Jan 01 2025
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Welp, on my first album I get a perennially loved album⦠that is just āokayā in my eyes. It started strong for me, especially the songs focused on the need for social change, but toward the latter half of the album the songs became a bit repetitive to me.
3
Jan 02 2025
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
The greatness of Miles is over the course of his long career, he had no interest in creating art that was what was expected by his audience. It may be apocryphal, but the story that a fan approached Miles at a hotel to say that they loved his music, but some of it was too "out there" and if he'll be making more music that fans can "get". Miles' response said it all: "What, I'm supposed to wait for you to catch up?" And that's the power of this essentially compilation album. It's fascinating to hear where he was at this time, especially concerning the sound he was chasing. Here we have more traditional bop, but you can hear that his Magnus opus Kind of Blue was on the horizon. This is special for the time it was created, the musicians playing with Miles at the time, and the simple quality of the songs. A mini-classic.
4
Jan 03 2025
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
This album is beloved⦠by others, not me.
2
Jan 06 2025
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
After doing this 1001 Albums Before You Die challenge for a bit, Iām regretting not sticking with my high school and college. But even fumbling through what words I could pick up, the music carried me through. Two things immediately jumped out at me: The name of the album is based on a real members-only social club located in Cuba and secondly, that Desi Arnez was associated with the group before making his way to America and marrying Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy fame. The musicians on the album spent multi-decades playing together, and it shows. Apparently American guitarist Ry Cooder was partly responsible to the groups international fame in the 90s by recording and producing this album after being exposed to the music and group during trips to Havana. I feel you Ry; Iād want to share this to the rest of the world if I personally discovered them too. Itās all about those rhythms! They move between traditional Cuban traditions, but also have flavors of Afro-Cuban rhythms and other styles such as Latin Jazz. Favorites from the album are āPueblo Nuevoā, āDos Gardeniasā, āĀæY Tu QuĆ© Has Hecho?ā, āVeinte AƱosā, āEl Carreteroā, āCandelaā, āAmor de Loca Jueventudā, āMurmulloā and āBuena Vista Social Club.ā This album is a winner.
4
Jan 07 2025
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
I loved it. Maybe itās because right now Paul is my favorite Beatle (which doesnāt mean too much since that title tends to change between all four members, depending on when you talk to me), but this was a fun listen. Itās a weird thing with a lot of fans: somehow certain artistsā most commercial release is viewed by them as ālesser thanā just because itās popular. Sure, it can be mind-numbing to hear the same two or three songs from an album⦠but thatās just a reason to move beyond listening to singles; put the whole album on! Youāre rewarded here if you put in the effort. Anyway, this is a great album, despite being Paulās most commercial one as a solo artist. I liked all the songs except for two: āNo Wordsā and āPicassoās Last Words (Drink to Me)ā. Because I like so much of the album I was debating giving it 5 starsā¦but I think itās more of a 4-star album to me. Maybe itās because Paul through all of his work has set the bar so high, Iām grading on a bell curve.
4
Jan 08 2025
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I appreciate Neil but Iām very much only surface level fan. I think the center of it for me is that what is its strength of showing Neilās comfort in being able to handle a wide spectrum of genres, is a weakness for me. He and the band jump from grungy rock to acoustic and a lot of genres in between. And that strikes me that I may have the weakness and need more time with this release for its critically acclaimed status to wash over me. Or not.
Having said that my favorite cuts are āMy My, Hey Hey (both versions) and āSail Awayā. Since most of the album left me cold I give this a 2 out of 5 stars.
2
Jan 09 2025
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
We have crappy, snowy weather today in Colorado. And what a great album to listen to in such conditions, staying warm by the fire and away from the cold. While I love Joniās earlier work, this was more of a challenging listen. And I mean that in a good way; you just donāt get the lovely nuances in the instrumentation and chord progressions, which are typical Joni. Like a lot of music that demands deeper focus and attention. She doesnāt disappoint, especially in the writing, but itās the band that gives this a cohesive vibe.
Having said that, itās that necessary deeper listening that goes against the idea of a 1001 albums challenge with one new album coming at you every day, that makes this one a harder than usual case. Iām rating it a 3 of 5 stars today, but I get the sense itāll provide rewards for me if I revisit it regularly. My favorite cuts are āCoyoteā, āFurry Sings the Bluesā, āHejiraā, āSong for Sharonā, āBlue Motel Roomā and āRefuge of the Roadsā.
My copy is from the Asylum Albums (1976-1980) box set released last year from Rhino Records, a great way to get an overview of her later work.
