245
Albums Rated
3.42
Average Rating
22%
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26
5-Star Albums
1
1-Star Albums
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Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arise | 5 | 2.72 | +2.28 |
| The White Room | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| Low-Life | 5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| Red Headed Stranger | 5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
| It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back | 5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
| Penance Soiree | 4 | 2.5 | +1.5 |
| The Clash | 5 | 3.54 | +1.46 |
| Document | 5 | 3.57 | +1.43 |
| Here's Little Richard | 5 | 3.57 | +1.43 |
| Moving Pictures | 5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry's Dream | 1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
| Is This It | 2 | 3.82 | -1.82 |
| Getz/Gilberto | 2 | 3.64 | -1.64 |
| 1999 | 2 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| Talking Heads 77 | 2 | 3.56 | -1.56 |
| Queen II | 2 | 3.49 | -1.49 |
| More Songs About Buildings And Food | 2 | 3.42 | -1.42 |
| Blunderbuss | 2 | 3.4 | -1.4 |
| xx | 2 | 3.37 | -1.37 |
| Sea Change | 2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (26)
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Popular Reviews
Willie Nelson
5/5
Most country music, Outlaw or otherwise, just does not click for me. However, this album is just brilliant. Mostly just piano and guitar and Nelson singing.
Great album, incredible artist.
2 likes
White Denim
4/5
Never heard of this band, but I enjoyed this album. They sound like a mash-up of the Allman Brothers and Phish. Overall it's good and there are some really great grooves in some parts. I really liked Back at the Farm and the jazz flute on River to Consider was a nice surprise.
While this is a good album, I would love to know the reason(s) why I HAD to listen to it. Also trying to figure out why David Duchovny is on the cover.
2 likes
Laibach
2/5
With that cover you know you're in for something special. Take the most arty and avant-garde base, like the most esoteric Talking Heads, mix it with grade z industrial metal, add troll with chunks of facist, or is it, and, for the pièce de résistance, have the lead singer sound remarkably like Cookie Monster when he does actually sing. Voilà! Laibach!
What's on this album is more performance art than music, clearly meant to provoke a reaction. My reaction was I did not care for it. However, I appreciate what they did here is on-purpose, so props to them for that. I won't give it one star, but I just cannot give it 3.
2 likes
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
If we examine the zeitgeist and malaise of cold-war West Berlin and the overarching fears of nuclear annihilation, we see the origins of...nah just bullshitting, this album is crazy. "Everything's a Drum" taken to the extreme. Power tools, banging metal, screaming, and the occasional real musical instrument thrown in. Chaos, but interesting to listen to once.
As far as this being the lowest rated album on the list at the time of writing this, I honestly would rather listen to this again than the 3rd album from some derivative 80's synth pop group. Save me.
As some famous musicians once said, "It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever". This group is stomping all over that line and just could not care less.
1 likes
Björk
3/5
I mean, it's Björk so it's going to sound different. Parts are interesting, parts sound like they should be on a movie soundtrack, parts sound experimental, parts are annoying bordering on unlistenable, it's a Björk album.
Another not really bad yet not really good album on this list.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
The Doors
3/5
Solid. Very 60's, sometimes a little psychedelic-y with some catchy music. Always amazed that they didn't have a bass player, I think.
I'm not a huge fan of the Doors and think they're a bit overrated, but I am not a child of the 60's. As with other influential groups from that time, they sound cliched, but they're probably the ones who invented the style in the first place and everyone has been copying them. Kinda like blaming Pearl Jam for Creed.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Like most people in my generation I didn't know who Herbie Hancock was until Rockit which came out like 10 years after this album. I really enjoy the funk-infused jazz. Would be great as part of a playlist for a party or background for work. Very good album.
Stan Getz
2/5
I was not familiar with this album at all. Apparently this helped popularize Bossa Nova music. I have also learned that Bossa Nova music is like Samba music, but with more emphasis on melody rather than percussion.
I appreciate the music and that it sounds like it is played well, but this album is not something I would listen to normally. My parents probably would have enjoyed it though.
The Specials
3/5
Little Bitch instantly makes me think of Sixteen Candles. Great needle-drop in a movie full of them. The Specials set the tone for Ska. Sounds raw like punk, but does not sound as angry unless you read the lyrics. The only problem with ska is it starts to sound repetitive if you listen to it for a long time. Enjoyed this one.
Violent Femmes
4/5
When I went to university this album was standard issue, just about everyone had it. Blister in the Sun, Kiss Off, Add It Up, Gone Daddy Gone are all songs I've listened to probably more than 100 times. The sound is stripped down, acoustic punk. Some would have called it "college radio" at the time. Great music and quite unique.
R.E.M.
4/5
I am a pretty big fan of REM. Document was huge when it came out. It is what made me initially interested in the band. I went back and got their previous albums which I enjoyed. Very "college radio", but there is a lot of good stuff.
Starting with Green I guess they were evolving their sound. I did not care for a lot of it at the time and did not like post-Document REM as much as pre-Document. Also, like post-Joshua Tree U2, it seemed that they started taking themselves a bit too seriously.
I'm not sure I have ever actually listened to this entire album, but I have heard a lot of it. It is better than I remember.
I still feel pre-Document is better REM, but this is a good album and REM is definitely a great band.
Missy Elliott
4/5
I like hip-hop music, but I don't know a whole lot about Missy Elliott or this album, my loss. It is a good album. Some old school callbacks along with newer things. A lot of big-name contributors. Songs that stood out for me were Bring the Pain, Work It, and Funky Fresh Dressed.
It's one of those albums that sound like they put a lot of effort into it, it just sounds good. Definitely worth listening to.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
I have never listened to this before, but I recognized 3 songs, Oh Boy, Maybe Baby, and That'll Be the Day. They are catchy songs. This was probably a lot different than typical music in the 50's. Knowing the influence Holly had, it's easy to hear it on the album. Definitely worth listening to.
This was the only album released by Buddy Holly and the Crickets while Buddy Holly was alive. He did release two other solo albums which were also popular. The quantity and quality of music he probably inspired is amazing. Holly has been cited as an influence to artists like Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Elvis Costello, and others. Truly a groundbreaking artist and all before he died at 22.
Beck
2/5
Very low-key music, sometimes sounds a little country and I heard what reminded me a lot of Pink Floyd at times. This seems like a big departure from the sound of what I'd heard form Beck. As I listened to it I thought it sounds like it was written by someone who had a break up or divorce. I looked at Wikipedia and he had just broken up with his girlfriend before this.
I have to give him credit for being a talented artist/song-writer, that does come through. I'm sure if I read through the lyrics I would find a lot of introspection. This album is good in it's own space, but I just found it boring.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Sam Cooke is the King of Soul and his voice is almost instantly recognizable.
All of the songs flowed together and this album was great to listen to. Almost 40 minutes of music that felt like about 5. The man had a great voice and was a gifted performer. Twistin' the Night Away is just a great song.
According to my extensive research of reading Wikipedia, although this is an album for a live show done in Miami in 1963, the label did not like how it sounded and put it on a shelf for 22 years. So not released until 1985. On Spotify this appears to be the reissue released in 2005 after adjustments to the mix of audience and Cooke's singing.
Talking Heads
3/5
For me the Talking Heads were a little too leading edge of new wave/progressive music for me. I liked some of their songs, but a lot were incomprehensible or plain weird.
That being said, I enjoyed this one. Another one that I have never listened to and recognize only one song that everyone probably recognizes, Once in a Lifetime, which had some popular success and a pretty interesting video at the beginning of the MTV era. There's a lot of riffs or grooves that are just repeated over and over in songs, to nice effect. I had friends who smoked pot and listened to a lot of Pink Floyd, they probably would have liked most of this album for that purpose.
Some progressive music can be difficult to listen to, but not the case here. A good album by an influential band.
Neu!
4/5
Ambient? Experimental? Proto-Punk? Proto-Chill Wave? Definitely unique. Not familiar at all with the group Neu! and beyond Kraftwerk I'm not familiar with much German progressive/new wave music. Really, it sounded like some people got into a studio and had some fun making some music. It also made an hour of work go by more quickly. Definitely worth a listen.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
I cannot remember what got me initially interested in Fatboy Slim. I think Soul Surfing was music in a commercial and Gangster Trippin' was in the soundtrack for the movie Go. The music really resonated with me. This album is brilliant and I couldn't even tell you how many times I've listened to it. You should listen to it now!
Fun fact, Fatboy Slim (aka Norman Cook) played bass for the Housemartins before becoming Fatboy Slim.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
What more can you say about Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin III that hasn't already been said a million times. If you like Zep and their music you will like this one. Page's playing is pretty amazing. Another great album by an amazing band.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
For albums I know nothing about I'm doing thoughts before and after I listen:
Before: I know Joni Mitchell is a singer and she is well known and an influential artist, I could not name one of her songs off the top of my head. Did she do the paved paradise and put up a parking lot one? I expect to hear 70's folksy/contemporary music. I expect I'll recognize one or two songs.
After:
Recognized Help Me. She did do Paved Paradise, but it's not on this album. Definitely 70's singer/songwriter music à la Carly Simon or James Taylor, but leans more folk to my ear. I think it's a good album, but not my normal cup of tea.
Marty Robbins
2/5
What I expected to hear: cowboy music
What I heard: cowboy music, I did recognize El Paso
If you like cowboy/country/western music you will love this album. I don't, so this was a tough one to get through.
