306
Albums Rated
2.52
Average Rating
28%
Complete
783 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1980
Favorite Decade
Post-punk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Critic
Rater Style ?
27
5-Star Albums
85
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Calenture
The Triffids
|
5 | 2.55 | +2.45 |
|
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
|
5 | 2.59 | +2.41 |
|
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
|
5 | 2.69 | +2.31 |
|
LP1
FKA twigs
|
5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
|
Street Signs
Ozomatli
|
5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
|
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
|
5 | 2.99 | +2.01 |
|
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
|
5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
|
In Our Heads
Hot Chip
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Doors
The Doors
|
1 | 3.95 | -2.95 |
|
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
1 | 3.94 | -2.94 |
|
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
|
1 | 3.93 | -2.93 |
|
Back In Black
AC/DC
|
1 | 3.85 | -2.85 |
|
In Rainbows
Radiohead
|
1 | 3.84 | -2.84 |
|
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
|
1 | 3.73 | -2.73 |
|
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
|
1 | 3.72 | -2.72 |
|
Grace
Jeff Buckley
|
1 | 3.72 | -2.72 |
|
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
|
1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
|
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
|
1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Prince | 3 | 4.67 |
| David Bowie | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Band | 2 | 1 |
| The Beach Boys | 2 | 1 |
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 1.67 |
| Radiohead | 3 | 1.67 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 2 | 1.5 |
| Deep Purple | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Flaming Lips | 2 | 1.5 |
| Leonard Cohen | 2 | 1.5 |
| Marvin Gaye | 2 | 1.5 |
| Sonic Youth | 2 | 1.5 |
| Wilco | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (27)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Ozomatli · 3 likes
5/5
Excellent. Loved the entire album. Listened to it the entire day, and started diving into their other work.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band · 3 likes
1/5
I was just thinking i was getting less critical. I’ve had a string of twos lately. Thanks beefheart for reconnecting me to my favorite number.
Astrud Gilberto · 1 likes
1/5
I question why this was even made. What the hell was that parade song?
Morrissey · 1 likes
5/5
I’m surprised I never heard of this guy before today. I’ve heard of the smiths but never listened to them, so I don’t know how i would have ever run across his solo work.
It seems like everyone has an opinion of him, and he isn’t well liked. But since i have no prior history of him being an ass, i was able to be pragmatic with this.
Loved it. This will be a repeat listen.
The Teardrop Explodes · 1 likes
3/5
This album has a lot of good ideas, and i overall like the sound of most of this album. It falls a little short though. I kept waiting for the album to really take off, and it didn’t. Just stayed stagnant.
1-Star Albums (85)
All Ratings
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I will say there were a couple of catchy songs. However, mostly this album sounded like something I could make if i wrapped my head in tin foil and went into my garage to fuck with all the miscellaneous shit that I’m storing for no reason. I’d give it three stars, but I now have anxiety with all the shit I have to clear out in my garage which almost brought it to a one…. But I’m still pro tin foil so it gets two!
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I’m not too familiar with Peter Gabriel’s work. I did assume this album had the majority of what I knew, and I was right. But mostly this is meh for me.
I do question how the hell sledgehammer came out it ‘86, I was born in ‘87 and that music video remains prominent in my childhood memory.
Talking Heads
5/5
Flawless Victory
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Didn’t like this a bit. Hard to listen to it all when it kept putting me to sleep.
Fairport Convention
1/5
Pink Floyd
2/5
This was fine, but I don’t understand the hype. I ended the album fell rather underwhelmed by it all together.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Not my favorite album by them, but a winner nonetheless.
Ozomatli
5/5
Excellent. Loved the entire album. Listened to it the entire day, and started diving into their other work.
Madonna
2/5
Ray of light is such a catchy song, and I love it. The rest of the album fails to deliver though. I liked some aspects of what Madonna was trying to do, but it fell flat for me.
Astrud Gilberto
1/5
I question why this was even made. What the hell was that parade song?
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Paul Simon
2/5
This felt disjointed, and still quite bland. I think Paul was trying too hard to pretend he was not trying. He should have saved his energy, and skipped making this.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
1/5
Finally a band I know! I’ve seen them perform this same exact album. They only perform every Tuesday at the Blue Ball. Don’t know the Blue Ball? It’s the only bar in the city that still allows smoking, and where you have a 1/3 chance of food poisoning when you order a bowl of pretzels.
I’d rather order 3 bowls of pretzels from the Blue Ball than listen to this again. I’d have a lesser chance of getting sick.
Nirvana
4/5
I respect Nirvana, and will give all the accolades they deserve. This is not my sound, and I will never choose to go back to it. But you can’t deny there is something great about what they were doing.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Great album, even if it was a little long winded. Hoe the hell did Coolio get into the album though? I was so confused
Thin Lizzy
1/5
Let me just say this first. I really can’t stand live albums. A live album always drips of pretentiousness, with self doubt sewed in between each song. As if they need to hear their fans cheering them on to give their work any credibility.
With that being said this album is apparently not so live as they dubbed the shit out of it. Makes me think if they performed on SNL they would have lip synced a la Ashlee Simpson. Ashlee at least had “vocal cord inflammation”. What is Lizzy’s excuse for needing to dub their “Live” album?
So my thoughts left are “WTF”. This might be the fakest album I’ve ever heard. Every song felt like an eternity to get through. This should be removed off this list immediately.
The Police
4/5
Until now I really only knew their big hits and I was neutral at best with those. Overall, I enjoyed this album though. More than I thought I was going to.
This is a high 3 for me, but I’m giving it a 4 for exceeding my expectations.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
This was different. While I will never feel the need to revisit this, it was a good change of pace.
Ministry
1/5
I know this is 1001 albums to listen to before you die. Well, I’d rather die listening to only 1000 of these albums, than to listen to this album in its entirety. A big NOPE for me.
Tom Waits
5/5
I was apprehensive at first, but slowly got into this. So many red flags from the first track screaming “DANGER: this is not something you will like”.
But then it lingered. His vocals that originally sounded tortured spinned into something very harmonic and peaceful. The melody seemed boring, but then became exciting.
I’m surprised with the rating I’m giving it, but I’m happy I found this.
Ella Fitzgerald
2/5
The music was fine background noise. I didnt mind the music, but the album itself was so unnecessary. This could have been reduced by three hours, and would still be too long. If the album is going to take me 4 hours to finish it needs to change my life. This didn’t do it.
R.E.M.
3/5
I enjoyed this well enough. It didn’t grip me enough to want to revisit it, or explore more from R.E.M. this was a perfectly neutral 3.
Love
1/5
This album sounds like something I would listen to if I was gearing up for a fun day at the renaissance festival, or a few rounds of frisbee golf. Thankfully, I’m not the type of person to either of those things. So, this album failed to resonate with me.
