This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The AttractionsImproves upon his debut, which is already fantastic. Favorites: No Action, Pump It Up, Lip Service, Radio Radio Would I listen to it again: Yes
Improves upon his debut, which is already fantastic. Favorites: No Action, Pump It Up, Lip Service, Radio Radio Would I listen to it again: Yes
The music is so self-assured that sometimes it's hard to believe this is their debut album. A classic and with good reason. Favorites: Runnin' with the Devil, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, I'm the One (for the scatting), Ice Cream Man Would I listen to it again: Yes
Proof that the Temptations are one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. Just wow.
Hip Hop is not a genre I listen to regularly but since I'm trying to expand my musical horizons, this is a good first album as I start this musical journey. Liked a couple of songs but not something I would return to. Favorites: All of the Lights, Lost in the World Would I listen to it again? No
This is more my speed and the type of music I usually seek out. I'm familiar with a few songs from MGMT but have never listened to this full album. I really liked it. A lot of the songs start slow but really grow on you. Nothing I outright disliked. Can definitely hear a Bowie influence. Favorites: Electric Feel, Kids, Pieces of What, Of Moons Birds & Monsters Would I listen to it again? Yes
The only Wilco I've listened to before this are the two Mermaid Avenue records with Billy Bragg. You know those bands that you think you should love but just don't. I think Wilco is one of those bands for me. There were a few songs that were nice to listen to but as a whole, it didn't grab me. Favorites: Pot Kettle Black (I think because the beginning sounds like In Between Days, my favorite Cure song) Would I listen to it again? No
My first taste of Kraftwerk. You can see how much they influenced the synthpop artists that followed them and since I love those artists, not too surprising that I love this. Even with several 6+ minute songs, I was never bored. Favorites: Metropolis, The Model, Neon Lights, The Man Machine Would I listen to it again?: Yes
I'm more familiar with Common the actor than Common the rapper but consider me pleasantly surprised. Appreciate the soul/R&B-influenced backing tracks. Favorites: Be (Intro), Chi-City, The Food, They Say Would I listen to it again: Probably
I know who Traffic is but don't think I've ever really listened to them. It does tend to all blend together but love the organ. Favorites: Freedom Rider, Empty Pages Would I listen to it again: No
Not a Steely Dan fan. Never have been, never will be. However, I do like "Dirty Work".
Simply beautiful.
A classic.
I've never heard of Fred Neil but have heard a couple of his songs done by other people. This feels like a rainy day kind of album. Nice voice.
I consider myself a casual Who fan but gotta say, I loved this. They sound great and I liked hearing them in their prime since I never would have had the opportunity otherwise.
Love it.
Eh, kinda boring after awhile. I liked the opener, "Mysterons", but then it's just more of the same but not as appealing. Not for me.
What a lovely album! There's a reason these songs are considered standards and Willie does a great job interpreting them. Favorites: Stardust, Don't Get Around Much Anymore Would I listen to it again: Yes
Not for me.
I'll admit that I'm a big Elvis Costello fan so of course I love this. A really fantastic debut. "Welcome to the Working Week" might be the most perfect 90 seconds in rock.
I don't hate it but I don't particularly like it either.
My first Kinks album. It's a good one.
I have a friend whose favorite band is Iron Maiden. He would be so upset if I give this anything less than 5 stars. He should be prepared to be upset.
My second Kinks album. It's ok but I liked the concept album better.
Really enjoyed it. Great banter and great songs.
This is my 3rd Kinks album this week. I wasn't sure if I would like this album as that is a lot of Kinks at in a short period of time but this is my favorite by far. Loved it.
One of the reasons George is my favorite Beatle.
