Now that's more like my kind of record. Powerful music, catchy songs, a unique, instantly recognizable sound, amazing talent on guitar (Eddie) and drums (Alex van Halen) make for a great record. Van Halen's debut has been with me since its release, and while the songs are a bit uneven, I like to return to it to this day.
Good, great arrangements and singing, but dusty sound. Particularly the drums sound strange, somewhat muffled. Hardly surprising fifty years after its release, but still. ****
Nice and mellow, but bland This record was my seconds recommendation from the „One Album a Day“-Website, offering one record each from the 1001 you must hear before you die book. I thought it was disappointing, and this wasn't owing to my expectations. The music doesn't hurt, but it doesn't do much for me either. It's all nice and mellow, but at the same time a bit boring and bland, as there's a lack of dynamics and expression. It's all pretty samey, midtempo and plenty of keyboards, not a lot of varation on offer. Beach House certainly have a unique sound one easily recognizes, but that doesn't make for a great record. In other words, I wonder why „Teen Dream“ is part of the 1001-albums-collection. Maybe I wasn't listening close enough to the lyrics? ;-) However, any record on this list should be worthwhile in musical, not necessarily lyrical terms. With „Teen Dream“, I don't get it.
The double set „Sign of the Times“ has an impressive cover design and met a massive media coverage upon release. I can tell, as I was witness. Its music, however, is a mixed bag, I find. The record contains a bunch of excellent tracks, such as the title song, „I could never take the place of Your Man“, „Starfish & Coffee“ as well as „The Cross“, and it also represents Prince's signature sound, making it instantly recognizable. Unfortunately, it also contains a bunch of lenghty stomping and highly repetitive funk-disco-tracks, that I could certainly have done without. A single LP would have been a better artistic choice and a much more satisfactory listening experience.
No doubt, that „it“ started all with Elvis. Like no Beatles or Dylan without him. The music on his debut though is only partly what it promises. Sure, there are classics like „Blue Suede Shoes“, but there's also cheesy stuff and some rockabilly. Oh, well . . . it was the beginning of a great career and a tragic life, but it wasn't much fun to listen to. The songs sound really dated and the music dusty, like watching a silent black and white movie.
„Heroes“ is totally enigmatic to me. When Brian Eno and David Bowie teamed up in the early seventies, they certainly set out to create something new. After all, this was the pre-computer and -digital era, and all those sound collages had to be done on analogue tape and keyboards on eight track tape (I guess). This I will acknowledge, and I guess, that's why this record was influential. The result, however, is hard to listen to these days (2025): The album features spheric sounds on instrumentals like „Moss Garden“, instantly forgettable midtempo rock tracks such as „Joe the Lion“ and only one standout track, „Heroes“. To put it provocatively: I wonder why people adore drug related pieces of art so much?
Now that's more like my kind of record. Powerful music, catchy songs, a unique, instantly recognizable sound, amazing talent on guitar (Eddie) and drums (Alex van Halen) make for a great record. Van Halen's debut has been with me since its release, and while the songs are a bit uneven, I like to return to it to this day.
Musically a very traditional record. Country, folk, stuff like that, you name it. I guess, it must be all in the lyrics. Sarcastic detector off. Prine's voice wasn't particularly appealing, a bit throaty. Was it something special at the time of release in 1971? Possibly. Honestly: If so, I don't get it. One thing's for sure: I'm never going to listen to this record again. But hey – I tried. The good old American way: I'll try anything once.
Lovely, emotional, liked the Sax.
Listening to this today reminded me of the reasons why I gave Odelay away years ago. I don’t like the fizzy guitar sound, neither the way Beck sings nor the occasional noise. I had bought the record based on the hype at the time, and I still don’t get what everyone’s raving about. At times I realize that fusing rock and hip hop maybe appealing, but that’s an abstract thought; I’m just not feeling anything when playing Odelay except a slight resistance and annoyance. I tried again and felt confirmed in my rejection.
I own a vinyl copy which I never listen to. Checking in as part of the challenge reminded me why: This record is truely awful. The strand is okay, but then matters quickly worsen: The way guitar, keyboard and saxophone are playing against each other rather than together just annoys me. It’s probably meant to be experimental and ground breaking at the time, but today it’s a true torture. The only thing I like about this is the artwork - the cover is hot to this day.
