225
Albums Rated
3.52
Average Rating
21%
Complete
864 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
36
5-Star Albums
5
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
|
5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
|
Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
|
5 | 2.99 | +2.01 |
|
Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
|
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
|
4 | 2.16 | +1.84 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Kala
M.I.A.
|
1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
|
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
|
2 | 3.82 | -1.82 |
|
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
|
1 | 2.68 | -1.68 |
|
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
|
1 | 2.67 | -1.67 |
|
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
|
1 | 2.58 | -1.58 |
|
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
|
2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
|
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
Garbage
Garbage
|
2 | 3.38 | -1.38 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Black Sabbath | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
| R.E.M. | 3 | 4.33 |
| Beck | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1 |
| M.I.A. | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (36)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Fairport Convention
5/5
What a revelation! I don't think I'd ever heard FC before (maybe vaguely familiar?) and certainly wasn't too excited when I saw the album cover. Ah... now I see the band photo bombing in the background. But man! What a lush, hauntingly beautiful album. I've listened to it 4 times straight through while working today. A perfect example of why I wanted to take this 1001 albums challenge on. Of course I had to go down the rabbit hole of the history of the band, which is rather tragic to say the least. Anyway, a great change of pace from my usual diet of metal and punk.
4.5/5 rounded up to 5.
Album 8/1001
4 likes
Michael Jackson
5/5
If you were a child in the early 80s, this album is part of your DNA. I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in 40 years though. Well-crafted pop. It's fun. I can't deny it.
4.5/5
Album 13/1001
1 likes
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
This is, in fact, one album I did not need to hear before I die.
2/5
Album 72/1001
1 likes
Tracy Chapman
3/5
When I was in high school I had a punk rock friend who had a leather jacket with "TRACY CHAPMAN IS THE ANTICHRIST!" scrawled across the back. I don't know if he thought that was a good or bad thing. Anyway, Tracy is alright with me.
3/5
#84
1 likes
George Harrison
2/5
Harrison is probably my favorite Beatle honestly. But this album is waaaaaay too goddamn long. It's as if all of George's pent up frustration with the Beatles stifling his creativity just exploded all over the studio and he couldn't bear to dispense with at least a dozen or so mediocre (at best) songs on this triple album to have one cohesive and interesting record. The quiet Beatle my ass!
2/5
Album 54/1001
1 likes
1-Star Albums (5)
All Ratings
Metallica
4/5
Well how about that for my first pick! This is an album I've heard hundreds of times being a huge metalhead as a teenager in the 80s. I absolutely loved this album as a kid and still really like it. I saw them live on this tour which was a highlight of my youth. But as many listeners have noted over the years, the production is terrible with compressed buzzy guitars, clicky drums, scooped mids, and zero bass guitar. Tons of amazing riffs, but honestly the album is a rather bloated affair. Some of the songs really overstay their welcome, especially the title track. End the damn song already! Nevertheless, this album is fun and will always have a soft spot in my heart. I'm not sure I would have included this one in the book though. Ride the Lightning is much better, but sounds too close to MoP sonically I guess. And really, maybe an album by a decent metal band would be more deserving. Voivod? Death? Celtic Frost? 4/5.
Album 1/1001
Ray Charles
3/5
Ray Charles is a legendary figure in modern popular music for a reason. S familiar as I am with him and his music in general, I think this is the first time I've ever listened to an entire album of his from start to finish. It's certainly out of my usual wheelhouse, but it made for a relaxing drive to work this morning. With so little context for this type of music, it's hard to rate it fairly. I find no faults with it honestly. But it's not anything I would revisit regularly. I certainly appreciate Ray's legendary status. I'd probably give it 7.5/10 if the system would allow. But I'll give it a 4 for this format.
Album 2/1001
The Rolling Stones
5/5
On vacation, so keeping this short. But this is a great album. The Stones in their prime. Loose and rockin. 4.5/5 but I'll round up to 5 on the start chart I guess.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Short review due to being on vacation. CCR are legendary for a reason. I find it difficult to fairly rate albums that are older than me sometimes due to lack of context. I probably wouldn't revisit this album regularly (even though I have a vinyl copy in my collection), but it is certainly not a bad record by any means.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Easy and relaxing. Willie is a national
Album 5/1001
Queen Latifah
3/5
I was a 16 year old metalhead when this came out. So I was not jamming on this type of thing back in the day. Aside from the odd music video or two, she pretty much flew under my radar as a musical artist. While this is not my usual cup of tea, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. But it's definitely a relic of late 80s hip hop/house music where high top fades and Africa necklaces ruled the scene.
Album 6/1001
The Byrds
3/5
I'm vaguely familiar with the Byrds earliest output but didn't know as much about the Gram Parsons country era of the band. I guess a lot of the folk leaning rock bands of the day went through a country phase. Anyway, it was an interesting listen.
Album 7/10
Fairport Convention
5/5
What a revelation! I don't think I'd ever heard FC before (maybe vaguely familiar?) and certainly wasn't too excited when I saw the album cover. Ah... now I see the band photo bombing in the background. But man! What a lush, hauntingly beautiful album. I've listened to it 4 times straight through while working today. A perfect example of why I wanted to take this 1001 albums challenge on. Of course I had to go down the rabbit hole of the history of the band, which is rather tragic to say the least. Anyway, a great change of pace from my usual diet of metal and punk.
4.5/5 rounded up to 5.
Album 8/1001
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Funky stuff. My dad loved the Isley Bros when I was a kid, so this was definitely nostalgic.
4/5
Album 9/1001
Sparks
3/5
Not my usual. But it's quirky and interesting.
Album 10/1001
Black Sabbath
5/5
Finally landed on one of my all-time favorite bands and albums. The first 4 Sabbath albums are unbeatable. Really the first 6 all could have arguably made this list. Heavy, sludge, yet melodic and catchy. Bill Ward is the unsung hero on this record. His powerful yet playful jazzy drumming adds a fun counterpoint to Tony and Geezer's plodding and doomy riffs. Just listen to his tasty fills and high hat work on Snowblind.
4.5/5
Album 12/1001
Madonna
3/5
If electro-pop is your thing, I suppose you could do worse. I would readily admit that Madonna has an album or two worthy of this list. I just wouldn't have thought this latter day effort would be one of them.
2.5/5 (a generous rounded up 3 star rating for the app)
Album 12/1001
Michael Jackson
5/5
If you were a child in the early 80s, this album is part of your DNA. I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in 40 years though. Well-crafted pop. It's fun. I can't deny it.
