Great album title and a great album. Enjoyed a lot. Was not really aware of their pre 80's stuff apart from "pyscho killer" and for some reason I thought they were Australian... Not a dud track on album - its's a very high 4 as want to hold back my 5's for the absolute classics.
A real mixed bag - Mrs Robinson remains one of my favorite songs ever - but other songs like Fakin it are very underwhelming.
Strong Durham vibes. Not listened to in years. Did not spark much joy.
I was post indie when they peaked in the early 2000's - so did not catch them first time around. I was team Whitehouse and always thought Pete Doherty was a bell end which repelled me from them for a few years. In latter years I enjoyed Can't Stand me Now as a bit of a guilty pleasure. Rest of the album is pretty piss poor by comparison and feels especially ropey when I have spent most of the day listening to Elvis Costello/ REM.
One listen was enough and that was a struggle. Not my bag baby. Enjoyed reading everyone else's comments.
Retro Durham vibes.
Loved this album - had just moved to Guernsey and listened to it on my 30 min walk in/ back from work. Still rocks.
Listened on my CD version - bought the day it was released in the UK! Stills sounds great - esp organ donor.
The best Beatle.
Love the National - not my favourite National album (prefer "trouble will find me" and "I am Easy to find" but still a very solid 4
I did not have this album first time around. Am over familiar with the singles and they still hold up - but otherwise underwhelmed with the rest of the album - do not think I have missed much.
Couldn't stand Jamiroquai when I was younger thought Jay Kay was such a bell end. Whilst my views and tastes have changed and mellowed over the years - this still makes my ears bleed. Not aware of what Jay Kay is upto currently - but would put money on him still being a dick.
I am in a minority but I find his vocals so whinny.
Awesome album. One of my favourite of all time and have loved for years. So many great tunes - do not think there is a weak one amongst them. If had to choose would go Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Guns of Brixton and Train in Vain as favourites...
Surprisingly still sounding great - a classic from Durham days when i borrowed the album from Tanya and then bought my own copy as liked it so much.
Perfect music to work to (meant as a big compliment rather than diss).
I have always enjoyed this album - although have never enjoyed it as much as I think i should based on the 5* reviews it received.
hmmmm Bottom hmmmmm
Enjoyed it - a couple of bangers - and some interesting soundscapes. Vocally its a little bit effected and lyrically makes me feel old :-( Not enough cheese.
I bought the follow up album - Bloom - first time around and enjoyed it a lot - even though songs all sounded very similar. Not that surprised therefore that the songs on Teen Dream also sound very similar. Unfortunately in the years that have passed I have kinda moved on and find it all a bit flat and monotone and lacking passion. Its certainly not bad - just all on a level that never really goes places.
A few cracking tracks - Scar tissue, Californication, Road Trippin & Parallel Universe - and a lot of bang average/ poor fillers inbetween. I definitely lean towards the Frusciante influenced tracks rather than more traditional BSSM slap bass funky tracks... Scraps a 4 due to the strength of the above songs.
I used to love Marc Bolan - especially given his tragic early death just around the corner from my Gran's house. Summer is heaven in 77 and all that. Works best as a greatest hits as he had some banging singles but quality threshold dips across the albums
Big fan of PSB - this album marks the shift to more grown up adult pop from the Smash Hits tastic bangers of Please and Actually (which are peak PSB for me). Some classics on here like Being Boring and Jealousy but a few that IMHO are a bit meh so its a high 4.
I have always enjoyed the singles - had not listened to the album previously and not sure what to make of it after 3 listens. It sounds like they are having fun - but I think of Sting as being so po faced and serious that it does not quite ring true for me. A disappointing 3.
Still really enjoy this album. Every songs a banger
Have always loved this album esp "you Said Something" .. although weirdly has not acted as gateway to other PJ Harvey records yet.
Not my favourite Beatles album and have never really understood why people elevate it above others.. still a banger and a 5/5 tho.
All My Friends and Someone Great are clearly bangers and have been a playlist staple for years. I enjoyed the rest of the album - but have always had this feeling that I should be enjoying the album more. I like it but I don't love it like some people do. I'm almost there but not quite there. So its a solid 4.
