Cartoon slasher crap with repetitive music, why is this in here and viewed with so much more credibility than bands that were always said to be crap like motley crue et al - drivel. Didn’t like this when it was new and it hasn’t aged. Pure shit. Repeat riff, twiddle guitar, hit drum repeat actively. Poor man’s NWOBHM - Iron Maiden did it with more class and melody maybe in just ain’t 16!

Apology for missing the point, that this is satirical and experimental. But it’s just the run out groove turned into a whole album. I Get from reading the background that this is a supposed satire on what was happening at the time. But it just sounds aloof, that they think they are clever, as no one else is as aware and informed as them, but was the joke to take the piss out of anything resembling musical talent by showing none? (They may be talented but to my simple ears I can’t tell from this). Probably would have worked as a sketch on a comedy programme better, because for me as an album it’s awful and just plain shit. Can they actually write songs? Humorous?? lyrics and sound collage to the most basic of song structure that seems to have been knocked up on the spot, damn this is straining the idea of must hear music for me, I want the time back… next.

I have to say I liked metal as a kid but from revisiting seem to have definitely left it back then, and never got into or liked thrash metal, and all the trash albums on here haven't changed my mind. Metallica are better than the others in that I at least find it listenable, and some of the guitars are interesting and fit the song. But it's chug chug, all so darn serious, so earnest, so po-faced, so chug chug along. Yes the politics of war and mental health are important subjects and need platforms to raise awareness, but it lacks shade, lacks nuance, and just chug chugs along being baseline and I don't feel the epicness that 8 minutes a song implies, just not my thing if it's yours fine.

Just a fun ride. Is it deep, hell no. They can play but it serves the song and atmosphere rather than look at me. Diamond Dave is a limited vocalist but he has his thing going down. Gets slagged off because it’s pop and their look, nowt wrong with pop just Good fun rock n roll, time to party music.

Lives up to the hype

Enjoyable listen. Obviously not my genre but def could listen to again.

Nothing that hasn’t,t been heard before, don,t understand the hype other than the generations own shouty boys. Highly derivative

I'm not from the hood and will not ever relate, and the opening tracks seem gangsta misogyn lets sign about my dicky BUT this mellows and says something and is a damn good listen. Definitely belongs on this list.

This is a blast from my past. Prefer some of their less 80's sound - but good songs are good songs and they do use that production to make it shine

Someone I had honestly never heard of and this was 75. When I started and was intently listening for the first 20 minutes it was a 4 even 5 star, But it then became background when doing something else and ..Well was just background. So if I ever decide to listen again it might be 5 if not 3

Nirvana vs the cult of cobin, separate the sound from the myth, this is actually good

Cartoon slasher crap with repetitive music, why is this in here and viewed with so much more credibility than bands that were always said to be crap like motley crue et al - drivel. Didn’t like this when it was new and it hasn’t aged. Pure shit. Repeat riff, twiddle guitar, hit drum repeat actively. Poor man’s NWOBHM - Iron Maiden did it with more class and melody maybe in just ain’t 16!

Soo much more that the greatest hits packages. This justifies the legend, so much more nuances.

Only ever heard the singles, I have been missing out for so long. It's hard to tie down so I will just except It's damn good.

Nothing here for me that puts it onto a must have heard list. Don’t dislike it when listening but nothing that would make Me go back to it either.

The main reason that I decided to do this project is to move outside my algorithm and get things like this that I would never hear. It's pleasant and I enjoyed listening, is it the best example of It's field - I have no idea, will I actively seek it out, no probably not, though I have liked the title track, but it's been better than some of the western music I have heard on this so far.

Why have I not ever gotten into this band, so much more than just the (accepted great) singles.

First time hearing the band, having moved from indie in the mid 90’s. The 1st 30 seconds I thought oh no, but by the end of the track hooked. Poetic, low-fi, country tinged.

👍

Another interesting item this project has thrown up, great rhythms, melodies. Think because of me not being unable to speak the language I’m missing out on an important part of what when are expressing if the wiki entry is anything to go by, but still great music all the same, and will have to take a-look at the documentary.

Really? If this is your thing then good for you. But personally, Is this a post modern take on what happened in the 1970’s and 1980’s with English as second language, so lyrics are just **** ( sorry they are supposedly challenging political correctness), so it makes the list? There must be, are other records that should be on the must hear 1001 albums! rather than this.