< EDIT >
Yup, itās said that this album is a grower and damn if that experience didnāt happen for me. I listened again as if it was calling me to reconsider its merits, and I gave a focused listen with no distractions and I fell in love as if the universe was opened up to me. Not only a five star album, but a stone cold classic.
5
Jan 10 2025
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
Is that a Theremin I hear in the mix on several tracks? I love the experimentation if thatās the case but still, I didnāt connect with many of the songs. Just when some of the ethereal quality and melodies that have an almost lullaby nature to them would pull me in, Iād get bored as the song continued on. The album is rated pretty highly in knowing circles but itās a 2 of 5 stars for me
2
Jan 13 2025
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Wow, this was a bit of surprise how much I loved this album! My bad, I have to admit Arcade Fire has never been on my musical radar despite their success, but after hearing this I think Iām going to dive deeper into their full discography. Itās a five star album; I pretty much liked every song except a couple. My favorite on first listen is probably āEmpty Roomā. Iāll be revisiting this album a lot.
5
Jan 14 2025
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Nice! Nine albums into my renewed 1001 Albums to Hear Before You Die and I get a stone cold classic. What I love about Led Zeppelin is they have one of the best hard rock discographies of all time. I mean come on, how many bands can say their first six studio albums are ALL five star classics? Ok, Black Sabbath too but not many bands beyond that. Most bands either come out of the gate with a great album or two and then slip a bit beyond that, or they need some time and a couple of releases to find their sound before theyāre hitting on all cylinders. Iād say this is my favorite Zeppelin album⦠except that changes every day, their output is consistently so good. The only knock on them is they couldāve given a bit more public love to their obvious influences, Chicago blues masters like Willy Dixon, Muddy Waters and Howlinā Wolf. My favorite cut is āRamble Onā (one of my first songs to learn on guitar so itāll always have a special place in my heart), but the whole album is filled with bangers. Maybe only āThe Lemon Songā and āMoby Dickā strike me as a bit meh. No need to waste any more words; this is the easiest five out of five stars Iāve had so far.
5
Jan 15 2025
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Ah, this one brings back memories. In a world where we have WAP on the radio, itās funny to remember the general publicās shock that Alanis had a song where she sang about doing naughty things in theaters. Itās amazing how this album definitely captured the zeitgeist at the time, sort of as a radio friendly version of angsty pop with a small sprinkling of riot grrrl energy. Sure, the production is a bit dated but I like it. She has the songs. I give it 4 out of 5 stars, with my favorites being āAll I Really Wantā, āYou Oughta Knowā, āHand in My Pocketā, āRight Through Youā, āYou Leranā and āIronicā (which she eventually admitted the stories in the song arenāt ironic at all). Who cares. Itās art.
4
Jan 16 2025
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iām starting to think that if I hung out and went to more heavy metal concerts with some of my high school buddies, I may have surprised myself with how much I liked some of the bands. Iron Maiden in particular. The two guitars attack hits hard, but the band is also pretty melodic. Almost prog-like on several tracks, and it works. I surprised myself how engaging it was throughout. Itās a 4 out of stars for me. Favorite tracks are āRemember Tomorrowā (probably my top track from the whole album), āRunning Freeā, āPhantom of the Operaā, āTransylvaniaā, and āStrange Worldā.
4
Jan 17 2025
The White Album
Beatles
First, we have to acknowledge that the Beatles arenāt four lads from Liverpool, but four aliens sent here to enlighten us with their music. How else to explain the way they changed the world in seven short years? And itās as if they were gonna show all the musical ways they had changed the direction of music through their previous ten albums in one sprawling, messy, gumbo slop of a double album. I do think it may have benefitted from some editing to make it a tighter single discā¦maybe. While thereās clearly no singular theme with just about every musical genre represented in some form or fashion, the songs from all four songwriters (go Ringo!) are just so good. Except for number 9; Iāve tried to dig into its avant garde vision but I canāt do it. Though my favorite three Beatlesā albums can change daily, The White Album is always in the mix. The easiest of five stars yet.
5
Jan 20 2025
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Not trying to be a hater but CCR has always struck me as being musical mimics. Great mimics, but still sort of copies of their influences. Doing a full album listen, I have to give it to them; they definitely are more than that. Thereās a few covers here, but to use an overused, American Idol-like comment, CCR āmake the songs their own.ā Probably my favorite example of that is the enticing menace they bring to their version of āI Heard It Through the Grapevine.ā The album starts a little slow, but once I got to āLookinā Out My Back Doorā, I liked every track to follow. Itās a 4 out of 5 stars for me.