I really liked Tilted and their first album. Finding this album rather bland - with not much jumping out at me - especially the tracks in French which just wash overme as I have no idea what the songs are about. Was hoping to enjoy it more.
booooooring. Early 2000 vibes but not in a good way.
Another CD from the collection - but not an album I have listened to recently. He's got lovely smooth vocals - but its all a little bit polished and a bit trying too hard to be retro in places.
Very strong Uni / Mackie memories of this album. Have not listened in 20 plus years - but surprisingly it still sounds good - with lots of hooks. Just creeps a 4
Banging.
I used to hate the Doors (cannot remember why). Going in with an open mind and largely meh response. Enjoyed Riders on a storm - but large parts passed me by / annoyed me slightly. Some good bass /grooves but do not really care for Jim Morrisons vocals. A high 2.
Brighton Rock followed by Killer Queen is such a strong opening - but from there it gets a little bit lost and downhill ("Now i'm here" aside) which is such a shame as Brighton Rock is absolute banger and great opener.
Still have the CD for this. My brother in law really loved them a few years ago. cannot see the fuss now.
Makes you think what greatness he could have achieved had lived long enough to fully develop/ mature as an artist...
Had a very vivid dream once where I was on X-factor but had the singing voice of Anohni - fucking blew Simon Cowell away. Hope There's Someone is great track - rest of album fades a bit. I like Anohni's vocals and really like some of the dance tracks she put out post AJ.
I have a very low tolerance for the butter boy sell out that is John Lydon. As a result have not really delved into his PIL back catalogue - I do really like "Rise" despite John Lydon and I had therefore expected to enjoy this album despite my reservations. I am therefore a bit disappointed (but also pleased) to find that I thought the album was bullshit with no real redeeming songs/tunes/hooks.
Have not listened to this in ages and had forgotten how good it is. Stand out track is Sounds of Science
Another album I was able to listen to on CD. My favourite Beck album, Lovely.
Never really thought of myself as a big Duran Duran fan - but really enjoyed this. A bit silly - very 80's and a bit too much slap bass - but some quality tracks - esp Hungry Like a Wolf and The Chauffeur which is absolute banger. Strong 4.
Have always liked New Order - and they have some absolute classics. Not that familiar with Low-Life but really enjoyed - not quite a 5 but solid 4. Followed up with the extended version of Elegia which really enjoyed.
For reasons known only to me I was a big early Radiohead fan in the Pablo Honey era then really went off them - even to the point where I was one of the few people at Glastonbury in 97 and 2003 not to see their seminal gigs. "In Rainbows" was the my first step back to reappraising them and realizing that i had been a dick - with "Reckoner" being one of my favourite tunes of all time (for some reason I think its about the Sopranos). Great album.
Love this album - especially the mini opera of a "quick one while he's away".
Went in knowing very little about this album - but really enjoyed it - beautiful yet powerful vocals and a groovy bass. Solid 4 for me - will listen again.
Very strong 4. Not as good as J5 (which was a defining album of the late 90's for me) but still cracking - so smooth.
Was not familiar with Tortoise - but had looked at the Global reviews and was rather looking forward to this. Unfortunately whilst I did like Djed I found the rest very bland and lacking any emotional heft or connection and all a bit vanilla and plodding.
Classic 80's dad rock and I'm in the back of the car being driven to Saturday football and I'm admiring the electric windows and wishing that we had electric windows. For years I hated Dire Straits and all they stood for. I must be old now as I really enjoyed it and going to give it a 5!
Really wanted to like this - but was a struggle.
A mixed bag - really enjoyed parts of the songs but found the "chat" sections annoying and all a bit loose. Wanted to like it more.
I was post indie when they peaked in the early 2000's - so did not catch them first time around. I was team Whitehouse and always thought Pete Doherty was a bell end which repelled me from them for a few years. In latter years I enjoyed Can't Stand me Now as a bit of a guilty pleasure. Rest of the album is pretty piss poor by comparison and feels especially ropey when I have spent most of the day listening to Elvis Costello/ REM.