Michael Jackson
3/5
It is difficult to separate Michael Jackson's music from Michael Jackson the person. Clearly he was a massively talented artist, but not such a great person. Off the Wall is interesting because it seems to be the point right before he began to lose touch with reality. Also before the Pepsi commercial accident when he went completely off the rails never to recover.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock with You are really great songs. She's Out of My Life was also very popular. The rest of the album is good. Off the Wall stands out among the rest. Hard to judge this album fairly when his next album happens to be the best selling album of all time, but this one is good.
Various Artists
4/5
A good album of Christmas music with a doo-wop twist, the Spector Wall of Sound and featuring Spector artists. I was surprised how many of these specific recordings of these songs I recognized and enjoy. White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) are all great. Darlene Love and the Ronettes really stand out too.
If you're looking for a good album of Christmas music and can ignore Phil Spector's legacy, this is definitely worth a listen.
The Byrds
3/5
I know who the Byrds are and that they're not the Yardbirds. I know very little about this album, but's a big dose of that folky/psychadelicy rock music from the mid to late 60's. Nice harmonies, which makes sense given the people involved. It had some things that definitely seemed Beatles-inspired, music looped backwards and the sitar in some songs.
I'm sure I've heard a lot of these songs before but I didn't recognize any while I listened. I appreciate the people involved and the influence of the Byrds, and the Yardbirds for that matter, but found this one a little boring.
If you're listening to this on Spotify the original album had just the first 11 songs. The additional 6 tracks are from the 1996 CD reissue, at least that's what Wikipedia says.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
For a long time I have tried really hard to like Bruce Springsteen's music, but it just have never clicked for me. I have tried to figure out what it is. Other than I feel like he mumbles when he sings I'm not sure. He is a very talented guy and the E Street Band is great. I have heard they were amazing to listen to live. Steven Van Zandt was Silvio in the Sopranos! What more do they need?
Some consider this album to be one of his best, but I still don't get it. I tried.
Nick Drake
3/5
This is an interesting album. I don't know much about Nick Drake other than he was a folk-type singer and he died pretty young. This seems to be a little different than other folk music. There is a lot of what seems like elaborate backing music and a lot of backing vocals, which do sound good. This is some slow and mellow music and it's not a bad way to spend 40 minutes.
The xx
2/5
Legitimately never heard of this group so was hoping to discover some new music. Not sure what type of music I would say this is, kind of chill-wavy. All the songs sounded the same to me, kind of bland and nondescript. Apparently this was a pretty highly acclaimed album, but I didn't care for it.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Amazing album! Only five songs, half of which are a multi-part tribute to Syd Barrett. To top it off there's Welcome to the Machine and Have a Cigar. "By the way, which one's Pink?"
This and Dark Side of the Moon are probably as close to perfect Pink Floyd as you can get.
Common
3/5
I know who Common is but not much about his music. I did not realize how long he's been around. On this one, Common has a smooth voice and there was a nice groove that seemed to run through the whole album. Ye produced and it sounds good. He definitely had some talent back when he was still on his meds. Definitely a good way to spend some time and worth a listen.
The Cult
2/5
I've never listened to this whole album and yet I feel like I have. Because, if you've heard one or two Cult songs you've pretty much heard them all. I do own their album Love and have listened to it more than a few times. Other than She Sells Sanctuary, I don't think I could name another song on it. After listening to this entire album, except that some of the song names are kind of unique, Aphrodisiac Jacket?, I can't really tell them apart.
Honestly, these guys are good in small doses, but they are repetitive, but they are repetitive.
One last thing, this album's cover is great for the "Guess the Lead Singer" game. Who could it possibly be?
Le Tigre
4/5
Kathleen Hanna one of the Riot Grrrl pioneers helped form this band after Bikini Kill. I like the raw energy and emotion you hear in a lot of punk music. This album takes the edge off of the rawness so it's a lot more listenable. If you like the arty-punk/riot grrrl styles of music at all, you will like this one. Even if you don't, this is still worth a listen.
R.E.M.
5/5
This is peak REM and their breakthrough to big mainstream success. I haven't listened to the whole thing in a long time, but it is still great. Although my contrarian self in 1987 couldn't stand The One I Love because it was WAY too popular, it is a great song. Side One of the LP starting with Finest Worksong and ending with It's the End of the World is one of my favorites sides ever.
This is an incredible album and as close to REM perfection as you can get.
Al Green
3/5
Some great R&B/Soul music. Let's Stay Together is the one everyone probably knows. Another artist with some troubling history, but this is worth a listen.
The Jam
3/5
I like the Jam, but haven't listened to a lot of their music. Definitely that early 80's new wavy sound. You can hear Beatles influence in some songs, like Start! Good music here.
Janis Joplin
4/5
Janis Joplin was a powerful singer with her signature raspy voice that most will recognize. This is a fantastic blues/rock album that was her most successful work. Cry Baby, Me and Bobby McGee, and Mercedes Benz are all well known from this one. Definitely worth listening to.
This was released after her heroin overdose death that made her one of the charter members of the original 27 Club. One can only imagine what she might have done if she hadn't OD'd. Don't do drugs kids.
Kings of Leon
2/5
I've heard of this group, but couldn't have named any of their songs prior to listening. Maybe an opportunity to discover some new music? Nope. This album is OK but there's nothing remarkable about it. Sound like generic mid-00's rock music.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
There's not a whole lot you can say about this one. An iconic band in their prime. Brown Sugar, Wild Horses and Bitch are the well known songs and they hold up. A great album and a fantastic way to spend 46 minutes and 15 seconds.
Also, I'm sure the album cover had a lot of people clutching at their pearls back in 1971. <Spın̈al Tap Joke Here>
Talking Heads
2/5
I want to like the Talking Heads more, but I find it hard to listen to a lot of their music, like a lot of this album. The cover of Al Green's Take Me to the River was OK. A big old Meh of an album.
Gene Clark
3/5
Gene Clark? Who? Cool, another chance to discover some new music...maybe. It's pretty good, 70's folksy rock with a country-twist, kinda Neil Young-ish at times. I guess Clark and Young were contemporaries so not sure who influenced whom. On another day this might have hit me different. Today it sounds like another 70's album that is highly praised, but I'm not entirely sure why. Guess you had to be there.
The National
2/5
Another one where I've never heard of the group. Interesting album cover. I'm always looking for new music, but this one just didn't click for me. It sounds like more downbeat Coldplay. It's not bad to listen to, but kind of blah. I can't imagine I would listen to it again.
Public Enemy
4/5
Great hip hop album. 911 is a Joke, Welcome to the Terrordome, and Fight the Power stand out on this excellent album. Chuck D channels the anger, Flavor Flav in his prime, Bomb Squad brilliance. Great album by a great group.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Another artist I am completely unfamiliar with. This is a fantastic album even though I can't understand most of the words. Samba mixed with funk that creates some tremendously engaging music. I enjoyed listening to this album very much.
Interesting to hear the part in Taj Mahal that Rod Stewart lifted, "unconsciously" or not, for Do Ya Think I'm Sexy. Seems pretty blatant.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Incredible album by one of the greats of jazz. I don't know a lot about jazz, I like some and find some unbearable. Do I know anything about Monk's playing style? He plays piano, otherwise nope. Do I know what type of jazz this is? Kinda be-bop maybe? What I do know is I enjoyed listening to this album.
Madonna
3/5
I'm not a big Madonna fan so I had low expectations before I started listening and was pleasantly surprised. A mix of techno/electronica with a little country-adjacent type music that is not bad. Music and Don't Tell Me both stood out. I did not care for Nobody's Perfect with the maxed-out auto-tune and I'll just pretend I didn't hear the American Pie cover.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Listening to this album was depressing. Except for a couple of nice moments it just highlights the deterioration of a talented musician. I should give it 1 star, but since it's Barrett, I'll give it 2.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Snoop Dogg's debut album after his major contributions to Dr. Dre's The Chronic. Snoop's voice and flow are undeniable, very smooth. I really like the funk influence, but I still prefer the Digital Underground style to G-funk. Good one to listen to and Who Am I (What's My Name)? is just a great track.
Jack White
2/5
Jack White blues/rock that was OK. Nothing bad, but nothing that rises to the level of his White Stripes work. I'm going to listen to Elephant now I think.
Cat Stevens
3/5
I'm not a fan of folk music or Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam so I expected this to be a slog to get through, but it was not. I'll even say it was not bad.
For those who are folk fans, I imagine this album has everything you would look for in a hippyish-folk album from 1970, even the cover. Enjoy
Björk
3/5
Quirky is a good word to describe Björk. Mostly dance/electronica/house music that was quirky, but OK to listen to. Human Behaviour and Play Dead stuck out for me. The Anchor Song was unique with the saxophones (I think they were saxophones).
I can understand why some would not like this one, but I did not mind listening to it.
Prince
2/5
Most of Prince's music just does not click for me, as much as I have tried. This album was about how I remembered it, OK. Delirious is a great song (one of the few Prince songs I really enjoy). 1999 and Little Red Corvette were also big hits. After those 3, the rest of the album is a bit of a slog to get through at times. Maybe if the songs were longer, especially Automatic and Lady Cab Driver...
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
I've heard Biggie's music, but I don't think I've listened to this one all the way through. Overall, it is very good. Just about everyone has heard Juicy and Big Poppa. Some others that stood out to me were Things Done Changed, Gimme the Loot, and The What (with M E T H O D Man). The flow, music, and grooves are all amazing for the most part. The lyrics do get a little tired after a while, but I guess that's what sold in '94. I also did not like the vignettes or whatever they were throughout the album. All they did was disrupt the flow.
Overall a good album. Hard to believe he was only 24 when he died.