4
Jan 21 2025
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Man, these guys were pissed! I wonder who hurt Mick & Keith, leading to a somewhat misogynistic listen. Having said that, the songs are solid, especially with this being the first album of theirs thatās all original songs, no covers. For a band thatās been active for decades now, they have multiple āerasā that allow you to dive into their discography at multiple inroads, ranging from their early Blues influenced albums to more pop-based eighties sheen and everything in between. This stage isnāt my favorite (their early/mid seventies apex would be my choice), but I definitely respect their growth from their roots. You can almost sense what was to come. Here, the album strikes me as uneven. But the highlight go high. Favorite cuts for me are āPaint It Blackā, āUnder My Thumbā, āDoncha Bother Meā, āFlight 505ā, and āItās Not Easyā. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
3
Jan 22 2025
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
I can hear their influences, especially on the production side of things. They bring their own style no doubt, but to me they sound like Public Enemyās Bomb Squad if the Bomb Squad smoked a ton of weed in the production room while making the album. Listening to this with the distance of time means some of the subject matter is a bit grating, but there are undoubtedly some bangers that had me bobbing my head. Also, I definitely recognize their influence on mixing rap with Latin sounds, which would expand from here. Favorite cuts were āHow I Could Just Kill a Manā, āHand On the Pumpā, āHole In the Headā, āLight Anotherā, āPsycobetabuckdownā and āLatin Lingoā. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
3
Jan 23 2025
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
It was so cool to see Tracy at last yearās Grammyās after all these years. The hits have definitely stood the test of time, and the rest of the album too, as it fleshes out Tracyās laser sharp commentary on the social problems of the day. Making this album almost essential listening; nothingās really changed and the subject matter sadly is still relevant to this day. I donāt think itās a perfect album, maybe itās one weakness is it does stay stoutly within that lane, but I give it a 4 out of 5 stars partly for how smart it is. Favorite cuts for me are āTalkinā Bout a Revolutionā, āFast Carā, āAcross the Linesā, āMountains Oā Thingsā, āFor My Loverā and āIf Not Nowā¦ā.
4
Jan 24 2025
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Damn, Iāve been missing out! This is a five star album for me. Theyāre so much more than a couple of hit songs, and I slept on them back in the day, assuming as much. I love the blend of genres built on a retro style of funk, with some rock and pop thrown in. The rhythm section is killer; I loved the horns and quirky synthesizers. Sure, the lyrics can be a little out there at moments but it all just gels. I like every song on the album except one (āWhatever It is, I Just Canāt Stopā), and even that track is not skip worthy.
This is exactly why Iām doing this loooong challenge because it uncovers some unknown to me gems along the way. This album is a gateway drug to dive deeper into their entire discography for sure.
5
Jan 27 2025
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
A bit disappointing for me, this one. I was thinking Iād like it more than I did. The highs are high, but the āmehsā are more. The cuts I like were slamming, but there just wasnāt enough of them for me. But when the songs hit they hit hard (the drums are amazing). My favorite tracks were āTickā, āBlack Tongueā, āPinā, āY Controlā and āModern Romanceā. I give it a three out of five stars.
3
Jan 28 2025
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Itās a teenage boyās wet dream (and cautionary tale) played out in a rock opera and I love it; itās five stars for me. You got a little of everything here: 50ās style rock & roll, Springsteen-like horns, Rocky Horror Picture Show flourishes and all pulled together by Meatās lusty drama club vocals. I like every track but āBat Out of Hellā and the closer āFor Crying Out Lousā. Thereās little out there before or since thatās like it, all to the good.
5
Jan 29 2025
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Wow, two Beatles albums already as part of my 1001 Albums journey! I love this album⦠just nowhere near as much as several other Beatles albums; this wouldnāt even make my top three, probably landing at number five. And itās interesting to see how itās Baroque-style theme has fallen a bit out of favor over the years, once often landing at at least top five albums of all time if not number one on Rolling Stoneās lists, but often struggling to stay in the top 25 these days. Personally I like every track except āSgt. Pepperās Lonely Hearts Club Bandā (both versions), āFixing a Holeā and āSheās Leaving Homeā. The reality is thereās not a discography like the Beatles; not a single album is bad or even mediocre. Because of this Iām open to being called nuts but I may be grading this on a curve, giving it four out of five stars.
4
Jan 30 2025
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
I didnāt love it, more appreciated it than anything. The songwriting is solid and the songs about urban decay and with a melancholy view of the world at large did stick, but there were just as many songs that were just okay. I will say this original version of āEverybodyās Talkināā is more of my liking than the cover by Harry Nilsson. Itās a respectable three out of five stars for me. Besides the aforementioned, the other songs I like are āThe Dolphinsā, āThatās the Bag Iām Inā, āEverything Happensā, āSweet Cocaineā (Eric Clapton would be proud), and āGreen Rocky Roadā.
