185
Albums Rated
3.3
Average Rating
17%
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904 albums remaining
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1960s
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38
5-Star Albums
12
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Box | 5 | 2.41 | +2.59 |
| Ghosteen | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Vulgar Display Of Power | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Architecture And Morality | 5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
| Third | 5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
| No Other | 5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
| Since I Left You | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| Bitches Brew | 5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| Raw Power | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| Fear Of A Black Planet | 5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rust Never Sleeps | 1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
| Foo Fighters | 1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
| Illinois | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Live And Dangerous | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| The Message | 1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
| The Wall | 2 | 4.14 | -2.14 |
| Too Rye Ay | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| The Only Ones | 1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
| Da Capo | 1 | 2.82 | -1.82 |
| Peggy Suicide | 1 | 2.77 | -1.77 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Portishead | 2 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 2 | 5 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Talking Heads | 2, 5, 5 |
5-Star Albums (38)
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Popular Reviews
Gene Clark
5/5
I don't know what to say about this album. Its back story and, by extension, the story of Gene Clark is tragic. I was unsure at first. The opener is a bit country but not too much. This is fine. Then 'Silver Raven' comes and my ears perk up. Beautiful song. Then 'No Other' starts and you are on a ride you didn't know was happening. This album is a journey epitomizing the ideal of an album. This is why I love this project. Another keeper for albums didn't know I loved until today.
2 likes
Black Sabbath
5/5
The whole album is great, but the 4 opening tracks get special praise. This was the start of heavy metal but you still hear psychedelic echoes. Balanced, awesome production, a pure classic.
2 likes
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
There are people who love reggae and people who cannot care. I'm in the latter camp. It's so inoffensive you can't bother to hate it, but that's also why it's so boring. It does not get the toe tappin' nor head bangin'. This is background pool music during a hot, summer day which is the only time I ever hear Bob Marley in the wild.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (12)
All Ratings
Otis Redding
5/5
'Respect'- Aretha Franklin own; Redding wrote it.
'Ole Man Trouble' - Redding wrote
'Change Gonna Come' - Sam Cooke wrote
'Rock Me Baby' - blues standard
Nina Simone
4/5
Pet fav: Either Way I Lose
Liliac Wine: covered by J. Buckley-- Grace
Four Women - banned for lyrics, written by Simone
Wild is the Wind: covered D. Bowie
Black is the Color... - standard American folk
Leftovers compilation from previous studio albums. Interesting stuff; not samey-samey
Paul Simon
3/5
1st released album s/p S&G
Pet favs: Armistice Day; Peace Like a River-- guitar playing is beautiful on both.
Well conceived album that flows along really well. And I'm not particularly fond of folk music.
Norah Jones
2/5
This album is too long by 15 mins/4 songs for what it is. I cannot really come up with a fav song as they are all the same sounding. This album isn't for me and wasn't made for me which I accept. However it's endurance 23y after leaves me paranoid there is some conspiracy afoot against me specifically. What is being said to ppl I can't hear? If this album is someone's fav then they have given up or never tried. And tsk-tsking critics who feel the same way but hate being on the "wrong side" of history, vis-à-vis the popularity of this album, can pound sand.
Green Day
5/5
3 monster hits still played with consistent regularity today: Longview; Basket Case; When I Come Around.
Fav song: Longview
Tight album of punk-pop.
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
Pet fav songs: The View From the Afternoon and Dancing Shoes.
Good ol'fashioned British rock. Back to back Dookie then this album came up on the list. Neither had I listened to all the way through and I would choose this one again and again. I have always thought Brit rock has a more interesting sheen to it. This may be a matter of personal taste.
John Prine
4/5
Fav songs: Paradise; Pretty Good; Donald & Lydia
Never heard of this artist before and thoroughly enjoyed the album's humor. If you're a fan of folk-country, you cannot go wrong here. As an aside, I already knew how to pronounce Muhlenberg before listening to Paradise due to where I grew up. Did not ever occur to me there is likely an umlaut missing over the 'U'. 😊
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
5/5
Pet fav songs: The New Stone Age; Sealand; Maid of Orleans; Architecture and Morality.
Heard of OMD and listened to couple songs in the past but never a full album. This was quite the revelation. Coming out in 1981, OMD put their mark on the synth-pop sound recognizable as "aggressively 80s". (To quote my husband.) Add the minimalist album art and pretentious title, there is so much to love. Definitely will have pride of place on my list of all-time favorite albums.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Pet favs: Shake Your Hips (Slim Harpo); Sweet Virginia; Stop Breaking Down (Robert Johnson)
The Rolling Stones are fine. They have some great songs but I've always thought their reputation exceeds their grasp. Mick Jagger is no singer and should not be demonstrating this defect on songs like 'Let It Loose'. He's fine enough when he stays in his narrow lane. This album is too long but still listenable without being tedious. It's too messy in parts. (It's recording history reads like a rolling disaster.) I know I'm supposed to like this album, like this band, and accept it without argument. I won't. I await another RS album listen to change my mind because this one ain't going to do it.
The Prodigy
5/5
Fav song: Since nearly every track is a banger, I'll say cull 'Serial Thrilla' and we have a perfect album.
I bought this album when it came out in 1997. It was the hot shit then and continues to hold up. Every song is distinct and identifiable upon the first few beats. I only wish 'Narayan' had been a single at time.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Pet fav songs: Peter Piper; It's Tricky; Raising Hell
Standout album from the golden age of hip-hop
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
Pet fav songs: Comin' Back to Me; Embryonic Journey; Plastic Fantastic Lover
I've had a copy of this album for 20y and haven't listened to it fully in forever. The classic singles 'Somebody to Love' and 'White Rabbit' are always great. Many elements of the album make one want to scream "dirty hippies!" Grandpa Simpson-style, but still it's one of the best the 60s flower children ever mustered. And the last 3 songs of the album are a great, beautiful, weird finish.
