stop at 3.39 before that brief solo comes in. In fact, just recut this album with all those show-off solos removed and I'd happily add on another star or two.
Beck
5/5
One of the best albums of the 90s. So inventive, so melodic, so fun, so different to other popular albums at the time. And just so good.
Dolly Parton
4/5
I feel like Moira Rose has all of these wigs
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Pretty much a perfect album, with each song completely distinct but also part of a very cohesive whole. So much more melodic, personal and interesting than any of their big-haired, classic rock counterparts (probably not a coincidence they're one of the few bands of that era to feature women). An album with subtle hints of great talent, rather than being bogged down in unnecessary guitar/keyboard theatrics. The focus here is the song, not any individual.
Radcliffe and Maconie have ruined The Chain for me though.
Eagles
1/5
This list's bias towards UK/US, male classic rock from 60s/70s really starting to show. Feel like this is taking the place of a much more interesting album from the past 25 years.
Eagles get a lot of criticism for being bland/middle-of-the road. I don't think that's entirely fair - sometimes they can be truly awful too. Case in point...
"I believe we could chug all night
I believe we could hug all night
The band is loose and the groove is right
You're so much woman
I believe we could chug all night"
Paul Simon
3/5
Prefer this more folksy approach to the pop of Graceland in lots of ways. Not as strong as the strongest S&G, but contains some timeless classics (Mother and Child, Me and Julio).
Elvis Costello
4/5
An impressive debut with some great songs (including some stone cold classics like Alison and Watching the Detectives). I think he went on to do better things though.
Le Tigre
4/5
Maybe the algorithm Gods knew we needed a bit of 90s feminist disco punk to shake things up and remind us how varied and interesting music can be. Proper breath of fresh air.
Deceptacon overshadows things maybe (and must be a top 10 indie disco classic) but the whole thing is an exciting, unpredictable listen. Who else is writing songs like What's Yr Take on Cassavetes?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
Can see Niles and Frasier getting tickets for the Seattle leg of any early-90s tour.
Not familiar enough with this style of music to judge whether I'm into specific albums or not, especially after just one day. Nice to have it on in the background while working. And good to see something like this is on the list. Can't say I'm tempted to explore the genre further, however.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Not my favourite Cave (that would be Wookey Hole). Some absolute bangers though, mainly involving someone called Lee.
The Strokes
5/5
Is it bonfire night again? Cos it is banger after banger
Can't be many better three songs runs than Last Nite, Hard to Explain, NY City Cops.
Radiohead
5/5
We've now had as many Radiohead albums as we have had albums by female solo/majority artists. And one more than albums by non-white artists.
Still, it's The Bends.
Orbital
4/5
One day I'll work out the difference between Orbital and The Orb. Today is not that day. Feels like a great version of bleep bloop music in any case.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1/5
Brhgghghg
Supergrass
3/5
One of those bands where I've enjoyed every single but never listened to a whole album. Glad to rectify that. Need a few more listens to gauge how much I like it. Feels like a grower.
Nina Simone
5/5
I like Supergrass, but to go from 'In It For the Money' to 'Wild is the Wind' is quite the shift. Like going from a battered, old manual Vauxhall Corsa with only FM radio to a slick, automatic 2014 reg Skoda Roomster with an aux socket.
Proper all-timer this. Magnificent. 5/5, 10/10, 100/100.
Just found out that this is the only Nina Simone album on this list. Aerosmith have three.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Did not need that bonus track. And not enough of a drum nut to appreciate Ginger's contribution (especially that solo in track three). The wider instrumentation is great though (Love. Those. Horns). And those first two tracks are fantastic in particular.
Little Richard
4/5
Tough one to rate. Such an influential and genuinely exciting artist, with some timeless singles they broke new ground and helped pop music become a thing.
His genius deserves to be recognised in projects like this, although I'm not sure it translates to any specific album of his. And this record does get a bit repetitive with most songs following a similar formula (and one that so many artists have copied).
I'd love to know what it felt like to listen to in 1957. Only thing I can really compare it to is listening to Oxide and Neutrino's 'Bound 4 Da Reload' in 2000 and realising the undeniable, raw power of the Casualty theme tune.
Franz Ferdinand
5/5
Franz Ferdinand eschewed the traditional formula and released their greatest hits album as their first record. Instant classic. Every one of these could have been a single.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
A little too schmaltzy at times, but then there's Superstition.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Being exposed to albums like this is complete validation of a project like this. Great stuff.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Another act where I've enjoyed the singles but never done a deep dive. A (very busy) day probably isn't enough to get a decent impression of this. Maybe a bit too gloomy and downbeat for me though, with pretty uninteresting lyrics. I prefer the power of synths to get me on the dancefloor.
R.E.M.
4/5
Now this is good rock and roll, uh, music
James Taylor
2/5
Randy Newman
3/5
Randy Newman is the opposite of how I feel after eight months of fatherhood.
Prince
5/5
A lot of Prince's stuff is too sexy for me. This album is where it connects best though; there's a darkness that makes it more intriguing. Proper classic.