The 80s are probably my favorite decade of music so even though I've never heard The Blue Nile before, I loved this. Hit my sweet spot. Favorites: Tinsel Town in the Rain, Stay Would I listen to it again?: Yes
Never been a Pixies fan and this album didn't change my mind. One star for Kim Deal, who's cool. Everything else, eh. Would I listen to it again: No
My first Dylan album. His voice is definitely an acquired taste but didn't think it detracted from the songs, which are great. Liked it better than I thought I would. Favorites: Tangled Up in Blue, Buckets of Rain Would I listen to it again: Yes
Hey ho, let's go! Hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Iconic for a reason. Favorites: Blitzkrieg Bop, Beat on the Brat, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, Let's Dance Would I listen to it again: Yes
I know Dire Straits' hits (including 'Sultan of Swings' from this album) but that's about it. A solid debut with some great guitar work. Favorites: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing, Wild West End Would I listen to it again: Yes
I know a lot about Joni Mitchell but have never really listened to her. Probably not the best introduction as it's way too jazzy for me. Favorites: Shadows and Light Would I listen to it again: No
I can't be objective when it comes to Travis or this album. Been a fan of Travis since I first heard them and still love them. I loved this album when it came out and still love it. Their music just speaks to me. Favorites: Writing to Reach You, As You Are, Driftwood, Turn, Why Does It Always Rain on Me Would I listen to it again: Yes
I love Paul Weller. Love this album. Favorites: Sunflower, Wild Wood, All the Pictures on the Wall, Country, The Weaver, Hung Up Would I listen to it again: Yes
I've never listened to a full Sinatra album but have heard some of this. I think this album shows his voice off to great effect and also what a showcase for his song interpretation. And hats off to Nelson Riddle as the arrangements are wonderful. I really enjoyed this. Favorites: You Make Me Feel So Young, Too Marvelous for Words, I've Got You Under My Skin, I Thought About You Would I listen to it again: Yes
Dark and depressing.
I've heard of Grizzly Bear but have never listened to them. Not sure what I was expecting. Mostly inoffensive background music with some bursts of energy. Liked the vocals. Favorites: Two Weeks, Fine For Now Would I listen to it again: No
The music is so self-assured that sometimes it's hard to believe this is their debut album. A classic and with good reason. Favorites: Runnin' with the Devil, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, I'm the One (for the scatting), Ice Cream Man Would I listen to it again: Yes
Practically perfect. Favorite: She Bangs the Drum Would I listen to it again: Yes
Proof that the Temptations are one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. Just wow.
I can appreciate the music but I hate the singing so much. Not for me.
This album is stacked. I could try to list favorites but it would just be pretty much the whole album.
Is it sacrilege to say I find this album a little boring? There are some definite classics ("God Only Knows" is a perfect song) but overall, I don't find it that interesting.
I was not familiar with this Stevie album but after listening to it, realized I had heard more songs than I thought (Boogie on Reggae Woman, You Haven't Done Nothin'). It's Stevie during his imperial period so of course it's fantastic. I loved it. Favorites: Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, You Haven't Done Nothin', It Ain't No Use, They Won't Go When I Go (especially the piano intro), Please Don't Go Would I listen to it again: Yes
It's a good record and includes my favorite Beatles song but a few too many covers. Still a fun listen. Favorite: All My Loving Would I listen to it again: Yes
I was obsessed with this album in college and it hasn't lost any of its power. As close to perfect as you can get. Favorites: Plainsong, Pictures of You, Closedown, Lovesong, Lullaby, Fascination Street, Disintegration Would I listen to it again: Yes
I feel like I should like Pavement more than I actually do. This album has nothing I want to listen to again.
My first electronic record. Like the atmosphere of the first song but then it starts to get a little repetitive. Like: If I Had a Heart Would I listen to it again: No
Some stone cold classics, some snoozes but pretty good overall. Favorites: Maybe Baby, That'll Be the Day, I'm Looking For Someone to Love, Rock Me My Baby Would I listen to it again: Yes
How do you follow up an album like Rumors? This is a pretty good attempt. A little overlong but there are some gorgeous songs on this. Favorites: Over & Over, Think About Me, Sara, Sisters of the Moon, Angel Would I listen to it again: Yes
I was familiar with Alright but the rest is new to me. This is a pretty awesome album. Love the energy but it does drag a bit at the end. Favorites: I'd Like to Know, Alright, She's So Loose, Time Would I listen to it again: Yes
I've never heard of this. I kinda liked the first two songs but then it really becomes a drag.