Beck
4/5
Finally an album I’m familiar with. This is an interesting one for me. I had a weird Beck phase when I was younger. So, the nostalgia alone wants me to rate this high.
I am reminded that I don’t like all of his work though. When Beck can show restraint he knocks it out of the park. When he doesn’t, I feel I’m getting whiplash. Then the anxiety comes in as I don’t know what to expect on the next track. Hell even on the same track you might be surprised how the song ends. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it becomes irritating.
Overall the good outweighs the bad.
The Kinks
3/5
This was a good listen. Well put together. The were a few tracks I saved to my library. I’d be interested to hear more by The Kinks, but probably not going out of my way to do so.
Duran Duran
5/5
What’s good enough for the Queen is good enough for me. I’d like more like this.
Funkadelic
2/5
So yes, there is one song on this album that is vaguely familiar. But does that song really hold so much weight that album is worth listening to? No. This was mediocre at best. Didn’t hate it enough to give it a 1. So it will get a 2 for not resonating with me at all. Which is almost worse than a 1. At least a 1 can produce negative feelings from me.
Minutemen
2/5
The songs were too short. They felt like they were building up to something, but failed to reach their climax. Leaving me with blue balls on several occasions.
And, yet the album in its entirety was way too long. It outstayed its welcome. I wanted a pump and dump, not a long term commitment.
Various Artists
2/5
As a retail worker, I’m considering this hateful I am receiving this album on Xmas day. Outside of the holiday I might be more forgiving, and give this a shot. I didn’t go through 2 months of cheerful, joyful noise pollution to have it intercept my one day of peace.
Grateful Dead
2/5
I’m rather indifferent by this. Mostly bored. Didn’t draw my attention. Should’ve know when it started with a 16 minute instrumental track.
Steely Dan
4/5
I’m quite high on this. Nothing was gripping or exciting to listen to. But the album alone was very pleasant and easy to listen through. Background music done well.
The Go-Go's
5/5
This is a refreshing surprise. An actually upbeat album on this list? I was having an angry day at work today, and listening to this lightened my mood slightly. My employees thank the Go-Gos for this magical delight.
1/5
I can see every pretentious poser in my high school raving about how this album was so great, and influential. It’s not. It’s garbage. Trash.
Was this band even successful at sucking? Never heard of them before now, and this will simply be the most forgotten album I listen to on this list. They suck so much I won’t even remember how much they suck. I’m thankful that they suck that much at least.
Nirvana
3/5
This was fine.
Big Star
3/5
At first impression I thought I would hate this. After a few songs I was surprised I didn’t hate it, it seemed ok. But as I got deeper into the album I found I lost all my grace with this. It became as grating and mundane as I thought it would. I can see why they never took off.
Janis Joplin
5/5
This was an excellent listen. I remember some of these songs playing when I was young, but this is the first time I listened to this as an adult. Well worth the revisit.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
I can see why Janis dropped these losers and went for a solo career. There was way too much busyness that didn’t gel with her distinctive voice.
Elton John
3/5
A good listen, but the entire album felt a little basic for Elton. Putting Tiny Dancer first track in the album didn’t do this album any justice either. Nothing else felt like it could rise to the same greatness of that song. I come away being rather neutral on this specific album.
The Residents
2/5
This mostly sounded like music the goblins from the labyrinth would make if they didn’t have any direction from David Bowie. Didn’t love this, but surprisingly I didn’t hate this either. I will never repeat this though, so…
FKA twigs
5/5
This was a fun one. Kinda mesmerizing in a way. I felt like I entered a portal into her world. The entire album was very fluid, but each track was very distinct in its own way.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
I’m pretty sure this is something my brother listened to in high school in between blink 182 and linkin park. He wouldn’t listen to the full cd though. Just the five songs that were also over polluted on radio. Probably still does listen to this album actually. I cringed through this entire album.
Dire Straits
1/5
I don’t really get this. It was fine, but rather boring. I didn’t hate it. Not worth a second listen though. Sidenote: Sultans of swing is the dumbest fucking song I’ve ever heard. I’d give it a 2 for the album, but that song alone deserves a 1
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
This album has a lot of good ideas, and i overall like the sound of most of this album. It falls a little short though. I kept waiting for the album to really take off, and it didn’t. Just stayed stagnant.
Adele
2/5
I obviously know many of these songs, and the songs alone are great. Even if they were an over concentrated at the time of their release.
This just isn’t my vibe. The album itself I grew tired of. The sad love ballads is fine, but I don’t need an entire album of it.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
I actually kinda liked this. It was an easy listen, and had some fun moments. A couple duds. I wasn’t bored though.
David Bowie
5/5
This album benefited by popping up on the weekend. I listened to it several times this weekend. Right off the first listen I loved the first half. I was unsure about the second part of this album at first due to it being mostly instrumental. But further listens to it I really grew to appreciate it more than the first half.
The Rolling Stones
1/5
So they had one song on this album that was remotely good. That song itself I was questioning why it wasn’t ending when it should have. It just lingered annoyingly. The rest of the album was boring, and uninspired.
Randy Newman
3/5
A fine listen. A little too twangy for me, but I guess that makes sense for the album. Not something I will revisit. Didn’t hate it though.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Loved this. There were a couple of duds that will hold me back from giving it a 5. I did appreciate how every song felt like it had its own mood. Lots of fun. I will revisit this.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
I enjoyed the overall sound. I did find myself bored with this half way through though. I wont be surprised if I forgot this album existed by the end of the week. It failed to leave any sort of impression on me.
The Doors
1/5
Wow, never listened to The Doors. And now that I have I can say full heartedly “They suck”.
Many of the songs were long winded, and all were such a bore. I did try to listen to it a second time, just in case I was just in the wrong mood for my first listen. Nope that shit sucked worse than the first time.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Like she is Aretha. That alone warrants a high score. Every song is great. I don’t think that I can give it a 5 though. Just cause I doubt I will be adding this album to my regular play list. I still would consider this a high 4.
Hugh Masekela
1/5
I’m sure this is good. I’m sure that there are people who love this sort of music. I just don’t really care to waste my time listening to this. Not for me.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
I was concerned when I saw this pop up for today. I have never had any interest in listening through a James addiction album. I’m surprised I didn’t hate this more.
In no way am I saying this was worth my time. I was just surprised this doesn’t fall into the 1 category. This album isn’t unlistenable, but it’s not really an enjoyable experience.
Johnny Cash
2/5
I never understood the hype of Johnny Cash. This album doesn’t change my opinion either. I don’t really need to hear his underwhelming versions of what are already underwhelming songs.
Violent Femmes
4/5
There was some good stuff here. Didn’t change my world. I was happy to have this though after this weeks poor showing of albums. Getting a 4 as this is above average on the listening scale. I am interested but in hearing more from them.
Thelonious Monk
1/5
I don’t think Jazz is for me. Given it enough tries now to say this with confidence.