I had completely forgotten RFTC, used to own this and their debut Circa, now (may still do somewhere). It is what it is, was not expecting this to come up on this list. When it hits, on a rope etc. yeah it’s good garage rock/post punk with decent hooks, but again surprised it’s an essential must hear(maybe that’s my bias and I don’t give the same weight to things from my youth as “before” my time), nice to revisit all the same.

Well that is just pleasant, don’t speak Spanish but it is a language that just sounds musical. On holiday today and this sounds just nice.

It’s the Pogues, Irish folk with punk styling, to me, what’s not to like.

Electronic music has never been my thing, aware of the 90s scene and KLF but only in passing. But to be honest I am glad that this is on the list because I enjoyed listening for 1st time to this today, though won’t be revisiting anytime soon. Essential? Guess in that it reps a genre yeah.

Always listed as being influential, always turn up on those documentaries about the 60s. Kind of hear it, but just feel missing that killer song for me.

Great music, great sound and feel, and songs. Shame it’s less than 30 mins but it does a lot in the time.

An important album for its influences, it's just never really hit me as much as I have tried, the bits I like make me feel it's great, the rest not so much.

Just fun, energetic, edgy, catchy music with a sense of humour . The Damned deserve a greater reputation than they get if this is anything to go by. This is just a damn (had to do it) good punk rock album, wish had heard before.

At the start thought I was going to struggle getting through this, but got used to the downer non vocals, and started hearing those influences on the indie bands i used to listen to.

The definition of classic heavy rock, you can smell the patchouli oil. Not a great deal of subtlety, think it was taken out, got drunk and given their ‘love’. Out spinal taps, spinal tap ( where the parody only come close). From the black cover, the tight rhythm section, power chord riff on riff, helium vocals and let’s make the chorus the same line only so you get it, and the lyrics, see spinal tap book of innuendo. Big and dumb, but sometimes that is all you want or need. Does what it sets out to do which is rock ya. And the production is so on the money.

On first hearing was ready to dismiss and almost turn off, but later sat and gave a more attentive listen and did an almost 180. There is a cool introspective atmosphere, sung with a great vocal that just drew me in.

Musical, yeah it is an interesting modern R&B listen. Not sure if I think there is anything groundbreaking in the musical context. Is it socio/politically essential, don’t think I’m the intended demographic to be qualified to have an informed view on that.

All for bands/artists developing through their careers, who wants the same thing album after album, or trying to be your teen/ twenty something self when you are old enough to be that person’s dad ( or grandad in some cases). Never spent much time on Blur, so they moved on from their Brit pop sound, good for them. Obviously the album that has song 2, the sampled track heard on every sport highlight or next programme ad at the time, not sure how many times heard the whole song. It’s competent, songwriting, playing, singing and production but it just felt like a bit of a slog, hard work to get through all 50 odd minutes. Presume this means there is at least 1 other Blur album, as can’t imagine many Blur fans thinking this is their essential recording?

The Beatles, not a lot to say from me. Have listened to them my whole life and that won't change.

This is a great album, will definitely be revisiting

This left me cold. No problem with virtuoso musicians exploring their sound but this just feels so emotionally sterile. Was looking forward to hearing his when it came up today, not a DP fan but interested to heard what made them so revered. Oh no… that is why I never liked them them! Guess you need to like muso twiddling to appreciate this, yes you can play but enough with the super extended versions of songs where the vocals and lyrics are a distant 5th behind everyone and everything else. It all just comes over as excessive and indulgent to me as a recording. was probably a great experience being in the crowd, but not sure that makes an essential album. I suppose it’s representative of the live album fad that appeared to have occurred in the early 70’s? live captures us at our best ideology. Every overblown cliches in the book is here; There might be good songs in there somewhere but I got bored and lost in those go on and on guitar/keyboard/ rhythm solo's, I mean 1 track within 2 minutes (guess it maybe the edit for the record) goes into an extended drum solo, then we have got to have an extended intro to at least 1 song to show our virtuoso to our friends, and the I can screech in tune thing .. wtf. Can now understand where the punk ethos rose from, as rebellion in part to all the excess of this. Would I personally ever listen it this again, not when I struggled to even listen to it once, I got through the 1st track second listen and then decided that was enough. Even the cover is just so …. No the worst I have even heard this week, but just not what all the one of the best ever live albums stuff led me to expect.