4.5/5
Album 13/1001
AC/DC
4/5
Possibly the greatest rebound from tragedy album ever in rock n roll history. It's a timeless hard rock classic.
4/5
Album 14/1001
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Funny. I thought I had heard everything by Jimi Hendrix at this point in my life. Apparently I had never heard this album in its entirety, just the hits like Little Wing. Anyway, fantastic as always. Jimi was a master. There are a couple filler type songs, but overall great.
4/5
Album 15/1001
The Pogues
5/5
Punk rock at its heart. Irish at its soul. I can't think of any better music to get drunk to! RIP Shane MacGowan.
4.5/5
Album 16/1001
Scott Walker
2/5
Well, I can't say this one did much for me. Nothing objectionable. Just uninspiring in general.
2/5
Album 16/1001
Talking Heads
4/5
I'm a Talking Heads fan, but I think they got much more interesting as their career progressed. It's a fun debut though.
3.5/5
Album 17/1001
Hole
2/5
The album cover seems to suggest something like... From the ashes of grunge's demise rises this Phoenix of mediocrity. The dude's expression on the right side of the photo accurately sums up the band's lack of enthusiasm when making this lame record. They as he might, Billy Corgan just couldn't save this album. And I'm not just some boomer hater. I'm gen X all the way and even saw Hole in concert once in 95. Hell, I even own a Courtney Love signature model guitar. But there is no just reason for this album to be on this list.
Blind Melon's 'Soup' was robbed!
1.5/5
Album 17/1001
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
All the negative reviews for this album are somewhat surprising. There's a bit of filler on here, but it's still pretty fantastic. JSBE laid the groundwork for a lot of the stripped down white boy punk/blues that followed, most notably The White Stripes. JSBE put on one of the most incredible live performances I ever witnessed at The Ogden in Denver in 1996. This isn't my favorite JSBE album (that would be Extra Width), but this is a damn good one.
4/5
Album 20/1001
FKA twigs
2/5
Someone had a lot of fun on a laptop making this. No actual musical instruments were harmed in the making of this album. Nevertheless, it's fairly interesting at times. Lots of layers, dreamy soundscapes, and breathy vocals. But I suddenly feel the urge to listen a day's worth of death metal now.
2/5
Album 21/2001
Stan Getz
3/5
Felt like I was on an elevator for 33 minutes. Seriously, it wasn't bad. I just have very little context for jazz or samba. It was warm, pleasant, and organic.
3/5
Album 22/1001
Patti Smith
3/5
I own this album and I saw PS in concert many years ago. However, this record has not held up well for me in hindsight. I respect Patti as an artist, but I don't find her overwrought vocal style particularly interesting anymore. I'll respectfully give this one a 3.
3/5
Album 22/1001
Stevie Wonder
4/5
And Stevie knows that nobody's gonna bring me down
'Cause me and Stevie, see, we're gonna be sailing on the funky funky sound
4/5
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Thin Lizzy was a great rock n roll band, but a live album is a curious choice for this list. But the late 70s/early 80s was the golden era of the live album. So maybe it makes sense. I would have much preferred one of their studio albums to have been in this book though.
3/5
Album 25/1001
Elastica
3/5
Another band I saw live once (Lollapalooza 95) but had almost forgotten. I remember their hit song (Connection) and the controversy surrounding their supposed ripping the riff from a Wire song. But I don't think I had ever heard this album before. It's not bad at all. Certainly sounds like the 90s indie rock of the day. As far as female fronted 90s indie rock goes, there were much better options. I can't believe the Breeders don't have one in this book. Decent album. Just not sure it's worthy of this honor.
3/5
Album 25/1001
Everything But The Girl
1/5
90s Mehcore. I could not wait for this to be over. Bring on that Napalm Death album!
1/5
Album 27/1001
Suede
2/5
I've had 90s Brit pop for 3 of my last 4 selections. Mostly forgettable stuff. No thank you.
2/5
Album 28/1001
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Great stuff!
Mike Ladd
3/5
This is the first album by an artist that I was 100% unfamiliar with. Never even heard of the guy. I'm not the biggest hip hop fan in the world, but I don't hate it either. But this album grew on me as it went. Not sure if it should be in the book necessarily, but certainly worth a listen.
3/5
Album 30/1001
Minutemen
5/5
Oh wow! This is one of my all-time favorite albums by one of my all-time favorite bands. You don't have to twist my arm to get me to listen to the Minutemen. This is their masterpiece.
5/5
Album 31/1001
Nick Drake
4/5
Beautiful. Soothing but melancholy. A little unfocused at times, but thoroughly enjoyable.
4/5
Album 32/1001
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I dunno. Between Kurt Cobain's name drop and being featured heavily in Oliver Stone's 'Natural Born Killers,' there seemed to be a big push by many to make Leonard Cohen a household name. But he always came across as super cheesy to me. I would give this a 1, but I'll go with 2 to be fair I guess. Maybe I'm just not sophisticated enough to grasp the genius in his work.
2/5
Album 33/1001
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
This album had its way with my ear holes. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
3/5
Album 34/1001
Pulp
2/5
Extraordinarily forgettable.
2/5
Album 35/1001
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Fantastic album. Stevie Wonder in his prime was a force to be reckoned with. This one was worth a second listen.
5/5
Album 36/1001
Gang Starr
4/5
I enjoyed it more than I expected to. Rap and hip hop are not my usual, but I've learned to appreciate it more over the years. This is definitely worth another listen.
3.5/5
Album 36/1001
Britney Spears
1/5
Oh no! Why 1001 albums? Why?
0.5 /5
Album 38/1001
The Clash
5/5
A classic! Punk gained a lot of respect with this record.
4.5/5
Album 39/1001
Van Morrison
3/5
Not bad at all. I just find a double live album a difficult way to jump into an artist's legacy. I'm certainly familiar with Van Morrison, but I don't think I have ever heard anything beyond his hits.
3/5
Album 40/1001
Nirvana
5/5
This album came out my freshman year of college. The underground music scene had been bubbling up to the surface for several years earlier with bands like Jane's Addiction, Pixies, The Cure, etc. But Nirvana kicked the whole damn door down and paved the way for the alternative music wave that swept the world in the 90s. People like to piss on Nirvana's music and legacy a lot these days it seems. But this album was huge and Nirvana was very important. Still is.
4.5/5
Album 41/1001
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Dreamy and pleasant for the most part. But it tends to lose focus at times.