I’d be cool with never hearing a trumpet ever again. I don’t even know if a trumpet was featured in this album though… There was definitely a horn of some sort featured in this… I’d be cool with blocking all horns from music now on.
Sabu
3/5
This was certainly a choice to have this as one of 1001 albums you need to hear before you die. I really don’t think anyone needs to hear this. I did find this at least a ridiculously hilarious choice. I kept thinking it would be funny if someone stole my phone while I was walking around the city listening to this. The thief would be so confused with what I was listening to. That hypothetical situation made me delighted. And for that alone I’m going to remain neutral on this.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
I thought this was rather good. Not something I would listen to all the time. But this had enough depth and complexity to keep me interested throughout the album. Good background music when I’m in the kitchen
Frank Zappa
2/5
Is this what good jazz is? It’s better than the rest of the jazz albums popping up these past couple weeks. It still tests my patience. It got old real quick. I’m going to be generous here because I found the first song rather favorable.
Rush
3/5
I can appreciate what they did for their first track. The rest of the album didn’t offend me either. Not really my music though. A little too shouty. A little too much electric guitar.
Tracy Chapman
5/5
I thought this album was going to be very easy to get through with it only being 35 minutes long. It was not as Tracy’s message in this album will sit with me a long while. This really is not my vibe, as it’s too sad for me to want to repeat this very often. But the powerful songwriting, and the relevance of the albums subject material even today makes this higher than my preferred listening experience.
Jimmy Smith
1/5
For fucks sake. This sucked. I will not be going back to the chicken shack.
Prince
4/5
This took me a little bit to get into. By the second half I was drawn it. On my second listen I felt similarly. I’m leaning towards this is mostly all good. Didn’t quite hit the mark to get 5 stars from me.
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
Want one? No thanks. I want none of this.
Bob Dylan
2/5
This was rather boring. I will give him a little bit of credit, as he seems to be a good songwriter. But Bob does need to put down the harmonica. It was borderline violent to listen to him blow into that death whistle the entire time.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
I can’t get over the album cover.
What possessed them to all climb into the bathtub. That’s some good kink. Although after what I read on Wikipedia about one of the Papas I’m now concerned these people could have been related. Which would be bad kink.
Is it me or does that toilet look kinda gross? I can’t tell if that’s just an ugly yellow tint you get in old photographs or if they needed to do some scrubbing.
Those boots are kinda awesome. I could see myself picking up a pair just like those if I ever was going to rock some hippy retro vibe.
Sadly I can’t speak for the music on this album just the cover. as it was so vanilla. I will give it a 2 for the boots alone.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I thought I might like this album after the first couple songs. Then Bob picked up the harmonica. Slightly better listening experience than my first Dylan album. I can’t score it higher though as that death whistle really needs to go.
Morrissey
5/5
I’m surprised I never heard of this guy before today. I’ve heard of the smiths but never listened to them, so I don’t know how i would have ever run across his solo work.
It seems like everyone has an opinion of him, and he isn’t well liked. But since i have no prior history of him being an ass, i was able to be pragmatic with this.
Loved it. This will be a repeat listen.
The Triffids
5/5
Many times I question how 1001 selects their albums. I think to myself how did they find this, and what on earth would possess them to think we all need to hear this? Well, even a blind squirrel find a nut once in a while. Today 1001 found an obscure Australian 80s pop band, and damn did this hit. This is a very well thought out album. An album for those who love art, not just music.
David Bowie
5/5
Like the last Bowie album. This took me a couple of times listening through to really get into. I did get into it though, and it was a winner as well. Loved it.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I’m not well versed in electronic music. This seemed kinda bland. That one song I only remember because it was the song Rachael Leigh Cook had her dance battle at prom in She’s All that.
This will be a neutral score as the music wasn’t great, but I was reminded fondly of Cook and her uncanny ability to choose the worst movies to act in.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I’ve come to learn I really like the storytelling type of music that this is. And with an album consisting of murder ballads, I know I’m going to be into it. I did find this to be slightly too attached to creating shock value, and the song writing was lazy at times.
I enjoyed the listen. A few of the tracks were great. I just wish that as a whole the album was executed with a little more versatility.
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
I think as soon as I heard the twang in his voice I lost all empathy for whatever this man was going to sing about. I’m sure he is sad about something. I just don’t care to digest it.
Jack White
4/5
This was very good. It was versatile in style, yet still sounded like a Jack White album. I wouldn’t personally repeat this often, as It didnt really grip me with thought or emotion. But white is very talented, and it shows here.
Talking Heads
3/5
I lost some interest on the second half of this album. If I was comparing this to the rest of a talking Heads portfolio this album is kinda disappointing. Not bad, just was missing something.
The Band
1/5
I can see why this made the list. The musical arrangements The Band was able to pull off in this album are truly inspiring. It must have inspired every white, middle aged man with a beard to pick up a guitar and pretend to play the guitar with their best boyfriends. They will of course play for free at their local brewery, church picnic ,or maybe even a Texas Roadhouse if they are oh so lucky.
I’m kidding of course. Texas Roadhouse is a little too big for those folks. Maybe they should partner with a Bojangles, or the Chevron that hosts the “my wife kicked me out of the house because I like bourbon more than her” mixer.
Everyone should thank The Band for being the trailblazers that they were. Whatever would we have done without this.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Not my vibe. I get it though. This was well done, and well written. It just isn’t for me.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Mediocre at best. The most forgettable thing I’ve listened to on this list.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I don’t really know how to rate this. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. I can respect it. I do feel like it loses its charm as it ages. It’s an album you’d listen to for nostalgia. But you’d be hard pressed to have another emotion while listening to this album.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
For one of the more recent albums on this list, I’m not sure why this is here. This was an ok listen, but I don’t see how this is noteworthy at all. Seems like a lazy choice.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I can respect this. Not something I will likely ever revisit. It was worth a listen though.
Portishead
1/5
I am thinking 1001 albums you need to listen to is not because every album is good, and will be an enriching experience. Maybe some of these albums you need to hear are because they are garbage, and you should be able to recognize that, This was equal parts annoying, painful, and yet boring. For fucks sake.
T. Rex
3/5
This was decent. Album lacked depth, and I didn’t really care for the vocals. T Rex might be the dumbest name for a band. I want to rate them lower just for that, but I’m not feeling that level of petty today.
The Clash
3/5
This was a slow burn. I did eventually get into this on the back half. By the time I got there it felt like the album was drawn out. This would probably do better on a second listen. Unfortunately I won’t gamble with my time on that. As it could also become more stale.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
I always find it telling than an album/artist is over rated when the best thing on the album is something I already know. This album is particularly hard to rate as I already was familiar with 6 of the 8 tracks. The two I didn’t know were horrendous. Stairway to Heaven sucks, and you can’t convince me otherwise. The rest was mid at best. Giving this a 2 only because I see some value in Misty Mountain Top.