Ian Dury
3/5
Pet fav songs: Sweet Gene Vincent; Plaistow Patricia; Blackmail Man.
It's albums like this that make me happy an Englishman compiled this list because an American wouldn't include this album. It's a culture shock which reminds one how different the UK and US are despite how much we share, and I'm here to have an egg of knowledge cracked on my head. I love the title. The musicianship and production are top notch. The best songs are at the end as the album verges on going off the rails. Fun, weird, very British. I will likely never listen to this again.
Miles Davis
4/5
Not qualified to talk about jazz so won't, but it was a enjoyable album. I prefer later offerings from MD.
AC/DC
5/5
Pet Fav songs: Shoot to Thrill.
There are a lot of classics in this album. It does peeter out in the end a bit though.
Steely Dan
4/5
Pet fav songs: The classics Do It Again; Dirty Work; Reelin' in the Years.
This was an easy album to listen to. It seemed to breeze by. As a younger person I likely would not be so tolerant, but I'm middle aged and listening to aggressive music constantly is losing its appeal. Sometimes it's just nice to listen to a competently made album. It also reminds me of childhood radio listening because these songs were on a lot even 8 years after the album came out. Good times.
Funkadelic
5/5
Pet fav song: "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!"
I had only ever listened to Maggot Brain before this album. I say between the two this is better. But it's hard to dislike George Clinton. And why can't it be on Spotify? Pour one out for my playlists.
Cat Stevens
2/5
Many ppl like CS but I'm not one of them. I've heard a couple of his songs in the past and nothing about them interested me to explore him further. This style of folk- singer/songwriter does not appeal to me. I'm not into "finding myself" nor contemplating the spiritual. CS is on this journey and I cannot follow. The songs are well done and the album is (for me mercifully) an appropriate length. I give this a 2 and no songs particularly liked because this is just not for me.
Julian Cope
1/5
This album tests what a person wants out of a project like this one. Do you want the Rolling Stone top 500 doubled? Or do you want an interesting collection of albums which go into mainstream and subgenres highlighting the best on offer? I could choose either but I would prefer the latter. However I struggle to define what should be a 1 star album for this list - personal taste versus should it be on the list? It could have been 'Come Away with Me' but I can argue against as it was part of a zeitgeist moment whether I liked it or not. Might it be 'Peggy Suicide'? It achieves the stated goal but has deficiencies. It's experimental but not enough. The songs are competent but not blazing new trails. Many bands did experimental music or recording techniques and also wrote a banger song. None of these songs are bangers and mostly forgettable. I feel no need to revisit any of them. His vocals are uneven and generally just average without daring to be interesting. I had to break up listening into 2 parts due to the double album length. The second half did not catch my interest like the first. As a result, I resented having to sit through this much self-indulgent bloat. This guy was good enough to get a major label deal but not good enough to really break through. I'm not saying this album shouldn't be on the list. But I am saying good enough isn't good enough.
Blondie
5/5
Pet fav song: Will Anything Happen
One of the greatest, most perfect albums ever made. Pure joy. No notes.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Pet fav songs: Backseat Freestyle; m.A.A.d City; Swimming Pools; Compton.
I don't know this a "masterpiece" but it is very good. Great production. Overstays its welcome a bit. Cut 'Sing About Me...' and 'Real' and I think this would be better. Albums hitting 40 to 45 mins or more start to drag. Just because technology lets you run up the play time doesn't mean you should. Forced restraint has helped more artists than anyone would like to admit. 30ish mins for an album is optimal just like 90ish mins for a movie. Make your point and keep it tight.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Fav songs: Fast Car--who doesn't like this song; For My Lover
I remember when Fast Car came out and it was playing everywhere. I wasn't into it as an 11yo but it has grown on me as an adult. It's a great song. I feel like TC became accidentally famous and it wasn't something she really wanted. At least we all got a great song. The album is super easy to listen to and the songs do not blend together. It's not generally my thing but it isn't bad either. I really like her singing style.
Bad Brains
4/5
Fav song: Re-Ignition
I'm not a fan of hardcore or punk but I did like this album. I think the vocalist is what makes it.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
Fav songs: Duet; After Supper
Big band is enjoyable music. I prefer the slower songs.
The Police
3/5
Fav song: Every Breath You Take; Murder by Numbers on the extended cut
I don't know. I'm not a huge fan of The Police or Sting. Not sure why. They aren't boring, Sting is a great front man. I guess it doesn't speak to me but also I'm totally fine with them too. They don't make me feel much of anything.
Beatles
3/5
Pet fav songs: Love to Young; Tomorrow Never Knows
I tried really hard in high school to get into the Beatles because all the popular kids were listening to them like they discovered something no one knew about. This was also the days of The Beatles Anthology (1995). I bought the companion album and listened in earnest. I've not gone further than that. The Beatles are fine.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This is a great concept album. Ethereal, sad, hopeful, haunting. All the songs are good with a cohesive structure. Perfect if you need to cry for an hour. And I love the album art.
Beck
4/5
Pet fav song: Round the Bend
This is a nice album that is about 15 mins too long. Can no one edit anything? It wasn't a slog but you feel like some of the songs bleed together.