Forgotten what a banger Oliver's Army is. Couple of other classics on the album also. Not the greatest fan of his vocal delivery - but strength of the songs overcomes this and feeling generous so its a low 5.
Had never heard of Holger so was a first for me. Not quite smoking what Tom's smoking but did enjoy it although overall found it a mixed bag - enjoyed parts - although other parts had very strong flight of concords vibe...
I've had "My Girls" on various playlists for a few years now and really like the tune. Rest of the album falls a bit short of this - not bad - just lacking a spark that grabs me - I've listened to it 3 times now and nothing else has jumped out at me. A low 3.
Enjoyable album - although I find the beat a little pedestrian at times. Lacks standout tracks but overall an easy listen.
Patchy ! Liked the solo one with guitar but very mixed bag
Great voice but way too eighties and not in a good way....
I really enjoyed Generation Terrorists when it came out and was a big Manic's fan even though they were bellends in their early years. As they matured I liked them less and less - a bit too portentous and lacking fun. Quite enjoyed "Everything must go" - but found it a bit flat and washed over me without sparking much joy. Singles are okay - but thats probably as have heard them so much. Was hoping to like the album more and that my younger self would be proved wrong for dismissing them but still found it all a bit meh.. 2/5 is probably harsh - its more a 2.5.
Liked this alot -esp the title track. I must be getting old.
I have not really listened to Eagles much. Hotel California is still sounds strong even after repeated exposure. The rest of the album is pretty bland nostalgia tinged American dad rock that did not float my boat.
Classic - trying to get Aga to move from Abba to Blondie...
Classic - and another opportunity to use the CD player. Nice. Stand out track - Higher Ground. tWangy.
Enjoyed - smooth vocals. Only problem for me is that cannot really relate to Cowboy songs about horses so kinda washed over me with no emotional hook.
The album title is the best thing about the album. Rest is very bland sub Phil Collins 80's pfaf.
Classic - still think of it as a recent album and one of the few current artists that I follow - turns out it came out in 2009...
Loved it.
Really liked the follow up album "Gold" - but this rather washed over me - a bit generic and a bit forgettable.
Strong Durham vibes. Not listened to in years. Did not spark much joy.
Have not really listened to much Pink Floyd as had previously dismissed as wanky toss when i was in my punk phase and never really revisited this opinion. Roll forward 30 years or so and its much more up street and very much enjoyed large parts of the album - unfortunately there are some wanky bits like the sax solo - but still happy to give it a solid 4.
The two big singles are bangers. everything else is a little bit 80's bland for my taste so only a 2... not quite a 3
Not listened to Wild Beasts before. Another mixed bag. A bit like Foals in places a bit meh in places. Not particularly bad - but doubt will come back to it...
Franks a bit too overplayed and ubiquitous for me - guess I’m used to the classic canon and this felt mostly sub par by comparison.
Was familiar with the singles - but had not listened to the album previously. I really like the later album: American Idiot and had high hopes as have a soft spot for punk pop. Unfortunately I found it rather disappointing - all the songs seemed to blur into each other at the same tempo/level with a lack poppy hooks apart from the singles. Maybe it was too early in the day but I found the whole thing rather tiring... :-(
Macca has always been my least favourite Beatle and I have always found his lyrics borderline twee and naff (and do have a similar view on his personality). So I approached this with a fairly negative mindset - so was genuinely surprised to discover that I rather enjoyed it - very catchy tunes - esp Mrs Vandebilt. Still a bit on the light and fluffy side with no moments that truly moved me - but very listenable and enjoyable.
Fab.. they don't make like they used to...
Like listening to Toy Story.... not my bag.
One listen was enough and that was a struggle. Not my bag baby. Enjoyed reading everyone else's comments.
Disappointing - was not familiar with early ZZTop so was hoping for something young/ rocky with energy. But found it rather dirgy with tedious geetar solos and no real stand out tracks. Had spent the morning listening to Beggars Banquet and this album was very poor by comparison. Would give it 2.5 if I could.