Jurassic 5
4/5
This is a fantastic album. J5 is great but very under-appreciated. Laid back with great grooves, they are just great to listen to. A Day at the Races is a personal favorite. Break, What's Golden, and High Fidelity also stand out. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this one.
The Smiths
3/5
With the saddest person on the planet, Morrissey, the Smiths played sad music. Emo music before there was Emo music?
This is a good collection of jangly guitar alternative music from the golden age of alternative. It is much better than I remember, which, ironically, made me kind of happy.
Elton John
3/5
Sir Elton is obviously a great singer and musician and Bernie Taupin's lyrics are good, mostly. Tiny Dancer is a classic track with or without Almost Famous. Levon is also good. The rest of the album is OK.
The Monkees
3/5
Not a bad album. A mix of psychadelicy-lite/60's pop. I did recognize For Pete's Sake as the closing music for the TV show. No Time and Randy Scouse Git are also not bad. It's worth a listen.
Slayer
3/5
This is one of the better thrash metal albums of the early thrash years. Although, hearing it now a lot of the lyrics are pretty juvenile. Ooh, devil, blood, surgery, blood. Obviously all for shock value and it gets old quick.
However, there is some great music here. I really liked the beginning of Jesus Saves and Raining Blood stands out. If you're looking for fast and loud with a sprinkling of satanic-panic you will find it here.
Queen
2/5
I really like a lot of Queen's music and a lot of prog-rock, but this one was hard to get through. It sounds like a mash-up of Rush and Led Zeppelin with some Yes thrown in. Hard prog rock? Also, did anyone really like most of these concept albums? Only Seven Seas of Rhye stood out to me. The rest is a few interesting bits lost in a sea of meandering prog-ness.
Even the great bands miss sometimes.
Steely Dan
3/5
Soft/Jazz Rock. Reelin' in the Years is probably the stand out. That, Do it Again, and Dirty Work were all on the radio constantly in the 70's and 80's. The rest of the album is OK. Nothing terrible, but nothing really great either.
Portishead
4/5
Great Trip-Hop. Portishead has such a unique sound. Reading about some of the techniques they used to make this album made me like it even more. They were really going for something here. I could put this album on in the background and listen for hours. This is another album where I can understand why people might not like it, but I think it's just fantastic.
Eagles
3/5
I don't mind the Eagles for the most part. I know the Dude is a CCR fan. Take it Easy, Witchy Woman, and Peaceful Easy Feeling are the well known ones. Turn on any "classic" rock radio station for more than 20 minutes and you would probably hear one of them today. Other than those 3, the rest of the album is OK with some toe-tappers and nice harmonies.
Overall, this album lands solidly and squarely in boomer/dad rock territory. It would be a strong candidate for being the picture next to their definitions.
Paul Simon
3/5
I own this album and like it. However, it's very hard to ignore that Paul Simon "played Sun City" making this album. I like to think that he helped some artists, South African and otherwise, get some exposure they wouldn't have gotten otherwise, but stories of improper attribution of credit and/or payment for work on the album are troubling. The more I read the more troubling it gets.
Based solely on the music, this is at least a 4, but I have to take 1 off. Regardless, You Can Call Me Al is a great song.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Travelin' Band, Lookin' Out My Back Door, Run Through the Jungle, Up Around the Bend, Who'll Stop the Rain, I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Long as I can See the Light, all very good songs. This is fully half of the CCR greatest hits albums that I have seen from this one album. Ramble Tamble and an extended Heard it Through the Grapevine that I had not heard were also very good. I understand better why the Dude wanted his Creedence tape back.
This album is excellent.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Wow! The jazz/big band/swing music of the Greatest Generation and it is amazing. This is music WAY before my time, but it's almost timeless and very engaging. Take the "A" Train is one that is instantly recognizable and a great song. Even though I did not recognize a lot of other songs specifically, all of them sound so familiar.
Laibach
2/5
With that cover you know you're in for something special. Take the most arty and avant-garde base, like the most esoteric Talking Heads, mix it with grade z industrial metal, add troll with chunks of facist, or is it, and, for the pièce de résistance, have the lead singer sound remarkably like Cookie Monster when he does actually sing. Voilà! Laibach!
What's on this album is more performance art than music, clearly meant to provoke a reaction. My reaction was I did not care for it. However, I appreciate what they did here is on-purpose, so props to them for that. I won't give it one star, but I just cannot give it 3.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Great album. This music is unique which makes it difficult to judge this album like other ones. There is something hypnotic and soothing about the repetition which makes it really good background music. Unfortunately, that's also the downside of this music's uniqueness.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Just something I noticed, although the group is called Dexys Midnight Runners, what is written on the album cover is, "Kevin Rowland & Dexys Midnight Runners". No ego there.
Celtic folk/pop and "blue-eyed" soul that is almost OK. More correctly, the Midnight Runners seems to know how to play their instruments, but the singing does get annoying. The Van Morrison cover is a good song and their version is passable. The big hit, Come On Eileen, makes me cringe whenever I hear it. Luckily it is only on every 80's compilation ever made.
Surprisingly, the album cover is great. It's the ultimate entry in the "Guess the Lead Singer" game, he's the only one on it! I guess none of the Midnight Runners could make the photo shoot or whatever is going on there. The only question is does the cover properly capture Kevin as the tortured poet/artist suffering for the sake of his art?
Bob Dylan
3/5
Have you ever seen those videos in restaurants where they fill a bottle with water from a hose and then tell the wannabe-sophisticated people dining it's something like glacier water from Alaska and see if they notice it's hose water? That's how I feel when I listen to Bob Dylan. Is this music actually good or is it hose water?
I appreciate that Dylan is immensely influential and a talented songwriter and musician. As I listened, there was more than one moment where the harmonica was legitimately annoying and there was a point where it all started to sound the same. When it was done though, I was surprised that I enjoyed it more than I didn't. If it is hose water I kind of liked it.
Duran Duran
3/5
Duran Duran was in that group of the first bands that really got the full MTV effect. I've probably seen the videos for Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf hundreds of times, but I have never listened to an entire Duran Duran album unless a greatest hits album counts.
Other than those two tracks, nothing else really stood out. I find whenever I listen to Duran Duran I come away a little disappointed. I don't know, this album is not bad, just unsatisfying.
The Youngbloods
3/5
Folk/Country Rock with a bit of psychadelic. It's OK. Definitely got some strong Mickey Dolenz/Monkees vibes or maybe the Monkees had strong Youngbloods vibes, I don't know.
The fact that we get a Youngbloods' album without Get Together on it tells me there's probably at least one more Youngbloods' album on this list. Can't wait.
Dr. Dre
3/5
1992?! This album is more than 30 years old? Not possible.
There are amazing grooves throughout, but the gangsta-ness gets tired quickly. The first half is great with Let Me Ride and Nuthin' But a "G" Thang standing out. The second half kind of drags except for Stranded on Death Row, Bushwick Bill!
I'm pretty sure this is the OG of gangsta-funk. If it wasn't the first, than it's one often imitated. I prefer p-funk (like Digital Underground) to g-funk, but this is worth a listen.
Sebadoh
2/5
My first thought was the name of the group looks like something Adam Sandler would say.
My second thought was I've never heard of this group so another chance to discover some new music. Maybe? Almost...this album is OK. It's lo-fi so it's raw, messy and almost in tune. I wanted to like it more, but it just did not click for me.
Patti Smith
4/5
Whenever I listen to Bob Dylan and other highly-acclaimed musical artists from the 60's and 70's, I always wonder if it is good music or is it the musical equivalent of the emperor's new clothes? I felt that way before I listened to this album.
Not sure this is really punk music. It's simpler, in a good way, and not so frenetic. Her singing is unique at times and her lyrics get pretty deep. No song sticks out to me on my first listen, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I guess in this case I will believe the hype.
George Harrison
4/5
A George Harrison TRIPLE album!? Who likes drinking from the fire hose? I guess technically it's a double-album with a bonus "Apple Jam" LP. Thankfully it is pretty great. Around 2 hours long that didn't seem that long at all. Harrison was undeniably a talented musician and songwriter. Fortunately and unfortunately for him he was in a band with two of the greatest singer/songwriters ever.
While it is good overall, the problem is there is just too much. Spotify's version appears to be the 30th anniversary edition which includes even more than the original release. I agree with what some reviews say, there could be a 5-star album in here somewhere but it would take some work to find it.
Can
3/5
Made in the 70's, but this legitimately sounds like ambient/chill wave music released today. If you need some good background music, look no further.
Van Morrison
2/5
I like some of Van Morrison's music, but a live double-album?! The band is great throughout. Morrison is an excellent singer and that also comes through.
The first half was not bad. However at about Saint Dominic's Preview I hit the wall hard, I had reached my limit of blue-eyed-Celtic-folk-blues-whatever. After that it was quite a slog to get to the end. How did people at the concerts stay awake?
I'm sure Van Morrison fans will love this album. It was at least 40 minutes too long for me.
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
I am just a casual fan of Electronic/Techno/House music, so I've never heard of this group. It's about what I expected and it is not bad it's just kind of there. The name of the album should really be something like "Background 76" and I half-expected to find out it was a movie or video game soundtrack.
If you have a lot of work to do or need to run a 10K and really want to listen to something that is not distracting, this would be a choice.
Talking Heads
2/5
I have a mostly hate-hate relationship with the Talking Heads. There are maybe 2 songs of theirs I genuinely enjoy. I feel like I should like them more and I have really tried to like them more, but I just don't.
New Feeling was pretty good. Parts of No Compassion sound like a first draft for Wild Wild Life. I'm not sure why so many people love Psycho Killer, it's not bad, but it's not that great. Everything else ranges from mid to meh.