Love, love, love, love, love. My favorite Oasis album. Favorites: Hello, Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, Cast No Shadow, Morning Glory Would I listen to it again: Yes
First listen to VU & Nico. The only song I was familiar with is "Femme Fatale" because of the REM cover. Think I prefer the Lou Reed-sung songs to Nico's.
A lot more organ than I was expecting. I like it. Favorites: Goodbye Toulouse, London Lady, Hanging Around, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself], Down in the Sewer Would I listen to it again: Yes
A couple of songs are familiar but a lot is new to me. I'm a big fan of 80s alternative/new wave/goth so love this. Favorites: Dominion, Lucretia My Reflection, This Corrosion, Flood II Would I listen to it again: Yes
Good solid 60s rock. Love the harmonies. Favorites: So You Want to Be a Rock'n'Roll Star, Have You Seen Her Face, Thoughts and Words, The Girl With No Name Would I listen to it again: Yes
These songs seem to go on forever. Not a good thing.
Probably my 3rd favorite U2 album. The Edge's guitar is amazing and the drums really drive the music. Love it. Favorites: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Like a Song, Surrender Would I listen to it again: Yes
I can't imagine how incredible it must have been to be in the room when this was recorded. The band swings and Sam Cooke is the ultimate showman. Absolutely amazing! Favorites: Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin' the Night Away, Bring It On Home to Me (seriously wow!) Would I listen to it again: Yes
Background music.
Stone cold classic. Not a bad song in the bunch. Favorite: Wish You Were Here Would I listen to it again: Yes
I know the big hits but have never listened to a full album. Really loved some of the country-tinged songs, especially the title track. Favorites: Gimme Shelter, Let It Bleed, You Can't Always Get What You Want Would I listen to it again: Yes
No Nico so that's a bonus. Liked it ok although could not finish The Gift, which was unbearable. Favorites: White Light/White Heat, I Heard Her Call My Name Would I listen to it again: Probably not
Improves upon his debut, which is already fantastic. Favorites: No Action, Pump It Up, Lip Service, Radio Radio Would I listen to it again: Yes
Terrible.
Really loved this. Great instrumentation and vocals (especially Four Cornered Room). Love the organ on City, Country, City. Extra star for the album cover, which is awesome. Favorites: Where Was You At, Four Cornered Room, The World Is a Ghetto Would I listen to it again: Yes
This is my second Dylan record and what I've discovered is that I like him a lot more than I thought I would. Not as good as Blood on the Tracks but still enjoyable. Find that I like the acoustic songs more than the electric ones. Favorites: Maggie's Farm, On the Road Again, Gates of Eden, It's Alright Ma Would I listen to it again: Yes
What an amazing singer! Love how he goes from smooth & silky to rough & ready. Prefer the rougher sound but overall a great record. Favorites: Cry to Me, If You Need Me Would I listen to it again: Yes
I don't like it as much as Wish You Were Here but still a pretty damn great album. Favorite: Breathe (In the Air), Brain Damage Would I listen to it again: Yes
Was not expecting the synth on "Save the Life of My Child". Overall it's alright despite some classic songs. Favorites: America, Mrs. Robinson Would I listen to it again: Probably not
Went in only knowing one song (which I don't even particularly care for) but enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. Some good solid pop songs. Love the organ on 'You Better Run'. Favorites: A Girl Like You, Sueno, How Can I Be Sure, You Better Run Would I listen to it again: Yes
Not totally terrible for a country album but not anything I would listen to again.
30 years ago, this would have been an automatic 5 stars. Now, I feel I've outgrown them but can appreciate the musicianship (except Anthony Kiedis's vocals, which really bring the songs down). Extra star for John Frusciante, who is still the best guitarist I've ever seen. Favorite: Breaking the Girl Would I listen to it again: No
Kinda boring.
I liked the beginning of Tapered Jean Girl but then the singing started and totally ruined it. Not a fan.