Sister Sledge
4/5
This was a pleasant surprise. While this wasn’t something I’d say is worth giving a 5 to. I still find myself feeling positive about this all around. I’d be into seeing more disco on this list, and less white men with a guitar.
Brian Wilson
1/5
Some things are best left unfinished. In this case the album shouldn’t even have been started.
Radiohead
3/5
Never listened to a Radiohead album because I knew it wasn’t for me. I was surprised I didn’t hate this. It was kinda what I expected though. My opinion on Radiohead has gone from ignorantly neutral to a more informed neutrality.
Orbital
3/5
This was fine. I didn’t really need to hear this, but it’s still less offensive than many things on this list.
The Strokes
2/5
I remember this being a thing when it came out. I didn’t apply too much interest in this as I found it to be nothing special. I was right. It all sounded the same. I didn’t get this.
Metallica
2/5
I am surprised I didn’t dislike this as much I thought I would. But I listened to this twice, and still don’t have any other strong feelings about this. I will give it an extra star for exceeding my expectations.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
Sure why not. This was relatively fine. Didnt care too much for the vocals. And some of the tracks felt like they dragged too long with unnecessary guitar riffs. This wasn’t bad really, just a lame choice to be on this list.
Culture Club
3/5
Karma chameleon is my shower song. Don’t know why. I don’t really even like that song.
Throwing Muses
5/5
80s punk rock band with a female vocalist. Yes, please! I thought this was great. It’s a shame this isnt more accessible. I would love to add this to my Spotify. I did take a small dip into their other stuff too, and I’m a fan. This is a definite album you need to hear before you die.
B.B. King
2/5
Oh lovely! Another live album! And this one is blues too!
Talking Heads
3/5
Another fine album from Talking Heads. Some great stuff, and some that is just ok. Seriously though, I’m not 100 albums in yet. I don’t need three Talking Heads albums so concentrated. I think this list would benefit from diversifying the artists a bit more.
R.E.M.
2/5
This didn’t do anything for me. The big hits I never enjoyed listening to. The rest was just rather bland. I did moments when I thought I might try to revisit this…. But I don’t think it has enough value for a repeat listen.
Portishead
3/5
I’m not really a big fan of this type of music. But i will at least say this was interesting enough to listen to.
Bee Gees
1/5
It’s interesting to me that this album creating so much tension for The Bee Gees. I am shocked that they were arguing over which songs should be released as a single. They should have been disputing on whether to release anything on this album at all. Side note: Their harmonies need work. It’s clear to me they weren’t all on the same page.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
The genre of music doesn’t vibe much for me, but damn does the message get you in the mood for it. I got into this hard, and will be a repeat listen. Great album to start your workday to, especially if you hate the company that employs you.
DJ Shadow
3/5
This was fine background noise. Didn’t leave much impression for me though.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Pretty solid for early punk. I can see why this made the list.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
This was fun, and sexy.
Tina Turner
4/5
I loved most of this. I didn’t really care for the covers, but the stuff meant for Tina to sing was really fun.
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
I can respect the influence this album has. But this was a little long, and became very dry over time. Much better rap came after this, and can hold my attention for far longer.
The Stooges
3/5
This had some interesting moments. The vocals were stale though. Overall I didn’t mind it, but it didn’t really leave an impression either
50 Cent
3/5
Well this takes me back to high school. Nostalgia is making me say yes this is a blast. But I don’t really know if this holds up to my expectations. This was fun to revisit, but I grew a little bored by the end.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
There were certainly more ideas for this album. Too many of them, and I don’t think any of them were well executed. Nothing on this album was terribly painful to listen to. Nothing was really noteworthy either.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
I liked the overall vibe of this. But it didn’t leave me with an overall impression. Nothing that I feel I need to go back and listen to further.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
I don’t know why I enjoyed this as much as I did. Every revisit has added more value than the last. I hated murder mystery at first. Still don’t get it after my third listen, but I am warming to it. Im going to be optimistic here and give this a very generous score in hopes I will one day appreciate that damn song.
Cream
1/5
At least one song I’m vaguely familiar with. I was to give this a neutral score until they introduced a harmonica into the half of this album. Then it was all down hill.
Ute Lemper
4/5
This was a funny one. I suspect those who are taking this list seriously are upset by this selection. I can see people crying “why did I have to hear this. They should have just given me my fourth Bob Dylan album”. In fairness to those people I don’t know why this would be on here. I’d probably give this a 2 if I was grading this seriously. But I think I’m going to be a troll here, as this made me laugh a lot today.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
Nope, can’t do it. One star is too high
Beatles
3/5
This was the kind of thing I hoped to get on this experiment. I’ve never really cared to listen to a full Beatles album. Now that I have, I will say it was a good listen. Perfect run time with some catchy songs. I liked the stuff I didn’t know more than the songs I did know. This didn’t wow me though
Lorde
4/5
This was very well done. Catchy and interesting. My only gripe with this is that it all blended in together. I had hard time differentiating the songs, which gave me a little fatigue. I know Lorde is much more versatile than this album shows.
The Doors
3/5
This was better than the first doors album we had. But I’m still not into it.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
This was interesting. It went sideways a couple of times, but overall this was a fun entry.
George Harrison
4/5
This could have easily of been a 5. Lots of great songs in here, mostly in the first half. There was way too much in between that could have been omitted. George needs to edit a little bit. I’m sure if I gave it multiple listens I’d find more value in some of those tracks. I don’t think I will be giving myself another two hours to try again.
fIREHOSE
2/5
This was ok. There is nothing here that I would consider noteworthy, or repeatable. I will probably forget about this album in about a week.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
I have always found Sufjan very talented. Everything he does is so well executed. The concept album is kinda lame though. Also, this wouldn’t have been the album I would have selected to showcase his talent.
Beatles
4/5
Dang there was a lot of good shit on here. It didn’t feel very cohesive though. It certainly showed that the Beatles were at their end, and going in different directions. As a while I wouldn’t consider this a 5, but there is a lot of great stuff to take away from the album.
Mariah Carey
2/5
I love Mariah as a personality. Her hits are hits for a reason. Mariah is really best in small doses though. I’m happy when I hear one of her songs played (unless it’s Xmas season). I just don’t really want to listen to an entire album of hers in one sitting.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I wanted to get into this more than I did. It just didn’t land. I still have respect for its legacy.
Simon & Garfunkel
1/5
I can never remember. Was it Simon or Garfunkel that was attacked by their tiger?
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
This was better than the first DMC album. Other than the songs I already knew, I didn’t take anything new away from this album. Overall I enjoyed the vibe of this one better, and want to give it a higher score. It’s not a 4 though.
Prince
5/5
Oh damn.
Moby
1/5
Yikes. Very repetitive, and so boring. Might be good to use as a white noise machine, but I’m not seeing any other use for this.