72 albums so far, this is the third Talking Heads album I've gotten. For whoever is angry with me, I'm sorry! OK?!
Radiohead
4/5
It's been a while since I listened to this whole album. It was great when I bought it and is still great.
Shout out to Marvin the Paranoid Android, or is he just morose?
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
I'm not sure what "neo-psychedelic" is, but this sounds like new wave/alternative to me. Overall the album is OK. It's like listening to an entire album of b-sides, nothing really bad, but nothing great.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
If we examine the zeitgeist and malaise of cold-war West Berlin and the overarching fears of nuclear annihilation, we see the origins of...nah just bullshitting, this album is crazy. "Everything's a Drum" taken to the extreme. Power tools, banging metal, screaming, and the occasional real musical instrument thrown in. Chaos, but interesting to listen to once.
As far as this being the lowest rated album on the list at the time of writing this, I honestly would rather listen to this again than the 3rd album from some derivative 80's synth pop group. Save me.
As some famous musicians once said, "It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever". This group is stomping all over that line and just could not care less.
Charles Mingus
2/5
I like some jazz, but I did not care for most of this album. It sounds too unstructured, I guess avant-garde. I do appreciate that what is here is intentional and a lot of work went into making it sound that way. You would probably need to be a bigger jazz fan than me to fully appreciate it.
Fugees
5/5
This album is exactly why I started doing 1001 albums. I have heard of the Fugees and this album and the hype around it, but I have never listened to it. It is a masterpiece. The rhymes, vocals and grooves are incredible, so smooth. It would be difficult to say what stood out since almost every track does, but Ready or Not and Fug-Gee-La are the best of the best.
This is an amazing hip hop album and overall has to be considered one of the best albums in any genre.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Better than I expected. As I listen to more albums I am running out of ways to say, "nothing bad, but nothing great."
Björk
3/5
I mean, it's Björk so it's going to sound different. Parts are interesting, parts sound like they should be on a movie soundtrack, parts sound experimental, parts are annoying bordering on unlistenable, it's a Björk album.
Another not really bad yet not really good album on this list.
John Cale
3/5
I felt like I should know who this is, but I didn't. I guess I need to listen to more Velvet Underground.
Macbeth and Paris 1919 are kind of interesting and Graham Greene has an unexpected Reggae twist. Overall, this is a thoroughly average album that seems to be trying hard to sound like the Beatles. Nice enough to listen to, nothing bad, nothing great.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
"Stealing Music From Around The World - The Album" was the working title for this album but they went with Duck Rock at the last minute. Well that's what I heard. Almost all of the music here sounds well done and parts are genuinely good. Now how all this good music got on the album, who's to say? I'm sure everyone was properly credited and paid for their work.
Hate McLaren or hate McLaren, this is an album that probably should be on the 1001 list in case it might spur some interest in the original artists. -1 for not having one duck on the entire album and for McLaren's legacy of screwing over the Sex Pistols and other artists.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Most people will be in one of two categories relating to this album:
1) You were a teenager in 2010 and when this album came out it hit you hard. "Wow, they really get me, this is so meaningful."
2) You were not a teenager in 2010 and this album is a slightly annoying "soundtrack" to teenage angst, like every generation has.
All of those "soundtracks" are basically Reddit's "I'm 13 and this is deep" subreddit in musical form. Unless it's your generation's, then it's the most profound shit ever.
It is clear Arcade Fire is a talented group, but I found this album slightly annoying to listen to all the way through. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go listen to the Cure, they really get me.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
This is a great album. On the surface it is a perfect album for a relaxing summer day. But it has depth if you care to look. BMW made some great music.
The Clash
5/5
Amazing album and it is my gold standard for 70's punk music. Almost all killer, no filler. Truly a great album, punk or otherwise.
Blondie
3/5
Blondie is another group I wish I liked more. I have heard all the hits from this album, but have never listened to the whole thing. It is a nice listen, but I'm not sure I would listen to it again.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
I tried to listen to this with an open mind. Emmylou Harris does have a very nice voice but it's not nice enough to overcome my dislike for country music.
I'll give it 3 because if you are a country fan this is probably some classic 70's country music for you.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
I was never a big Psychedelic Furs fan, but I liked this album. Richard Butler's voice is very distinctive and almost instantly recognizable. I can see how it might sound grating at times, but for me, today, it was not. The songs are good, but none really stood out except for Pretty in Pink, which is just a great song. I prefer the version recorded for the film though.
There's some very good new wave/alternative music here, definitely worth a listen.
Red Snapper
3/5
Atmospheric and trip hoppy with a jazz and funk twist. If you are looking for some good background music you will find it here.
I'd write more, but this is another album on the list that is good but not great. How many different ways are there to say that?
Ray Charles
3/5
I like Ray Charles, and I normally don't mind an album of big band/jazz/swing/whatever standards. For some reason this one hit me wrong and it just sounds like music for old people. Charles' talent and charisma overcome the material. He definitely has better albums than this.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
It's not bad, but it's not great, just meh
The Vines
3/5
Heard of the Vines, but couldn't name one of their songs prior to this. Decent album of post grunge/indie with a couple interesting songs. Above average but nothing really great.
Tom Waits
3/5
Obviously we all know Tom Waits from his brilliant performance in Mystery Men, but I've never been a huge fan of Waits' music. So I was a surprised I liked this album as much as I did. Definitely above average. I had trouble with his voice at times, but this one is worth listening to.
OutKast
3/5
I have not listened to a lot of Outkast, until today. They are undeniably a very talented and influential duo and I enjoyed listening to this.
However, they should have released this as 2 albums. For a single release it is too long and self-indulgent. A lot is good, but there is a lot that doesn't need to be here. There is probably a really great 45 minute album in here somewhere.
White Denim
4/5
Never heard of this band, but I enjoyed this album. They sound like a mash-up of the Allman Brothers and Phish. Overall it's good and there are some really great grooves in some parts. I really liked Back at the Farm and the jazz flute on River to Consider was a nice surprise.
While this is a good album, I would love to know the reason(s) why I HAD to listen to it. Also trying to figure out why David Duchovny is on the cover.
Jethro Tull
4/5
I'm sure I've heard other Jethro Tull songs, but other than Aqualung I could not have named another one. They are a bit before my time, but I was interested in listening to this album.
This was good to listen to. In addition to the title track, I recognized Cross-Eyed Mary, Mother Goose, Hymn 43, and Locomotive Breath. I usually prefer Rush when I want a prog rock fix, but I might come back to this one.
Ian Anderson's flute playing alone makes this one a 4.
Neil Young
4/5
I've never really liked Neil Young's music and my tolerance for CSNY-type folk/country rock is pretty low, but this album was nice to listen to. Very laid back with some blues which gives it a different vibe.
I liked this one. Maybe I'll give Harvest another try.
The Smiths
3/5
Prozac was introduced in 1988, if only it had been a few years earlier.
I don't hate the Smiths, but there does not need to be multiple Smiths' album on this list.
Mj Cole
3/5
I stick with the 1001 album generator because it has helped me discover some really good music, but albums like this test my resolve. This is not a terrible album, but it is a terribly generic one. Almost nothing here stands out. Powerfully average.
Being number 42 on the Slough Observer's House-On-Fire™ Top 50 House Albums For 2000 should not be the sole qualifier for making the 1001 list.
Blur
3/5
Woo-Hoo everyone, Woo-Hoo
This is a pretty good album. I own it and have listened to it more than once. Obviously everything on the album is overshadowed by Song 2. It always sounded gimmicky to me, but the gimmick worked. Probably 95% of the people who bought this album bought it for that track not to mention it being everywhere in popular culture for years after.
Woo-Hoo
Kanye West
3/5
I did not listen to any of Kanye West's music when it was originally released, so I missed the hype around it. Now, seeing what he has done since then and how he is clearly mentally ill, I just cannot separate the man from his music. Trying to listen to and enjoy this album was like trying to watch a massive car accident. Just an amazing mess.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Brilliant.
The Zombies
3/5
This album truly warps time. The 35 minutes it took to listen to it felt like 3 hours. I was checking the clock after the 2nd song. I just don't enjoy this music.
I will give them credit though, Time of the Season is such an iconic 1960s song. It's one of those 5 or 6 songs they use in film and TV to make sure you know a scene is taking place in the 60s. Other than that, I don't know why I'd ever listen to any of this again on purpose.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
I prefer old(er) school hip hop than this, but I didn't mind listening to this album. Nice mix of sound, but it didn't really click for me. This is good background music, but unfortunately not much else.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
I love that the song In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is 17 minutes long, which would probably be more impressive if you could see it taking up a whole side of an LP. It's like a giant 45, with that song on one side and 5 B-sides on the other.
This is not my favorite type of music, but this is not a bad album. Other than the one song though, there's nothing particularly special here.
Throwing Muses
2/5
I cannot find the Throwing Muses or In a Doghouse albums anywhere to stream, cannot find them anywhere to buy, cannot find them anywhere to even preview the songs, even using VPN.
I assume this is one of the greatest albums ever made. A pinnacle of musical genius, creativity, and human achievement in the arts, but I will never know. Indeed, this day will be marked as one of tragedy in the book of my life.
Seriously though, Throwing Muses, it's 2025, get your shit together.
Pixies
3/5
The Pixies are a band I wish I liked more. They are that mix of alternative and punk, maybe a little touch of grunge, that I normally enjoy. Unfortunately they have never really clicked for me. The album was nice enough to listen to, but I can't imagine I'd listen to it again.