CHIC
4/5
Can't believe I've never listened to a whole Chic album before. The hits are HITS and absolutely revolutionary in the history of pop music. Not sure about the slower numbers though.
The B-52's
4/5
So much more than (the quite annoying) Love Shack. Great look. Great stuff.
One star off for the unnecessary apostrophe in their name.
Elton John
2/5
Two minutes into the first track... "Maybe a better use of my time would be to listen to Jon Ronson's new series on BBC Sounds."
Dead Kennedys
4/5
Remember downloading this form Limewire and listening to it so much at uni. Still love it. Melodies and messages and a sense of humour.
Ray Charles
5/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Not my favourite Bruce. That would be Forsyth
Hookworms
3/5
Love a lot of the music. Really put off by the vocals though. And isn't this guy an abuser?
Os Mutantes
4/5
Love those vibes
Ryan Adams
2/5
Two out the three most recent artists have been accused of emotional abuse by women.
Maybe a good idea to replace this one with Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers.
Derek & The Dominos
1/5
Jimi Hendrix's version of Little Wing is 2 minutes 25 seconds. Clapton's is 5 minutes 33.
I feel like that says a lot about the difference between the two. Jimi knew to leave people wanting more. Clapton gives them it until they're sick of it, then adds another solo on top. Like smoking a whole pack of fags at once then being told to smoke a cigar.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Tried so many times to get into Elliott over the years. Some lovely melodies. But I'm really not into that kind of soft, whiny male vocal.
Iron Maiden
1/5
Not my vibe. Not my tribe.
That cover is well too scary as well. Gonna give me nightmares, man.
Can
4/5
I probably prefer Can's more immediate, rhythmic, dancey stuff (Tago Mago and Ege Bamyasi are amazing). But for proggy, indulgent 70s rock (probably my least favourite genre), this is still pretty awesome and interesting.
Yes we Can.
Jeff Beck
1/5
Do we need each mediocre solo project from every 60s/70s western blues rock band?
Oasis
4/5
Gonna try dynamic reviewing.
If the majority consider it a five star classic, inspiring an overlooked generation failed by 15 years of Tory policies, I'll give it three stars for balance and wang on about how Pulp are far superior.
If the majority consider it an uncreative rock plodder for basic lads, I'll give it five stars and hail the charisma of the Gallaghers and their ability to connect with so many people in a meaningful way.
Blondie
5/5
It's Blondie's Parallel Lines, for God's sake. Instant five for the cover alone.
N.E.R.D
2/5
Fine. Don't think I needed this in my life though.
Various Artists
5/5
Magical
Happy Mondays
5/5
On it
Fela Kuti
5/5
"The album criticised the Nigerian government; and it is thought to have resulted in the murder of Kuti's mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and the destruction of his commune by the military."
Puts records like Keane's Hopes and Fears into context.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
1/5
Front cover is what I imagine you get if you ask AI to generate an image of a classic cunt.
Album lived up to expectations.
Billy Joel
3/5
Another 70s narcissist. One with much more talent though.
Couple of absolute classics. Some schmaltz.
The Beach Boys
4/5
On the cusp of genius
OutKast
5/5
Andre 3000 is up there with Prince, McCartney, Bush, Byrne, Simone etc. Proper genius.
Big Boi does his best.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Almost as good as Buble
Green Day
5/5
Strong memories of listening to this while playing Final Fantasy VII. Has life ever been better?
The Saints
4/5
Awful vocals, but some great punk rock tunes. Love the horns too.
The Zombies
5/5
Amazing to see this live in Barcelona. Peak psychedelic rock that doesn't forgo melody nor outstay its welcome.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
I'm on paternity leave and have a headache. I don't have time for this.
Eagles
1/5
I'm with The Dude on this one.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
Perfect antidote to The Eagles
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Some of Stevie's best (Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise, As, Black Man, Another Star) and some of his worst (Isn't She Lovely, Contusion, Have A Talk With God). Lose the schmaltzy ones and make this a single album, it'd be an all-timer. Still great as a double album, but too many skips.
Massive Attack
5/5
Haven't listened to this enough in my life. Unfinished Sympathy proper contender for best song of the 90s. Rest is great too.
Mudhoney
2/5
Not a grunge guy. Most bands sound like high schoolers trying to be Pixies without any of the subtlety, imagination or musical diversity. Couple of fun punky numbers. But doesn't sustain across the album.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Amazing title track that is among Cohen's best work. The rest of the album falls short for me, with lyrics that sound a lot more profound than they actually are because of the gravitas of the vocals. Not sure lines like the following actually capture anything truly meaningful in an original way.
"I'm angry and I'm tired all the time
I wish there was a treaty,
I wish there was a treaty
Between your love and mine"
I put that in the same category as:
"If I had Shakespeare's way with words
I would write a sonnet, put your name upon it"
Also, smoking isn't cool.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Maybe second just to Nina Simone in the albums we've done so far. Love it.
Van Morrison
5/5
Amazing that someone so miserable can make something so magical. Blissful experience in the winter sun. Music is great.
Motörhead
1/5
This kind of music only makes sense to me if I'm playing Tony Hawks. Otherwise I feel like I'm wasting my time with something that is designed to appeal to someone very different from me.