This record is downright awful from beginning to end, the only exception being „Where's my mind?“. Whats the point about out of tune singing and playing? I don't like producer Steve Albini's sound design anyway - the dry guitar sound in particular. It's good to be remembered why I sold this many years ago. The real question is: Why is this piece of trash part of the book? I strongly feel some editing is required.
After the last few records put my patience to a severe test, Adele's 25 is more up my alley. However, I would have picked 21, as I think the material is stronger, while 25 sounds like a continuing variation of its predecessor. Highlights include Hello, When We Were Young and Sweetest Devotion.
This wasn't as bad as expected. Behind the tender dissonances some melodies were to be detected. Surely innovative at the time of making. However, nothing I'm going to return to.
It is ironic and strange to listen to a song like School's Out as a full grow adult. Obviously, I'm not exatly the target group anymore. I can relate, not exactly to the (simple) lyrics, but the energy of the music - there's a powerful riff underlying. Besides, one would have to admit that this is the only outstanding song on the record. If I remember correctly, it was also the major single success for Alice Cooper. The remaining tracks are nowhere close. In particular the sound is dusty, but this is hardly a surprise as the record was released 50 years ago, and recording technology has much improved since. I quite like the arrangement of the last track feat. brass, I guess owing to producer Bob Ezrin, who used similar sounding arrangements with other artists. So once again, I guess the recording was influential and groundbreaking at the time of release, but today it sounds dated and forgettable. I'm not going to listen to this again.
Pleasant, but not a fave. The openers are both standouts: „Unfinished Sympathy“ is key track on side 2, „Safe from Harm“ also good, opening side 1, while some of the other stuff is instantly forgettable. Massive Attack produce a unique sound, but there's too much MCing going on. I prefer singing. „Mezzanine“ is a much better album.
A pleasant surprise, not as proggy as I thought it was going to be. Quite accessible, not overly complex, it did have a flow. Many solos, excellent guitar work. I liked the warm sound, but was puzzled by the mix, feat. some wild stereo effects. But I guess that's the way things were done in the early seventies, when this was released. Overall not a fave, but okay.
Blend of metal and hip hop, different and innovative at the time, not my cup of tea. I like the flow, the energy, groove and riffing, however, not the singing, which often turns into angry shouting. Overall, the record is too long. Fewer songs would have been more and better. Only one stand out track, „Take a Look Around“, using the motive of „Mission Impossible“ - or was it the other way round?
Very traditional. Certainly well sung and performed, but not my cup of tea.
Noodeling, noodeling, more noodeling - I guess you have to be high to enjoy this live recording. As if you get to listen to the same song over and over again. Yawn - incredibly monotonous, tiring and boring.
Good material, well written and arranged, nice and mellow, I'm just not too crazy about her voice. Been listening to this before, and couldn't make up my mind to buy it. Love the artwork, the contrast between the blue sky and the red fan.
Glamrock, produced by Toni Visconti. Mildly entertaining. Instantly recognizable. Brings back early childhood memories. Ok, but it sounds old and dated.
I like bands than can play. The Ramones cannot, like most Punk bands. Their music sounds like the same song played over and over again. Simple, raw, but clumsy. It's hard to imagine that this record was considered hot and trendy at some point in time.
Quite cool, loungy and elegant. Reminds me of Jamiroquai. Somewhat artificial and polished. Nothing I care much about, but well done.
The record sounded somewhat old and dated, but how can it not, as it was released 1959, more than 60 years ago. I do like the Big Band sound though, that Ray Charles provides, and his singing and playing. So despite the age issue, this record was quite enjoyable.
Not too crazy about their sound, but some of the songs are great.
This has been a classic since I was 16 and it's part of my Top100 list. Bursting with energy. Not a single weak track. More structured and focused than it's predecessor „Born to Run“. Love it.
Great voice and I love their original material, not the covers so much (Before you accuse me). Grapevine should have been edited, it is way too long (11:00). Overall the record seems a bit confused and unfinished. I prefer the collection „Chronicles“.
With a few exceptions, rap records pretty much sound the same to me, which would also include this one. I can't deny the high ratings, so there must be something about it, but I just don't get it. Some of the samples were good in terms of interesting or original.
Interesting mix of hip hop and rock. Better than expected.
Two great songs: I Know What I Like and The Cinema Show. Not enough to make for a great rating.
Another record that sounds really dated. I'm sure it was out there at the time. 2 good songs: The title track and Jean Genie. The rest is left in right out.