The Replacements
3/5
I like hearing the bridge between punk and what would become alternative. This album seems to be one men in their 50s would like because it's from their youth.
5/5
Pet fav songs: Bullet the Blue Sky; Exit; Mothers of the Disappeared
U2 are pompous and annoying but goddammit they are a great band. I don't ever think of them as my favorite, but there tons of songs from their different artistic eras I love. At 50 minutes I should, by my own standards, knock this for being too long and a bit indulgent but I can't. The whole thing works. Production is amazing.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
There are people who love reggae and people who cannot care. I'm in the latter camp. It's so inoffensive you can't bother to hate it, but that's also why it's so boring. It does not get the toe tappin' nor head bangin'. This is background pool music during a hot, summer day which is the only time I ever hear Bob Marley in the wild.
David Bowie
3/5
Pet fav songs: Dirty Boys; If You Can See Me
Cull songs: I'd Rather Be High; (You Will) Set the World on Fire
This is not Bowie's best work. It's too long. Not tedious, just too long. The song styles are all over the place. The songs I would cull are political and as a result uninteresting. If later Bowie is needed, Outside was more interesting.
Pantera
5/5
Fav songs: Mouth for War; Walk; This Love; Regular People (Conceit)
Super fun album IF you like metal. Otherwise at nearly 55 minutes, this would be a long, aural assault. RIP Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul.
Miles Davis
5/5
Fav songs: Bitches Brew; Sanctuary
Challenging album. This isn't something you just put on to listen to for fun and relaxation. Although as it went, it seemed easier listening because I got into the groove of the album. It definitely has an opinion on whether jazz should be art or broadly marketable to everyone. Extra points for the killer album art.
2/5
Pet fav song: Four Cornered Room
I find the fact this was the best selling album of 1973 fascinating. It made me wonder why I didn't know about it. Honestly I wanted to like this album more, but I'm underwhelmed. This makes me think of a middle-aged man in his wood-paneled den drinking a Schlitz, and him thinking he's with it because he's listening to this album.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Fav songs: Help Me; Raised on Robbery
JM is impressive as a songwriter and singer. I have not made any effort to look into her music since folk isn't my favorite genre. This is an engaging album and breeze to listen to. It's not really my thing but credit where it is due. Blue will come up at some point and I look forward to it.
Circle Jerks
3/5
This is definitely a hardcore album. I salute them for making it 15 minutes which is the same amount of time many albums over stay their welcome. I also appreciate its bratty provocativeness. Every once in awhile I heard some melody for a few seconds. I will likely never listen to this again but glad I did.
The Smiths
3/5
Being a younger Gen X, I'm fully aware of the person who is obsessed with The Smiths. I've never really gotten what magical hold they seemed to have over some people. They were fine. I like maybe one song of their's "How Soon is Now" and I'm not crazy about it. I'm sure there will be one more The Smiths album on this list. I will likely think it's just OK as well.
Donovan
4/5
Fav songs: 'Sunshine Superman' and 'Season of the Witch' obvious choices.
The album is archival tape of the '60s. Or at least what artists like Donovan made later generations think the '60s were. The album is a bit everywhere which keeps it interesting. However all the songs with a woman's name in the title tries my patience. 'Legend of a Girl Child Named Linda'.... Wtf. Nearly 7 minutes of all the twee in the world smashed into one song. The sitar was good in 'Three King Fishers' and effective. Using it over multiple songs made it lose its punch.
My favorite Donovan song ever is 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' (1968) - slightly edgy, cool drum fills, a little electric guitar, weird lyrics sang with a bit of the sinister. Good stuff! The '60s aesthetic got better the darker it got. SS is uncut Flower Power.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Fav song: A Boy Named Sue
This album is not as good as Folsom Prison but still enjoyable if you like JC. I learned Shel Silverstein wrote Sue. That's a delightful factoid.
Sade
3/5
Fav songs: Smooth Operator; Hang on to Your Love
Good production; cohesive album. It gets a bit long at the end. I would cut Sally and I think this would work more. This isn't my kind of music for casual listening but I see how it would be for many. The entire album - sound and art - screams '80s which I like.
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
Having watched many movies from India, I'm vaguely familiar with the music. I like it generally particularly the older, traditional style. So I liked this album and found it an interesting. Yes, a newer, remade album from 2016 is on Spotify and, yes, I prefer the 1968 version. I would not say the remake is garbage as some have stated in their reviews. If you know enough to say it's bad, then peace be upon you. I don't have that knowledge and would offer a theory. I think it might be remade to the current tastes of Indian listeners. And/or the guy wanted to honor his father but not just make it again note for note. Just a thought. But what do I know.
Public Image Ltd.
5/5
Fav songs: Swan Lake; Poptones; Careering
This album is fantastic. It's going on the list of albums I didn't know I loved until this list project.