I enjoyed this album a lot first time around - but given he is such a massive bellend now I will not be listening this time round.
Its a grower. Will definitely listen again. Its probably a 3.5 - but was feeling generous so rounded up. Favourite track is Black Lake.
Really enjoyable listen. Surprisingly jaunty and poppy. Very much enjoying "walk on".
Had pretty low expectations - and on initial listen I thought the songs all sounded the same and it was as a little bit lightweight. On repeated listens it has grown on me and it works really well as background music to work to with a decent groove and not too in your face. Lyrically its pretty interesting when you do tune into the vocals. Its a 3.5 but feeling generous so will round to 4.
Still cannot escape the Toy Story connection - preferred it to the Good Old Boys - and would make this a solid 3.
47 years of living without listening to a Neil Young album and now two in a week! Enjoyed it - much preferred the rockier numbers - not fully sold on his vocals and there are a couple of bum tracks ("Theres a World" & "A Man needs a maid") which feel out of place with a Disney strings backing track.
Enjoyable - great skill on display and has an energy and vibe but not my cup of tea .
Wanted to like more as I thought I liked Goldfrapp based on singles/ radio play over the years. Found this quite irritating on both listens and do not feel like giving it a third listen. Disappointing - a high 2 but not quite a 3.
Its very MOR - I'm guessing my mom would be a big fan. Had to google him and was very surprised to see he was the singer of one of my favourite American 60's tunes : "Runaround Sue". Sadly this album does not get close to replicate the perfection of that tune. Feeling mean today so its a 2.
I was looking forward to this as I own a Tom Petty Greatest Hits that I enjoyed but had not ever delved deeper into an album. Was unfortunately a little disappointed. "American Girl" is a classic and stands head& shoulders above the rest of the album - which is a little bit vanilla by comparison with no real stand out tracks after 4 listens. A solid 3.5.
Not familiar with Devendra prior to this. Rather enjoyed it - a solid 3.
Strong 4. Some quality tunes - strong 80's vibes (sometimes to the detriment of the songs) - a couple of bum tracks (Pimpf?) mean its not a 5.
Great album title and a great album. Enjoyed a lot. Was not really aware of their pre 80's stuff apart from "pyscho killer" and for some reason I thought they were Australian... Not a dud track on album - its's a very high 4 as want to hold back my 5's for the absolute classics.
A strong 3 - some good tunes - sadly Smoke on the Waters impact is much diminished due to over familiarity. Would not rush back - but nothing made my ears bleed.
I was a big fan of this album when first released and I really remember being desperate to see the live tour with the flying trabents. Listening to it again now it feels like the dictionary definition of bland. It just washes over me with the exception of "One" which I still have a soft spot for.
Another Bjork album I had not heard previously and another one I really enjoyed overall. A couple of real stand out tracks ("Who is it" in particular). Real drama and epicness (?) to the album - unfortunately a couple of bum tunes ("Ancestors") where the crazy gets dialled to 11 means its not a 5. Strong 4. Will return.
Initial thought was not more good ole boy American country rock - which really is not flavour of the month currently. However after 3 listens its really growing on me - with a couple of really good tunes (esp Someday, Fearless Heart) and I am suddenly realizing were the Saw Doctors (a formative band for me!) got a lot of their inspiration from. The sun is shining and I'm feeling generous so going to give it a low 4.
Relentless. Imagine would be awesome live. Bit too intense to work to .... could only manage 1 listen through as energy levels too high.
Maybe because its raining today but just not feeling it. A couple of stand outs (stir it up in particular) but it generally passed me by. A high 3.
I'm getting old as I really enjoyed that in all its pomp.
I tried. The musicianship may be A+ but it just washed over me as background muzac without making any impact. Not terrible just not for me.
Was aware of Nas but had not listened to this album previously. Really enjoyed it - great beats - strong smooth lyrically delivery and no gimmicks. Strong 4.
Another CD from the collection! Big up the Bristol. Awesome album with not a weak song - standout for me is "Suffocated Love".