Album 42/1001
Alice In Chains
4/5
I have not listened to this album in a very long time and was surprised that I still know most of the lyrics. AIC was more straight metal than most of the bands who were labeled "grunge." It's a hauntingly ugly and depressing album. But the vocal harmonies can be rather beautiful at times. They were definitely a force in the 90s and I understand went they made the list, but they are not one of my favorite bands of that era. Nevertheless, this is a solid album that I'm sure sure I'll check out again some day.
3.5/5
Album 43/1001
New York Dolls
4/5
I just listened to this album a few weeks ago after the passing of David Johansen. I love this album and it did not hurt my feelings to listen to it again.
Album 44/1001
4/5
Machito
3/5
I don't have a lot of context for this type of music or this era in general. It all sounds well and good I guess.
3/5
Album 45/1001
Björk
4/5
Bjork is Iceland's national treasure. Love her voice, her delivery, and quirky personality. Had a bit of a crush on her back in the 90s. I could listen to her sing the phone book. I kinda prefer the Sugarcubes to her solo work (minus the annoying male singer) in general, but this album is great.
4/5
Album 46/1001
Adele
3/5
Somewhat generic and slick pop music. Not my cup of tea generally. But there's no denying that Adele has a fantastic voice which at least elevates it above most typical Top 40 schlock. The song Rumor Has It always brings a smile to my face because it brings up memories of my oldest son (when he was a toddler) singing the chorus as "Oma Has It," which is what he calls his German grandmother.
3/5
Album 46/1001
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
I like Neil Young fairly well and BS is kinda his introduction to the world. That being said, this album is mostly underwhelming to me. Nothing objectionable really, just not too exciting and the production seems rather flat even for the 60s.
3/5
Album 48/1001
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Not my favorite Led Zeppelin album, but very good nonetheless.
4/5
Album 48/1001
Beastie Boys
4/5
808 beats and misogynistic rhymes for days. Yeah the lyrics are goofy and cringey more times than not, but it's still a damn fun album. And I believe the Beasties have more than atoned for their sins in subsequent releases. It's dated and the next few albums are much more interesting and timeless, but License to Ill is still a gas to listen to again after all these years.
4/5
Album 50/1001
Frank Black
4/5
Very familiar with this one and always a fan of the Pixies and Frank Black's other projects. This is my favorite of his solo albums. But it's a shame that the Breeders are nowhere to be found in this list. At least I don't think they are.
4/5
Album 51/1001
Billy Bragg
3/5
Not bad. A little sleepy at times. I think I would prefer Wilco minus Billy Bragg.
3/5
52/1001
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
ELO sounds like no one else. I enjoyed this one overall, but it's a bit sprawling.
3.5/5
Album 53/1001
George Harrison
2/5
Harrison is probably my favorite Beatle honestly. But this album is waaaaaay too goddamn long. It's as if all of George's pent up frustration with the Beatles stifling his creativity just exploded all over the studio and he couldn't bear to dispense with at least a dozen or so mediocre (at best) songs on this triple album to have one cohesive and interesting record. The quiet Beatle my ass!
2/5
Album 54/1001
Cheap Trick
3/5
Goddamn it! If I get another double album or "live" album from the 70s, I might be done with this challenge. Good songs for the most part, but the piped in crowd noise is ridiculous.
2.5/5
Album 55/1001
Red Snapper
3/5
Not bad. It's just w duke that doesn't to much for me in general.
3/5
Album 56/1001
Fiona Apple
4/5
I was in my early 20s when this album came out, but somehow it flew under my radar. I remember the video for Criminal but that's about it. Anyway, this was a pleasant surprise. Fiona is definitely a talented singer and songwriter. Pretty amazing she was 18 when recording these songs.
3.5/5
Album 57/1001
Gang Of Four
4/5
A classic album. One I've enjoyed many times before. Definitely a huge influence on bass forward punk bands like the Minutemen.
4/5
Album 58/1001
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Dated but nostalgic.
2.5/5
Album 59/1001
Garbage
2/5
There were far better albums in 95 to choose from. Retake parts grunge, new wave, and meh.
2/5
Album 60/1001
Ella Fitzgerald
2/5
There's nothing particularly wrong with Ella Fitzgerald. She sounds just fine. But freakin' 3+ hours of this? Man, you can't be putting damn box sets in this list. That's horsesh!t!
2/5
Album 61/1001
Duke Ellington
3/5
A 3+ hour Ella Fitzgerald freakin' box set yesterday and a 2+ hour Duke Ellington album today. Nothing bad about them, but damn! Would it kill you to give me a 40 minute Black Sabbath album this week?
3/5
Album 62/1001
Alice Cooper
3/5
Alice Cooper was pretty campy, but fun. I can't see me revisiting this all too often though. I appreciate its place in the development of later heavy music forms.
3/5
Album 63/1001
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I am a fan of The Boss as a person and enjoy his music casually. Same goes for this album.
3/5
Album 64/1001
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Enjoyable enough.
3/5
Album 65/1001
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
Dinosaur Jr is one of those 80s/90s indie bands i just never spent a lot of time with. Seen them live once and have always liked them. Anyway, this is good but not great album. I'm sure I'll revisit it though.
3.5/5
Album 66/1001
Lou Reed
4/5
Lou Reed has influenced a lot of artists I really like but I haven't heard of ton of his music other than the "hits." This album definitely has some strong moments, but drags on a few songs. I'd definitely give it another listen or three.
3.5/5
Album 67/1001
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Nick Cave is an artist I am reasonably familiar with but need to spend more time listening to. Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party. Good stuff!
4/5
Album 68/1001
New Order
3/5
A nostalgic listen for sure. I was never one for Brit synth pop though aside from a bit of Depeche Mode from time to time. I prefer Joy Division, but this ain't bad.
3/5
Album 69/1001
Eurythmics
3/5
Very 80s. I remember the hits very well and they're still good. The rest is so cheesy and dated it's hard to take seriously. But Annie has a great voice.
2.5/5
Album 70/1001
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Decent sleepy time music.
3/5
Album 71/1001
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
This is, in fact, one album I did not need to hear before I die.
2/5
Album 72/1001
Lightning Bolt
3/5
I do love noisy music. But I usually like noise wrapped in a more coherent package a la Sonic Youth. But this was a pretty exhilirating listen. I'm intrigued.
3/5
Album 73/1001
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I'm an Amy fan, but Back to Black is much better.