Rod Stewart
3/5
I enjoyed this for the most part. It’s not a must listen. But it’s a good enough I guess.
Jeff Buckley
1/5
Good grief. I reckon this guy cries when he ejaculates.
Deep Purple
2/5
How is it that I know the beginning guitar riff on smoke on the water, but never heard any other part of the song….
I’m thinking because the rest of this is underwhelming. Giving it a 2 because the album was short enough for me not to be annoyed I was still listening to this.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I couldn’t get into this. Which is not necessarily the albums fault. I’m been in a shitty mood all day. The album is to blame though for not getting me out of my mood. So I will remain neutral on this for now.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
1/5
I’m sure this is situationally good to some. But no thanks. Vocals are rough, and the subject matter isn’t what I want to escape to when listening to music.
Hot Chip
5/5
This was a great vibe. Lots is pop influences. Light enough on the electronic that it didn’t test my patience. Never heard of this band, but I am willing to explore more from them. Bonus points that the algorithm on Spotify after the album ends is solid too.
New York Dolls
2/5
This was fine. I can see the draw for some people. This just didn’t hit the spot for me though.
The Flaming Lips
1/5
This album dragged. By track five I was over this. There should be a rating lower than one
The Cure
4/5
This really isn’t the vibe I want when listening to music. Which makes me want to remain neutral. There are some good gems in here that outweigh my listening preferences. And I’m feeling generous.
David Crosby
1/5
There has been far worse things on this list…..
I was about to give this a two, until that weird chanting came on at the end of the album. Thank you, David for finishing this out strong. It really helped me think more clearly.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
4/5
I’m not sure what I just listened to. I kinda liked it though.
The Blue Nile
2/5
This wasn’t terrible to listen to, but terribly boring. Nothing stood out.
Air
4/5
This was a solid listen. Nothing really memorable outside of sexy boy. Which I will give this an additional point for the nostalgia of that song alone.
Pretenders
5/5
I really have not had a thought to listen to the Pretenders. Shame on me. This was great.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Everything from the lyrics to the vocals was ROUGH! This was so bad, I was cracking up. As far as my listening preferences are concerned this deserves a one. As far as entertainment value I would give this a 5. Thanks for the very unique experience I will never repeat in my life.
M.I.A.
4/5
I know this is not for everybody. It is for me though. I was a big fan of this when it came out, and still like it to this day. It can be very obnoxious if you aren’t in the mood for it though.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
This sounds like a poor versions Tom Waits. Lame. No Thanks
Radiohead
1/5
When I first received a Radiohead album by this I was pleasantly surprised I didn’t hate it. I rated it a 3 as I thought it was fine, just not for me.
After this album, I feel validation for my ignorant opinion on this band. This is not only not for me, but it’s utter crap. This felt so pretentious. A band that was given false praise for too many years, that can now produce whatever garbage they want to collect a paycheck.
Safe to say this will not be getting a 3 from me.
Patti Smith
5/5
I really enjoyed this. I thought the chord arrangements were simple enough which could come off boring. I didn’t find this to be the case though as the I really didn’t want something that would overshadow the lyrics.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
This was fine, but felt like a rather boring safe choice. No one NEEDS to hear this before they die.
Linkin Park
1/5
I had feared this would show up on this list. And in fairness to Linkin Park it probably should be on here. Even if it should be, it still sucks.
I remember in high school when this album came out, our friend Trevor brought this into my brothers car. It was so insulting to us that my brother threw it out the window. I got out of the car to direct my brother where to guide the tires over the album. He must of backed over that disc 20 to 30 times.
Fuck you Trevor.
The Beach Boys
1/5
Huh? Why? I don’t know how this could even be justified to be on any list of things you need to hear.
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
I guess this is better than the long string of one starred albums we’ve received recently. So that’s something. I’m never go to revisit this though, and I’m not feeling charitable enough to give this a 2. So….
Muddy Waters
2/5
This was fine, not my vibe.
Stan Getz
1/5
Nope. Can I opt out to another string of nonstop jazz albums?
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
I would be ok with this in certain settings as it is very inoffensive. Something nice enough to listen to in between conversation at a bar. But I wouldn’t have to focus an hour worth of attention on.
I don’t have any interest in listening to an hour of that nonstop. There is a reason why this music is left at hotel lobby’s, and bars. It’s not meant to hold your attention for a long period of time.
Slipknot
1/5
I see we are trading one form of evil for another.
Cat Stevens
4/5
I have always had a certain amount of love for Cat Stevens. I can’t listen to this all the time, but it’s pleasant enough sporadically.
Solomon Burke
3/5
One of the tracks is on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. As far as I’m concerned that gives the album a baseline of 3. There wasn’t much more to this that I could give it higher. Nothing grossly offensive to knock it down.
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Oh boy. This review gave me enough warning to know this wasn’t going to be for me. A challenging listening experience? No thanks.
2/5
I was into the start of this album, but then he started singing.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
I don’t really buy into it when these albums have one major song, and the rest is just filler. I’ve never really cared for “Let’s get it on”, and the rest didn’t change my perspective.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Ok, so this isn’t typically my type of music. I can see how this could be good to listen to after a shit day of work, and you want to unwind without hearing another loser humans voice.
And since I had that kind of day it worked for me. Still was kind of a chore to listen to……. But I’m willing to give this a passing grade.
Thanks for not singing, but could you also minimize the organ play next time?
U2
2/5
For the life of me, I do not understand why he is singing about Shamu. That whale doesn’t seem very mysterious to me.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
I kept thinking I was going to get bored as I was listening to this. I was surprised when I didn’t. It’s not something I will be jumping back into for a second round, but it did exceed my expectations.
Napalm Death
1/5
Nope
Richard Hawley
1/5
Really? For this coming out so recently, what makes this so special to be on the list? It’s boring, and outdated.
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
This wasn’t as good as the first Hendrix album. There was some good things here. The overall album felt sloppy and disjointed. Left me disappointed now that I have a gauge as to Jimi’s true potential
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
I could have used a little more versatility in the musical arrangements. It had a tendency to sound all the same. I like it nonetheless.
Queens of the Stone Age
1/5
Good grief. I think I’d rather listen to a jazz album.
LL Cool J
4/5
This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I actually quite liked it. Makes me think I should NCIS LA a shot. Maybe his acting isn’t that bad either.
I’m giving this a bonus point for the cereal song. It’s so non serious it earned street cred for me.
LTJ Bukem
4/5
This is a tricky one to rate. I guess the Spotify version isn’t the original album, and you have to find it in YouTube. I did not have time in the day to listen to both of these albums, so I took a small sample size of both.
The version on YouTube is significantly better, and was a great vibe. I will go back and listen to this in full. It set a pace, and I was enjoying the world. I kept thinking it would be a good soundtrack for Buffy and Faith to listen to while slaying vampires, and clubbing all night. You know the episode.