A new discovery for me - which surprises me as back in 97 this would have been right up my street so am surprised it passed me by. Really enjoyed the discovery - will defn listen again. Strong 4.
I tried really hard - but really struggled with this one. Main beef being the whiny pitch of the vocals was really effin irritating not matter how catchy or groovy the songs maybe. A struggle. Low 2.
A lot of nostalgia for Madness as their greatest hits was one of the first albums I bought. Listening again after all this years was a bit of a struggle to be honest. Suggs vocals are pretty irritating and whilst they do have some catchy tunes (like our house) - it all feels a bit moronic and music for people who don't really like music. A very low 3
Cracking singles - including the title track which is my favourite Madonna song by a long margin. A few dodgy album tracks but the singles are stellar.
A real mixed bag - Mrs Robinson remains one of my favorite songs ever - but other songs like Fakin it are very underwhelming.
A double album.... unfortunately only managed a couple of listens through (and it probably needs a few more). Enjoyed it - but nothing really jumped out and grabbed me but equally nothing repelled me. So I guess that makes it a solid 3. If it was not so long and I had more time to listen a few more times it may have crept up to a 4 as enjoyed the sound.
Its hard to listen to this album without feeling sad about how her life panned out (same feeling as listening to Whitney Houston's I wanna dance with somebody). She has a fantastically powerful and emotional voice and I really enjoyed it. Stand out track - Blackboys on Mopeds. Was going high 4 - but think it just edges into 5.
Never listened to Steely Dan before and hopefully never win again. Low 2.
Sounds great as one song on a mix tape or a soundtrack - a whole album is a little bit too much. I really like the vocals and the vibe is fun but not sure I would readily come back for a whole album...
A new discovery for me and quite a diverse soundscape of different latin sounds. Unfortunately did not have the time today to listen to the album enough times (and it is a double album) to give it full chance to grow on me. There are a couple of songs I really enjoyed like San Vicente which had beautiful vocals and reminded me a little of Vampire Weekend or Cravo E Canela (bit of Julio down by the shore) - had the whole album been in a similar vein and it would have been pushing a 5 and I would be scoring Brazilian hipster kudus. But unfortunately given aforementioned musical diversity meant that my attention waivered and some tracks just passed me by. A low 4 as would like to return to it.
I had not realized this was a concept album even though had played it on reasonably heavy rotation when it came out. Back in 2004 was living in London and perhaps it all felt more relevant and contemporary - roll forward 20 years and living in the country it all feels a little dated/ basic with the vocal delivery a little bit grating with its fake cockerny. Still really like Blinded by the Lights - but would not return to much else. A low 3.
14 year old me would have loved this album. Slightly older me did enjoy this slice of classic soft rock. A fair few bangers and not many fillers. Leaning towards a 4 which is more than I expected.
I used to love the Charlatans - my favourite album being the "The Charlatans" which preceded Tellin' Stories. I recall at the time being a bit underwhelmed with Tellin' Stories as the follow up and have to say that remains the case today. The singles remain catchy slices of late 90's brit pop - but the album as a whole is a bit bland and generic - with not enough organ or differentiation from all the other sub oasis bands of the era.
Not as bad as I expected. Lyrically very silly. Not for me. So far have only given 1's to records that really annoy me or where I have strong feelings about the artists. This album has not elicited this response so I guess that makes it a low 2.
I guess the clue is in the title - its called All directions and musically it goes all over the place. Papa was a rollin stone is a cinematic classic next to which everything else pales. I think just scrapes a 4 as the funky tunes out weigh the schmaltz.
Another album I used to listen to a lot previously (but have not picked up in years). At the time is was very zeitgeisty and I guess I just went with the flow. Listening today and its all very meh. Not terrible but not anything I am going to rush back to listen again - none of the tracks sparked the joy of rediscovery. Spotify was fucking around which has made be grumpy so unfortunately its a 2.
Just focused on the original EP track listing and did enjoy - albeit I was not really in the time/ place to fully enjoy it. Appreciate the importance/ influence of the band and what followed it - but today its only registering a 3 on me.