4/5
I'm not sure what to write about this album. I enjoyed listening to it, but nothing resonated for me. Definitely a step above the other "nothing bad, but nothing great" albums on the list. Worth listening to.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Boring 00's alt rock. Why in the world does Kings of Leon have multiple albums on this list?
Depeche Mode
3/5
The 80's was the golden age of new wave synth pop. This is a pretty great album. Never Let Me Down Again and Strangelove stand out.
I have always liked Depeche Mode, but they always sound downbeat and angsty. Still good, but just that vibe to the music. I was more a New Order person, but this is definitely worth a listen
Buzzcocks
4/5
I liked this album quite a bit, but nothing really stands out. It is missing the songs that hook you that the Clash had or the overt "Fuck You!" attitude of the Sex Pistols to take it to the next level.
The Buzzcocks are definitely an influential group, this is a good album, and this is some great 70's punk music.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
There sure is a lot of mid-00's indie/alt rock on the list. While this album was nice to listen to, this is not music I seek out. Nothing here grabbed my attention and made me want to listen to more Franz Ferdinand music.
They are definitely better than the other "mid-aughters" on this list. The music and vocals are good and they seem pretty talented. In the end though, this is another for the list of "not bad, but not great" albums.
Blur
3/5
Another Blur album, one of their salvos fired in the Great Britpop Wars of the 90's. I think this is better than Blur (the Woo Hoo album) and I liked listening to it, but overall it's just OK.
I like Blur, but they do not need to have multiple albums on this list. I don't know how many different ways I can say it. This is just another not bad, but not great album.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
This is what I was hoping for when I started doing this list. Listening to music that I was totally unaware of. I have never heard of Bebel Gilberto and I do not listen to Bossa Nova music. I had no idea what to expect.
This was a very nice album. Slower tempo and except for some modern elements it sounds like it could have been released in the 60’s, kind of timeless . It's very laid back and no song really stood out, although Close Your Eyes was nice song to end on. No question that this is some excellent background music.
I'm happy I listened to this album. It was such a nice change from the last 10 Britpop and House/Electronica albums I HAD to listen to.
Kate Bush
4/5
I was never a Kate Bush fan back in the day, but this album was very interesting to listen to. While nothing jumped out at me on the first listen, I definitely enjoyed it. This must have sounded a bit odd and experimental in 1982, but it works. You can definitely hear Bush's influence on an artist like Björk on this album. Though you would have to say Bush is much more consistent and a bit easier on the ears.
This is an excellent album.
The Icarus Line
4/5
Albums like this are why I do this list. Never heard of this group, but I really enjoyed listening to this album. I liked the distortion and edge, angry and noisy, like if grunge and punk had a really loud kid.
Excellent album.
Nick Drake
4/5
Thanks to this list I've listened to one other Nick Drake album, Bryter Layter. I like this one more. Very simple and peaceful, him and a guitar. I found it very calming. Might be good to listen to at the end of a busy, frustrating day.
Excellent album.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Awesome. Another mid-2000's alt/indie rock album. This one has more of a punk feel to it sometimes at least. Other than that I did not hear anything special. I don't know what it is about this style of music. I don't hate it, but I just can't find anything interesting about it at all.
It is pretty cool how they got Ben Affleck's stoner half-brother to pose for the album cover though.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
I am sure I actively avoided this music when it came out. It's hard to deny JT is a talented guy and from seeing him doing other things, like Saturday Night Live, he doesn't seem to take himself too seriously. So credit to him for that. This album was not a slog to get through, but I don't like this type of music.
Boards of Canada
4/5
Atmospheric/ambient music with some trip hop mixed in. It is excellent background music. Great album.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
When Papa Won't Leave You, Henry felt like it was 23 minutes long, I knew I was in trouble. Surely this has to be a joke. Wannabe deep lyrics sung by someone doing a bad mash-up impersonation of Johnny Cash and David Johnansen.
By the end I was almost actively hating this music. Even now, the memory of listening to it makes me cringe. I'm not that far along in the 1001, mid 200's, but without a doubt this is the worst album I have listened to so far.
I sure can't wait to listen to the other Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds albums on the list.
Little Richard
5/5
This is a tremendous album both for the music and the historical significance. Tutti Fruitti, Long Tall Sally, and Rip It Up are just the ones that topped the charts, there are other great songs here.
Having to look back almost 70 years, it is difficult to comprehend just how groundbreaking and influential Little Richard was. Out of the 1950s Deep South, who through his talent, charisma and sheer force of will was able to achieve such huge cross-cultural popularity, amazing.
One review here that put it perfectly, Little Richard was Patient Zero for 99% of this list. Motörhead's Lemmy considered Little Richard to be the greatest rock and roll singer of all time. If anything sums up Little Richard's broad appeal and influence that would be it. Amazing artist and album.
James Brown
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The rare live album that is not 2+ hours long, but you wish was a lot longer than 30 minutes. James Brown was an amazing artist and the band is tight. True talent and hard work on display here. It's also nice to hear what Eddie Murphy was imitating.
The White Stripes
3/5
For the bluesy-rock of the White Stripes, there is definitely some experimenting going on here.
Even so, you can hear that almost instantly recognizable sound that they have. While Jack White gets most of the credit, I think Meg White is an underappreciated drummer. It is just as much the drumming as the guitar that gives them that sound.
Great group, interesting album.
Circle Jerks
4/5
Pure, uncut, 80's hardcore punk, I love it. 14 songs in 15 minutes, what? Fast, loud, and angry. Amazing and influential group, great album.
Nas
4/5
This is an incredible hip-hop album. Nas's talent is just undeniable. Amazing delivery and incredible grooves and beats. I really enjoy this type of early 90s NYC hip hop. I could listen to this album and Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) on a continuous loop.
Superb album.
CHIC
4/5
Death before Disco? Nah, there is some legitimately good disco music and this album has some good examples. Funk-driven dance music that you're going to at least tap your foot to when you hear it. Le Freak is a great song, disco or otherwise. Savoir Faire, I Want Your Love and Sometimes You Win are also good.
I'm not sure how groovy the 70's really were, but this album definitely is.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Other than Fast Car I couldn't name another Tracy Chapman song, so I was curious to listen to this one. None of the other songs are bad, got a strong Heart of Gold vibe from the intro to For My Lover, but nothing else really resonated with me.
It is a good album of folk rock that was not a slog to listen to. I wanted to like it more, but it is just not music that I like to listen to. Whether you like it or not, it is clear Chapman is a talented singer and songwriter.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
I can understand why this was popular back in the day, but it just doesn't do much for me. Lots of Spector Wall of Sound™ going on here. Overall, it's good, but not great.
Since this album does not have the only Dusty Springfield song I can name, Son of a Preacher Man, I imagine there is at least one more of her albums on the list.
OutKast
3/5
I want to like Outkast more. They are obviously talented and it's clear they want to innovate and are not satisfied with the status quo. There is some really interesting stuff on here, but unfortunately it just doesn't click for me.
I liked this better than Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, but overall it goes into the "good but not great" bin.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Easy to listen to, with the well known songs When I Grow Up, Help Me, Rhonda, and Dance, Dance, Dance. The rest of the album is good, but kind of sounds the same at times.
Looking back 60 years it is hard to truly appreciate how influential the Beach Boys were. RIP Brian Wilson.
Ray Charles
3/5
I like Ray Charles, but I do not care for most of these two albums. It feels like this music was probably old even in 1962. I appreciate what they were doing here, but at times it sounds like it's one or two steps removed from the Lawrence Welk Show.
Charles' phenomenal talent is the only thing that elevates this tired material.
Radiohead
4/5
I don't know what to say about this album, but I really liked it. I put it on and started doing other things, what seemed like 5 minutes went by and I had listened to the whole album. Sublime background music.
Radiohead may have better albums, but I enjoyed listening to this one very much.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Ambient music, a little trippy, that could be the soundtrack to every sci-fi television show or movie from the 1970s that was not Star Wars. It sounds a lot like Tangerine Dream. It is hard to believe this was NOT intended to be a soundtrack for something. Regardless of why it was made, it is a great album of background music.
Favorite track: Oxygène
Neil Young
5/5
It has been just recently that I have come to appreciate Neil Young's music. This album is a masterpiece. Heart of Gold, Are You Ready for the Country?, Old Man, Alabama, the Needle and the Damage Done are all amazing songs. As they say, all killer, no filler. You can hear Young's influence on other musicians over the years and you can still hear it in music today. Amazing album.
Ryan Adams
2/5
I know who Ryan Adams is, but not very familiar with his music. Dylan-esque country/folk rock vibe tilting more towards country. Not music I would normally listen to on purpose.
Nothing really stood out or clicked for me. It's not bad, but not great either. Just...meh.
-1 because Adams is just a terrible human being. I’d take 2 off, but then I’d have to look at his face in my lowest rated albums everyday.
3/5
Funky soul/jazz. Very laid back and definitely sets a mood. Love the gong on Four Cornered Room. This is music you would expect to hear when they go to a bar in a film or TV show set in the 70's.
Good album, but overall it is background music. I'd give it 4, but the middle felt very long.
The Cure
3/5
I am a fan of the Cure and you can hear the sound they will further develop. Play for Today and A Forest stand out for me.
Overall it is good. They are an amazing band, pioneers of new wave/progressive. Incredible that they (Robert Smith at least) released a new album just last year.
Talvin Singh
3/5
Blend of electronica/ambient. It also has some Indian musical elements, maybe others, that make it sound more exotic. It is interesting, but after about the third song it all started to sound the same to me.