Listening to the Spotify after, I felt underwhelmed. It seemed so muted compared to what the original version is.
Since it is believed the original version is the YouTube one I’m going to give this an optimistic score, even if I haven’t listened to the full album yet.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
1/5
While this wasn’t difficult to listen to, i did have to question why was I listening to this. First little bit of the album had some good things to it, and then it fell flat. Never recovered after that.
Johnny Cash
3/5
This just ain’t my thing. But I’m going to be neutral on this one for its significance. Even if it is a live album, which I should certainly dock a point just for that. I will still remain neutral.
XTC
2/5
This was ok. Like the last XTC album we had there were a few hooks that drew me in. But they all lacked something to push it into being interesting. And I can’t stand the vocals. XTC is just not for me.
George Jones
1/5
I don’t know who this guy is, but his music sucks. I would love to party with him though.
Slade
3/5
If you’re was in a big hair band phase, this would probably be my favorite group. I doubt they take themselves too seriously.
I’m not ever going to love this genre, but this was fun for what it was.
Deep Purple
1/5
This was worse than first Deep Purple album. And they certainly set the bar very low to begin.
Meat Loaf
5/5
Speaking objectively, removing all personal biases. Meatloaf can be long winded, and a little cheesy at times. But i don’t really care. I’ve listened to this album since I was a child, and it still slaps to this day. A personal favorite of mine.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
As far as country is concerned. I didn’t want to jam a fork in my ears. So that is at least a win for the genre itself. It was so boring though.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Dang this was really good. I can’t see myself go down a rabbit hole of the rest of their portfolio. But this album alone makes sense.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I liked bits of this. I was bored for bits of this too. I think in the right mood I’d really like it, but that’s not today.
Duke Ellington
1/5
Oh a live jazz album over two hours long. All things evil popping up on this vying for my least favorite album yet. Well played, Duke. You really worked for this one star.
The Beach Boys
1/5
I really find it odd how much beach boys are on this list. It just seems so lame. There are far worse things on this list, but I can at least see why someone would have opted for it. But The Beach Boys?
I guess if there was one beach boys album that should make the cut it would be this one. And hopefully this is the last. I’m not willing to grade on a curve for this one though. This was painfully boring, and just not that good.
James Brown
1/5
I wanted to give this a shot as I had high hopes for James Brown. I dont really know a lot of James Brown, but I don’t think this is his best. And this is the worst kind of live album.
Caetano Veloso
4/5
This was a lovely break from the endless amount of jazz and overrated dad rock albums.
There could have had a little more variation, but it was short enough that I didn’t grow bored of it.
Overall it was fun enough, and I will most likely play this again.
Digital Underground
2/5
I think my probably with concept albums is that comes off better in idea than execution. The idea for this album was wild, and I was excited for this. Sadly, this didn’t hit the mark. I will give it a little grace as it wasn’t terrible, but it did fall flat.
3/5
A real mixed bag here. Started off pretty solid. Fell apart for me half way through though. I’d be willing to give it another shot (that’s high praise compared to many of the albums on this list).
Joan Armatrading
5/5
This is exactly what I was hoping for when I started this project of 1001. Never heard of her before this, and I will want to know more now. Every track seemed to have a small surprise to just keep you interested. Loved it.
Nirvana
2/5
Meh. I think this is the third Nirvana album? I was fine with the first entry, but I don’t really see a reason for more than one of their albums on this list. I don’t really think they moved the needle in music that much. This probably deserves a higher rating than the other Nirvana albums I’ve given. but I’ve grown bored of Nirvana. I’m retroactively giving this a lower score to balance the scale of Nirvana albums.
Malcolm McLaren
1/5
For the life of me I can’t figure out what this guy was going for. It wasn’t good though, and forgettable.
Suede
1/5
This all sounded the same. Felt like an eternity to get through this.
Iron Maiden
2/5
Lots of guitar noise, and not much else going for it.
Ramones
3/5
The same song 14 times. It was short though. Probably because they ran out of ideas.
The Libertines
2/5
I’m impressed how instantly forgettable this was. I have no idea what I just listened to. Since I can’t remember it probably wasn’t that bad.
Stephen Stills
3/5
I kinda liked Church. I did just watch Sister Act last night though. So I might have a temporary nostalgic favorable outlook on choirs. Which I will bring this up to a 3 (for the album, the movie is of course a 5).
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
I was just thinking i was getting less critical. I’ve had a string of twos lately. Thanks beefheart for reconnecting me to my favorite number.
Pixies
3/5
This really didn’t hold up very well. I know the pixies are supposed to be very influential, so for that I can remain neutral.
John Coltrane
2/5
Well, this might be the best jazz album I’ve endured so far.
Morrissey
4/5
Second Morissey album, and still pretty darn good. He might be an ass, but he is good at what he does.
Kate Bush
5/5
I had no idea what I was getting into with this one. It was weird. Like a good weird. A good, fun, sensual weird. Like a weird, i like to bathe my feet in jello.
Steely Dan
4/5
I think I like Steely Dan.
Kanye West
4/5
Great album. Kanye might be a musical genius, but also a giant piece of shit. I would like to grade this solely on the musical content, and for the most part I will. I have to knock it slightly for how I felt the ick the entire time I listened to this.
Radiohead
1/5
This is now the third Radiohead album, and I’m hitting my threshold for how much I can tolerate. At least I can say I have given them enough chances to back my opinion when I never had listened to them. Radiohead sucks.
The Smiths
3/5
I actually liked the Morissey albums better than this.
G. Love & Special Sauce
1/5
So I don’t really have anything bad to say, but I certainly don’t have anything good to say either. This was a fucking waste of an entry.
The xx
2/5
This was ok. I was not offended listening to this. The entire album felt a little muted. It just didn’t evoke any feeling from me good or bad.
Willie Nelson
1/5
I was hopeful that Willie Nelson would be the one to get me to appreciate some classic country. Tragic, that this was not the case.
Lou Reed
4/5
Lots of really good stuff here. The album as a whole didn’t quite get to a 5 for me. Regardless it deserves a spot on this list. I was happy to have listened to this.
The xx
2/5
These guys? Again? Really?
Elliott Smith
2/5
This is way too emo for my liking. But if you are looking to dwell in your sorrows I’m sure this will do it for you.
Ian Dury
5/5
This was quirky, and fun. I wish he would have been a little more selective. This could have been more digestible if he shortened this significantly. I was pleasantly surprised by this nonetheless. I did save the album though. So I’m willing to bet I will grow to like what I originally didnt.
Beastie Boys
1/5
I never understood why Beastie Boys was ever a thing. I’m not going to try to figure it out now.
Nick Drake
3/5
This was ok enough, even if it was a little boring. Bonus points for how short it was.
Paul Simon
2/5
This was somewhat tolerable. I don’t understand why I had to listen to it though.
Oasis
3/5
I was definitely maybe somewhat ok with this.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Yikes! Did we hit rock bottom on this list?