Is it as good as Unknown Pleasures? No. Is it still a good record? Yes. Favorites: A Means to an End, Twenty Four Hours (the guitar on both songs is tremendous) Would I listen to it again? Yes
Jazz is not my thing. I can appreciate the musicianship that is heard here but can't say I really enjoyed it. Favorite: Godchild Would I listen to it again: No
I tried, I really did but I couldn't finish it. I just do not like Steely Dan.
After listening to this, I've come to the conclusion that I am not a fan of shoegaze.
I love the Smiths because of Johnny Marr (and in spite of Morrissey). Marr's guitar playing alone deserves 5 stars. Favorites: The Headmaster Ritual, I Want the One I Can't Have, Nowhere Fast, Barbarism Begins at Home Would I listen to it again: Yes
I find that I do like this better than Blood Sugar Sex Magik but it's not something I would revisit. It does contain my all-time favorite RHCP song. Favorite: Otherside Would I listen to it again: Probably not (except Otherside)
Makes me want to get up and dance. A good example of what a great producer Niles Rodgers is. And even though I've heard "We Are Family" a million times, it is still a banger. Favorites: He's the Greatest Dancer, We Are Family Would I listen to it again: Yes
A solid debut. Favorites: Re-Hash, Tomorrow Comes Today, Clint Eastwood, Punk, 19-2000 Would I listen to it again: Yes
I'd never heard of Manu Chao so wasn't sure what to expect. A pleasant surprise and an enjoyable listen. Favorites: Je ne t'aime plus, Mentira, Would I listen to it again: Yes
I don't think I've listened to this album since it came out, but damn, is it good. Great songs, great voice. Favorites: Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Across the Lines, Baby Can I Hold You Would I listen to it again: Yes
There are so many sounds layered over each song that at times it becomes cacophonous. I'm sure there are good songs in there somewhere but it's hard to hear through all the noise. Would I listen to it again: No
Fleet Foxes is one of those bands that I've heard of but never listened to. Wasn't sure if I would like it as it can be hit or miss with these folky types of bands but pleasantly surprised. Some of the slower songs can lean a little on the twee side but overall really enjoyed it. Love the harmonies. Favorites: Ragged Wood, Quiet Houses, Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountains Would I listen to it again: Yes
This album is so stacked with great 80s pop. Even the non-singles are bops. Favorites: When You Were Mine, Time After Time, She Bop, All Through the Night Would I listen to it again: Yes
Solid debut. Not as good as their next album (which is a masterpiece) but pretty damn close. Favorites: Rock 'N' Roll Star, Live Forever, Supersonic, Slide Away, Married with Children Would I listen to it again: Yes
I was a big fan of this when I was in college but haven't listened to it since then. Some cool songs on it and I appreciate that he did almost all the instrumentation but the lyrics tend to go a little hippy dippy. An ok debut but there's better to come. Favorites: Sitting on Top of the World, Let Love Rule, Mr. Cab Driver
Adele is a once-in-a-generation talent and this album is a testament to that. I was expecting all maudlin ballads but there are some good mid-tempo songs that bring some energy. Overall, this is a fantastic album! Favorites: Hello, I Miss You, Water Under the Bridge, Sweetest Devotion Would I listen to it again: Yes
What the hell did I just listen to? Some nice harmonies but there's a lot on this that is downright goofy. I'm coming to the conclusion after listening to 2 Beach Boys albums (with one of them being Pet Sounds) that I do not particularly like them. Favorites: None Would I listen to it again: No
A lot of bangers on this but as a Black Keys fan, even I think this album is a little long. Favorites: Next Girl, Howlin' For You, She's Long Gone, Sinister Kid Would I listen to it again: Yes
Eh. Not really for me.
Am I a Bob Dylan fan? He was never someone I sought out (knew a few of the big songs) but I've now listened to three Dylan albums (with this being my third), and enjoyed them all. Favorites: Dirt Road Blues, Standing in the Doorway, Not Dark Yet, Make You Feel My Love Would I listen to it again: Yes
Probably my favorite MJ album. Shows a pop star ascending, heading towards his peak and Quincy Jones proving he is the master. Favorites: Rock With You, Get on the Floor, Off the Wall Would I listen to it again: Yes