Laibach
4/5
I like some industrial music. I find most of it forgettable. While this album is definitely not forgettable, it's not really my thing. Gives me hope that maybe Skinny Puppy's VIVISectVI will be on the list! I get why this music exits in this martial form with Laibach living in communism right before the fall of the Soviet Union. Context helps a lot here, especially since they were primarily an art collective. Some of the songs reminded me of Test Dept so Laibach was influential. On the extended album, I preferred the last 4 songs which others found annoying but still not something to revisit.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Fav song: Gimme the Loot
I feel like Biggie deserved better than Diddy. I have never found his production interesting. This album is over long and to pack on an additional juvenile skits is baffling. And they have not aged well. I'm sure it was hilarious at 21y or 22y old but it's embarrassing now. Biggie was a clear talent. He deserved better.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Fav song: Shining Star
Joyful and upbeat album. I cannot say everything was to my taste but it was a fun listen. "Shining Star" is a great song. Listening makes me think about the '70s, the decade of my birth. I'm fascinated by the decade because it was rough in terms of world events, but the music was fun and uplifting. People had to get through somehow.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
When this popped up I was a bit shocked. Stoner, frat-bro rap? WTF. Being someone who came up in the 90s, I know a lot of guys who loved this album, The Suicide Kings, Andy Gracia, and, for giggles, a little Bloodhound Gang. As for why this would be on the list, while not high art, it is a good example of 90s fusion rap. It's listenable, well made. It has flaws like being over long (I blame the CD Format) and they aren't the greatest rapists or singers. Some decisions made on this album have not aged well, but many production and writing decisions from the 90s have not aged well. The whole album screams 90s which is why it's on here, I guess? Reasonable people can disagree but I every time will take this over 'Hooray for Boobies.'
Erykah Badu
4/5
I overall liked this album more than my initial thoughts of it during the first few songs. It isn't as interesting a listen as her first Baduizm and a little long. But it won me over by the end. I really liked 'Green Eyes'. Her voice reminds me of Billie Holiday's.
k.d. lang
4/5
k.d lang has a beautiful voice which is wonderful to listen to. I like torch music and never considered torch country would be a thing. Nuggets of new knowledge like this make this project so much fun. This was an easy listen and quite enjoyable. I love the retro sound of the album.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I have listened to JH since I was a 14yo. My dad hated him because he thought Jimi didn't sing well. I thought this was a pretty vacuous assessment from dad. If people don't like JHE because it's not their taste, that's fine. Onto each his own. But you cannot say JH wasn't great, maybe the greatest, guitar player ever. And I hate making absolutist proclamations when the future is so vast. But I've not heard anyone I have liked more or thought had more talent. Maybe I will be lucky enough to live long enough to experience a greater talent. This album is timeless.
Jeff Buckley
4/5
Fav songs: Grace; So Real
This album is not perfect. Not all the elements work for me but it's very good. Sad not being able to know what could have been.
The Fall
3/5
Fav song: Frightened
I didn't hate this but I didn't love it either. I'm not into Smith's singing style but I don't mind it either. I really liked the production in many parts. I'm not overwhelmed by this album. It's fine.
Portishead
5/5
This is one of my all-time favorite albums. I listened to it for a year when it came out. It's Portishead's best album even though Dummy was a huge, landmark album. It is always an interesting read about how they put their songs together. The band is a bunch of mad scientists. I love the ending of the album/Threads. It sounds like you're on a foggy shore looking out waiting for Cthulhu arrive any second. Good stuff.
Deerhunter
4/5
Indie rock is a huge blindspot for me. I wasn't interested in most any of it I listened to in the '90s and thus have never tried since. What I heard by chance in the '00s I hated more still. Never heard of Deerhunter but they seem exactly what a Pitchfork reviewer would lord over the unwashed masses. I listened to this album twice back to back because it was hard to tell if I like it. I legit like two songs: Earthquake and Helicopter. Earthquake sets a mood the rest of the album does not maintain which I find disappointing. Overall the production is fantastic which is what I love the most. And the cover art is weird and great. I can't say this band is my thing but this is a pretty good album. I see myself liking specific songs from them more than full albums.
Pink Floyd
2/5
I have not been a fan of this album because the local rock station when I was a kid played the following every hour: Ozzie Osborne/maybe Black Sabbath, The Wall, and newest Metallica. I did not like The Wall and thus concluded I didn't like PF. Then I listened to Meddle and started to come out of my hatred for PF. Having now listened to the entire album, I still do not like The Wall. There is better PF out there by miles. There are good songs on here especially Comfortably Numb - pure classic. But double albums mostly are self-indulgent and this one is no different. It's not bad but it's not the greatest either.
Foo Fighters
1/5
I'm not a fan of the Foo Fighters. I can't think of any song they have had out I think is worthy of a listen. It isn't they are bad, it's just I find them average. I forgot Grohl recorded this entire album on his own playing. It's too long, sounds like rehashed Nirvana, and generally fairly bland. I suppose there could be a great FF album to be on this list, but I definitely don't think it's this one.
Morrissey
3/5
Fav songs: You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side; Seasick, yet Still Docked
This is so much more fun than The Smiths. I think it might be the more traditional rock orientation of this album. I'm partial to rockabilly so the opener really grabbed me. I think his vocals are a bit buried on some of the earlier songs. Overall pretty good album.
Mudhoney
3/5
Fav songs: Generation Genovide; Something So Clear
I had this album on cassette tape as a kid. I didn't listen to it much probably because I didn't get it, wasn't into rock very much much less garage rock, and I was 14yo. I don't remember how or why I got it but I remember it was when I started to find my own music. Today, I would say I liked the album. It's quite fun. I love the humor and low-fi production. The listener would be better served if it was a crisp 30 mins. It feels over long at the end.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Fav song: Dubious- maybe?
This was something. Glad I now might remember the band of the, in the US, one-hit wonder, Come On Eileen. Maybe... Time will tell. Everything here feels so British. I like the relentless upbeatness but it also wears you out. I'm dismayed to read from other reviewers this band is on the list 2 more times! If true, amazing. I don't know how that can be justified but we shall see. If I were British it would be more obvious whether this album should be on the list. But as a Yank, a one-hit wonder album strains credulity.