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
This guy again? This was nonsense. I’m thankful this was a double album though. If he split it into two separate albums the creators of this list would have been inclined to use two slots on this list. Which two slots more than it should have.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
She’s got a great voice, and I respect her style. This didn’t hit for me though. I’d like it more if I listened to it more I’m sure. Sadly this didnt entice me to repeat it.
Marvin Gaye
1/5
This was really boring. I spent more time on it than I should have. I kept forgetting I was listening to this, and had to go back. It wasn’t worth it.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I liked this more than I thought I would. I Rolled my eyes when I saw this pop up. It didn’t really feel as it went anywhere and I dont feel compelled to listen to it again. I will consider it a passing neutral score.
The Thrills
1/5
What the fuck
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This wasn’t bad. It made me want to watch My Best Friends Wedding again more than repeat the album. So a net positive.
Blur
1/5
I think this album only was justified to be on this list because of one Song 2. And i don’t think that song is good enough carry that weight.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Something about this album feels insincere. I give Christina credit for trying to push herself into a different direction, and distinguish herself amongst her fellow pop princess peers that flooded the early 2000’s. Unfortunately it feels she is overcompensating with a double album of nonsense while trying to be taken seriously.
John Grant
1/5
Some would say this guy is a lyrical genius. I say this guy is a twat.
Lupe Fiasco
2/5
Not mad about it, not excited about it. I didn’t need it on this list.
Guns N' Roses
1/5
It was nice that the members of Guns n Roses put all their hits on one album. If they split them onto multiple albums , I fear the creators of this list would have felt inclined to force us to listen to 2 of their albums.
The Allman Brothers Band
1/5
This was rough.
Soul II Soul
2/5
This was alright. Pretty lame though. No need for it to be on this list.
Foo Fighters
1/5
I’d like to give this a passing score, but I just can’t. This seemed sloppy, and disjointed. Vocals were completely drowned out on many of the tracks. If the production was better I would consider this more. Since it’s not, I’m giving it a
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
This was a fun change of pace. Without this experiment I would have never of found this.
My biggest critique is that the album was live, and even that element wasn’t as awful as most other live albums.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Pretty forgettable. Listened to this on Friday, and can’t think of anything that stands out about this.
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
Meh. While I’m sure this was significant for some it did nothing for me. It was too long, and nothing stood out that I would want to replay again.
10cc
1/5
A hot mess. Something I prefer to watch. Not listen to.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I gave this a few listens. I don’t think it was worth the extra time, but I tried.
Dusty Springfield
1/5
I was too forgiving with the last Dusty album. I thought it would be the only one on the list. Silly me.
Nina Simone
1/5
I would like to be objective with this, but I can’t. She is certainly talented. But it still sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me.
Otis Redding
3/5
The vibe was good for the most part. The horns were jarring at times. Leaning positive/neutral on this.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
I had to look up the last Flaming Lips album for reference. I stated it dragged, and so did this. There were brief moments I was getting into. I could seeing it grow on me. But those highs didn’t outweigh what goes against this album.
Raekwon
2/5
Long and unnecessary. Not unlistenable, but unfortunately ran stale half way through the album.
Cheap Trick
1/5
A new low for me on this ridiculous list.
The Verve
2/5
Cancun edition: Listened to this by the pool in Mexico. Needless to say it probably wasn’t the right vibe. The album was overshadowed by late 90s music where Middle Aged women were trying to dance to Britney Spears “baby, one more time” in between their espresso martinis….. and I know what you are thinking. Drinking espresso martinis poolside in Mexico seems so gross. Why would someone do it? The same is to be said about listening to this nonsense while watching this train wreck all day. The verve certainly missed the mark on overall ambiance, and I guess I can’t fault them that I’m in Mexico. I can fault them though for me being more invested in these messy women falling into the pool, than this emo bore.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Cancún edition: This fit better with the vibe of being poolside in Mexico. I do have some concerns that at least one of these songs will be repeated by the one man cover band on stage tonight.
Simply Red
2/5
Started off ok, but it really didn’t build to anything. I question what was the innovation that put this album on any list you need to hear.
Megadeth
1/5
I’m willing to look past my biases and state that the metal genre has more to offer than I give it credit for. This wasn’t it.
Soft Machine
1/5
Haha, Third. I get it. It takes a third of your life to get through a third of this album. Fitting, but fuck no.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
An easy listen to get through. Besides what I already knew, nothing made me feel like I was missing out on what Aretha has to offer.
Garbage
4/5
I enjoyed the album as a whole. Every track was great. My only real critique is it certainly has that 90’s rock aesthetic that I try to stay away from. It might grow on me. My initial impression was good and enjoyable, just not enough to get the 5.
Sonic Youth
2/5
I was surprised that I didn’t hate this. I also didn’t really like this.
Mike Ladd
1/5
I think the creator of this list should have stuck to genres that they were familiar with. Maybe stay away from hip hop.
John Cale
2/5
I’d be interested in the conversation they had to decide this has to be on the list. I’d be curious what was the selling point that made this a must listen. The only thing I could find redeemable was it was short enough not to make me annoyed I was listening to it.
Blur
3/5
I had low expectations of this due to the last Blur album. I was surprised when this started off well enough. I did grow bored towards the end, but I’m going to give it a bump in rating for exceeding my expectations.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
My take on The Rolling Stones is that they have some undeniably good hits. The rest is just filler. I haven’t had a full album by them that has made me change my perspective on this. Not unlistenable. Just not something I care to repeat the whole album again.
Eric Clapton
1/5
I would’ve given this a two as there were at least two songs I could mildly tolerate. Unfortunately for Clapton likability does play a factor.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I would have probably really like this if I was around when it first came out. Overall I didn’t mind this, but nothing really stood out. It all blended together. I imagine that’s most of Elvis’ stuff. And I reckon I will find that out as this is the second of his album. Hesitant to give this a 3, but I will. Next Elvis album I will be less generous.
The Band
1/5
This album did nothing to change my thoughts on The Band. What shit.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
This was kinda refreshing. An easy listen, and didn’t overstay its welcome. Is this something I’m adding to my library? No. Would I be upset if someone turned this on at a social event? No.
The Stone Roses
1/5
I don’t know who this Colin Larkin is, but I can speak with conviction that after this entry I will not being listening to his 1000 albums after this experiment is done.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Some of the beets were interesting enough. Some of them were irritating. It’s not bad enough for a one, but there was nothing remarkable enough to make this album a “must listen”. This was dumb choice for this list.
Tricky
4/5
The album did a solid job transferring me into its world. I felt it was moody, dark, sensual at times. This was interesting enough that I will give it a few more times to be played through.
John Prine
1/5
This was a perfect album
Cover. It painted the picture of just what kind of evil was about to happen in my ears the moment I pressed play. Thanks for the transparency, John.