Doves
3/5
I like Doves and this is a decent album. But not sure it should be on this list. It's not even Doves' best album.
Nirvana
2/5
Maybe if if was 12 in 1991 I'd have got really into Nirvana. But by the time I was getting seriously interested in music in 1999/2000, it was hard to separate the actual songs from the cultural phenomenon. In the early 00s those lyrics of alienation, anger and pain seemed to clash with a fanbase of popular kids, rugby boys and bullies, with the very worst twats at school wearing that fucking hoodie.
Tried a lot of times to get into this album and others and it's never really happened.
Van Morrison
4/5
I prefer the ethereal, flowing, lost in time/space nature of Astral Weeks. This is a bit too slick for me. Still some great songs though.
Thundercat
4/5
Pleasant surprise to see this in here. A bit over the top on the bass sometimes, but some magic moments.
Brian Eno
5/5
What can happen when two autistic creative geniuses get together. Amazing, innovative stuff that is still influencing music today. Could have been released last week.
Deep Purple
1/5
Find it so hard to take anything like this seriously after Spinal Tap.
Pearl Jam
1/5
Been a long time since we've heard from any female or LGBTQ majority artists. Having such an aggressive, masculine album seems insulting at this stage. Especially from a band named after a slang term for jizz.
Really do not enjoy Vedder's vocals too. Same staggeringly white North American jock rock world as Creed and The Calling.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Not one of Stevie's I'd listened to before. Only managed a couple of listens. Seems to follow a similar formula of several funk/soul bangers and a couple of skippable ballads.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Some great songs, but fucking hell, that voice. Just find later stage Dylan near unlistenable. Would love to hear a cover version of this album.
Chicago
1/5
Lasted 4 minutes into introduction.
Elbow
4/5
Really enjoyed seeing Elbow become mega off the back of this. Loved them since Asleep in the Back.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Silly name. Great songs. Wish I knew more about funk to understand the influence of this.
The Black Crowes
1/5
Enthusiasm for this project at an all time low.
Maybe the most absurd selection yet. I can appreciate some albums I really don't like need to be included for their place in pop music history. But the idea that such a basic bitch white blues rock album from a passable Rolling Stones tribute act is essential to listen to before dying is properly mental.
OutKast
5/5
Feels like the opposite of Black Crowes. Inventive, diverse, original, fun, dynamic, unpredictable.
Absolute masterpiece from one of the greatest music acts there has ever been. Competing with To Pimp a Butterfly and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to be the best hip hop album of this century.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
Like this kind of stuff when it comes up on Cerys. A whole album is a bit much though.
The Soft Boys
4/5
Like this a lot. Very nice discovery. Can feel the influence on a lot of stuff I love.
U2
4/5
Love the title. Like the album. Respect U2 for trying to be a bit weird at the same time as being the biggest band in the world.
Lauryn Hill
5/5
All-timer.
Guided By Voices
4/5
Completely understand people being put off by the lo-fi nature of this. But there's something addictive and cathartic that just connects. Game of Pricks is one of the all time greatest pop songs too.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
God, I love it. One of four perfect records by the perfect band. Chaos and beauty.
Have a solid rhythm section with a hypnotic, regular beat and you can be as pretentious and experimental as you want.
David Bowie
5/5
Seems pointless to give any of my own thoughts on one of the most acclaimed works of art by someone widely recognised as one of the greatest artists in history.
Queen
1/5
Still resisting the 'Queen are actually really good' mindset that has become more popular over the past 10-15 years. After getting two thirds of the way through this record, they remain as unappealing and embarrassing as they always have been, belonging on Clarkson compilations rather than 6music playlists. Killer Queen is a nice pop song though. And they are all very talented.
a-ha
3/5
Two masterpieces of 80s pop. And some other songs.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
One of those stars is for this joke:
"Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins."
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."
Electric Light Orchestra
1/5
Queen and ELO in the same week? Tempted to buy some supermarket stone washed jeans, a brown leather jacket and a copy of The Times then go to the pub for a pint of mild and a right good chat on what's wrong with the modern world.
Dire Straits
1/5
And while I'm in that pub, someone puts Money For Nothing on the jukebox and I'm wiggling my hips and telling everyone who'll listen they don't make music like this anymore and that Mark Knopfler is really underrated as a guitarist.
After the high of last week, with genuinely original innovators and weirdos like Bowie, Velvet Underground, Lauryn Hill and Guided By Voices, this week has been a pretty tortuous grandad rock fest, concluding with the kings of them all. Nothing about this appeals to me.
Coldplay
3/5
Loved this when it came out. Nice to catch up. Shiver remains a classic. A few too many dull ones though.
Jane's Addiction
1/5
At least having a female name in a band is some nod towards diversity.
Strong case for Perry Farrell's vocals being my least favourite in rock.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Great stuff. Straight on the relaxed summer sounds playlist.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Willie Colon? Didn't he do an album with Fanny Pancreas?
The Smiths
5/5
I'd put two Smiths albums on this list. Not this one though. That said, the first six tracks are all 10/10 pop classics, showcasing just how experimental and diverse Johnny Marr's writing and playing was getting. And amazing sequencing - just perfect.