Little Richard
5/5
Fav song: Tutti Frutti
I'm neutral on Little Richard because his style feels old-fashioned. But I appreciate his natural talent and showmanship. James Brown and Prince carried LR's torch onward. I get the criticism that this does not fall in the "golden era of the album" but shit's gotta start somehow and combining single and B-sides sounds like a natural place to start.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Fav songs: Down to Zero; Join the Boys
I, like many reviewers, had never heard of JA before. That's a pretty sad fact. The songs are varied enough to keep your interest. I really like the use of the steel guitar. Very good album.
The Doors
2/5
This album is frustrating. With the songs LA Woman, Riders of the Storm, and L'américa, they clearly had some gas left in the tank to make another album. But they really wanted to do blues, and unfortunately their blues songs are flat and disappointing. This album doesn't really come together. If this is on the List, 'The Doors' definitely is. Since that album is much better, even with its own flaws, it's questionable why 'LA Woman' should be on here. It feels like the Doors get a pass on the meh blues songs because we love Riders. I can't do it.
Tom Waits
4/5
Fav songs: Jesus Gonna Be Here; Goin' Out West (pretty sure this is used in Fight Club)
I have listened to TW in the past and have 3 albums. He's not for everyone and the older he gets the more his voice sounds like razors cutting through cigar smoke. But I love the imagery he evokes in the album. It feels Gothic. The album either calms down as it goes on or you just get used to it. But plow through and you might end liking it. I notice many ppl didn't really like it.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Holy shit. Brian Wilson just died yesterday. Coincidence? I think not. I don't hate listening to the BB and am often quite impressed by them. They're not my type of music either.
Adele
3/5
'Rolling in the Deep' is a great, great song. I don't even care she's British doing a bit of Southern put-on in her voice. What I can't withstand is the lounge act treatment of 'Lovesong'. How could you Rick Rubin? This album would be better cutting 'Lovesong' and 'One and Only'. Her voice is great but I'm not sure making your best album at 21yo is great. Some years and experience can enhance great talent.
Nirvana
5/5
Pet fav songs: Breed; Stay Away; Polly
Great album. Somehow, someway we know all the songs because they have seeped into the culture and remained. In my long-standing criticism of albums that are over 45 minutes, the last song is unnecessary and likely there just to piss ppl off. I get it, but let's not and say we did.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
All-time fav song: Chain of Fools
It's Aretha Franklin. She's the forever great grande dame diva, so of course this album is amazing. Her ability to interpret songs is bar none.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
I'm not going to lie but I wasn't sure I would like this album. I'm not really familiar with noise rock although I do like noisy music. I like a bit of melody or at minimum a noticeable pattern resembling music. But I really liked this album. It has to be fairly loud to get the full gist but it doesn't have to be ear bleed loud. It's like static but fancier. It covers up the constant hum in my head. I was going to list my favorite songs but after listing half the album, I decided against. It's not for everyone or for anytime but it was a fun and interesting listen.
Os Mutantes
2/5
This did not really grab me. It's a little weird but not to my taste. I didn't hate it either. It's fine if you're into it.
The Stooges
5/5
Pet fav songs: Penetration; I Need Somebody; Shake Appeal
I totally forgot about listening to this when I was younger. Great album.
Metallica
5/5
Fav songs: Battery; Master of Puppets
It's Metallica. They have at least 4 great albums and this is definitely one of them. No notes.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Fav songs: Lookin' for the Time
This was a nice album. She has a fantastic voice. It did feel a bit long towards the end but overall very good. I like the sound of "older" country. It's amazing this album is nearly 40yo.
Gene Clark
5/5
I don't know what to say about this album. Its back story and, by extension, the story of Gene Clark is tragic. I was unsure at first. The opener is a bit country but not too much. This is fine. Then 'Silver Raven' comes and my ears perk up. Beautiful song. Then 'No Other' starts and you are on a ride you didn't know was happening. This album is a journey epitomizing the ideal of an album. This is why I love this project. Another keeper for albums didn't know I loved until today.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
1/5
Fav songs: Scorpio; The Message
As an album in the strict definition of a cohesive collection of songs telling a story or setting a mood, this fails utterly. I appreciate listening to an early attempt of hip hop to bring an album together. That said, it's hard to get passed the corny paeans to Stevie Wonder on "Dreaming" and Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on "You Are." There two great songs on here definitely worth listening to but rest of the album is unnecessary. There are better hip hop albums in the whole.
Talking Heads
2/5
Fav songs: New Feeling; Psycho Killer
I love how weird TH are and some of my forever favorite songs are by them. This is a good, solid debut but there is better TH. I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary to listen this particular album but I won't say it shouldn't be on the either.
The Specials
2/5
Fav songs: on this album - none; for the band: Ghost Town
I hate ska in all its forms all the way up to the 3rd wave that crested in the '90s. I will admit I do like one song which isn't on the album. But this is not my genre of music. I don't hate this album although I think it's a hair long. Also "Stupid Marriage" and "Too Much Too Young" effectively have the same message, why back to back? Go with "Too Much..."
Jane Weaver
2/5
I'm not sure this needs to be on the list. I didn't dislike it but I wasn't blown away. It was vaguely hippie chick but with synthesizers. It was wallpaper music.
