1001 Albums Summary

A generational voice which is perfect for this kind of easy listening.

The best of a good bunch - a personal favourite album from a personally influential artist. Yeee-haw

A nice swingy feel

Fun, light, punky - the prawn cocktail crisps of music

It's immediately evident that Pink Floyd are brilliant at soundscape building, however the first three songs on the track make me feel as though I've fallen asleep on the toilet, only to be suddenly awoken by the rude ringing of alarm bells. Post-awakening I am carried onwards and upwards by a wave of amazing guitar and vocals, hitting the aural thermals that elevate this album into five star territory. By Money, you remember why 67 year old men stretch this iconic album cover over their pot bellies, and why alternative 15 year olds still buy the t-shirts from HMV for that faux-vintage feel. Sadly the album lost me towards the end, dipping back down to earth and back down to 4 stars.

I've never gone out of my way to listen to R.E.M. and I doubt I will make the effort again. This album passes the nod test - it is able to make my head sway, but only just - for that it might have picked up 3 stars. But in the context of the other albums I've listened to whilst doing this daily exercise, I'm afraid it's time to the deepen the scale; I need to ask myself if I would listen to this over Dolly Parton or The Go-Go's and I can't quite make that leap. The first song captured my curiosity with an almost-country guitar plucking followed by an exciting electric guitar riff, but sadly the dry tonality of the lyrics did not Drive me much further into understanding the artist. A little later on we reach Everybody Hurts which is the standout classic from this album, but that classic refrain has unfortunately been co-opted by Hollywood. It slips me into the shoes of a Will Ferrell like character in a non-descript romantic comedy, as the protagonist reaches the low point in his story arc. I can envision the typical R.E.M. enjoyer, resplendent in his blue jeans and brown brogues, with the top two buttons on his M&S shirt undone. 40 years ago this man was standing at the crossroads of Alternative Rock, but when confronted with the energetic drug ballads of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he chose the safety of R.E.M., which is a decision I cannot endorse. I wish I had better things to say about this album, but after giving it two attempts I'm just not there.

Close your eyes. You're on a riverboat, gently drifting down a crystal still river, a mottled amber in the deepening sunset. In The Land of Make Believe is drifting upon the air. Upon the shore are quixotic monoliths, and that's when you realise you're navigating the Windmills of Your Mind. Honourable Mentions - The Windmills of Your Mind, Son of a Preacher Man.

This album has given me insight into what it was like to be a minorly successful actor living in Hollywood in the Eighties. Strutting down the Boulevard with my Walkman on, nothing can touch me. Honourable mentions: Night Train and Spanish Dancer

This is quintessential coffee shop music. I can see how this band could be important in that there are sounds in this album that may have inspired greater things from others, but I see no such great things in this music alone.

I needed more time to write an expansive review for this album but trust me, it's worth a listen.

Shrek: “For your information, there’s a lot more to Nick Cave than people think.” Donkey: “Example?” Shrek: “Example? Okay, um, Nick Cave is like onions.” Donkey: “They stink?” Shrek: “Yes. No!” Donkey: “Oh, they make you cry?” Shrek: “No!” Donkey: “Oh, you leave them out in the sun, they get all brown, start sproutin’ little white hairs.” Shrek: “No! Layers. Onions have layers. Nick Cave has layers. Onions have layers. You get it? We both have layers.” Donkey: “Oh, you both have layers. Oh. You know, not everybody likes onions. Cake! Everybody loves cakes! Cakes have layers.” Shrek: “I don’t care what everyone likes. Nick Cave is not like cakes.”

A polished Pistols with a cleaner sound but less anger.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson is by far the most satisfying album name we've had to date.

Lanyard Scanyard

Standout classics are found on this album but it's far from his best. It's the kind of Bowie album that makes me scared of listening to full Bowie albums. Best of Bowie is the best way to listen to Bowie.