I appreciate what was done here. This is a well made album by what sounds like talented musicians, but it just doesn't click for me. However, if you're looking for slightly out of the ordinary background music, look no further.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Good background music. A film soundtrack searching for a film.
The Smiths
4/5
I like the Smiths and this is probably my favorite Smiths' album. The Smiths do not need to have multiple albums on this list.
Willie Nelson
5/5
Most country music, Outlaw or otherwise, just does not click for me. However, this album is just brilliant. Mostly just piano and guitar and Nelson singing.
Great album, incredible artist.
Frank Zappa
3/5
I know Frank Zappa from the PMRC hearings in 1985, but I have never listened to much of his music. This album has some very engaging jazz/blues fusion music that I really enjoyed listening to.
Fairport Convention
4/5
The name of the group and album gave me a tinge of dread, Fairpoint Convention? Liege & Lief? Is this 40 minutes of someone plucking a mandolin singing about hobbits? A Ren Faire soundtrack? Well, kinda, but it's still good.
This is definitely an album I would have never listened to if it wasn't on the list. British Folk rock with almost a Jefferson Airplane influence. As you get further into the album there is an element of "sameness" to some of the songs but nothing drags. The definite highlight is Sandy Denny's singing. It is wonderful and seems to have been created specifically for this music.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. Give this one a chance.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Credit where it's due, Taylor Swift has definitely tapped into the pop music zeitgeist, or whatever, and made a deep connection with many fans over many years. Far too long for it to be a fluke. It would be very hard to deny that she is a charismatic and talented singer/songwriter.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, none of this music clicks with me. There's nothing bad here, but nothing I would listen to again on purpose.
4/5
Another album that makes me happy I am doing the 1001 list. I knew very little about Muse or their music before I listened.
I don't know how to describe them, like a mashup of New Order, U2, Radiohead, Queen, NIN/industrial-adjacent, and electronica, I guess. Whatever it is, it is a very unique and engaging sound.
Amazing album that makes me interested in exploring some of their other music.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
A bit repetitive, but not annoyingly so. Good background music.
Sadly, it took me a full minute to realize he's opening a pop top can on the cover. I bet it's a can of whoop-ass dance tracks.
Queen
4/5
My biggest problem with Queen is their greatest hits album is too good. For most people born after like 1965, the greatest hits album is their introduction to Queen which sets some very high expectations.
On this album It feels like they found their sound, more hard rock less prog. Killer Queen and Now I'm Here are immediately recognizable as Queen songs. Stone Cold Crazy was interesting in that it almost sounds like a punk song.
This is a very good album by a transcendent group.
The Killers
3/5
More mid-aughts alt-rock that the 1001 list seems to really like. I tried to listen with an open mind, but I still don't get it.
Mr. Brightside is this album's big song. It's OK, but I don't think I'll ever understand why it is so immensely popular. There is nothing terrible on this album, but nothing great either. Just meh.
LL Cool J
3/5
Ladies Love Cool James
Around the Way Girl and Mamma Said Knock You Out are the standout tracks on this album. The Boomin' System is also pretty good. The rest of the album is not bad, but is probably 10 or 15 minutes too long.
LL Cool J is not my favorite hip hop artist, but he definitely has his moments.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Brilliant album top to bottom by an incredible band. Pioneers of the dark and sinister sounding music that defined heavy metal.
RIP John Michael Osbourne (3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025) -
Good night, sweet prince of darkness, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest
Michael Jackson
4/5
There is no doubt Michael Jackson was an immensely talented artist. Bad and Thriller are the number 5 and number 1 best selling albums of all time. Bad by itself is practically a greatest hits album. People called him the King of Pop for good reasons.
Unfortunately, he was also immensely weird. Whether that was entirely his fault or if it was due to his father and the other parasites that clung to him throughout his life, who knows. Looking back the 38 years since this album came out it is very difficult to separate the talent from the weird.
Bad did inspire Weird Al's Fat. Yo, Ding Dong, Man, Ding Dong, Ding Dong, Yo! So it isn't all bad.
Miles Davis
4/5
I don't know jazz, but I know what I like. This, I like this.
Air
4/5
I would call it chill-wave, but I'm sure it has other names, it is perfect background music. Interesting to listen to if you're actively listening, but not distracting if you're trying to do something else.
If you're in the mood for this style of music, this is a fantastic album.
Stephen Stills
3/5
I am not sure what I wanted to listen to today, but it was not a Stephen Stills double album.
Bluesy, country, folky. This is not a bad album and I didn't mind listening. It kind of picked up a bit towards the end, but nothing here clicked with me. It's not bad and not great.
Pretty awesome how Stills' name is on the cover twice though. How did CSN ever make any music with the massive egos constantly crashing into each other.
Gorillaz
4/5
Pretty eclectic for it's time, but very interesting. I didn't get it when it was originally released, but really enjoyed listening to it today. Had a couple slow spots, but overall it is excellent.
The Pogues
3/5
I've heard of the Pogues, but probably couldn't have named one of their songs before today. Póg mo thóin, too funny.
Not sure what I expected, but it wasn't what I heard. They don't sound punk in that they actually seem like pretty good musicians and MacGowan actually sings more than screams. I guess lyrics and attitude are what make this punk. I enjoyed listening to this one quite a bit. Makes me a little curious to explore their music more.
King Crimson
3/5
Another group that I've heard of, but never listened to. This is a heavy dose of prog rock. Overall I enjoyed it until I got to Moonchild where it wanders to almost Spın̈al Tap Jazz Odyssey levels of jazz or whatever they were trying to do there.
The artwork for the cover and inside the gatefold is pretty amazing and it makes the album instantly recognizable. I think I can see his brain.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Somebody to Love and White Rabbit are probably two of the most iconic 1960s songs ever. However, I'm not sure I could have named any other Jefferson Airplane songs before I listened to this album.
60's psychedelic/blues/folky-rock music. I was surprised how much I liked some of the more upbeat songs like She Has Funny Cars and My Best Friend. Grace Slick definitely elevates things to another level whenever she is singing on this album.
I don't usually listen to this type of music, but I liked this album.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I'm not always sure what to think about Peter Gabriel's music. Although this album gets experimental in places, I enjoyed listening to it very much. I am definitely going to revisit his music.
Also, more cowbell!
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
It never ceases to amaze me how Born in the USA is constantly misunderstood as a flag-waving, fist-pumping, patriotic 'Murica song. It is not. Listen to the song.
Born in the USA, Cover Me, Goin' Down, Glory Days, and My Hometown are all standout songs. Glory Days in particular is so upbeat, but captures that bittersweet feeling of nostalgia so well. It is an amazing song. Dancing in the Dark is not a bad song, but I cringe thinking of the music video for it. Too much of the Boss dancing.
This is his most popular album and probably the only Springsteen album that I do not mind listening to all the way through. It is excellent.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
I have no strong feelings, good or bad, about this album. River Song is pretty good, Thoughts of You has a Pink Floydish feel, and Pacific Ocean Blues sounds like it could have been sung by Joe Walsh. Otherwise, there were times where I would have sworn Randy Newman was singing, weird.
This is not bad album, but it's not great either.
If you're listening to this on Spotify, the original album is just the first 12 tracks.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
A controversial album due to the almost illegal levels of sexiness. Initial measurements with a standard Sex-O-Meter™ immediately pegged the needle, unbelievably more than a full Barry White. Continued measuring caused the meter to explode. Caution is advised while listening. Damn.
Excellent album by an amazing artist.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
I'm not even a casual fan of CSNY, but this is an incredible album. The gold standard for folk rock, or it should be. I was amazed at the number of songs that I recognized and genuinely liked. Almost all killer and no filler.
Let your freak flag fly
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
One of my hip hop favorites. Except for a few places where they are talking to each other for distracting amounts of time this is an amazing album, hip hop or otherwise.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Music is good, songwriting is good, Karen O's voice is good. It definitely grew on me more as I listened. Maps is probably the best known song from this album, or at least it's the one I know, but there are several others I like better.
I wanted to like this more, but I still liked it quite a bit.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Definitely not an artist I had listened to before, or even heard of unless I had been doing this list. So I'm glad for that. I liked the music, but it just doesn't do much for me. Another "Nothing bad, nothing great" album.
Norah Jones
3/5
I know almost nothing about Norah Jones or this album. I heard some very chill and laid-back jazz-adjacent music. She also has a very nice voice. Unfortunately, the overall effect is it sounds like a Starbucks' CD music sampler from 2002 or background music from an episode of Ally McBeal.
Apparently this album was popular and critically acclaimed, but listening today it sounds generic and it is a little boring.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I've never been a big Elvis fan and I don't think I've ever listened to an entire Elvis album, but he still had some charisma when he recorded this. When he starts singing you can't help but listen. I definitely prefer "early" Elvis over the lounge act you hear on this album, but overall this is not bad.
The Mars Volta
3/5
It is interesting and it is different, with that title and cover I would expect nothing less. I'm not sure what to think about it though. I liked it, but it just doesn't click for me. I was waiting for something to would push it over the top, but I just never heard it.
Not bad, not great.
Bee Gees
3/5
Pre-Disco Bee Gees. "Soft" rock with some blue-eyed soul-adjacent type music. Also a definite Beatles vibe going on. I was hoping it would grow on me as I listened but It was a struggle to make it to the end.
I can't imagine I would ever listen to this album again. Probably should be a 2, but I'll round up.
Now, where's my Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack...you should be dancin'...
4/5
Brilliant album by a transcendent artist and his Martian spider friends.
5/5
I can remember the first time I listened to this album. It is the one that sent me down the U2 rabbit hole. Truly fantastic.