John Lennon
3/5
I'm not a fan of the Beatles and particularly John Lennon. I knew a guy in college who was way too into JL, so much so, he posed with his fingers touching the Imagine sign in Strawberry Fields, New York. He was also wearing his round, JL sunglasses to perfect the look. It's as douchebag as you would think. I hope he ended up in a cubicle farm. So my opinion was primed to be a contrarian, but I kinda liked much of this album. "I Don't Want to be a Soldier" and "How Do You Sleep?" were my favorites. "Oh Yoko" was doofy but weirdly sweet. The production is fantastic but it better be with Phil Spector at the helm. I don't like "Imagine" but I'm not into hating it either. It's naïve, hippie BS that doesn't need much thought because no thoughts went into the lyrics. Now... "Jealous Guy". This song is insufferable and everyone should he ashamed. JL is clearly playing the "Baby I'm sorry I punched you in the face, but you have to understand how I feel" card. It's gross. Just say you're a jerk and you will work to be better person. I cannot stand ppl who identify and know their flaws, and then turn around and use those flaws as the excuse to not be responsible for their actions.
Adele
3/5
Seventy-eight albums in and this is the first repeat artist. I knew this would happen, but I thought it would be the Beatles, Bowie, or Pink Floyd. Another reviewer noted this album is off the list which I will take for granted as I want what comes up to be surprises. First off, 25yo don't get to credibly sing about when they were young. Second, the production is overly bombastic too often and starts to all sound the same. Third, Adele has a great voice but she oversings so much. A light touch and dash of artistry goes so far with her. "Hello" and "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" are the best songs where her talent is better harnessed and the production matches her vocal strength without over doing it. On lesser songs, it's all too much.
Public Enemy
5/5
Fav songs: Welcome to the Terrordome; 911 Is a Joke
Classic album. I've loved this since I was a kid. Fun to give it a re-listen.
Sufjan Stevens
1/5
This is the most theatre kid music I've been exposed to outside an actual theatre production. I kinda hate it. It's not bad, but I detest twee-ass shit. Weirdly, there was a mildly sympathetic song using John Wayne Gacy as a Christian analogy? (Jesus Fucking Christ...I'm no prude but JWG's last words on this Earth before a botched lethal injection were "Kiss my ass." Not exactly contrite. Or Christian.) And the album was an egregious 1 hour, 13 minutes long. Kill, Pogo, kill!
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
Fav song: Judy Blue Eyes
I've never cared much for CSN or CSNY. They were fine. This album is also fine. More from this group plus Neil Young will come down the pike and I will be able to form an actual opinion. This album sounded too samey-samey and it's their vocals which do not differ very much song to song.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Fav songs: Just Like a Baby; Time; Spaced Cowboy
I wanted to like this more. Maybe it's the day I'm having.
Talking Heads
5/5
Fav songs: entire second half of the album
This is the TH I've been waiting to hear. Debut album fine. This is great and still not their best.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Song to cull: The Child is Gone
I got this album when it first came out and listened to it constantly. I know all the lyrics. It's one of my favorite albums from when I was younger. "When the Pawn Hits..." is a better more mature album but I still like this one.
Arcade Fire
2/5
This album epitomizes what I don't like about '00s rock music - sensitive, pretentious, earnest. I wish to smash their guitars against the Delta House walls. The production here is not my favorite. It's dense which is a fine quality, but this sounds muddy and busy for its own sake. The vocals of both singers are buried. Should we not hear them? If not, why not? Butler's singing style of scream/whine is grating after the 3rd song as well. Régine is good and I would like to hear more of her. In fact, why can't she be lead most of the time? This isn't bad. Definitely not my taste. This is music for college girls discovering their first indie band crush and the boys who love them.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
I like jazz but lack the ability to speak on it. I really liked the bassist and it's quite sad he died so young.
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
Fav songs in order: Why'd Ya Do It; Broken English; Brain Drain
I have complicated feelings about this one. I actually really, really like it. The song choices, production, tight length are outstanding. Provocative, powerful, sad. However there are moments, many moments, I wish her voice wasn't so shot through. "Broken English" is where I would like someone else to be singing this song. She's reaching for notes her voice cannot truly find. Her voice works better when she is spitting anger and bile in "Why'd Ya Do It". The album art is '80s cool before the decade arrived. Love it.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Second RS album. I still don't care about them.
Black Sabbath
5/5
The whole album is great, but the 4 opening tracks get special praise. This was the start of heavy metal but you still hear psychedelic echoes. Balanced, awesome production, a pure classic.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Fav songs: Add It Up; Gone Daddy Gone
"Blister in the Sun" is fine but overplayed. I saw VF in concert in college. It was the mid '90s so they were already washed up. The angriest acoustic band ever. I hope they have found peace. And got laid.
Paul McCartney and Wings
2/5
Fav songs: Let Me Roll It; Mrs. Vandebilt
This isn't my type of music. It feels like middle-aged, slightly experimental rock that is careful not to offend. I absolutely have no clue what's going on with 'Picasso's Last Words'. The singles from this album I remember from childhood. My current status as a middle-aged person has not given me any greater appreciation like I found with Steely Dan. And the album art is doofy. I cannot decide if that's apropos or terrible.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Last week was 'Paranoid' which I loved and now 4 days later Ozzie has passed. RIP Prince.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
This album came out when I was 10yo. By the time I was 12, the uniform of the kids in school was an Appetite for Destruction T-shirt. This album was played constantly I think for 2 years. I've always liked Mötley Crüe more because they seemed to be having more fun. GnR is a bit dark and self-serious. This album suffers from the obvious bloat that's on it. Three huge banger singles and the lesser banger 'Mr. Brownstone' make the other songs sound derivative. They should have replaced two fillers with 'November Rain' even though apparently having two power ballads was unwanted. It would have been a nice change up on a loud, speedy album. After listening to two Black Sabbath albums from the List within the last week, this seemed underwhelming. BS had more artistry and ability to edit. Still, this is hair metal's finest hour.