Jethro Tull
5/5
Well, I listened to this a few times over the weekend. I added it to my Spotify list, I didn’t think Jethro Tull would be my schtick. I guess it is.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
1/5
This wasn’t offensive, it just was boring. This shit got old real quick.
System Of A Down
1/5
I really never understood the hype with this band. A lot of inaudible shouting. Nope.
Gang Starr
3/5
The rap was great, and I can see how this is influential. Sadly this just didn’t hold up over the years falling into the dated category. I was happy to listen, but I won’t need a repeat on this anytime soon.
Bauhaus
2/5
I get what they were going for. Others have done it better before and after though. The highs on this album were few and far between. Making this a chore to get through.
AC/DC
1/5
Me before I played this album: “oh interesting. I wonder if they have anything good other than the popular hits.”
Me after I played this album: “why did I think that. I don’t even like their hits.”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
American Girl always reminds me of the scene from Scrubs where Sarah Chalke’s character destroys her bedroom and tears the kitten poster off the wall in a fit of rage, only to hang the kitten poster back up when her better senses come back to her.
The rest of this album is only ok compared to what Tom Petty releases later. Giving it a bonus point for the nostalgia, and Sarah Chalke.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
Maybe it was my mood today. This just didn’t hold my attention. I had to keep restarting until I finally gave up. Wasn’t feeling it.
Coldplay
1/5
I couldn’t stand Coldplay in 2000. With years of growth and this 1001 exercise I’ve come to appreciate things I didn’t once.
Coldplay isn’t an example of this. They still suck.
Sonic Youth
1/5
Why do I feel like I already am album by Sonic Youth? If I did it wasn’t very memorable, or it was bad enough ai tried to erase it from my mind.
Either way that tracks with this album.
Yes
1/5
Are the last couple prog rock I thought I was coming around on the genre. And maybe I was, but this sucked. Makes me want to bully some renaissance festival carnies, or some D&D kids.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Not for me. Somebody to Love slaps hard, and I will give it the respect it deserves just for that. It wasn’t enough for me to buy into the rest of the album.
Les Rythmes Digitales
5/5
No notes.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
I’m curious why this album stood out differently from the other Elvis Costello albums on the list. Like couldn’t we have skipped this one, kept the other nine that are on the list? Better yet, couldn’t we have skipped the other nine, and just kept one of his albums? If we did have to select only one entry from Costello I don’t think this would be it.
Bob Dylan
1/5
Somebody, anybody. Please take away that damn harmonica.
R.E.M.
2/5
This was a tad boring. REM just doesn’t do much for me.
Common
4/5
This is realistically a 3. But I enjoyed the experience of reading these reviews while listening this. Giving this a bump strictly because I was amused.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I like this enough. It wasn’t anything I’d repeat again. A passable grade nonetheless
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
Oh fun. A RHCP album from when they were actually good. I’m using the word good liberally.
Solange
1/5
I couldn’t really get out of my mind that these were songs AI created if you asked. It all felt so repetitive, and generic. A superficial approach to topics that should have more weight to it. Disappointed in this one.
The Smiths
4/5
I still like Morrissey. The haters can’t change my mind.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
1/5
Look there is a time and place for Bob Marley. You have to be in the right mood for you to be complacent enough to even tolerate this. I think we can retire Bob from this list. He doesn’t need any more entries here.
The Sugarcubes
4/5
This is the first I’ve ever listened to anything from Bjork. Turns out I liked it.
Gillian Welch
3/5
I get it, and can respect it. Not for me.
Wilco
2/5
This was far too long for how mediocre this was. If I had the patience to listen to this twice I might really enjoy some of this. In the end it’s not worth the investment.
Metallica
2/5
I think this might be the first time I listened fully to enter sandman. Begrudgingly I will say it’s great…. At first. I found it longer than it needed to be by about an hour. Every song after just felt like an extension, and not as good. This album slowly descended into monotonous.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Oh man there was a lot going on with this one. I liked it a lot even with how busy this felt. I think with more time, and replays this could be a 5. I just don’t have the energy or time today to see.
Tom Waits
3/5
I like Tom Waits a lot. But I don’t think this is the best representation for him. I enjoyed this as I will all of Tom’s albums. In fairness to the criteria given of “albums you need to hear before you die” and my annoyance with so many repeat artists I can’t give it a high score. It’s just not the best Waits has to offer. I won’t mark it low as is it’s still significantly better than most of what comes up in this list. So it’s going to sit right in the middle for me.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Loved this. Not really something I will go for all the time, but was a fun one to listen to.
Deerhunter
1/5
This vocals were in audible at times. The production seemed so sloppy. Even if I tried to look past that this was very boring. It sounded all too similar, nothing distinct.
The Cure
2/5
I didn’t find this bad. It’s just not for me.
Prince
5/5
This might be the easiest 5 I give.
Wilco
1/5
The creators of this list must love jerking it while listening to Wilco. I can’t see any other conceivable reason for them to be on here twice.
2Pac
3/5
I liked this. It didn’t captivate me enough to demand me to replay. A neutral grade seems appropriate
Pixies
2/5
Pixies aren’t doing it for me. This was more enjoyable than the last Pixies album. It didn’t do enough for me to move it into a 3.
The War On Drugs
2/5
I don’t get why this was on here. It was fine. I’m just seeing parallels to prior artists that did it all a little better. I’d give it a one but it wasn’t bad enough to get that. It’s going to get the lesser desired 2 for seemingly being lazy and unoriginal.
David Bowie
3/5
Upon first listen as a whole this album is rather mid. There are moments where you can hear Bowie’s brilliance. Replays might be needed to get a higher score. This just didn’t draw enough of my focus for that to happen
Hole
5/5
This was the fivest five to ever five. It’s a five, folks. Five.
Talk Talk
2/5
The first track was a little jarring with what sounded like children singing. Then I got into it, until I got out of it. A mixed bag all around.
Jacques Brel
2/5
This album has me feeling really indifferent. I doubt I will remember this album for anything good or bad.
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
Ugh, this guys voice. The hits justify a bump in rating, but there was nothing else here to give a passing score.
Dr. Dre
3/5
A tricky one. This didn’t agree well at all. It is very influential though. If this were to be released now I would consider this a one, and never consider listening to Dre again. I don’t really see a reason for a repeat listen ever again. I’m still going to acknowledge its importance to the genre.
Beach House
1/5
Whenever it’s notated in the album’s review that the album was on the 1001 list I know that it’s going to be a one star. I think it’s supposed to give the album some credibility, but it just warns me nonsense awaits. Makes me question my life choices now that I’m 300 plus albums deep in this mess.
Tori Amos
4/5
This was my first time listening to a full album by Amos. I was pleasantly surprised by this. There were a couple tracks I loved.
Queen
2/5
I have never really understood the draw of Queen. If there was a Queen album that would give me the perspective I needed this wouldn’t be it.