Love them or hate them, this was their breakthrough to big mainstream success. All that said, U2 has better albums. Joshua Tree would only be 3rd, maybe 4th, on my list of the best U2 albums.
Eminem
3/5
Listening to this album today it still sounds innovative and just different, in a good way. There is some good music on here.
However, parts of it have not aged well. The misogyny and homophobia were probably excessive even for 2000. I'll give him a little credit that some of it is his brand of social commentary and criticism, but still. It definitely drags the album down.
If you ignore those parts, this is still a good album by an undeniably talented artist.
Kanye West
2/5
Genius or mental illness? Yes. There are a few interesting things here, but it is mostly an over-indulgent mess. I liked the beats and grooves in a lot of parts quite a bit, but Ye as an MC, not so much. I won't even get into the other baggage he brings along that makes me almost uncomfortable listening to his music. Yeesh.
I think I understand why this is on the list and it probably belongs on the list, but I did not care for it.
Guided By Voices
3/5
They really leaned into the lo-fi here. I agree with some who say this sounds like a demo tape, but I would bet that is exactly what they were going for.
Thankfully some of the spaghetti sticks and this was not a bad listen.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
There is not a whole lot you can say about this one that hasn't already been said a million times, an amazing album by an amazing artist.
ABBA
4/5
I'm not an AꓭBA hater, but for me they are usually best in smaller doses. However, Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You, Money Money Money, and Fernando are all standout songs. The rest of the album is pretty good too. I was a bit surprised how much I enjoyed listening.
It is undeniable they wrote some amazingly catchy pop music.
Scritti Politti
3/5
If you think Wham! was rocking just too darn hard this is probably the album for you. Nothing really great here, but it makes up for it by being powerfully average. Perfect Way is a decent song though.
Chicago
3/5
While I like Chicago, it is a great city, I've never been a fan of the band. I tried to keep an open mind and hoped this album would grow on me as I listened more. It did not and I came very close to tapping out around Poem 58/Free Form Guitar. I just don't like this type of music very much, but I will admit, there are one or two decent songs here.
Overall, this has to be some of the most Boomer music ever. You ask how much more Boomer could this music be? And the answer is none. None more Boomer.
Paul McCartney
3/5
Back in the day I bought this album on CD solely for Maybe I'm Amazed. I think it is one of McCartney's best non-Beatles songs.
The rest of the album is OK, but a lot does sound half done and lo-fi. In 1970, there were probably not many artists who could have gotten away with releasing an album that sounds like this, but I'm sure there were Beatles fans who needed a fix.
Overall, I mean, come on, it's Paul McCartney, the guy is a f'ing genius, but it's just not good enough for 4.
Linkin Park
4/5
I've heard a few Linkin Park songs and I didn't think much of them good or bad. Nu-Metal never made it on my music radar back in the day. I find now I kind of like it. Nice grooves and hip-hop elements with a metal edge. I definitely don't reject it out of hand which I know is blasphemy for some heavy metal fans.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this album quite a bit. I can understand why it was so popular. If I had been 15 or 16 in 2000 this probably would have been one of my jams.
RIP Chester Bennington
Pink Floyd
5/5
we came in? Is this album too long? Maybe. Is some of it just Roger Waters crawling up his own ass? Probably. Is it a masterpiece? Undeniably.
It says so much about Pink Floyd that this album, as good as it is, is arguably only maybe their third best. Isn't this where
David Bowie
3/5
I am only a casual fan of David Bowie, but always thought he was a fascinating artist. He was constantly changing musical styles, appearance and/or personas. His work also seemed to be as much about the art as the music. I want to like his music more, I'll keep trying.
This is not a bad album, Ziggy is better.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Stevie Wonder is so incredibly talented. There are some good songs on here besides Superstition, which is just a great song. Overall, it is nice to listen to and I can understand why this was popular. I wish they had leaned more into the funk and less into the pop/"easy" listening though.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I appreciate that this is a good album, maybe even great, but their music has never clicked for me and I can only take them in small doses.
Listening to this entire album was like being softly hit on the head with a pillow for about 40 minutes. It didn't hurt, it got annoying pretty quickly and I was happy when it was over.
Boston
5/5
Boston's first and best album. It's about as close to all killer and no-filler as you can get.
Unfortunately this album is a victim of it's own success. Most of the songs are "classic" rock station staples and played ad nauseam. Listener fatigue is real. I mean, how many times can you hear More than a Feeling or Smokin' before you want to rip your hair out? And I like both of those songs.
This is an incredible album.
De La Soul
4/5
One of my hip hop favorites. I always enjoyed the grooves and attitudes from this group and from the Native Tongues collective
RIP David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur
Rush
5/5
This is Rush at their peak. Some might say they sold out their prog roots a bit with the shorter more radio friendly songs. Can it even be a prog album if at least one entire side of an LP isn't just one song? Seriously?!
Whatever you think, this is a great album.
5/5
One of the greatest albums ever, but not the Beatles best.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
This album was very nice to listen to. It's also nice to know a good thing came from Paul Simon's Graceland.
ZZ Top
4/5
Except for the hits off this album and songs like La Grange and Tush I have not listened to much ZZ Top. It definitely takes you back to the early 1980s. I remember them playing Gimme All Your Loving, Sharp Dressed Man and Legs constantly on the radio and MTV.
Overall, my impression of ZZ Top was they were always a bit too southern fried for my taste, but this is a pretty good album of blues rock. Songs that will get your toe tapping.
The Strokes
2/5
This list really likes mid "aughts" indie/alt rock a lot. I have tried really hard to appreciate it. I tried to have an open mind, but I still don't see why everyone likes it so much. None of this clicks for me at all.
Blue Cheer
2/5
This sounds like a mashup of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, but not as good as either. I can hear where they are kind of bridging the gap between acid rock and metal, but this lacks the darker sound that groups like Black Sabbath did so well.
This isn't a terrible album, but the 2nd half drags and some of the guitar solos cross the line into self-indulgent. I appreciate the influence this album and this group had, but I'm not sure I would listen to this one again.
Stan Getz
4/5
Pretty fantastic album of chill music.
The Triffids
2/5
The music is not terrible, but it is boring. I had a hard time listening to the whole album. There is one bright spot. David McComb is clearly influenced by Nick Cave, but David McComb's singing voice is not even half as annoying as Nick Cave's.
If you're listening to this on Spotify, the original album is just the first 12 tracks. Spotify has the much anticipated (I'm sure) 2007 double disc reissue. Yikes
Frank Ocean
3/5
I didn't love it, I didn't hate it.
I listened to it and laughed once because I thought Thinkin Bout You was going to be the 1990 song by Londonbeat for some reason.
I probably won't think about any of this music again after today.
Santana
4/5
I really enjoyed listening to this album. It is superb music that I really connected with. I was enjoying it so much I got halfway through a second Santana album on Spotify before I realized it.
It is still hard to believe that Black Magic Woman is a cover.
This is a great album.
Joanna Newsom
3/5
This album is different that is for sure. Definitely not music I normally listen to. Parts are nice, parts are weird, parts are annoying. Is Joanna Newsom America's Björk?
The Stooges
4/5
I don't know much of the Stooges music other than the bigger songs like Lust for Life and I Wanna Be Your Dog. The album started off great, I really liked Down on the Street and Loose. After those two it just gets increasingly crazy, but I was along for the ride.
It is easy to hear the influence this music had on other artists. I can only imagine how different this must have sounded in 1970. Great album.
Otis Redding
4/5
I enjoyed listening to this one a lot. There is a lot of interesting stuff going on here, but a couple of things stood out. Sam Cooke's A Change is Gonna Come is just an incredible song and this is a nice cover. Respect is also an interesting one. Otis Redding wrote it, but Aretha Franklin made it her song without a doubt.
This is a very good album of blues/soul/R&B.
Judas Priest
4/5
I've never listened to this whole album, it is pretty great. Living After Midnight and of course, Breaking the Law Breaking the Law, are the standouts.
This is peak NWOBHM. Definitely worth a listen.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
This is an incredible album by the Queen of Soul. Practically a greatest hits album.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
I bought this when it was originally released solely for You Oughta Know. It is a great song.
It's been a while since I listened to the whole thing and I had forgotten how great this album is. An hour of music that seems to take 15 minutes to listen to. The only flaw is Ironic. I actually like the song, the tune, whatever, but the lyrics are distracting. Thankfully the rest of the album more than makes up for it.
This is a masterpiece.
Cornershop
3/5
Never heard of this group, so was hoping to discover some new music. There's nothing wrong with this album I just found it a bit boring. It has a laid back vibe that I normally like, but I just didn't connect with it.
Nothing bad here, but nothing that really stands out either.
The Byrds
3/5
There is nothing terrible on this album and Eight Miles High is an OK song. I don't know what it is about this style of music, I just don't like it very much. A big ol' meh of an album.
The Black Keys
3/5
Nice blues rock so I won't ding them for musicianship, but holy cow it was boring.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I was happy to listen to this again and remember just how good it is. If there's a weak spot it's Moby Dick. Drum solos and rock climbing...
Amazing album.
Sepultura
5/5
I'm not a huge thrash metal fan, but I do enjoy some from time to time. This album hits the right combination of thrash and groove and something else intangible. I really enjoyed listening to the whole album.
I am baffled how I completely missed this album when it was released and Sepultura's music in general. Just fantastic.
Christina Aguilera
4/5
There are some legitimately fantastic songs on this album. I am not a big fan of pop music from this time, but of all of the "pop-princesses" of the 2000's Aguilera is clearly one of the most talented and her voice is just undeniable. Also props to her for having writing credit on almost everything on the album.