2
Jan 31 2025
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
I had heard that Shuggie was āPrince before Princeā, at least from the perspective that he was writing, arranging and producing his albums himself since he was 15 years old. At first that sounded like blasphemy but after I heard this, I get it. Heās in a more traditional lane than the more adventurous Purple One. But like Prince, he mixes styles from R&B to psychedelic soul, calypso and nuances in between. I love the whole album (except the palate cleanser āHappy Houseā, with the steamy vibe of āAht Uh Mi Headā probably my favorite.
Now in his 70s, I think Shuggie is still performing. If heās ever in Denver, I have to see him. Iām lucky to have a 1974 original pressing (actually a DJ promo copy) that I picked up crate digging for a couple of dollars. Definitely worthy if you can find it! I give this one four out of five stars.
4
Feb 03 2025
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Itās my favorite of album of MJās and Quincyās trilogy. Sure, what came next would bring him to heights I donāt think even he couldāve imagined, but here Michael sounds more joyous than on any solo album he would make. And he should, itās a damn near perfect album. Every cut is essential (okay, āBurn This Disco Outā couldāve been left on the cutting room floor), and several songs are masterpieces of the post-Disco and R&B era. A big part of that is his voice. Itās like MJ had realized the scope of what he could produce just with his vocals; the hiccups and squeals that would become part of his trademark sound and are a rhythm instrument all on its own really started here. Just listen to the opening of āI Canāt Help Itā (probably my favorite track on the album, and itās not just because Stevie Wonder wrote it): his breathing alone instantly brings you into the song. I could go on and write a novel on why I love this album so much but Instagram isnāt the platform for such things. Instead Iāll just go listen to this classic again.
I do have two solid options to listen with a physical copy, the U.S. and UK original pressings. Interestingly, because of a mastering mixup neither copies have the handclaps that are on āRock With Youā and are on most following pressings and even streaming. Once you know it, you canāt āun-hearā it. I might have to look at getting a later repress; I NEED my handclaps. It shouldnāt even need to be said, but this is a five out of five.
5
Feb 04 2025
Either Or
Elliott Smith
I donāt get it. At least not as much as the effusive praise itās shown by critics and the general public alike. I thought the themes of loss and fighting addiction would pull me in, and they do on a number of songs, but I never fell in love with it. Looking at the songs I liked itās actually quite a few and may suggest I should rare this a bit higher but I donāt know⦠I just donāt think Iāll be revisiting this one much. Not all classics are classics to everyone. Itās a three out of five stars.
Songs that I did like were āAlamedaā, āBetween the Barsā, āPictures of Meā, āPunch and Judyā, āAngelesā, āCupidās Trickā and ā2:45 a.m.ā.
3
Feb 05 2025
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
Well, it had to happen eventually over the course of trying to listen to 1,000+ albums. My first one star album. The Parisian mix of Moulin Rouge soundscapes mixed with baroque instrumentation doesnāt work for me. And I donāt think itās an issue of not knowing the words; itās a slog to get through from start to finish. The only song I think is interesting is the album closer āPas Malā and the more I think about it, I may like it just because it ends the listening pain.
1
Feb 06 2025
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
I usually donāt like live albums. I find that the studio albums sound better, and a recording just makes me sad that Iām not at the show since live music is the ultimate experience. But there are exceptions, and this is one of them. I think part of the enjoyment is the audience often brings just as much energy as James does. And all the hits are here. I like every song except the medley toward the end of the album.
Toward the end of āI Donāt Mindā James sings the impassioned lyric āYouāre going to miss meā, and coming from the audience a enraptured woman chimes in response āYes I will, babyā. All these years after his death, she aināt lying.
I got to listen to this on King Records 1966 repress, which sounded great. I give it five out of five stars.
5
Feb 07 2025
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I tried, but this isnāt for me. I just couldnāt find any angle to connect with the album. Coming from that context thereās not much to say. Out of the original and deluxe editions the only song I like is āNo One Hasā. Itās probably no surprise; itās a one out of five stars for me.
1
Feb 10 2025
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
George Clinton is a genius. When most artists are ecstatic if they can make themselves successful, have one or two hits, this guy was leading two genre-defining groups. And producing major hits with both, each with their own distinctive style. I didnāt realize how much depth the album has, being more than a dance vibe. Funkadelic pushes the buttons of conservative America by challenging limitations around music, politics and social norms, all while delivering the funk and Hendrix/inspired guitars. Itās an easy five stars for me.