Nirvana
5/5
I've always thought this was Nirvana's best work. The intimacy, the arrangements, the set list are perfect. Shame KC couldn't hold on, get better, and move in a direction he would have found fulfilling.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2/5
Fav song: weirdly 'Luna'
I don't know I needed to hear this album before death. I've never been a TP fan but I don't despise him. TP feels authentic. Still, I will listen to other Listers who advise there are better TP albums to choose. I feel this is likely correct but will not suggest it shouldn't be on the List either. It's pretty standard rock even for its time.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Fav songs: Sign Your Name; Wishing Well
My whole life I thought TTD was British. I stand corrected on that fact. As for the album, it is full mostly of pretty conventional soul. 'Sign Your Name' recalls Prince the most with its stripped down production, especially when compared with a lot of the songs on this album. More of this. His vocal talent is obvious. I think he should have long term been paired with a strong producer/songwriter who could provide more direction.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I guess this is the critic's album if you're going to like PG. But honestly, while there were elements of the album I liked, no particular song really stood out to me as something I would listen on the regular. And I really like PG. I spent all morning listening to his other albums after this one. The album is kind of a bummer. I like my PG upbeat. Maybe that makes me a Philistine but so be it.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Fav songs: Sick Things; I Love the Dead
I find the idea people back in day thought Alice Cooper was scary and satanic precious and quaint. It's so obviously a schtick- see 'I Love the Dead'. It makes me laugh. I listened to the Satan Spawn of AC when I was a kid and they were Marilyn Manson. That band was truly gross. "Antichrist Superstar" still bangs for the most part. As for AC, I prefer my shock rock a little grittier and moister. Looking at MM, you know the stench has to be horrible. AC is a statesman and smells accordingly.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Fav songs: Traveling Man; My Blue Tears
A nice album from a great artist. It isn't really my kind of music but I still appreciate it.
Deep Purple
2/5
Fav songs: Smoke on the Water; Space Truckin'
This has come up before with Dexy's Midnight Runners- one decent song does not an album make. Without 'Smoke' this would be a fairly mid album. Your dad would wax wistfully about it but its moment is over. DP is spoken of in the same breath as Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. I don't find them to be nearly as interesting as those two bands.
Elton John
3/5
'Tiny Dancer' is an epically great song and worth 3 stars on its own. The rest of the album is fine.
The Fall
3/5
This is the second The Fall album on this list for me. Again, the music is great but Smith's vocals are at a level of cynical that is offensive. Drunk karaoke is not a great sell. There is a way to speak/sing lyrics that sounds like you give a fuck. Actual attempts at singing are even worse. All that said, his being the front man of this pretty good band is a testiment to his force of will. I would have loved the ghost of Ian Curtis to inhabit Smith and guide him to the Promised Land.
Iron Butterfly
2/5
In the Pantheon of Very Long Songs, 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' is the one everyone names immediately. I've heard this from my dad's record collection as a kid. I don't remember being impressed. I'm not impressed now. The opening to this album is underwhelming. The whole A side in the Wiki was described by a reviewer as "artifacts". This is correct. IB has gotten breakfast every morning on 'Vida' alone.
Santana
3/5
Fav song: Oyè Como Va
Kanye West
5/5
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Another example of the bias towards UK artists. Apparently there is another album from EBTG on the List. Probably the one N. America would be most familiar. This isn't a bad album but it's not the most outstanding electronica around.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Fav songs: Genesis Hall; Autopsy; A Sailor's Life
I was fully prepared to hate this because folk rock. I was especially going to hate 'A Sailor's Life' due to length. I did not. What I was not terribly interested in was all the Dylan covers. The band should have written more of their own material or used traditionals.
Aerosmith
4/5
Fav songs: Back in the Saddle; Last Child
Solid album from beginning to finish. Nice and tight length too.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
I'm not sure why we have to listen to this before we die. It's a tight 38 minutes and it's felt long and underwhelming. Neil Young, CSN will drop in popularity as the Boomers kick it. I don't see their appeal. There is so much more interesting music from their contemporaries. It might be my deep dislike of NY's flat, frilly vocals. He's no Thom Yorke or Jeff Buckley.
Elvis Costello
2/5
EC is liked by ppl who feel they are cool.
I've never been cool.
EC cannot be liked by me.
Alice In Chains
3/5
I have never been a fan of AiC. Back in the day, I was told I had no taste in music because I didn't like this fucking band. I carry that bitterness with me to this day. It's been at least 25 years by now. I should move on but I won't. AiC aren't bad but they definitely wear thin after a few songs. 'Rooster' and 'Would?' are good songs. Staley was an interesting vocalist. RIP.
Hawkwind
2/5
I hate jam bands, but I can't loathe them entirely because I love CAN. Every place has one and it would seem the UK's is Hawkwind. Here it's Grateful Dead and Phish. At least Dead had a cool name. I will accept this entry strictly as pure music knowledge as I was unaware of HW existing. That's all I have to say about them. I can't knock space rock too much because one of my favorite songs ever is "Echoes". Genres of music centered on needing drugs to be enjoyed do not gain a lot of respect from me. And I like drugs. I'm a conflicted hypocrite.
Side note: I am coming to a nearly fully formed opinion on double albums. They should mostly not exist. Ever. Maybe 'The Wall' and I gave it a 2-star rating because PF had done better work.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Elliott Smith
2/5
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
Salsa music isn't my thing.