Apology for missing the point, that this is satirical and experimental. But it’s just the run out groove turned into a whole album. I Get from reading the background that this is a supposed satire on what was happening at the time. But it just sounds aloof, that they think they are clever, as no one else is as aware and informed as them, but was the joke to take the piss out of anything resembling musical talent by showing none? (They may be talented but to my simple ears I can’t tell from this). Probably would have worked as a sketch on a comedy programme better, because for me as an album it’s awful and just plain shit. Can they actually write songs? Humorous?? lyrics and sound collage to the most basic of song structure that seems to have been knocked up on the spot, damn this is straining the idea of must hear music for me, I want the time back… next.

I appreciate the concept, and inventiveness of the whole virtual band concept, musically took me a few listens as on the whole it kind of was passing me by with it eclectic nature, but kind of get it and I can see why someone else may be well into it.

I’m not very informed to discuss this, my knowledge on DJing could be written on the back of a stamp, although this sounded like one of the urban movie OST that I have from this time, even before I got to the Bond theme, so can only go off how it sounds to me, today. I don’t dislike it per se, but by its very repetitive nature it seems somewhat monotonous and lacking in vitality, being more background than anything. So yeah glad to expand my horizons and listen to a full album of whatever this is listed as, won’t be rushing to follow up though

Enjoyable listen. Good variety and positive lyrical content.

No preconceived ideas coming into this, did they have a hit once being the only thing I could recall, well 1 hit song does not make an essential album. Lot of people on here really seem to like this but I just found it insipid. The baby doll vocals are grating and made me want to punch myself in the face. It's well arranged and produced and they do have 1 good song in them, that stands out a mile, listened couple of times but couldnt be bother at that point just find it dull and irritating.

Never outstays it’s welcome. I wasn’t a teenager in 79 when this was released, but man this makes me feel like I am. The whole feel, upbeat, the bounce to the music, the lyrics and then the highlight, Teenage kicks, a song I know well, a perfect pop punk song? Even the cover, in our media over obsessived times no one would be as non self conscious to look so real. Just an album that makes me smile and that’s never a bad thing.

Just great rhythm from start to finish

Now this is essential. Just sheer bliss from start to finish. Pure soul. Sure they are mostly cover versions, but the you didn’t write it argument with quality interpretation like this, is a weak argument ( and anyway looking at music nowadays with lots of hits written by committee and ghost writers). What a talent Aretha is, emotion, power and control, there is a reason she is seen as 1 of the best female vocalists ever, to think if she was starting today they would probably autotune the heart and soul out of her.

Never heard this before as tended to avoid goth music due to my own preconceived opinions that were based on no actual experience. More fool me, what a good record, how to maintain a haunting atmosphere throughout but with melodic rock and pop hooks, great vocals energy and just more fun than I expected. Will definitely listen again.

Love CCR, nuff said.

The sounds of a dystopian future, that’s miserable, grey where all joy, fun and enjoyment are banned. Listened, in pain for 46 odd minutes for a song to breakout, only to be frustrated. Had to look at the tracks run times on several occasions because thought they were on for an eternity only to find only minutes had pasted. Guess you can listen to this, ? sound, to experience a waking coma. Not for me, I’ve heard things since I started this project I haven’t liked but have at least now experienced but this no I’m not glad that I experienced that once in my life. The silence when it eventually ended was so much better than anything while it was droning on. Their Spotify entry “redefine what noise means ….” Sorry emperors new clothes, Still shit.

I like many elements that make up what this album is, hard rock and other bands that have those elements, but I just can’t stand this. This is my 2nd DP album on here so far, and I guess I just don’t like their parts or what they are as a whole. Someone else I think mentioned Spinal Tap - that was a mockumentary, and I love it, but this is/was real, and good god has every overblown excess. Guess the oh so subtle cover should bean indicator of all to be found inside, not pretentious at all, the instrumental solos everywhere that are just sonic masturbation, the scream vocals, the oh so epic song structure. Heard their live entry last time and was hoping a little more control in the studio but no. Yes they have their place in the history of popular music, yes they can play but they are a band I Just do not want to hear, can only listen to this once and 1 star.