Those.final four tracks are among their least memorable, however, even if Paint A Vulgar Picture is still fun. And Unhappy Birthday definitely in discussion for their worst sing and worst lyrics.
Wish they'd had a bit more time to perfect it all and carry on in this grander, more varied musical direction. Amazing cover, title and song titles, as per. And fucking hell, Marr did all this when he was 23 while also managing the rest of the band and Morrissey's ego, knowing the end was in sight.
Fav line:
"So, in my bedroom in those 'ugly new houses'
I danced my legs down to the knees"
Miles Davis
5/5
Always think Blue should release an album called Kind of Miles Davis.
Took me so long (and listening to a lot more entry level jazz) to get into this. Very glad I put the time in. Feels perfect. Especially in the bath.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
So glad this is on here. Nearly unlistenable though.
One of my favourite pieces of pop trivia is that Simon Cowell was considering Cheeky Girls cover Hamburger Lady as an attempt for Christmas number one. They went with Have A Cheeky Christmas instead.
Pixies
4/5
Bossanova is great, but it's still far from Surfer Rosa and Doolittle (which is maybe in my personal top 10). Not sure it merits being in here.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Nice. But pretty sure Emmylou has better than this.
Public Enemy
5/5
Yes. The best by the best. Although being in the same room as either Flava Flav or Professor Griff for more than two minutes seems like a nightmare.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Weather Report
1/5
When jazz goes bad.
Sounds too much like the incidental music of terrible family films from the 1980s. I'm sure I heard that saxophone in Three Men and a Baby.
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
Fitting title for my first day back at work after parental leave.
A few properly great songs (1979, Tonight Tonight). A lot that is not for me though. Just too pompous, earnest and overlong, all while lacking wit or humour. An Ode To No One? Hmmm.
Genesis
2/5
I admire the ambition and aim of this. And I really enjoyed the more subtle, folk elements. But as soon as the prog kicks in, I'm out.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
Listening to The Rover - "Hmm, maybe I actually quite like Led Zeppelin."
Listening to In My Time of Dying - "Now I remember why I've avoided any deep dive before".
Listening to Trampled Under Foot - "Yes, my instincts are correct."
Listening to Kashmir - "maybe I'm back on board"
Listening to In The Light - "I'm done"
Just not into Plant's voice and lyrics, nor that level of guitar distortion, however impressive the playing might be. There's not much about the rhythm section that sparks joy or makes me want to dance either. Quite a lot of plodding, simple, swampy bass.
Maybe such a big, unwieldy album isn't entry level stuff.
Queen
2/5
Not too bad, actually. But not too good either.
Give me Freddie and a piano and lose the rest.
The Only Ones
3/5
When a lead vocalist is that bad, the music really has to be top tier. A few songs did deliver, but not one I'll rush back to.
Miles Davis
3/5
Need a few more listens for it to land. What a cover though.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
By the end of Born To Run: "Fucking hell, this album is incredible. Why have I never bothered listening to it before."
By the end of The Only Star In Heaven: "Fucking hell, I've never known an album to drop off in quality so much. This is like Robert De Niro's career."
By the end of Power of Love: "fucking hell, now I'm a weeping mess, picturing Andrew Sott and Paul Mescal tangled up together but each deeply alone in some dark, eternal sorrow."
The highs are Everest peaks. Trevor Horn is a proper genius: the master of clear, fun, ecstatic power pop. Too much filler though. Condense this to 40 mins and it'd probably be the best album of the 80s.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
Cool cover. But just not my guys. I want music that makes my feet move or makes me sit in captivated silence. This lands in that uncomfortable middle ground of standing up, arms crossed, head nodding, nothing going on below the waist. And such indecipherable lyrics. What you on about Bob?
David Bowie
4/5
Not his best album. Maybe his best song.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Tried to download this off Limewire back in the day. Frustratingly only managed about five or six songs. Good to finally catch up with the whole thing. Blister in the Sun is the sound of summers I wish I had as a teenager.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Don't think I've been put off more by an album cover (those rings, that giant digital watch, those skyscrapers, that car, those headphones, that holy light emanating from a fucking can of Pepsi! - eugh, eugh, eugh).
Music much better than anticipated. Less Euro-dance-pop than I feared. More of a fun electro vibe. Can see the lineage to Justice.
Can't give anything with that cover more than three stars though.
Fred Neil
2/5
One iconic song does not make a great album.
The White Stripes
2/5
Hmm. At best, two White Stripes albums should be on this list. Probably not this one.
God, My Doorbell is an annoying song. Strong memories of turning the radio off whenever Colin and Edith played it on Radio 1. Most other songs are just boring.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Recently finished a great documentary on Stax Records on Now TV. Satisfying to put records like this into context.
That title track is just a classic. One of those songs that feels like it's always existed. More a part of culture than a song in its own right.
Rest is mostly enjoyable enough filler.
The Who
4/5
'Who's next' is what I think when most boomer rock comes up on this list. This can stay though. Baba O'Riley and Won't Get Fooled Again are proper bangers in particular. Love those synthy sounds. Great artwork too.