3/5
Album 74/1001
Frank Ocean
3/5
This dude is not without talent, but many of the songs just seem to meander off into space with no real direction. The stream of consciousness lyrical style wears thin after awhile too. It's my first time listening to Ocean. It's decent enough I might be willing to check out more from in the future. But this particular album is a one and done for me.
2.5/5
Album 75/1001
Meat Loaf
3/5
Mr. Loaf was a bit campy, but his theatrical take on rock n roll could be a lot of fun at times.
3/5
Album 75/1001
David Bowie
3/5
I'm a pretty big Bowie fan, but this album is fairly mediocre. Golden Years is the highlight for sure.
3/5
Album 76
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
It's not without some high points. But overall I just can't get into modern hip hop.
3/5
#77
Adele
3/5
I'm gonna give up on this challenge if I keep getting 2000s pop music. Nothing wrong with Adele or anything. Just on a run of pop albums lately and looking for something more challenging.
3/5
#78
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
One of the more interesting and controversial pop stars of the 90s for sure.
3.5/5
#79
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I'm not a huge fan of Springsteen's music, but I am a big fan of the man himself. So I'm giving The Boss an adjusted score of 4.
3/5 for the album. 5/5 for The BOSS!
#80
M.I.A.
2/5
This is painful. The duet with Fred Sanford is mildly amusing at least.
1.5/5
#81
The Killers
3/5
The hits are definitely catchy. The rest is mediocre 2000s pop music. Not unlistenable.
3/5
#82
Fela Kuti
4/5
This album was a pleasant surprise. It slaps! As the kids say.
4/5
#83
Tracy Chapman
3/5
When I was in high school I had a punk rock friend who had a leather jacket with "TRACY CHAPMAN IS THE ANTICHRIST!" scrawled across the back. I don't know if he thought that was a good or bad thing. Anyway, Tracy is alright with me.
3/5
#84
Nirvana
5/5
The amount of live albums I've had to listen to so far on this list is really annoying. That being said, I love this particular live album and have listened to it thousands of times. I was 21 when it came out and it really takes me back to a really great time in my life. The funny thing is I think the Meat Puppets songs are the standouts here.
4.5/5
#85
3/5
It's OK.
3/5
#86
Dire Straits
3/5
80s vibes. Besides 'Money For Nothing' it's not especially memorable though.
3/5
#87
Little Simz
4/5
This is an example of an album I'm likely rating higher than my level of actual enjoyment. I think it's a very well performed and produced Brit hip hop record. It's just not something I'm all that interested in.
3.5/4
#88
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
I appreciate it as sound art, but it's not particularly musical. They certainly had a profound influence on industrial music.
3/5
#89
The Beach Boys
3/5
I agree this album is revolutionary and historically significant. But I'll be damned if I don't find it downright boring most of the time. It's obvious The Flaming Lips are heavily influenced by this album.
3/5
#90
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I haven't listened to Led Zeppelin in far too long. I had nearly forgotten how much I love this album. Essential listening for sure.
5/5
#91
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
This couldn't be over with fast enough. I had to follow this up with 5 straight hours of death metal to purge it from my brain! Bed a zero stars option!
0/5
#92
Violent Femmes
5/5
Brilliant album that I've listened to 100s of times over the years. Quite refreshing after that dud I had to listen to yesterday.
4.5/5
#93
Prince
5/5
This was the first album I ever purchased (on cassette) with my own money. I was 9 years old in 1982 and PMRC warning stickers were a few years off in the future. I loved this album so much and listened to it constantly. As I'm listening now, I realize that I still remember nearly all the lyrics, even the really filthy stuff! I probably learned about the birds and bees listening to this one. I remember my family taking a vacation road trip to Florida and I was sitting in the backseat listening to this cassette on my Walkman when mom suggests we put it in the car's deck so we could ALL listen! Um... no thanks mom! I'm kinda tired of listening to it now. 😆 Over the years I became more of a metalhead and later even a hardcore punk fan. But I've always remained a huge fan of Prince, even though I don't listen to his music all that much anymore. I still believe this is a brilliant, if not a bit foul, album from one of the greatest artists in modern music. Prince is deeply missed.
4.5/5
#94
Megadeth
5/5
Hell yeah! Reliving my youth. I saw Megadeth live on this tour (with Overkill), the first real metal concert I ever attended. I was 14. I was a thrash metal kid the rest of the 80s before burning out in it by 1990. But I do love to revisit these old albums from time to time. This one is certainly a classic of the original wave is thrash.
4.5/5
#95
Kraftwerk
3/5
Kraftwerk are one of a kind. This was an inventive album and a touchstone for the burgeoning electronic music world. But they would do far interesting things in the coming years.
3/5
#96
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Good stuff! I need to listen to more Elvis Costello.
4/5
#97
Rush
4/5
I'm a casual fan of Rush at best. But there is no denying these guys' technical prowess as musicians. True Rush fans would disagree, but this is the only album of theirs I consider essential.
4/5
#98
Peter Frampton
4/5
I feel like this is the only album Frampton is really known for. I kinda groaned a bit when it popped up. But honestly, it's pretty decent. It's rare that a live album garners as much attention as this one.
4/5
#99
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Milquetoast 80s pop rock. Not offensive, but certainly not exciting. Bonnie has a great voice though. And the bass player has solid chops.
2.5/5
#100
R.E.M.
4/5
As a college student in the early 90s, this was crossing a band in regular rotation. After I (temporarily) grew out of my metal and punk rock phases, bands like R.E.M., Pixies, Sonic Youth, etc ruled my world for a few years. R.E.M. was also a favorite of my wife's. She's a UGA alumnus, should I expect anything less? Document is solid and catapulted them into stardom. But it's not my favorite R.E.M. album.
4/5
#101
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
I didn't hate it.
3/5
#102
The Police
4/5
The Police early albums are solid and this LP is no exception. There are a couple of mediocre tracks, but for the most part this album slaps (as the kids say nowadays).
4/5
#104
Supergrass
3/5
Decent. Didn't hate it.
3/5
#105
4/5
As ubiquitous as these songs were in the late 80s, they're actually pretty good.
4/5
#106
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
1001 Albums is stuck in the late 80s right now. I definitely remember PSB and their hits from back in the day. U2 and REM from the previous couple days were much more enjoyable though. This is just corny 80s synth pop. I was busy listening to Anthrax and Slayer in 87, so this was definitely not my jam. Depeche Mode are far more interesting than PSB.
2/5
#107
Brian Eno
4/5
What a quirky album. Eno was definitely ahead of his time. I was familiar with who he was, but had never listened to a complete album of his before now. This was a pleasant surprise for sure and a perfect example of why I decided to take on this 1001 Albums challenge.