Always been 1 of my favourite Dylan albums, having heard all. Not much to say that hasn’t been said, if you don’t like his vocals you are going to mark down I guess, but this is essential. 5 star.

Neither liked it or disliked it. It was playing and then it wasn’t, didn’t really make much difference to, or for me either way.

Always liked me a bit of Nick Cave, hadn’t heard this and when saw double was a bit daunted, but this is a fine record. Definitely adding to my collection.

As other reviewers have said this grooves. Musically it’s an impressive piece. The records failing is singularly mine, and mine only in that I don’t speak French, and especially with rap that’s losing a majority of its content. Enjoyed anyway.

Had no expectations of this album, only knew of the band cause they had the funny name of the place near Bristol which raised my attention cause I I I had been to uni at Bristol, even though they were well known in the U.K. at the time. Well am I surprised, no not surprised, immensely gratefully thankful that through this project I got to hear this. It is a must hear, it’s s warm but lonely, it’s hip hop influenced but also 60s/ 70s Bond sound track influenced and old school soul, it’s electronic but also sort of singer songwriter intimacy. Listened to it all morning with the rain and it’s just so eloquent. The arrangements are gorgeous and the vocals are so expressive. I’m still a physical medium collector and will be adding this today. These moments in this project more than counterbalance the albums that I struggle to get through..

Originally wrote a very long review on why I didn’t find this personally essential. Deleted it as it doesn’t deserve the words - it’s just monotonous in so many ways, Boring, drivel. Wasn’t as unlistenable as the band name, album cover and song titles suggest - but that is a very low bar, and would suggest that’s also a failing of the band in a way, if you are going to be so “oh so uncomfortable” then I as a non believer should struggle, but I only struggled with boredom.

I’ve intermittently over the years tried to listen to Joni Mitchell, with people’s views I respect saying she’s the best at this kind of thing. But I have never been able to connect, it’s the intricacies of her melody that are exquisite but also so singular to her that when they have passed they have left me. Listening to this today, will give it another try.

Like the music and flow, no denying his talent, the coke dealing street life, it’s not my world though and It’s akin to watching a movie, enjoyed but not likely to go back again.

Really like this old style country. Not sure why an authentic 50’s album wasn’t included rather than an 80s facsimile, but the books list appears to diss earlier music (I know 50’s was the time of the single and it was basic recording and all). Know this album anyway, when she hits it’s real sweet.

Know this album well, just feel the vibe. Essential.

I was so hoping to like this more than I do. But for me it’s so 21st century polish, a little too earnest and a little sterile and soulless Some on here have likened this to CSN(Y) and S&G, I just don’t think that they belong in the same sentence ( well later 1988 CSNY maybe) - other than pale hipster attempt at... In itself it’s ok, pleasant enough in passing and I listened a number of times, and maybe I’m just shocked and had higher expectations because of how highly this seems to be held and all the awards it seems to have garnered , for Fuck sake not even just the music, it won a best vinyl cover in 2008 for a painting that was done in the Netherlands in 1559, if I stick a picture of Michelangelo on my ceiling will I win interior decorator of the year?

Yep Christmas Day and this is the call. The music is great, obviously only really seasonal, and Spector spoils Silent night.

Revivalist, parody, homage, piss-take? I still have no idea really. Think they have their influences that they obviously honour, a genre that should always not be taken too seriously, but then try to be so tongue in cheek with the humour that it starts to grate really quickly. Which sums up their careers, they being the poster boys in Britain for a shooting star rise and abrupt fall. They are competent, the production is decades developed from the music they ape, Hawkins has the skill to do that vocal (though whether he should is another thing). Just surprised this is on the list, it’s so inessential, someone else in their review mentioned quotas for genre and decades and it just feels like that, are the acts they copy on the list, I would presume so but have a feeling they may not and this is all very post modern. Most acts, especially at the beginning show their influences, but take it on to something else. This just feels too much like a jokey parody, or worst for all involved that by 2003 if this was all, then hard rock had just run it’s course and nothing new or relevant was left in the cupboard.