The Sabres Of Paradise
4/5
Into it
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
Still magic.
This album is as old today as The Queen Is Dead was when this album was released. That seems strange. What do 19-year-olds think of songs that mention: "And she won't be surprised and she won't be shocked
When she's pressed the star after she's pressed unlock"
Talking Heads
5/5
The first TH album I bought. Probably not the best introduction. But appreciated having the time as a teenager to learn to love it. Heaven.
Silver Jews
3/5
My kind of thing, but would really struggle to justify its inclusion on this list.
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
One of the albums I've listened to most. Perfect companion to both Edinburgh mist and sunny days in Glasgow. Feels in my blood.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
The Cure
5/5
Paul Simon
4/5
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
My vibes.
Orbital
4/5
Still not worked out what old, bald blokes are what when it comes to 90s, British duos that also happen to be pioneers of electronic music and have orb in their name. Like it though.
Lorde
5/5
Imagine being this emotionally intelligent and talented at 19/20. Stunning record. One of the best of the 21st century. This list needs more modern young female acts and fewer old blokes.
Metallica
1/5
Oh oh. Back to the miserable old blokes. Checked out after 20 seconds.
Radiohead
5/5
Even miserable old blokes can come up with a classic sometimes
Kraftwerk
5/5
yes please
Beyoncé
4/5
Those three most popular takes at the top of the overall 'reviews' list are really telling of the type of people that a list designed in this way will hold the most appeal for.
Great album that easily stands alongside OK Computer and Man Machine.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
Stairway to Heaven sits alongside Freebird, Hotel California and Shine On You Crazy Diamond on my inverted Mount Rushmore of music.
Really do not need a 6 minute song about a battle from Lord of the Rings in my life too.
I did find myself humming along to one song and thinking this is really good. But it turns out the album had ended and Spotify was automatically playing George Harrison's Wah Wah.
Dr. Dre
3/5
Amazing production throughout, with . And really cant deny the influence and importance. But saying 'mother fucker' a lot isn't the most impressive lyrical performance. Nor are songs focused on Dre's dick or his glock. Some outright homophobia and misogyny too.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Pretty magical
Paul Simon
3/5
Never really thought it about before, but I guess cars are cars. Thanks for the info Paul. Profound.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Love the title track. Rest is a bit overindulgent and immature. Much prefer Metal Box.
Johnny Cash
5/5
A shame a lot of shops won't accept his payments anymore.
Foo Fighters
2/5
The blandest band to ever be the world's biggest rock band. Maybe their least bland album. Still pretty bland though.
The Stooges
4/5
Never fully got into The Stooges despite many attempts. Feel like I'm on the cusp though. Probably need to do some proper listening outside of work time. I wish I was a teenager again. Actually, scratch that, i wish I had the free time of a teenager. Definitely don't want to be a teenager again.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
5/5
Adore everything about this
Cat Stevens
4/5
Nice
The Police
3/5
More weird and interesting and experimental than I anticipated. Still not for me though. Veers too much on the cheesy side of overproduced 80s pomposity. I think mainly due to Sting's vocals. Too smooth and confident.
Blur
3/5
Love the singles but never been convinced by any Blur album I've listened to in full. This is no exception.
Janet Jackson
4/5
Too long. But got into it.
Deerhunter
5/5
My vibe, my tribe.
The Kinks
3/5
Basic Kinks. They've got better albums. Sunny Afternoon is an all-timer though.
Prince
5/5
Prince is one of the few artists capable of producing a double album that merits it's length
The Who
3/5
I live at Ely but I wouldn't record an album about it.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Perfect response to the pomposity of Clapton
Beck
4/5
Lovely album with Nick Drake vibes. But probably not essential listening before you die.
Pixies
5/5
One of the few albums where the next track is so unpredictable but still fits so perfectly. So many imitators who seem to have got hung up on the quiet-loud music and shouty vocals, only to create bland, samey grunge records, forgetting what made these guys so special.
There's just so much variation in this record for what is a standard guitar band set up. Intricate, layered guitars, with melodies and counter melodies, backed by danceable, powerful bass lines, with distortion used to artistic effect rather than covering mediore abilities. Those lyrics are just insanely descriptive and utterly original too. They may have little meaning around day-to-day existence, but at least they're fascinating to listen to. Deal's backing vocals add so much as well. Both eerie and comforting.
Proper innovators with proper talent and imagination, perfectly showcased in this album. In my personal top 10. And I'll never not dance to Debaser. Needs to be listened to at 11.
Al Green
5/5
Yes
Roxy Music
4/5
Prefer Avalon. Some great stuff though.
The Associates
4/5
The link between Duran Duran and The Smiths. Great stuff.
John Lennon
3/5
Lighten up, John.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Duke Ellington
5/5
Magnificent.
Big Star
2/5
Lot about this feels gross
David Bowie
5/5
It's Low by David Bowie
The Beach Boys
5/5
One of the best. Bye Brian.
Did a Beach Boys deep dive around 10 years ago after really only knowing Pet Sounds and the singles. This one stood out. Sad, magical pop music that shines. Feel Flows both sinks and floats. A special song.