4.3/5
108/1001
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Nothing as catchy or groundbreaking as MAPS on here. But decent enough alt-pop I guess.
3/5
#109
Miles Davis
4/5
I dig. It's not often in up for jazz, but when I do, Miles definitely hits the spot.
4/5
#110
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Nick Cave is an Australian national treasure.
4.5/5
#111
Pentangle
3/5
I love the organic sound of this recording. I do dig folk on occasion. I prefer the Fairhope Convention stuff on this list though. But definitely worth another listen.
3/5
#112
R.E.M.
5/5
I'm a UGA alum. I'm required to give this a 5!
5/5
#113
The xx
3/5
I don't know how to fairly rate this kind of thing and struggle to get into electronic music. I didn't enjoy it on the level of 3, but I'm feeling generous this morning I suppose.
3/5
#114
Paul Simon
4/5
Simon recruited some amazing musicians for this album and it definitely is a fun listen. It has that distinctive gloss that was prevalent in 80s production. I would prefer it have a little more organic mix. But that's a small gripe. It really is a solid record.
4/5
#115
3/5
It has its moments. Kind of a poor man's Beatles though.
3/5
#116
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
Inoffensive I guess. The kind of thing I'd expect to hear at Barnes & Noble. Bring on Napalm Death!
2/5
#117
Yes
4/5
It's an album I own! Good stuff. Chris Squire's bass drives the train.
4/5
#118
The Who
2/5
I much prefer The Who without all the bloody whimsy.
2/5
#119
The Cure
3/5
I was a metalhead in the 80s but had some Cure and Depeche Mode cassettes around to help me talk with the the goth girls. This album finds The Cure reaching for a commercial audience. But there are some classic 80s tunes on here, especially Lullaby.
#120
Suicide
2/5
E for Effort. 2/5 is the best I can do. What a shame. I was really looking forward to this one.
2/5
#121
Iggy Pop
3/5
Iggy's solo work tends to be a mixed bag. I generally prefer the Stooges. Nightclubbing and China Girl are definitely classics. The rest is kinda forgettable.
3/5
#122
ZZ Top
4/5
Just great rock n roll from this Texas power trio.
4/5
#123
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Trippy.
3/5
#124
M.I.A.
1/5
This is the 2nd album to come up from M.I.A in my first 125. I sure hope it's the last. This is practically unlistenable. At least it sounded like she had fun making it. Bring on Napalm Death!
1/5
#125
Hookworms
2/5
126 albums in and I'm detecting a noticeable Brit bias with this list, especially with the more contemporary choices. I didn't even realize the writer was English until I started to suspect as much and looked it up. It's not necessarily a bad thing. Hell, it might even be a good thing for my American ears. Anyway, this one is not entirely objectionable, but mostly forgettable.
2/5
#126
Radiohead
5/5
Having grown up on metal and punk, I've never been a huge fan of electronic music. I didn't care for Radiohead in the early days either. Just thought they were a little too generic. OK Computer won me over though with its wall of guitar sounds, off kilter time changes, and beautiful production. An amazing record. So when I heard the next album was going to be more of an electronic affair, I was not optimistic about Kid A. But I bought the CD when it was released anyway and I'll be damned if it didn't turn out to possibly be my favorite Radiohead album. Honestly I think there is too much made of the electronic elements on this record. There is still plenty of live instrumentation here, which was confirmed when I saw them live at Red Rocks in 2001. I think Kid A is a perfect blend of Radiohead's earlier guitar oriented indie rock with the electronic experimentation they would lean more into later in their career.
Kid A is a masterpiece and I'm really pleased to see it pop up after a lackluster week of album selections from this app. I was almost ready to throw in the towel on this challenge.
5/5
#127
R.E.M.
4/5
Definitely a highlight from 90s era R.E.M. A very moody and dark album overall. No Shiny Happy People to be found here.
4/5
#128
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Not bad. Not great. I'd willing to explore more if the MSP catalog though.
3/5
#129
David Bowie
4/5
Dark, melancholy, and downright sad. Bowie's final album is may not rank with his greatest achievements, but it certainly is a worthy send-off.
4/5
#130
The Stone Roses
3/5
While not directly shoegaze I always think if this band in that realm. Anyway, not a bad album.
3/5
#131
Black Sabbath
5/5
I've listened to this album 1000s of times and hope I live long enough to listen to it 1000s more. RIP Ozzy.
5/5
#132
Beck
5/5
Great album that I haven't listened to in years. Saw Beck live on this tour at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Sure miss the 90s.
4.5/5
#133
Fats Domino
4/5
Fats Domino is truly an original.
#134
Lucinda Williams
3/5
I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. Kinda vanilla. Sometimes that hits the spot though.
3/5
#135
Johnny Cash
4/5
Kudos to Rick Rubin for helping to introduce Johnny Cash's music to the X and Millenial generations. This isn't my favorite of the American Recordings, but it's a good listen. I just wish it had more of his original songs.
3.5/5
#136
Beck
4/5
I didn't really keep up with Beck too closely after Odelay, but apparently that was my loss. This is a solid album.
4/5
#137
Doves
3/5
This is a band that I was completely unfamiliar with. Not a bad album by any means. But it made me feel a bit sleepy.
3/5
#138
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Short and sweet. Jerry Lee brings the heat! But he was a kind of a POS in life.
4/5
#139
Kate Bush
4/5
Kate Bush is certainly talented as a singer and songwriter. This album started strong but the second half seemed to flail around a bit without direction. It might be worth a revisit. Of course Stranger Things put her back on the radar, which ain't a bad thing I guess.
3.5/5
#140
Wilco
5/5
I have this album and had not listened to it in many years. I had forgotten how damn good it was.
4.5/5
#141
Stan Getz
3/5
Chill vibes.
3/5
#142
Ramones
5/5
I have nothing profound to say about this album. I love the raw energy. I love the goofy lyrics. I love the buzz saw guitar. I love their street tough image. I love the Ramones.
5/5
#143
David Bowie
5/5
One of Bowie's best. Life On Mars? is one of my favorite songs ever.
4.5/5
#144
The Band
3/5
This album has its ups and downs. The Weight is worth the price of admission and elevates it slightly above average. The AbFab theme song was a pleasant surprise as well.
