Day 1: Rush - Moving Pictures I like proggy music (prog-metal especially) but am seriously lacking in prog rock education. This is my first Rush album and my first album of the 1001 project (hi everyone). I think I said “fuck yeah” out loud 2-3 times, mostly from the guitar playing, which I really enjoyed. I also loved the drum sound throughout and the production generally sat well with me. However, the tracks did not always keep my attention and I only liked about half of what the vocalist was doing. I can see why people rave about Rush and I think if I spun this a few more times I might enjoy it more. I certainly enjoyed moments, but I don’t think I “get” it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Ratings reflect how much I enjoyed any album, not how “good” I think it might be, though that’s another conversation altogether)

My first full album from Ray. I enjoy the bombastic first half and the slower second half equally, and both conjur vivid moods. I can imagine reaching for this quite regularly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It only took 3 days for me to pull one of my pre-existing favourite albums! I was a late bloomer with The Beatles, finally getting on board in my early to mid twenties, much to the frustration of close friends who got it from the outset. I remember singing When I’m 64 at school in assembly for Christ’s sake (I went to a CofE primary)! My first experience of love with the band came either through equally holy, or perhaps sinfully depending on your view, means with a very good acid trip. Me and my housemate of the time took the plunge accidentally by watching the Yellow Submarine film on half a tab (he also was yet to be converted to Beatlemania). The film, to us, at that time, was mind blowing, and we followed it up by spinning Sgt. Peppers. The rest is history. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First Eagles album, already enjoyed the title track and listening to this through twice gave me 2/3 more tracks I enjoyed. I did find a few too many of the tracks a little uninspiring though. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love all 3 of Nick Drake’s albums, perhaps I love Pink Moon the most but perhaps that’s Five Leaves Left… There seems to be some kind of wisdom in here which belies his youth. I particularly enjoy the blend of folk styles and the expressive guitar playing. His voice and vocal phrasing is instantly recognisable and whilst some of these songs are very melancholic I find the whole effect to be a balm. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fine, I admit it… This is the best solo Beatles album and yes, it is 5*, all 2 bloody hours of it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If Thundercat is this good at bass but still writes songs about playing Mortal Kombat, boy would I love to see him playing Mortal Kombat. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Day 7 gives me my first new artist! This one is hard to rate after 2-3 listens through. I think if i spend some more time with it it may become a 4 but atm its a strong 3. I adore Not Even Stevie Nicks… ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I like some of this, and can hear how it’s permeated some of my favourite music. I’m not fussed on a fair bit of it though and i’m yet to properly learn about Elvis and his cultural impact, as well as the more modern discussion of Elvis as either a representative of a deeply racist system or/and a bridge between musical cultures. This would be a light 3, but I deduct 1 for these not being his own songs. ⭐️⭐️

After much deliberation and a continully enjoyable few listens i’m giving this one a 4, I’d have welcomed a little more psych in the mix but i find the whole thing very nice to listen to. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve been meaning to listen to this for some time and it didn’t disappoint. Some great playing by Fripp and co. and a nice ratio of proggyness and tunefulness for me. Not quite a stand out like some of their records though, a strong 4. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t listen to a lot of bossa and can’t imagine reaching for this very often. That being said this was an enjoyable listen and I especially liked the production which I assume is a little different from a lot of bossa. ⭐️⭐️⭐️