Another double album..... Had not listened to Tusk before - so there is a lot to get through in one day. First listen was a little meh and underwhelmed as did not think there were that many stand out tracks. After another couple of listens and it is really growing on me - although with 21 tracks there is not really enough hours in one day to do it justice. I'm sure it well could be a 5 - but I'm not there yet so giving it a 4 and will definitely return.
Swiss industrial metal/rock is not my thing. Not without merit or terrible but will never listen again. So a low 2.
My first whole Tom Waits album - and its more accessible than I was expecting. Main impediments for me 1) I do not like his vocals 2) I don't really listen to lyrics (!) so his lyrical talents are wasted on me... and 3) I don't really care for plodding blues rock.... Notwithstanding the above I still enjoyed it. Doubt I will rush back - but its a solid 3.
Strong title, strong cover and strong opener and I'm thinking its a definite 5. Sadly it flags a little esp on By the time I get to Phoenix, but still a groovy & funky 4.
It's another grower. First listen I was a low 3 - after three rotations I'm a mid 4. Not sure it will get to 5 but on each listen I am enjoying it more.
Had not listened to REM debut previously - and found it more fun that had been expecting. I do like a lot of REM songs but had to admit that do find a lot of them fairly middling. Was therefore surprised by the energy of this record - would like to listen again - so sneaks a low 4.
The problem with this undertaking is that having a new album everyday does not really give you the time/ headspace to appreciate more challenging albums - that may give greater joy on repeated listens. My first impression of this was very poor - pondering whether it was a 1 or a 2. On my second listen its getting a bit better. Was excited to see a song named after my birthday. Unfortunately its a bit of a wet fart so will not be adding to future playlists or wowing the kids with it. Not sure I can face a third run through so will stick at 2 and go back to listening to Tusk (to which I 1000% should have scored a 5....rather than 4. If only there was an edit function)
I find it hard to disassociate Morrissey from the Smiths given how distinctive and prevalent his vocals are. Unfortunately given Morrissey is bell end with right wing leanings it somewhat undercuts my enjoyment of the Smiths. Favourite track: Girlfriend in Coma.
Such strong 80's memories listening to this at scout camp with the big boys thinking it was height of rebellion. The singles are classic and still sound great.
Further evidence that I'm getting old - but I really enjoyed this. Was expecting it to be very 80's but not in good way - but was pleasantly surprised.
A slog - that I did not finish. Sounds like a demo tape. Surprisingly for metal the vocals are very clear and so unfortunately can hear all the nonsense that they are singing / shouting aback.
Its growing on me - very 80's. Extra point for living locally.
Absolute classic. 10 Bangers. Love PSB.
Classic.
Not my favourite Radiohead album. Perhaps with more time I would like it more.
A new discovery for me - started well with Ramones like punk vibes - then got a bit rockabilly and a bit new wavy... enjoyed it. Was going to go for a 3 - but I think it sneaks a low 4.
I have never really got this album. On the A-side there are some strong tracks - particularly Afterglow - but then it all gets a bit silly. I really like the organ led rocky bits but find Steve Marriots vocals annoying and the whole concept album a bit tiring.
Listened to it a few times over the weekend - hoping it would grow on me - and whilst I enjoyed it did not breakthrough and faded into pleasant background music.
I do enjoy at bit of Kraftwerk. Generally prefer the non vocal tracks as the vocals are a little tired and cliched now. Strong 4 but not a 5 as do not feel any of the tracks really connect with me.
I love the Who - and whilst they would defn go to make better albums there are a few classics on here - my generation / kids are alright. Not a 5 but a strong 4.
I actually had pretty low expectations of this - but was pleasantly surprised at 1) the groovyness of the tracks; 2) her lyrical flow and 3) the brevity of the album. It's not really my bag and I'm not the target audience but it just creeps a 4 for me. Favorite tracks Offence and Venom. Not one to listen in the car with the kids.
Another effin concept album. Love the Velvet Underground - and best song by far is the reworking of Stephanie Says - but the rest is a bit of a mixed bag.
Meh. Singles are okay - rest is very average. Never really got the hype.