5
Feb 11 2025
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Nina is fierce. Iāve known her mainly from her fiery rebuke of those opposed to the civil rights era in the song āMississippi Goddamā. That, and her ongoing support of black empowerment in the sixties and seventies always spoke to me on how much righteous anger was always percolating in much of her music. But itās not all she was; her classical music training and love for folk music stands out here. This album still has her fiery side, as āFour Womenā is a prime example, but she also shows her heart here with tunes of heartache and yearning. Itās apparently an album of leftover tracks from her most recent album, but theyāre still pretty solid.
3
Feb 12 2025
Imagine
John Lennon
The great thing about the solo careers of The Beatles is each of them expressed different aspects of their artistry and personalities than what they provided in the group. In Johnās case we get his vitriol towards the world (and his BFF Paul), as well as his raw vulnerability and sensitivity in equal measures. This album is a gem; every song (except āItās So Hardā) an amazing track, and several attaining classic status. No matter how many times I hear it, āImagineā never gets old.
5
Feb 13 2025
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Now THIS is why Iām doing this challenge, to find music thatās new to me and hopefully discover some gems. Today I hit the motherlode; Iām a new fan. I donāt know what I expected but the mix of Louisiana gutbucket blues, 50s soul & R&B, 60s rock and just about everything else they could throw in works. Thereās even a track that sounds like the roots of what will become Punk. Every track is so different than the next that I find myself sucked in, waiting to be surprised. And how can you go wrong when the lead singer sounds like a buzzed Wolfman Jack?I know their next release has the famous āfish faceā on the cover; if itās anything like this Iāll be smiling.
5
Feb 14 2025
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I fell in love with them after seeing them in concert several years ago. That concert is easily in my top three concerts of all time. Having said that, this isnāt in my top tier of favorite albums from their discography. I actually prefer their later albums.
That doesnāt mean this isnāt a banger; their mix of pop, alternative and hip-hop is amazing and innovative, especially for the time it came out. And all from a āfakeā band thatās built a whole para social cinematic world that only enhances the music. In a world of Spotify driven A.I. playlists itās clear Gorillaz were showing us a peek into the coming future.
4
Feb 17 2025
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Of course I had to try it. The band denies it, but the infamous āDark Side of the Rainbowā synced up with The Wizard of Oz is strangely aligned at multiple scenes. Itās like an art rock experimental experienceā¦enhanced if done with recreational substances. But even without doing the rainbow experiment, the album is worthy and a classic for good reason. It just sucks you in from the first note to the last.
Another one where itās rating may be slightly lower since I like a few other Pink Floyd albums just a bit more, so I give it four out a five stars.
4
Feb 18 2025
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
This album is praise as a step forward into the future of Motown on side one, while keeping solidly in their traditional, doo wop styled songs that carried them successfully through the bulk of the sixties. I wish they wouldāve dived fully into the future; the songs that kick off the album are fire. The second side is just mostly boring except for a few exceptions.
3
Feb 19 2025
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Iām just not a huge fan of the industrial pop genre that dominates the release. āCloserā may be played out at this point, but itās still a banger.
3
Feb 20 2025
It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
Thereās some good songs here, but the 90s alternative production is a bit of a turnoff. Overall itās a middling album.
2
Feb 21 2025
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
I think the level of enjoyment for this album is hugely based on where your exposure to jazz begins. If youāre a fan of ātraditionalā, big band jazz youāll probably love this as an innovative release that came at the end of that era. But if you prefer the shift to more modern styles of jazz such as cool or modal jazz, this becomes a bit more meh. Iām in the latter category.
2
Feb 24 2025
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
The hits on this one bring back great memories, and the album hits hard out of the gate with all the big songs coming in a row. The rest of the album is okay, but the album is let down in a sense because the best songs are just that much better than what comes next. But those hits are SO good that it makes this release a top tier release.
4
Feb 25 2025
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Nothing to grab me, pull me in. Just as things did get interesting, the vocals would push me out. Just a bit too emo for me.
2
Feb 26 2025
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Iām buying into Kateās mystical, dreamy side. And her quirkiness too; a unique blend that helps the album stand out.
4
Feb 27 2025
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
A stellar album, start to finish. The imagery created in the songs is almost cinematic, covering so much more territory than was typical in rock music at the time. Itās not just that; itās more than an archival piece capturing an innovative moment. The stories just pull me in. A classic for sure.
5
Feb 28 2025
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
I like Tom Waits⦠I hate this. He sounds exactly like what heās referencing with his characterization of a drunk crooner, it just comes off more as comedy and performance art instead of engaging tuned.
1
Mar 03 2025
Moondance
Van Morrison
Heās apparently a first class asshole but damn it, he can make an a-class album. The album is mystical, romantic and sexy all at the same time. To me, this is the yin to Astral Weekās yang; both essential but here you get more polish and clarity in the tracks, less unknowable yearning. And it works here; the vibe throughout is palpable. For some reason āMoondanceā reminds me of Fall in New England with the leaves changing color, which is always a nice thought.