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Long time since I've listened to this in full. Mainstay of the late teenage years. Still a classic.
KISS
1/5
Nothing interesting to say about an album with nothing interesting say
AC/DC
1/5
Like quite a lot of the guitar and rhythm section work - fun in a classic pop way (could easily be Sweet, T-Rex or early Bowie). But god, those vocals, lyrics and image. Just so irritating and offputting.
Slipknot
1/5
I think how some people won't listen to an artist's work because of who they are, I find it hard to listen to bands that were beloved by the bullies and homophobes of Peebles High School in the early 2000s. Surely we can't share the same joys?
By all podcast accounts, the singer seems like a decent guy though. Impressive drums in the three songs I managed too.
Would have maybe given it more time if it didn't come straight after two other all-male, all-white hard rock groups in fancy dress.
Spent most of today listening to Gracie Abrams instead. Right choice.
Ramones
3/5
More grown men in fancy dress playing guitar. This is a lot more appealing. But I do feel it's been a while since we've had someone who can actually sing.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Similar Stevie formula of magic mixed with schmaltz
The Crusaders
2/5
Amazing first track. Rest blends into muzakky background noise
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
Always thought they have one of the words band names in history (alongside Prefab Sprout and Psychedlic Furs - just awful). Has really put me off exploring their back catalogue (only really knew Enola Gay before).
Glad to finally listen to a whole album now though. Only managed it twice. but will come back definitely. Love a happy/sad synth.
The Black Keys
1/5
No interest in this band or this album. Even if Richard Osman is the drummer.
Fiona Apple
5/5
What we needed. Such a talent.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Such an entrance. Ambitious, diverse and beautiful. Though could have maybe done with some tightening up.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Seemed decent. Need to give it a proper chance.
Joy Division
5/5
Every element of this album is iconic. More of a historical artifact than a collection of music.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Not a huge of that organ sound. Small doses it's alright, but annoying over a whole album. Didn't help I misread the artist as Jimmy Cliff so was expecting something much different
Tears For Fears
4/5
https://youtu.be/w0TYun-Nq1Q?si=CD6slDaiMya_tq5d
Red Snapper
3/5
Seemed good. Need more listens
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Parliament
4/5
Dolly Parton
3/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Couple of classics. Gets repetitive though.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Indie disco floor fillers. Love it.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
Pretty perfect collection of timeless. simple brilliance, full of crisp, memorable melodies.
Stan Getz
5/5
Magical on a sunny Friday. Magical on a wet Saturday
Van Halen
1/5
From the sublime to the ridiculous. Spent the day listening to Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual instead.
Aerosmith
1/5
"Young lust
Sometimes you need it so bad
It's enough to drive a young girl mad
And so what you gonna do about it?
"Yeah, yeah, a little bit of nasty
You look a little sleazy
But don't get any on you
"Young lust
You better keep your daughter inside
Or she's going to get a dose of my pride"
---
"In 1973, Tyler obtained guardianship of 16-year-old Julia Holcomb so that she could live with him in Boston. They dated and took drugs together for three years."
"Holcomb, who later took the name 'Julia Misley', filed suit in December 2022, alleging that Tyler sexually assaulted her and forced her to undergo the abortion, plying her with drugs and alcohol after promising to care for her in the guardianship agreement."
Black Sabbath
1/5
Remember Ozzy and Kelly releasing their version of Changes in 2003 and thinking it was one of the worst things I'd ever heard (two people who can't really sing taking on a big ballad?). Turns out the original is just as unlistenable. Not for me. Cool that he managed a final show though. Even if a sex offender was on the lineup.
5/5
Pointless to give an opinion on this. Like trying to explain why breathing is cool or sunny days are nice.
Pink Floyd
1/5
A band and album that manages to be pretty much the precise opposite of everything I love about music. Still, quite a skill to make music this complex and experimental sound so boring and joyless.
AC/DC
1/5
Go away in grey
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Gets a bit meandering (maybe because of the film soundtrack nature of it), but some fun songs on heere. Not sure how many of these guys were in the version of EWF I saw at Standon Calling a couple of years back, but they were some of the most talented musicians I've ever seen. That rhythm section was just incredible.
Gang Starr
4/5
Should probably be Step Into the Arena.
Love a group who know the value of a nice, warm jacket.
The Byrds
2/5
100% unnecessary. A mediocre country album from a decent rock band. Maybe the peak example yet of this list's tedious infatuation with 60s/70s white guys over everything far more interesting, experimental or diverse from the past 30 years.
That said, 100 Years From Now is pretty cool.
Beatles
5/5
Once you hear this as 'rub arsehole' you'll never get it out your head.
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Heavenly. Dusty definitely up there when it comes to artists I wish I had the chance to see.
Gang Of Four
5/5
Yes. Top 20 album for me, easy. And Ether a top 50 song. Political, purposeful, meaningful music you can dance to. Perfect. One of the all-time great pop bands.
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
Maybe I'm a bongo guy
Kraftwerk
4/5
Great ending to the strongest week we've had so far. Faith restored a bit.