3/5
#145
Taylor Swift
4/5
I'm your typical middle aged white guy who doesn't follow current pop music closely. I know Taylor Swift is bigger than Jesus, but Shake It Off was the only song I could name off the top of my head. So when this album popped up, I was thinking I was gonna get an hour's worth of danceable bubblegum pop. Oh, contraire, mon frère! It's a moody, mature, and even dark collection of slow to mid tempo country tinged indie folk vignettes about heartbreak, anger, and regret. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Kudos to you Taylor Swift!
4/5
#146
Dire Straits
4/5
A popular album around the house when I was a kid. Very nostalgic. Sultans of Swing is worth the price of admission. Solid blues rock.
4/5
#147
Metallica
4/5
Well well... good ol Metallica again. I grew up in the 80s worshipping this band. The Cliff Burton years were incredible and they became the kings of underground metal. By 1991 I was in college and my love of all things thrash metal had faded a bit and I was more into punk, indie, and what we would later call grunge. But I still had a ton of respect for Metallica and marched right to the Northridge Mall like a good little metal soldier and bought this cassette when it came out. I didn't get into CDs for another couple years. I dropped the tape into my Walkman and spent the next hour puzzled about what the hell had happened to this once cutting edge thrash band. "SELL OUTS!" I cried and damn near tossed that tape in the nearest waste receptacle.
Many years and many musical phases later I revisited many of my old metal favorites and fell back in love with the genre again. But was I ready to revisit this stinking heap of sellout butt rock? Maybe?
Maturity has a way of changing one's hindsight and that is definitely the case with the "Black Album" as it is colloquially known. I have come around to this album in a way I never thought I could. Sure I would have loved a Master of Puppets pt. II or a better produced redux of AJFA. But man, if I just stop worrying about what Metallica was NOT anymore, I can appreciate what this album truly is. A solid commercial metal album from the godfathers of thrash. For all the name calling and finger pointing, all their peers wish it was them that came up with this commercial gem of a record. Maybe not Slayer, but certainly Anthrax, Exodus, Testament, and especially Megadeth wish it was them whether they'll admit it or not. As far as I am concerned this is the last great Metallica record. And it's popularity helped carry the genre for many years through the grunge and indie 90s.
4/5
#148
Common
3/5
I really don't know how to rate music like this. I'll just split it down the middle and round to 3.
2.5/5
#149
Louis Prima
4/5
When this popped up I want particularly excited about it. But then Just a Gigolo started up and I was actually hooked from the start. Fun! It takes me back to a time I can only imagine my grandparents would've loved.
4/5
#150
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I'm a Neil Young fan, but this live album just falls flat for me.
3/5
#151
The Yardbirds
3/5
Not what I expected. Not terrible Just not particularly memorable.
2.5/5
#152
John Lennon
2/5
John Lennon is no Bob Dylan. This just sounds like a bunch of outtakes and half baked ideas. If this is the kind of shit John was bringing to jam sessions, I can only imagine this is what made Paul, George, and Ringo throw in the towel.
2/5
#153
The Monks
4/5
Is this the first punk rock album? There are so many artists from the 2000s I can think of who must have holed up in a basement somewhere and drilled The Monks into their brains and then went and started their own bands. The Hives, The White Stripes, The Strokes, etc. Anyway, cool shit. Nice discovery.
4/5
#145
Tears For Fears
3/5
As far as 80s pop goes, it's pretty decent. Definitely nostalgic.
3/5
#155
Linkin Park
2/5
I blame Aerosmith and Run DMC for this shit.
2/5
#156
Goldfrapp
4/5
I was not previously familiar with this artist and when I saw electronic as the genre I was none too excited. But it was certainly better than I expected.
3.5/5
#157
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
There are only a handful of hip artists that I come back to regularly. ATCQ is definitely one of them. People's Instinctive Travels is my favorite album of theirs, but this one is solid too. Buggin Out is my favorite here.
4/5
#158
David Bowie
3/5
I'm a Bowie fan, but I struggle with this era. This album feels so underdeveloped. After one go, I feel like it's a 2 but am willing to give DB the benefit of the doubt for a 2.5 since I believe it could possibly grow on me with repeated listens. And I'll round that to 3 stars (since fractions aren't allowed).
2.5/5
#159
Travis
3/5
Wasn't familiar with the artist. Did not hate. Got some early Thom Yorke vibes from the singer.
3/5
#160
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
This is a band that was always on the periphery for me. I've been familiar with them for years, especially the song Head On (which is not on this album). I think this is the first time I have ever listened to an album by them all the way through. Interestingly serene and unsettling at the same time. It's probably listen again or check more of their work. I like noisy shit.
3.5/5
#162
Common
3/5
I like this one better than the previous Common album that came up.
3/5
#162
Roni Size
2/5
I am not typically a fan of electronic music, but this wasn't terrible. Decent background noise while working. BUT IT IS WAAAAAAY TOO FUCKING LONG! I would've given it a 3 straight up, but it gets a 2 for being overindulgent.
2/5
#163
Cypress Hill
4/5
This album came out my freshman year at Los Angeles Valley College. Needless to say this album seemed to be constantly wafting through the air like a secondhand bong hit at a house party. This one gets a 4 for bringing on some serious nostalgia.
4/5
#164
Arcade Fire
4/5
I've heard a few of their hits, but this was my first time listening to a full aficionados by Arcade Fire. Not bad at all. I could see myself checking out more offerings from this band.
4/5
#165
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Jeff Buckley had the voice of an angel. I've listened to this album 100s of times and must admit, my eyes get watery every time. His voice is truly haunting. The songs are powerful and melancholy. Even the rocked out and ironically titled Eternal Life showcase his amazing vocal talents. One of the most untimely and tragic losses in music history. This one and only complete studio album along with a handful of outtakes and half finished songs are all that's left to bear his testimony.
5/5
#166
Paul Simon
3/5
Very slick. Very 80s. It's not bad, but I much prefer Graceland or his debut solo album.
3/5
#167
Aerosmith
4/5
A classic example of 70s hard rock that bubbles up in the disco era. Sweet Emotion is the highlight for me. I've never been a huge fan of Aerosmith but appreciate them on occasion, especially the 70s albums. Glad I saw them in concert during the Done With Mirrors tour back in 1986 just before they became the pop rock sensation of the late 80s and early 90s.
4/5
#168
Bob Dylan
4/5
Dylan was hitting his stride on this one. It drags a little in some places, but still solid overall.
4/5
#169
TV On The Radio
4/5
I know the song Wolf Like Me (not on this album) but beyond that, I was mostly unfamiliar with this band. Pretty interesting stuff. One of the singers has a voice similar to Peter Gabriel. Anyway, I could see me checking out more TV On the Radio in the future.