5
Mar 04 2025
Rio
Duran Duran
Ah, the beauty of 80s synth and sax, blown out hair, and day glow clothing. And Duran Duran captured all of that in their music. But theyāre not just all style and no substance by any means, the album totally holds up. And the album art and music videos are iconic for a reason. Give me my hair gel and Duran Duran and Iāll be happy jamming away.
5
Mar 05 2025
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Itās amazing how this sounds in 2025; itās still as innovative as it was when first released. Heāll, even today it sounds like music that is from the future. Itās lost none of its potency, all driven by the star of the show, Jimi. Mind blowing that most of the tunes are based off of simple blues riffs, just turned up to eleven and coupled with solid production techniques that were cutting edge at the time.
4
Mar 06 2025
Green
R.E.M.
I love R.E.M.ās indie ājangle popā leanings and arrangements when the tracks hit (like āStandā), but there were a few songs that were kinda āmehā.
4
Mar 07 2025
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Simply not my cup of tea. I like several of the songs that were more traditionally structured as a song cycle of AABA, but the operatic cuts left me cold.
2
Mar 10 2025
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
More than young or old Stones, Iām a fan of āmiddle agedā Stones so this is solidly in my favorite era of their long career. How can you not take notice with a first track like āGimme Shelterā, one of the best tracks of all time much less one of the best album openers. I love how they pull in gospel, country, folk, etc. but keep it all under their beloved idiom of blues based rock, and it works. Chefās kiss of an album.
5
Mar 11 2025
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Surprised myself how much I like it. The only bits I didnāt like were when they pull influences from the 50s like the cover of the Everly Brothers but other than that, Iām all in on the singer songwriter vibes and Artās incredible vocals.
5
Mar 12 2025
Sound Affects
The Jam
I listened to the complete album but not much jumped out of me and ends up being largely forgettable.
2
Mar 13 2025
#1 Record
Big Star
This strikes me as āintelligentā pop that comes from anything but a traditional pop angle. Iāve always heard Big Star has a few masterpieces including this album. Glad to have finally heard this.
4
Mar 14 2025
Scott 4
Scott Walker
I couldnāt hang with this one. He sounds as if heās doing a Vegas-styled Tom Jones act for the middle America crowd. Not that thatās inherently bad, but not for me.
1
Mar 17 2025
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I remember growing up there was some rumblings in music publications that Fogertyās singing style was āmusical appropriationā since they sounded in the singing and music like they were from some gut-bucket part of Louisiana but werenāt in reality. So what; the songs here are so catchy and engaging that the thought doesnāt stick. True, thereās moments when Fogerty sounds a bit forced as he reaches for the spirit of old black blues singers but only for moments.
5
Mar 18 2025
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
An easy one to love. The ingredients are a perfect gumbo: fantastic songwriting expressing every form of yearning and sex, top notch arrangements sung by on of the best voices in all of music. Not one track should be skipped. A classic.
5
Mar 19 2025
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Nothing stood out and both the lyrics and music come across as pretty generic
2
Mar 20 2025
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
The hits hit hard, but the theatrical nature of the middle of the album did too.
4
Mar 21 2025
The Man Who
Travis
This was pretty āmehā throughout. Sounds like watered down Coldplay, with all the songs being their throwaways. And all sound similar, creating a boring listen.
1
Mar 24 2025
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
I love Solomonās voice, despite moments where I think he overdoes it in his phrasing. This album was released in 1964, but it sounds like itās an old soul & R&B album from a decade earlier, and thatās a good thing. Thereās an authenticity that shines throughout. Having said that, the weakness of the album is the mixed song choices. Some songs hit, but thereās a bit of filler too.
3
Mar 25 2025
Never Mind The Bollocks, Hereās The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The energy and anger of this was great. And much more āintelligentā than I expected, considering the social commentary throughout. The only knock is the songs at some point started to sound pretty similar with little variety.
3
Mar 26 2025
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
This album isnāt as bad as his modern, racist politics but itās not much better. A few good songs mired in a lot of twee singing.
2
Mar 27 2025
Achtung Baby
U2
What a great, nostalgic listen! U2 gets a lot of hate today but I still love them, maybe because I found them during their early days. Either way, this was touted as a critically acclaimed shift to a new sound for the band at a time that their sound was getting stale. And it hits for me, start to finish. While the whole album is great, I gotta call out āOneā as one of the best songs of the 90s; the songwriting is so sublime that it can make me cry depending on my mood. Like all great art it resonates on multiple levels, from romantic and personal to socially conscious and universal. āMysterious Waysā is nearly as good.