Basic, solid rock stuff. Breakdown and American Girl are higlights. Tom grew enormously later on.
Cool Cover. The music is a bit uneven, at times wild. Maybe this needs a few spins to get into it. Not a big fan of producer Nick Launay's sound design in general, but this one's okay.
High expectations, but the music didn't reach me. It was kind of elusive, some soloing, not a lot of structure to be noticed. With my headphones on, it sounded as if they played in front of 30 people. Knowing nothing about Evans, I thought it should been packed.
Certainly unique or different in its musical approach, but nothing I care much about.
Once again, certainly unique or different in its musical approach, but not my cup of tea. Too much aggressive shouting and too many political issues.
Once again, what is it about the Pixies? Mostly midtempo songs, basslines in eight notes, the melody sticking to the chord progression, the singing turning into aggressive shouting. Predictable and boring. Truely dreadful.
Better than expected, pop-rock, a tight band, accessible, if not catchy music, and ironic humor.
Funk. Not too bad. Sounds like this was a major source of inspiration for Prince.
Jazz organ, some sax, not too bad, a bit too much noodeling.
This was pretty cool, great singing, great songs incl. the lyrics, and most of all a great orchestra performance.
Rock'n'Roll, but well done. Better than expected.
A classic in my collection. Love it.
A timeless classic.
An all-time fave since its release.
Not my favorite Radiohead album
Wild, very intense atmosphere, however, it sounds like it’s the same song tenfold.
Didn‘t impress me much, wonder why it‘s on the list. Quite mediocre indie pop rock.
Oh, well, too bluesy, too few great songs. Also sounds old.
Nice, accessible, flattering, harmonious.
This is different, I could feel the energy, but also felt I came about 30 years too late to discover this intense record.
One of the and their best - monumental.
Some great songs, not consistently convincing, though. I was wondering about the Queen-like backing vocals, until I noticed the records had been produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had worked with Queen before. :-)
Noise is not for me.
Not the typical Tim Buckley, yet. I hardly recognized him initially and like later records better.
Hahaha, I never understood why and what so many people like in this stack of songs dealing with teenage depression.
This is my teenage soundtrack. I like the live albums better, but this is probably their best studio effort. I didn't know at the time Bob Ezrin produced it and co-wrote the songs - but you can tell. His contribution improved the quality of this record.
Oh, well, this didn't do much for me. a bit repetetive in its musical motifs, even if they were cute.
I like other Pretenders' albums better. They were more elaborted, less raw.
This is very pretty, and it sounds great on my stereo system. A discovery of late, I didn't like it so much when it was released.
She's intense and sometimes annoying, but also interesting and knows how to write a good tune.
This is lovely, but I wouldn't rate it as high as most people apparantly do. The songs are not catchy enough, I hear the music more in an atmospheric way. Lovely artwork, though.
Who wouldn't know this record? One of a kind, though not a personal favorite.
This sounds actually and once again old. Some catchy tunes, but nothing I'm going to return to.
Plenty of Funk and Soul, and yet, it doesn't really speak to me.
Better than I had memorized it.
very catchy, cool basslines. Lovely artwork, too. missed it at the time, glad to encounter it now.
beautiful, loved it, the brass, the singing, the songs, the signature sound.
ok, some good stuff, great title, lovely artwork, but the best was yet to come.
I feel the energy, but the music is not my cup of tea, too aggressive, raw and rough, too straight and simple.
A favourite of my youth. I used to love it, these days, I can spot its weaknesses, namely the incredible naivity of Imagine or Soldier.
This is not great, as much as I love McCartney. It sounds like an array of sketches in demo quality, with the only great track being Maybe I'm Amazed. I have no idea why it's rated so high. He sounds like a fool in love.
A disappointing experience. Plenty of rhythm, noodeling and repetition. Not what I hoped for considering the cast, neither what I like.
Really good, even after all these years.
I can't stand the banana record, but this one is much better.
Like many double sets this is way too long. As a single record, this would have been much better. Plenty of fillers, some good tracks.
I guess this was provocative at the time (titles like „I wanna be your dog“), maybe even rebellious, but from today's pov it seems so desperate to divert and laughable in its failure to do so. John Cale produced it - no wonder I don't like it.
this is cool and different.
It is quirky, and not exactly enjoyable, but unique and interesting at the same time. Overall a win.
Quite noisy, the following record has much better songs. i like the photo though.