Green Day
2/5
Unfortunate for this to come just a few days after maybe the smartest, most interesting political punk record ever released in Gang of Four's Entertainment. Just highlights how tame and basic this all is. Take me back to Dookie.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Potential GOAT. Definite goat on the cover too.
Grateful Dead
1/5
The least I've enjoyed any piece of art ever. Just a group of individual musicians sounding like they are tuning up, completely out of sync with what the rest of the group is doing.
Good rule in life is that if drugs are heavily encouraged to enjoy a type of music, that music probably isn't very good.
Judas Priest
3/5
The most enjoyable album of this genre I've listened to through this project. Seems to have a sense of humour that isn't based on tedious innuendo like so many others. Some entertaining choruses and melodies too, and not just overwrought guitar theatrics.
Janis Joplin
3/5
gets a bit samey. Not that into her voice or that organ sound either.
The Prodigy
3/5
Never really bought the band's justification for Smack My Bitch Up. All very 90s edgelord vibes from some twerps purposefully looking to offend with something so lazy and basic while accusing domestic abuse support groups of just not getting it. What a horrible time. Some banging tracks though.
Adele
3/5
Almost embarrassingly bland and homogeneous lyrics for such an acclaimed act. But what an amazing voice. Great production too — everything sounds so big.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Just behind Highway 61 for me.
The Stone Roses
5/5
Adore it. Another top 10 record for me.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
I don't know. All a bit shouty, thrashy and futile for me. Can imagine this has inspired more gobby, spiky haired shits to refuse to clean their bedroom than to engage in making the world a better place. Can't help jumping around to some bits though.
Alice In Chains
1/5
God, those vocals, those lyrics...
"I feel so alone
Gonna end up a big ol' pile of them bones"
"Down in a hole, feeling so small
Down in a hole, losing my soul
I'd like to fly
But my wings have been so denied"
Gave up on this one at Sickman.
At least this list has made me realise I am really not a grunge guy.
Neil Young
3/5
Some of his most beautiful, best work (Heart of Gold, Harvest). But some absolute clangers that are just too miserable to be enjoyable (Man Needs A Maid, Ready For The Country, There's A World).
Gorillaz
3/5
Clint Eastwood still does it. Like stepping into a warm bath. Magical song. Rest is hit and miss. Good to listen to whole album in full. Worthy remixes too
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
Samey, strummy, denim-clad dullness. Marrakesh Express is quite fun though.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Classic
Beastie Boys
5/5
Amazing record. So diverse in sound. Rap meets punk meets jazz meets funk.
Neil Young
2/5
Fun cover. Miserable album
The Sugarcubes
5/5
Gonna form a cover band called The Splendas
The Style Council
3/5
Like the variation. Need a proper listen though
Johnny Cash
4/5
Nice. But one Johnny Cash live prison album is probably enough for this list. And Folsom feels the better choice.
Eminem
3/5
Strong memories of driving down to Wales as a 13-year-old and listening to this cassette on my walkman in the back seat while my dad listened to Radio 2 on the car stereo. Bleak holiday times.
Some very skilled rapping. And probably the very first hip hop album I truly go into. Hard listen now though. Can't really justify such intense homophobia and violence against women, even it's it all in this purposefully offensive persona. Very first couple of seasons of South Park.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
The Bottle was a big part of my dissertation. Great, important, influential song. Album gets a bit meandering, but everything remains honest and interesting and purposeful. Wish I had more time to listen to these outside work.
The Who
2/5
More annoying than amusing.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Don't mind it. Pretty funny, interesting record. Won't go back to it though.
John Lennon
2/5
Imagine writing a diss track against Paul McCartney when this is the best you've got to offer. A tedious, boring record for the most part
Patti Smith
3/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
The Great Eastern was robbed.
Korn
1/5
More palatable than Slipknot. But still just sounds so futile.
ZZ Top
1/5
A masterclass in how to create a piece of art that holds no appeal for me.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
1/5
Spoke too soon in that ZZ Top review. RHCP top everyone when it comes to unappealing creative output in pop music.
Pavement
5/5
"So drunk in the August sun
And you're the kind of girl I like
Because you're empty, and I'm empty
And you can never quarantine the past"
Will take the reflective melancholy of Malkmus over the nihilism of Cobain any day.
Steve Winwood
2/5
Really like the cover and the title. Do not like what I'm hearing though. Feels like a proper sledgehammer of all the things I find unappealing about 80s music.
Hot Chip
4/5
Lot to like here (Flutes especially). But probably not in the top three of Hot Chip albums I'd choose for this list
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Took a while to get into it. Then I realised I needed to listen to it loud. Will try listening while wearing black eyeliner as the next stage to push it up to a 5.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Good reminder of how great he can be after all this tedious Drake bashing. Few things more boring in music than a hip hop beef.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Nice experimentation before better things
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Loses a bit in second half. And all a bit too tinny. But gotta admire what they were doing.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
That run of Born in the USA, Cover Me, Darlington County and Working on the Highway is pretty hardgoing; probably what most sceptics thing of as basic, barky Bruce.