Brian Eno
4/5
Fav songs: Baby's on Fire; Driving Me Backwards; Blank Frank
Been on a bit of a dry spell with the List lately with genres and artists I'll never get into. Today I feel renewed. Know of Brian Eno through his collabs with other artists I love. He always sounded like someone I would like but never explored. This debut is weird, catchy, sleazy. It sounds like cheap lipstick smells. Love it.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I watched 'Pump Up the Volume' religiously when I was a kid. Loved the soundtrack. I was always confused as to why 'Everybody Knows' was different from the movie. I liked the movie selection best. Now I know where the original came from. That's the most I got out of this album. I'm not sure what I think of the super '80s sound.
Wilco
2/5
Music of this type really needs a dynamic, engaging, and dare I say it, singer with real talent. Tweedy should hire a front man or woman with a great voice. He is dragging this whole production down. I'm not terribly into the music as I prefer my weird with a little more edge and imagination. Bleep-bloops and feedback don't make songs more interesting. But the lead vocals are so bland and it's the thing I hate most here. Album art is very cool. Recognize those towers anywhere.
The White Stripes
4/5
I get why ppl didn't care for this album as they were expecting more The White Stripes. But it's fun and quirky and an interesting listen.
Fav song: Blue Orchid
G. Love & Special Sauce
1/5
The United States Of America
2/5
This is an interesting artifact. It wasn't to my tastes.
Anita Baker
2/5
Sometimes you just accept something wasn't made for you.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Radiohead
2/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Gram Parsons
2/5
Not as good as 'No Other'.
The Avalanches
5/5
This album is quite the feat. I enjoy music made from sampling. Some like it, others don't. Onto each his own. The format with which you listen to it matters greatly. It has to be CD or streaming. This is my only criticism. I read in the Wiki there was a vinyl pressing done in 2017. I would be interested to know how that changes the listening experience. I listened to this while working, enjoying the upbeat disco pop style. It looped around to the beginning and I was 3 in before I realized. It is something you can play streaming like a perpetual machine.
The Clash
3/5
The Police
3/5
"And my fine son has turned out gay." - On Any Other Day
Woof. Not aged well. This song seems a throw away gas but still...
Def Leppard
3/5
Fav song: Rock of Ages
This is dumb fun. You either like it or you don't. Nothing here is to be thunk too hard on.
3/5
Love
1/5
We should be listening to 'Forever Changes' and not this album, if we must. Bad production, mediocre vocals, and very mid band talent. Let's do better.
Queen
3/5
Prince
4/5
Roni Size
4/5
Pretenders
4/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
Kraftwerk
4/5
Linkin Park
2/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
I liked this more than the other ES album, but still not my bag.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
This isn't my taste. It's not bad. It just sounds like wallpaper to me. BR is a great singer though. I think of all the albums in years past were that everywhere and this was one of them. We don't seem to have that as much now. Adele and Taylor Swift seem to be the only ones
Oasis
2/5
'Live Forever' is a pretty good song but not exceptional. Some albums seem to have significance based on the context of the time they were released and not because they are truly great. The album is that. It's a fine debut and not more than that.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Talking Heads
5/5
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
This was some very early '90s and late' 80s fare. It was a bit of a slog to get through being 51 minutes. I don't hate it but I'm not impressed either. This album was short-listed for the first ever Mercury Prize. I sense the world music vibes really hit the nominations panel. The cover art should be burned, and the earth from whence it came salted.
The War On Drugs
2/5
These songs are interminable. Complete vibe album that wishes to journey nowhere else but the same 3 foot by 3 foot space. That's fine for those who want it, but I find this terribly dull.
Franz Ferdinand
5/5
Portishead
5/5
Thin Lizzy
1/5
Live albums are for fans. The exceptions prove the rule. This is not that exception.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
3/5
The Zutons
3/5
Ray Charles
5/5
The Pogues
4/5
I appreciate the craftsmanship but Celtics punk for an hour is a bit much for me. One to maybe three songs at a time is sufficient.
Taylor Swift
4/5
Pure pop. I like the '80s synth and wished they had done a little more with it. I don't hate the vocals and not sure why the critics did. Processed sure but it works. Great producers help. I can't hate this. I'm a bit over the age range to truly enjoy it, but I hear why girls love her the world over.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Willie Nelson
4/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Fav song: Meet Me in the Morning - The right artist doing this song would make my day.
Girls Against Boys
1/5
This album is weirdly boring. I remember 'Freakonica' back in the day and the single "Park Avenue". I bought it in a used bin. It sounds like the mid-late 90s - industrial guitars, electronic sound that would make it on a soundtrack only to be forgotten entirely. This isn't better and not worse. GaB is a band that has studio level talent but not enough creativity to truly make it.
Peter Tosh
2/5
Arcade Fire
2/5
Second AF album from this list. I can now add bombastic to descriptors of this band. The production is better but still a lot. It's over loud which I don't understand. I remember older musicians complaining about this issue and its ongoing controversy. Not sure this falls in that pit. Still not my thing.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Nirvana
4/5
The Byrds
3/5
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Tim Buckley
4/5
Cream
4/5
The Temptations
3/5
Iron Maiden
3/5
Rod Stewart
2/5
Slipknot
2/5
Pretty lame. Full of emo clichés.
Coldplay
3/5
The xx
2/5
If this were more dream pop, I might have liked it.
Moby Grape
3/5
Hookworms
2/5
The Only Ones
1/5
The White Stripes
4/5
The Cars
4/5
Fred Neil
3/5
Basement Jaxx
1/5
I remember this coming out in the day. I never bought the album. Now I remember why. There is no reason to remember or listen to this album anymore. It's time has passed into history where it should be left.
Beastie Boys
2/5
There are better BB's albums.