A iconic album, an actual must hear. Did smile that this appears to have more 1 star reviews than the cookie cutter derivative crap I had yesterday which had nothing as sublime as the opening bars of Like a rolling stone, even before he mesmerises with his poetry. Then again our differences etc. etc.

After listening to this still don’t have much of an opinion to be honest. It’s alright was a bit of an anthem at the time I recall, and still bounces along. The rest is snotty pop punk with that kinks Britishness as an undertow, it’s a fair listen but not sure I needed to hear the whole album once. And yes that is one shitty cover.

Own a couple of Pixie albums from back when they came out, but never a big enough fan to have gone into Franks solo work. It’s what I expected, I enjoyed it as still have soft spot for 80s early 90s US indie/college rock, it possibly suffers from that cd age of being overlong which was a general thing back then. Great cover.

Dylan is just singular as an artist. Each song on here is a books worth of story in itself, a tale to become absorbed in. An album I know well but still don’t know at all and so can still explore. If it isn’t your thing that’s fine, each to their own.

Found it quite interesting. Enjoyed enough while on, pleasantly enough variation and not 1 note. Jacks vocal style is the thing that prevents me from actively seeking out again as a personal choice but wouldn't skip if it comes on either. Most interesting of 21st century rock that's come up on this list so far.

Always had a soft spot for OMD, even though never really liked electronic music much. Think they blend the vocals with the synth sound so well, the exploration of soundscape and what could be achieved, just a good record.

Oh what a Mess. Listened to freak scene a lot, way back when, being an anthem of sorts for that gen X/slacker vibe. Rest of the album isn’t quiet up to that mark, but highly influential all the same on bands like Nivarna and the indie and grunge scene of the early 90’s

This was always going to be a difficult one. I have always disliked, no hated the smiths since they came onto the world. It’s that whiney little fuck that sings for them., he makes me feel like I want to punch someone or stick sharp objects in my ears. This is the 1st time I have gotten through a whole album of this simpering, grey Manchester sky of a man, and no it wasn’t any better than I thought. - stayed away from others and sharp objects. I know it’s humour behind the act but doesn’t lessen the blow for me. I know people who actually like this, who say listen past him to the music -and if he would just turn the I’m sooo miserable schtick down for I moment but he is there front and centre being such a miserable , not that’s enough. Music should be for all emotional scope and if this is your thing good for you, I do get why they have such a cult following, but this hasn’t changed anything for me still hate them.

Waits is his own man, he does his own thing and is authentic to his soul. It comes through on every moment on this album. It’s a dark album, it’s a bare album with minimal instrumentation but never feels miserable, never feels hopeless. I strangely feel it calming.

Didn’t know a thing when this came up. Eeerr, meh, whatever, didn’t engage at all. The write up says feminist which is good all strength to the message, but was just watching the clock on each track to end so didn’t hear anything they actually said. The odd decent musical motif, but then was repeated constantly so lost all essence. Like punk, like power pop, like 60s female vocal bands, didn’t like this. Not bothered to listen again, No thank you.

I have to say I liked metal as a kid but from revisiting seem to have definitely left it back then, and never got into or liked thrash metal, and all the trash albums on here haven't changed my mind. Metallica are better than the others in that I at least find it listenable, and some of the guitars are interesting and fit the song. But it's chug chug, all so darn serious, so earnest, so po-faced, so chug chug along. Yes the politics of war and mental health are important subjects and need platforms to raise awareness, but it lacks shade, lacks nuance, and just chug chugs along being baseline and I don't feel the epicness that 8 minutes a song implies, just not my thing if it's yours fine.

So indifferent, that’s what this made me feel. It is just so vanilla, so white bread. Is this really must hear, why?? Is it inventive, no it wears it’s influence front and centre (wasn’t surprised when later read had been at Hacienda in the 80s)and does nothing to deviate. Is it the best example of a genre, is bland 2000 white bread rock a genre and if so unfortunately Coldplay are the poster boys. Engage musically? Stimulate lyrically? Critical acclaim at the time, of course it did, and it’s the sort of record that people who used to have a few cds as a “collection” and for the last 20 years you see in charity shops. I don’t dislike cause it’s another British band like some seem to have labelled on them, hell reading their wiki entry turns out they are near neighbours. It’s just meh to me and I can’t imagine anyone saying their are my favourite band, but again each to their own. Don’t dislike just don’t care.