5
Mar 28 2025
Haut de gamme / KoweĆÆt, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Ok, Iām rating this on the music alone, as I rarely read the Wikipedia page for every album. Wow, I picked a whopper of an album to change up my habits. The guy seems like a piece of shit. Having said that, the music is āokayā, as it reminds me what you would hear if you were boarding a Carnival Cruise trip. In that environment itās pleasant enough (especially with a drink or two), but Iāll never go back to it in any other environment.
2
Mar 31 2025
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
What is there to say about this album that hasnāt already been said? Iām not hating on that, it deserves all its accolades. Itās not often that a piece of art is so accessible but nearly avant garde at the same time. Anyone who wants to be exposed to modal jazz on an innovative front but isnāt a traditional jazz fan I canāt think of a better entry to the genre. Itās sublime; Blue & Green has actually made me cry. A classic.
5
Apr 01 2025
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Stunning album! Interesting to learn it was created in a Rumours-style situation where everybody hated each other. Beauty created from hate and anger apparently.
5
Apr 02 2025
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
This one brings back memories. Canāt believe itās 25 years old š±š±! Erykah just puts you in a mood with her jazzy yet funky inflections. An album for the dance floor and at times bedroom.
5
Apr 03 2025
Dare!
The Human League
I appreciated being in synth heaven and there were some interesting texture, but the songwriting was a bit weak. Except for āDonāt You Want Me Babyā which is a stone cold classic. More of an album I respect than love.
3
Apr 04 2025
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I enjoyed it more than I expected. There was a bit of pop sheen (but not too much) on what I expected to be all punk fire and brimstone. Not something Iāll go back to frequently but still a fun listen.
3
Apr 07 2025
In Utero
Nirvana
It's the same recipe of angsty guitars with melodic hooks as their previous album, maybe just a tad less catchy. There's some bangers, but more filler than before. Knowing Kurt will end up committing suicide there's a certain dour vibe that sits over the album, but the songwriting and sounds carry it through.
3
Apr 08 2025
Kid A
Radiohead
Wow, for all the acclaim for this album I was underwhelmed. A few of the tracks were engaging but most of the album left me cold.
3
Apr 09 2025
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Stevie in his imperial stage where he could do no wrong. The beauty of Stevieās 70s/early 80s output is every day you can choose a different album as his best and never be wrong. For the social commentary alone this would rank high but throw in an all time classic like Living for the City and itās often a favorite for the title.
5
Apr 10 2025
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
Not what I expected regarding the country rock theme. I wish it drifted just a bit more in the rock lane.
3
Apr 11 2025
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
This one has the beats and production values, maybe a little too diverse even. But when it hits it holds up despite being over two decades old.
3
Apr 14 2025
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
A masterpiece. I remember playing this one to death; everyone was. It had captured a zeitgeist of those looking for an album equally rap and hip hop as much as it was pop/r&b, and Lauryn delivered. Some since have called it out as a bit preachy and even hypocritical at times, and I hear that, but the heart and authenticity that is behind each song gives it a pass.
5
Apr 15 2025
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
I donāt know, I just donāt get the overwhelming universal love for these guys. A few of their songs stand out and one or two may even reach classic status, but I think thereās a lot of filler too. A mid-tier band/album for me.
3
Apr 16 2025
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
I get that itās an influential release, but all I heard was noise rock with minimal hooks or melody. Not my jam.
2
Apr 17 2025
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
2
Apr 18 2025
Copper Blue
Sugar
2
Apr 21 2025
Bossanova
Pixies
Since I love Nirvana and Kurt often raved about these guys I expected a bit more. Good, but also a bit underwhelming.
3
Apr 22 2025
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
I didnāt love it, but I get why Dolly is known as one of the premier songwriters of her generation. The stories stand out. Maybe if I was more of a country fan Iād appreciate it more, but even so Dollyās power as a storyteller excels.
3
Apr 23 2025
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
2
Apr 24 2025
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
3
Apr 25 2025
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Soft rock? Yacht rock? Nah, I donāt hear it. What comes across instead is some surprisingly funky rhythms with complex yet accessible chord progressions. Throw in some tunes that talk about the grungy side of life and not typical pop topics, and Iām all in.
4
Apr 28 2025
Arrival
ABBA
I donāt care what their cheesy reputation is, āDancing Queenā is a stone cold, Beethoven inspired classic. The whole album is melodic and catchy; they clearly inspired Max Martin who owes them a lot.
4
Apr 29 2025
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Just as good throughout as it was back in college. Maybe a bit silly in places but ultimately it adds to the albums charms. Sure, itās great to roll with BDP and Public Enemy but at times itās cool to roll with the smart and creative nerds.