3.5/5
#170
Björk
3/5
I really like Björk. She has one of the most unique voices in popular music. But this one doesn't do much for me. A little too spacey and unfocused. Maybe another listen will go me.
3/5
#171
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Great voice for sure. It's obvious what an influence she is on contemporary British blue-eyed soul singers like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
3/5
#172
Sepultura
4/5
As a big metal fan, I'm certainly familiar with Sepultura and their controversial history. This album is a big dividing point with their fan base. They mostly dropped their thrash/ dark metal roots for a more downtuned numetal sound popularized by bands such as Korn and Slipknot, but while introducing more Brazilian ethnic influences. Old fans scoffed at the 90s influences invading the classic thrash sound, while others declared it a brilliant new direction for the band. Whatever it was, it was short-lived because the classic lineup imploded shortly after it's release. From its ashes arose the former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera's numetal project Soulfly, and a reinvented Sepultura with the remaining 3 members and new frontman Derrick Green. Arguably, neither subsequent band reached the heights of classic Sepultura. But for a short time after the release of Roots, Sepultura were one of the 3 biggest metal bands in the world along with Metallica and Pantera.
Personally I think the current version of Sepultura has finally hit their own stride while Max has reunited with his brother and former Sepultura drummer Igor in a project called Cavalera Conspiracy which seems content to rehash Sepultura classics. It's one of the great feuds in hays rock and metal for sure.
Anyway, I prefer the old thrash era of the band, but Roots is fine with me. It's definitely one of the most unique metal albums to hit the big time.
3.5/5
#173
4/5
I'm a Dylan fan, but the first half folk set was a little tough to get through. He sounded so vulnerable stripped down to just his voice, acoustic guitar, and harmonica. And let's be honest, he's not blessed with the greatest singing voice. But the rocking half is solid. He sounds much more settled with his "loud" rock n roll band raging behind him. It really is interesting and jarring to hear the switch mid-set. I'd ordinarily give something like this a 3 at best, but it's historical significance elevates it to at least a 4.
4/5
#174
Everything But The Girl
1/5
This is the 2nd god awful album from this duo. May it be the last! BRING. ON. NAPALM. DEATH!!!!
1/5
#175
Pixies
5/5
Perfect. I live the Pixies and have heard this album 100s of times. I'm actually going to see them (minus Kim Deal) live in a couple days. I'm calling this one 4.5 stars since it's not my favorite album of theirs, but that will round to 5.
4.5
#176
The Birthday Party
4/5
The Birthday Party is not for the faint of heart "I like everything" types. Abrasive, weird, and noisy. I prefer Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, but this is an interesting listen.
3.5/5
#177
The White Stripes
5/5
Raw, loose, and catchy. Rock n Roll!
4.5/5
#178
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Love Bob Marley and this is one of his best.
4.5/5
#179
Bob Dylan
5/5
Brilliant. My favorite 60s Bob Dylan album. His transition into rock n roll is rather seamless to my ears. I think he might have invented rap music on the opening track. 😆
4.5/5
#180
Donald Fagen
3/5
I definitely like Steely Dan, but this is my first time listening to a Donald Fagen solo album in its entirety. It's not bad, just a little slick. He definitely leans into a modern pop jazz sound on this record.
3/5
#181
Elliott Smith
3/5
First time I've listened to ES that I'm aware of. It's cool. I think I could enjoy it more with repeated listens. For now I'm gonna give it the middle of the road 3/5.
3/5
#182
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
I was 19 and lived in LA in 1992. I was there during the Rodney King riots. This album came out several months later and really captures the anger and frustration that was really taking hold in the country in those days. It seems like child's play compared to 2025 I'm afraid. But I digress. This album is truly powerful whether you agree with the message or not. Before dopey nu metal took over in the mid to late 90s, RATM really captured something that was primal, heavy, angry, yet catchy. And that unforgettable album cover. My only minor complaint is that the many of the songs have a similar progression and pattern to them. But I'm some ways it works to their advantage here.
4.5/5
#183
Kings of Leon
5/5
I almost forgot how good Kings of Leon were in the old days before they became a more straight up pop band. I love the stripped down garage rock vibes on this record.
4.5/5
#184
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
A funk classic!
4/5
#185
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Definitely an interesting and unique listen. You can hear and feel the man's soul pouring out of him.
4/5
#186
Randy Newman
4/5
As a Dodgers fan I love Randy Newman for what might be his biggest song, I Love LA! Obviously that song isn't on this record though. His lyrics often feature comical and biting social observations which I find interesting. That being said, it's not necessarily the kind of music I would seek out typically. But that's why I took on this challenge, to expand my horizons.
3.5/5
#187
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Nothing objectionable about Ol' Blue Eyes, but his music doesn't particularly move me either. I guess it does transport me back to a time long before my birth. Dude has a silky smooth voice and is backed by perfectly adequate musicians. It's the kind of thing I recall my grandmother singing around the house as she was doing chores and such. So I'll give it at least a 3 for the nostalgia factor. I mean, I really can't say anything bad about it honestly.
3/5
#188
4/5
I was not at all familiar with this artist. I don't generally like electronic type music, but I enjoyed this much more than I would've expected. Definitely good earbud music while I work.
3.5/5
#189
De La Soul
3/5
Probably one of the most boring concerts I ever attended was De La Soul back in the mid 90s. Their style of laid back jazzy hip hop just never translated well to the live stage as far as I am concerned. Nevertheless, as far as background sound at home while tinkering on this or that, it works well. I always loved the track Me, Myself, and I. But they were never as fun or engaging as their contemporaries A Tribe Called Quest.
3/5
#190
The Kinks
3/5
More of that 60s English whimsy. Picture Book is fun. The rest is kinda meh.
2.5/5
#191
Shivkumar Sharma
5/5
Beautiful and soothing. I need to seek out more music like this instead of NAPALM DEATH! 😆
4.5/5
#192
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
A chill listen.
3/5
#193
Ash
3/5
I'm surprised I've never heard of this band. Very 90s for sure. It's decent.
3/5
#194
The Gun Club
5/5
Love this band and love this album. Raw garage punk rock at its finest. Miami is my favorite GC album though. So I won't officially give 5 stars here, but will round up to 5.
4.5/5
#195
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
It's fun and funky.
3/5
#196
Johnny Cash
4/5
These live prison albums are fascinating listens. I like the Folsom Prison album a little better, but this one is great too.