Always interesting. Great music.

The picture of what a live album should be, capturing the experience.

Just a fun ride. Is it deep, hell no. They can play but it serves the song and atmosphere rather than look at me. Diamond Dave is a limited vocalist but he has his thing going down. Gets slagged off because it’s pop and their look, nowt wrong with pop just Good fun rock n roll, time to party music.

US 80s punk/post punk, garage band feel which wear's blues and 60s influences. Liked it but not as much as the components suggest I should.

Wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe prog like pink Floyd. But was quiet pleasant British folk, not something I know a lot about very much. Not as twee as thought that music would be, enjoyed if felt attention drifted a little as it went on.

Don’t know this smoother type of rap very well, Pleasant enough, not the target audience and didn’t connect/get into it enough to reach/know the content, which is on me which is fine.

More a comment on this whole thing, starting to wonder if there are there really 1001 (everyone) must hear. I mean that many means a lot that seem to be more subjective than essential. Must hear to me means, Something representative from every genre, innovation, stands test of time etc are must hears and seem in practice a lower number than 1001, that this list seems to work better as a book to flick through than an actual experience.I haven’t gotten to 100 yet and have had many instances where I do not feel that I have benefited from actually hearing quiet a lot of them ( while accepting my own preferences and bias) and yes to me this album falls in the that category, maybe it’s irrelevant nature would place it in a 200 rap albums you must hear, I am not informed enough to say but surely not 1001 of all popular music since 1953. Wondering how far I will get with this now, need 1 of those never heard must hear again moments tomorrow.

Oh this works. This works on so many levels. The groove is sublime, it just sends you to another place, first hearing today was sitting in rush hour traffic and me and my passengers just escaped the daily grind. Then you can zone into the passionate (don't think anger is the right word) of the lyrics and their delivery. Knew of Burning Spear from the little pics they used to put on Island records but never really taken opportunity to explore, that ends today. After some (for my tastes) dross over the last few days on here that was making me consider quitting this is a palette cleanser.

Like everyone I have heard of Ray, his important in the history of popular music and have heard greatest hits. But a proper album put out by the man, with his arrangements! This is as the title says. He takes any type of song and makes it Ray Charles. Don’t give me any shit about the 50s style and production, this is timeless. This is such a great listen today in 2025. My 1st 5 star of something I hadn’t heard before. This is just a joy.

No, no, no. Sorry that's lazy, but it fits. In my earlier, less grounded days I may have tried to convince myself I enjoyed shit like this because it was supposedly relevant. But it wasn't, I don't and it's still shit. It tries so hard doesn't it, but is just tedious musically and lyrically, song structure is on the whole flaccid, and yeah as so many have said it's just sounds like Gaming music of the time; everything at the max, over produced and sound effects vomit. Best thing about this was the comment that said critics likened this band to Led Zeppelin, I'm no fan of Zeppelin but that's just so off on so many levels, again trying to attach a relevance that history shows was not earned. Guess the band meant it all to the bottom of their souls. 2 #Stars - for songs Maps and Y control , the vocals, and the album cover that advertises (all be it negatively for me) what’s contained inside. And as a bassist, no bass - fuck off.

More an art installation than an album. The would be movie soundtrack to the alt history dystopian industrial world if the 3rd reich or stalins USSR had been all conquering. Glad heard it - in a sick way maybe. Enjoyed it - hell no but then in a funny way maybe-no. 1 star for the .. for making me want to march and being rather silly

I have a little anemoia for that late 50’s, early 60’s period, and this fits into that in a generally pleasant sounding way. She’s a good vocalist and the songs are musically pleasant enough. Not being in my language is both a downside, not understanding and if the lyrics are all like those in English also an upside, because those songs are fairly bland lyrically. 3 stars - pleasant enough 40 minute, but if a want my fake nostalgia I already have better sources.

Actually listened to this yesterday. Up to a few years ago cat was 1 of those guys from the 70s that I had heard the odd hit replayed on tv or radio, or someone covered his song. Then when the rerelease campaign came up a website gave it a listen on streaming and have been listening regularly since. Great sounding recording, playing and vocal, wonderfully written pop folk rock songs, emotional resonance, 5 star.