5
Apr 30 2025
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Gotta respect how it was created and its status as a genre-defining album, but just a bit too much bedroom noodling for my taste.
2
May 01 2025
The Stooges
The Stooges
Wow, this one was all over the place for me. I was totally into the pre-punk energy, but they lost me with the weird Indian meditation-like track in the middle of the album.
2
May 02 2025
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Nothing else on the album is as iconic as āLooking for the Perfect Beatā but on the flip side the whole album is quality.
4
May 05 2025
Live!
Fela Kuti
Itās the polyrhythmic drums and Felaās charisma that carries the day. The whole album just makes you wanna dance.
4
May 06 2025
Murmur
R.E.M.
It appears I like R.E.M.ās past more than their future. This was way more my liking than Green. Having come to this after floating through Green it was the surprising grooves and instrumentation and melodies that sucked me in.
5
May 07 2025
Gold
Ryan Adams
Not horrible but not great either. A couple of good songs but sounds like middle-of-the-road tunes that are easily forgettable.
3
May 08 2025
Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This⦠sucked. I just couldnāt find a pathway into its vibe, and the songwriting which shouldāve been its strength left me cold.
1
May 09 2025
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
āAaahhhhhh!!!!ā from the lead singer was a highlight as well as the drummer but thatās about it.
2
May 12 2025
Horses
Patti Smith
Love the punk sensibility of the music, less enthusiastic about the poetic songwriting.
3
May 13 2025
Synchronicity
The Police
This one is like the Batman villain Two Face: the first half of the album is just okay venturing on ugly, but the second half is transcendent.
3
May 14 2025
Hot Shots II
The Beta Band
Sounds like a barbershop quartet singing over Logic Pro bedroom beats š¤·š¾
2
May 15 2025
This Nationās Saving Grace
The Fall
Not much grabbed me with this one. Very forgettable.
2
May 16 2025
Soul Mining
The The
This one was a slog to get through; so many of the songs sounded similar.
1
May 19 2025
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
It sounds like a quirky group of barbershop š singers singing about inane daily activities. A few of the tracks are okay but overall besides the instrumentation on the best cuts thereās little thatās enticing.
2
May 20 2025
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Itās his flow. He sounds like an overweight dude mixed with some amazingly detailed rhyming that illustrate scenarios that float from deadly graphic to comical seamlessly. A shame how he was shot down in his prime. At least he gave us this classic.
5
May 21 2025
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
I didnāt know it beforehand, but as I was listening I had the thought āhmmm, this sounds like it came from another era, like Woody Guthrie or somethingā which it is. Apparently itās a number of unreleased songs, and like many unreleased stuff, itās often unreleased for a reason. A few songs stood out based on the pathos and harmonies, but I canāt say I loved it.
3
May 22 2025
Let It Be
The Replacements
3
May 23 2025
Revolver
Beatles
The Beatles are one of those bands where if you ask me what my favorite album from their discography is, it just depends on the day. Having said that, Iām a huge fan of their āmiddle eraā which includes this gem. Beyond that, thereās not much to say; millions of reviews have been written about Revolver.
5
May 26 2025
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
3
May 27 2025
Parachutes
Coldplay
4
May 28 2025
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
3
May 29 2025
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
1
May 30 2025
Forever Changes
Love
2
Jun 02 2025
The Wall
Pink Floyd
2
Jun 03 2025
Hot Fuss
The Killers
4
Jun 04 2025
Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
4
Jun 05 2025
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
2
Jun 06 2025
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2
Jun 09 2025
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3
Jun 10 2025
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4
Jun 11 2025
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
3
Jun 12 2025
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
3
Jun 13 2025
Smile
Brian Wilson
2
Jun 16 2025
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
4
Jun 17 2025
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
4
Jun 18 2025
Elephant
The White Stripes
4
Jun 19 2025
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
1
Jun 20 2025
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
5
Jun 23 2025
Blunderbuss
Jack White
5
Jun 24 2025
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
3
Jun 25 2025
Different Class
Pulp
3
Jun 26 2025
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
4
Jun 27 2025
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
3
Jun 30 2025
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
3
Jul 01 2025
The College Dropout
Kanye West
5
Jul 02 2025
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
3
Jul 03 2025
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
1
Jul 04 2025
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
1
Jul 07 2025
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
4
Jul 08 2025
Dookie
Green Day
4
Jul 09 2025
Music From Big Pink
The Band
2
Jul 10 2025
S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
2
Jul 11 2025
Whatever
Aimee Mann
3
Jul 14 2025
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
4
Jul 15 2025
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
5