4/5
#197
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Pretty generic 90s college rock. Not especially memorable but not horrible.
2.5/5
#198
Gillian Welch
3/5
It's hard to criticize something so organic and heartfelt. It's definitely soothing. I could see giving it another listen at some point I suppose.
3/5
#199
The Offspring
3/5
Radio friendly 90s pop punk. I didn't like it then and I still kinda don't. But at least it gives me a sense of nostalgia for my 20s. This is my 200th album. I think I'm going to take a bit of a break and drop dive and re-listen to some of my personal favorites for a bit and come back to this challenge in a few weeks.
2.5/5
#200
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Back after a break of a couple of weeks...
So Eric Clapton has always been one of those artists who I respect their talent but not so much their music. This album does little to change that although there are some strong moments. But if I never hear Layla again, that will be just fine with me.
3/5
#201
Method Man
3/5
It's hip hop. More interesting than most I suppose.
3/5
#202
George Jones
3/5
It's country. More interesting than most I suppose.
3/5
#203
AC/DC
5/5
I don't know if in the history of rock that a band has put out back to back classics with different singers like AC/DC did with this one and the follow-up, Back in Black. This was one helluva a way for Bon Scott to go out.
4.5/5
#204
Radiohead
4/5
Ah Radiohead. My 16 year old son's favorite band. This is their last rock album before they really took a deep dive into electronic experimentation. Of course, OK Computer was probably a little more rock than electronic, but they certainly were heading in that direction. Anyway, Radiohead is a rare band where I prefer the electronic stuff to their more rock oriented output. And The Bends, while a perfectly competent album, seems rather pedestrian and straightforward compared to everything that follows. Nevertheless, it's enjoyable enough and songs like Fake Plastic Trees rank with some of their best. I'll generously give it 3.5/5 (rounded to 4). But honestly, when I have a hankering for Radiohead, this is never where I start.
3.5/5
#205
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I remember when this band came out it was alleged they were the next Sonic Youth in much of the indie music press. Well, they're certainly not. The Dandy Warhols Come Down is not terrible, but the band does come off as a bunch of pretentious art school pricks for sure.
3/5
#206
4/5
Yes are certainly a talented ensemble and this a very ambitious album. And for the most part it's rather enjoyable. They can get a little long winded though. But the musicianship is top notch and a a bass player myself, Chris Squire is an inspiration.
4/5
#207
Parliament
5/5
Is there funk after death? I sure hope so!
4.5/5
#208
Jeff Beck
4/5
Heavy blues from the 60s. Some say it's the roots of heavy metal. Maybe? I was surprised to hear Rod Stewart on vocals. I think that elevated this album a bit for me. I'll give it a 3.5 (rounded to 4).
3.5/5
#209
Anita Baker
3/5
Anita Baker has a silky smooth voice. One of the best jazz/soul voices of the 80s for sure, along with Sade. That being said, I grew up in the 80s listening to metal and punk. So this is a little too slick for my tastes. Nothing at an wrong with this album other than it doesn't suit my musical tastes. I would recommend it to anyone who might have interest in this type of music though.
3/5
#210
Neil Young
4/5
Neil Young used to play in a band with Rick James. That's hard to imagine. Wonder if RJ ever gave Neil the ol' "F#$% YO COUCH!" treatment.
4/5
#211
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Mayfield has a knack for luring the listener to his serious message with his funky grooves and soulful falsetto. Only Marvin Gay comes close.
4/5
#212
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
I imagine this trippy stuff blew some minds in deeply conservative Texas in the 60s. I can hear the influence on fellow future Texas weirdos the Butthole Surfers for sure. Interesting.
3.5/5
#213
Bee Gees
2/5
Took me two weeks to suffer through this album. Why do these brothers insist on harmonizing like a tribe of goats?
2/5
King Crimson
3/5
I appreciate KC's artistry and vision. They've been extremely influential on the prog rock scene. But if I'm being honest, this is a mediocre album at best. It's really the only one I'm familiar with so maybe I should check out some others.
3/5
#215
Joan Baez
5/5
My mother was a big fan of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. I have this original print LP in my collection from my mom. I can still remember welling up with tears every time All My Trials played when I was little. I grew up to love metal, punk rock, and other noisy stuff over the years. But even now in my 50s as a husband and dad this album still moves me. And yes, I still blubber a bit when AMT plays.
4.5/5
#216
Tina Turner
4/5
It's very slick and 80s but Tina's soul shines through. Another nostalgic album for me as it was in regular rotation in my dad's car cassette player in the mid 80s.
ZZ Top
4/5
ZZ Top are the undisputed kings of the Texas boogie rock thing for sure. But this album finds them crossing that classic rock sound with the electronic dance sounds of the early 80s. Obviously it was a rousing success for them and their fuzzy guitars and flashy '33 Ford Coupe are iconic images from my childhood. So while it's not the ZZ I'd dig out of it were hankering for a listen, it's certainly a decent enough record chock full of catchy 80s hits and nostalgia.
3.5/5
Neil Young
5/5
I've always liked Neil Young but was generally content to occasionally listen to his greatest hits albums. But this is a fantastic record from front to back. It's a warts and all live-in-studio affair and I love that. Love it!
4.5/5
Barry Adamson
3/5
I'm not sure what to say about this very unorthodox album. I read that he intended it to be like a soundtrack/score to a movie that was never made or something like that. I think it's mostly a success on those terms. But as a standalone album is kinda meh. I'll give it a 3 I guess.
3/5
Pantera
4/5
I was an 80s metal kid and that genre was mostly left for dead by 1992 when this album came out. But Pantera was just getting warmed up at that point and became the flag bearer for the genre through the 90s. I like Pantera fairly well, but the redneck imagery wears a bit thin after awhile. And I'm from Alabama. Phil Anselmo can be an annoying and racist prick at times too. But in its own merits this album is a metal classic.
4/5
Beck
4/5
If you only know Beck from Loser or Where It's At this one might surprise you. It's a melancholy affair without the diversity of his previous records. It's Beck's 'Blood On the Tracks' breakup record. The mopiness of it kinda wears thin after awhile, but overall it's a solid record.
4/5
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I'm from Alabama so I think Lynyrd Skynyrd is required listening for us natives even though the band is actually from Florida. But there's no denying this is some great Southern fried rock n roll, although I'm a little burnt out on them after all these years of indoctrination.
4/5
The Libertines
3/5
Like the Kinks for the 2000s. Not bad, but not inspiring either.
3/5
Mj Cole
2/5