This is a great album.
The Fall
3/5
I would call this post-new wave/alternative more than post punk. Though I got some strong Iggy Pop vibes on the vocals for some of the songs, but I got some strong jangly guitar alternative vibes on some songs too. I thought the "ah" he adds to the end of a lot of lines would be annoying, but for some reason it works.
Not bad, I can think of worse ways to spend an hour.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
This is an interesting album, but not so sure about early 70's quasi-soft rock/pop. Gotta Get Up is kinda catchy.
Nothing bad, nothing great.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Pretty great start to finish. Lots of different things going on which it made it quite interesting. Refreshingly unique artist and album.
The Adverts
4/5
I was vaguely aware of this group, but had never listened to them. It's punk, but the production and musicianship are noticeably better than most punk of the time. Compared to contemporaries, the Clash had better and catchier songs, but they are obviously trying a lot harder than a group like the Sex Pistols.
Overall it's an excellent album that I enjoyed listening to.
American Music Club
2/5
It sounds like a mash up of REM and the Smiths, only slower, and not as good as either. Perfect music if you think watching paint dry or grass grow is just a little too exciting.
SAULT
4/5
Albums like this are why I started doing this list. I've never heard of this group and had no idea what to expect, you always hope it's going to be good and... it turns out this is some really great music. Smooth laid back grooves and vocals that flow into each other. There is just a fantastic vibe about the whole thing.
Fantastic album.
The Who
3/5
I like the Who, but have never listened to this entire album. My Generation is pretty iconic, The Kids are Alright is alright. This is Proto-Who I guess.
Pretty good album by a great band.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I did not know what to expect, but I was expecting to not like this album very much. I was happy to discover it is pretty good. The peak comes early in Son of a Preacher Man, it is a good song. The rest I found surprisingly engaging.
Very nice album.
4/5
I am not a huge Dylan fan and knew absolutely nothing about this album and I'm glad I didn't. I had a little dread before listening to the Dylan I expected to hear for almost 90 minutes. The first half is exactly what I expected, slow, acoustic, lots of harmonica. The second half is I guess where Dylan sold out but it is f-ing amazing.
After listening to the first half, the second half was like an explosion it was so unexpected. I can imagine going to a concert on this tour and expecting to hear all slow, folky Dylan and then, the explosion. It must have been mind bending.
This is a fantastic album.
Beck
4/5
I bought this when it was originally released. I can't remember exactly why I bought it and it's been a long time since I listened to the whole thing. I was happy to find it is better than I remembered. An interesting mix of hip-hop with alternative and I guess "slacker" rock. Devil's Haircut and Where It's At are the hits, but the rest of the album is worth listening to.
Overall a good album. +1 for the flying mop on the cover which really is a dog.
David Ackles
2/5
Neil Diamond-mania, not Neil Diamond but an incredible simulation, now off-Broadway.
Honestly, the music and vocals on this album are not terrible, I just didn't like it.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
This is a nice album. It's hard to deny her talent. Her voice is very strong and unique. The vibe on this album is so great. You can hear what's to come on Back to Black.
Another 27 club member. Don't do drugs kids, or I guess alcohol in her case. Another talented artist dead in their prime.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I bought this when it came out, but it's been a long time since I have listened to the whole double album. It is pretty great. Tonight, Tonight, Zero, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, 1979 are obviously the standout songs. I forgot how much I liked Zero.
Even though it's a little over 2 hours long, I found it pretty easy to listen to the whole thing. However, it seems like they definitely could have cut this down and had an even better album.
Excellent music by an interesting group.
Paul Simon
3/5
Interesting music. Paul Simon is clearly a talented artist, but meh. There's nothing bad here, but nothing that will make me want to listen to this album again.
Pulp
3/5
This seems like some kind of odd mashup of Bowie, a bit of U2, a bit of Pink Floyd, and some other things. Though the music kind of grew on me as I listened, I can't imagine why I would ever listen to this again on purpose.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Ol' Blue Eyes teamed up with one of the fathers of Bossa Nova. You would get frostbite if you got much cooler than this. Just smoother than silk. Jobim's music is amazing and say or think what you want about Sinatra, the man could sing.
This will definitely will be on the playlist of my next cocktail party. Well, someday, if I have a cocktail party, it will be on the playlist.
Johnny Cash
4/5
This is a good album and some of the choices for covers are truly inspired. Cash was an amazing artist.
Van Morrison
3/5
I understand why people like Van Morrison, he's obviously a talented guy. His music has just never clicked for me at all, I have tried.
I did like this album more than the double live album I got a while ago, It's Too Late to Stop Now, but I just, nope.
The KLF
5/5
I have always liked the KLF since I first heard 3 a.m. Eternal. This is a great album of acid house music. If you're in the mood for it, this is a great way to spend 43:43.
B.B. King
5/5
Why is it the live albums that should be 2 hours long are only 30 minutes, but live albums that should have been 30 minutes long are 2 hours?
BB, the band, the crowd, this whole album, simply brilliant. If you like the Blues you will love this. Even if you don't like the Blues, but you do appreciate good live music, you will love this.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
It seems the music on this album was the "oldies" music of 1959. The first three songs were originally released in 1930 (Sam and Delilah), 1930 (But Not for Me), and 1927 (My One and Only). Ella Fitzgerald is a legend and she sounds flawless. George and Ira Gershwin made incredible music, also legends. I was surprised how many of these songs are instantly recognizable.
This album is truly the musical equivalent of drinking from the fire hose, there is just so much. There is really good music here, but there's a reason why no one sits down and eats 6 pieces of cake, much less 6 entire cakes, at one time.
The Who
3/5
I've never listened to this entire album and I enjoyed it. It is unique as a "Rock Opera"/Concept album. This is definitely not the Who's best music, but listening to Tommy is not a terrible way to spend 75 minutes.
New Order
5/5
What a great way to start the week. New Order is one of my favorite groups, alternative/progressive or otherwise. I happen to own this album on vinyl and it is brilliant. Listening brought back some very nice late 80's memories.
More New Order!
Green Day
5/5
I bought this when it was released for When I Come Around and Basket Case. I'm glad I did. This is a really fantastic album and Green Day is an amazing group.
The jet dropping the "dookie" bombs was amazingly prescient, just missing a crown. How could they have known?
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Never heard of this group. It's hard to describe this music. Parts are kind of modernized folk-pop and parts seem to be a mash up of Nick Drake and Elvis Costello.
Overall, not bad to listen to.
Scott Walker
2/5
I fully expected to hear, "I gave my love a cherry..."
32 minutes that felt like 32 hours. Where is Bluto when you need him?
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Yes Yes Y'all! This is some peak 90's hip-hop. I'm a fan of A Tribe Called Quest and the Native Tongues. Positive and fun to listen to, but still had a message, most of the time.
Great album by an amazing group.
Public Enemy
5/5
This is a masterpiece. It's hard to appreciate how it sounded when it came out 37 years ago, but the anger radiating off this album is still palpable and it is awesome.
This is peak Public Enemy.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
It seems this is another album where it's only real accomplishment is that it's on this list. I wasn't expecting much, but thankfully it is not bad. Some strong chill-wave vibes. Things did start to sound the same after about the 3rd or 4th song but not annoyingly so.
If you're looking for some decent background music, look no further.
Van Halen
5/5
I listened to this record so many times that I remember the little scratches and pops on the vinyl as if they are part of the songs. When I hear the end of one song I can hear the next song start in my head before it starts. I can do that with all the VH albums up to 1984. Am I OK?
Love them or hate them, it is undeniable the original Van Halen was one of the greatest rock groups...ever. Eddie's guitar obviously groundbreaking. David Lee Roth re-defined what a front man should be. Sometimes overlooked though are Alex's drums and Michael Anthony's bass and especially his backing vocals.
Some blame them for "Hair Metal", but that would be like blaming Pearl Jam for bands like Creed.
This is an incredible album and Van Halen is a legendary group.
The Only Ones
3/5
This album kinda grew on me as I listened more. Overall though, I'm not sure why I would ever listen to this one again.
Beatles
5/5
Great album, or soundtrack I guess. A Hard Day's Night and Can't Buy Me Love are just the ones everyone knows. There are some other very good songs here.
Early Beatles albums sound kind of cliched, but it's because they pretty much created the sound that was so often imitated. Personally, I do prefer their music from Rubber Soul and later, but because the early albums were so popular it gave them the freedom to do their later stuff.
This is an easy 5 for me.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
It has been a while since I listened to this album all the way through. Tumbling Dice is one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs. The rest of the songs are good. It picked up in the second half. This is not my favorite Stones album, but it is still some really great blues/rock.
An iconic band in their prime.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Psychedelic/acid rock that is interesting to listen to. Otherwise though, I'm not sure what to write about this one. This is the only Pink Floyd album where Syd Barrett had significant influence, he wrote most of it. You can hear what's to come, but what would their later music have sounded like if Syd had been able to stay with the band?
This is not my favorite Pink Floyd album, but it's worth listening to.
The Dictators
4/5
This was way, way better than I was expecting. The songs are good and the covers are inspired. It sounds like they are having a great time making music and just not giving a single fuck.
This is a superb album.
Gene Clark
3/5
This is the 2nd Gene Clark album I've gotten. Strong James Taylor-esque singer-songwriter vibes with an occasional flash of Dylan. Honestly, it's not bad and I kind of enjoyed listening to it. I guess I must be part Dutch. Who knew?
If you're listening on Spotify, the original release is just the first 9 songs.