Lot to love in the rest of this though. And a nice contrast with Nebraska. Glad I did a deep dive into Bruce's entire back catalogue a couple of years back. Even if it fucked with my Spotify algorithms.
The Verve
3/5
The wikipedia entry for this album is insanely long (I guess in homage to the album?).
Strong memories of The Drugs Don't Work being everywhere around the time my gran died. Then Diana dying and getting all the attention.
Diana has an insanely long wikipedia too. And she was 36 when she died?! Seems mad to have outlived her. In my head she was at least 45.
Adele
3/5
Maybe the most that one song has dominated an album. Extraordinary the difference in quality.
The other hits are hits. But the rest of the album sounds like an Adele parody (she really does worry about people forgetting who she is). I'll Be Waiting is all a bit uncomfortable lyrically too.
Would love to know how much Robert Smith made from this.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Been put off exploring J&MC more after being disappointed by Psychocandy. This feels more poppy and fun though. The better album for me. Glad to listen.
Nick Drake
5/5
A masterpiece I will never tire of. Especially on warm, sunny afternoons.
Ray Charles
4/5
XTC
4/5
Can't give five stars to an album that has a song like Dear God on it. Shame, as the rest of the album is pretty excellent
The Gun Club
4/5
A messier prototype Pixies. Glad to be introduced to it.
Youssou N'Dour
5/5
More like this please.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
What to do when one quarter of a pop group is very likely an incestuous paedophile?
Also, where's the lid for that toilet?
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Well-produced and original. But I'm just much more into music for sad young boys rather than angry young boys.
The Undertones
3/5
Fun new wave with a sense of humour and self-awareness. Feargal Sharkey's voice does get annoying across a whole album though. Definitely more of a great singles band.
Under the Boardwalk cover seems completely pointless.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
Only knew Pata Pata before (the BBC Soul Music on that song is really worth listening to). Glad to expand. Wonderful music. Although would love a version without the crying laughter on One More Dance. That takes it down a whole star.
Fatboy Slim
5/5
First CD album I ever bought. Loved it then, love it now.
Portishead
5/5
The one I keep coming back to when thinking about what my personal favourite album might be. Don't think there's a song that drops below an 8.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Interesting to hear the prototype for Back to Life, which is a grade A banger of a banger in its single form. Rest of album flows along nicely without really making an impact.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Nowhere near as awful as I expected.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
So in my wheelhouse (Scottish, jingly jangly, a bit weedy and dumb), but just never got into this album or this band. I think mainly because of the vocals. All a bit of a whine. No surprise the best track is an instrumental.
Michael Jackson
1/5
Surprised 'paedo' isn't in the keywords for album reviews. Maybe the difference in U.S. and UK spelling is splitting the numbers.
Funkadelic
4/5
Maybe a bit too indulgent for me. Fun though.
Neu!
4/5
Love both sides
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
5/5
Listened to this so many times in my late teens while suicidally depressed. Correlation or causation?
Nas
5/5
Great week so far. As perfect a rap record as they come.
Arcade Fire
5/5
Caps the best week we've had. What a run.
Strong memories of being in Fopp in Edinburgh and listening to this on the instore headphones after it received a glowing review on Teletext. What a time.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Maybe prefer the studio stuff.
George Michael
3/5
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Great drum sound.
Marilyn Manson
1/5
Maybe music for angry, horny children is my least favourite genre.
The Stooges
4/5
One day I'll fully get it
The Who
3/5
Sparks
5/5
Fun, creative, fabulous. Love it. Love them.
Scotland are going to the world cup! Five stars
Brian Eno
5/5
accurate title
John Martyn
2/5
Change the vocals and this could be something special. Like a lot of the ideas and music, but just cannot stand that voice.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
Piece of My Heart is the obvious standout. Rest is hardgoing jammy bluesy rock though. And just not a huge fan of her voice
The Killers
3/5
I got toast but I'm not a toaster
I got ham but I'm not a hamster
I got a butt but I'm not butter
I got nits but I'm not a knitter
I got plums but I'm not a plumber
Jenny... is still their best song and hasn't been played to death thankfully.
Don't think over ever heard the second half of this albums before. Thankfully, no need to
Lambchop
4/5
Lovely discovery. Distance from Her to There is exceptional.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Nice enough, but all a bit backgroundy. I feel there are better examples of this genre.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
Presumably his worst selling album in Japan
4/5
Strong memories of listening to this being announced as the winner of the 2001 Mercury Prize on Radio 1 and all the interviewees being bummed out because it was September 11 (my personal pick for that year was Elbow's Asleep in the Back, but this is still great).
Coldplay
3/5
Barry Adamson
4/5
Love it. Fun discovery. Right in my wheelhouse of dark, jazzy Lynchian trip hop.
Circle Jerks
4/5
Love it. Exactly as long as any album like this needs to be.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Imagine being the person who wrote the most popular review for this album on this site
Boston
1/5
No time for this sort of thing
Metallica
1/5
Nor this
3/5
Interesting, but I need to listen to this when I'm not stressing about complicated drug pricing policy.
Kate Bush
5/5
Necessary this week
The Waterboys
3/5
Worthwhile stuff