214
Albums Rated
3.18
Average Rating
20%
Complete
875 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
20
5-Star Albums
4
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tommy
The Who
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
The Band
The Band
|
5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
|
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
|
5 | 3.36 | +1.64 |
|
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
|
5 | 3.48 | +1.52 |
|
Marquee Moon
Television
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Hotel California
Eagles
|
5 | 3.59 | +1.41 |
|
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
|
5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
|
Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
|
4 | 2.68 | +1.32 |
|
Moondance
Van Morrison
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
|
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
|
5 | 3.72 | +1.28 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
White Ladder
David Gray
|
1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
|
Very
Pet Shop Boys
|
1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
|
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
|
2 | 3.85 | -1.85 |
|
Vulnicura
Björk
|
1 | 2.79 | -1.79 |
|
Dookie
Green Day
|
2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
|
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
|
2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
|
Grace
Jeff Buckley
|
2 | 3.74 | -1.74 |
|
Dummy
Portishead
|
2 | 3.71 | -1.71 |
|
21
Adele
|
2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
|
Violator
Depeche Mode
|
2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (20)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Gram Parsons · 1 likes
2/5
I understand how the mournful, soulful country rock that Parsons makes so well can pull at the heart strings, my heart just ain't tuned that way (or I don't have one, either way)
Germs · 1 likes
2/5
I have no idea what’s being said and it ‘s loud, but I kind of like it. Based on some of my other recent reviews, I guess I’m a cultureless slob, fuck yeah
Jimmy Smith · 1 likes
3/5
Vibes
Stephen Stills · 1 likes
3/5
My view on this album mostly aligns with my musical taste, which I think tells me how to review it as a whole. Stills is a talented musician and makes great music, but he doesn't elevate the sum of its parts in a way that CSNY rarely fell short of.
Bob Dylan · 1 likes
4/5
My favorite Dylan album. Both of its time, but something that resonates throughout American history. I love the strong blues backbone but each track gives a different flavor.
1-Star Albums (4)
All Ratings
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I love the phone calls and random conversation samples. Easy listening album, no songs I really dislike and a couple of bangers towards the end (Real, Compton, also Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe) probably 3.5/5
Pulp
2/5
Britpop isn't really my cup of tea, but I do love the tone and themes of album. Even if I probably won't listen to many of these songs again, I appreciate its significance and its probably one of my favorites of a genre I don't like.
Bob Dylan
4/5
My favorite Dylan album. Both of its time, but something that resonates throughout American history. I love the strong blues backbone but each track gives a different flavor.
King Crimson
4/5
I don't know if I'll ever add any of the songs to a mix, but I will definitely return to listen to the album as a whole. Was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it
David Bowie
3/5
Eh. I like David Bowie, not a huge fan, but the album didn't do a ton for me
3/5
I enjoy a narrative album, but overall, this album gets a decent rating carried by some bangers (moonage, Starman) and then a lot of stuff that's fine. I appreciate that this was Bowie's breakthrough and what really launched him into the weird side, but outside the historical context, this album is more decent than great in my eyes.
The Notorious B.I.G.
5/5
God damn. While this was the only studio album that Notorious saw released, it might be the only thing bigger than the B.I.G. himself. The man spits bars better than a Snickers conveyor belt. While the album is often dark and dangerous, there is a range of emotions, including joy and humor. There's authenticity in what he's saying (something severely lacking in lots of later rap lyrics), and it might give the most honest representation of being a drug dealer in the 80's and 90's. He makes you feel what he felt, experience his life, which can be difficult as a white dude from rural Pennsylvania. There's so many great references and samples in here (lots of rap history here), this is truly one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Not a punk fan, but the arctic monkeys have a unique style and add a slightly different flavor to each of their quick romps. Strong vibes. I don't know if I'll listen to many of these tracks again, but I enjoyed the listen.
Nick Drake
4/5
The artist is as somber as he is talented. I love the light folk guitar mixed with more traditional orchestral instruments. I wish this man had not been so depressed. He could have made more incredible music. His music stylings fit his own sad story, an unappreciated poet in his time that ended life far too early.
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
experimental album, not really my cup of tea
Led Zeppelin
5/5
1. Banger
2. Keep your foot on the motherfucking pedal baby. That long screech followed by that nifty lick *chef's kiss*
Also, the bombast of the drums in this album so far is peak
3. slow it down, haunting duet vocals, mandolins aplenty, and we're talking LOTR; I feel like I've been transported to Middle Earth, stop I can only get so erect
4. Are you kidding me?? What?? This? This ... masterpiece? The slow build from the ethereal to the hot and heavy? Mama Mia, we got a spicy meatball here.
5. how about a little jaunt to take the edge off. And god damn, those drums
6. Driven by the rollicking main lick, I think its underrated
7. A little reprieve before the big finale; still has some edge though
8. that harmonica haunts my dreams and nightmares.
Truly one of the greatest rock n roll albums of all time 0/5
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Fleetwood Mac has always been a bit of a blindspot, but they put out some real yacht-rock, road trip jams mixed in with some real hard hitting bangers (The Chain, Gold Dust Woman). I need to listen to more
Megadeth
3/5
Definitely synergized with my morning coffee to power me through the morning. Maybe I lack a refined ear, but the problem with thrash metal is all the songs feel like the same speed and tone, so they start to blend together. I enjoy the style to an extent, but another that I probably won't return to.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Listening to this after Cuban Linx is some whiplash. They are lacking a bit in the lyrics department, but they make a good beat and have fun. It's as if as if an ivy league a capella group formed a rap group that could make a half decent beat.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
The best hippy drum circle's signature album (complimentary); starts strong then kind of peters out but great nonetheless
ZZ Top
3/5
Forget corn flakes, have this for breakfast to start your day with some *crunch*. ZZ Top adapted to survive into the 80's, and while I can frown at the lack of authenticity using loops, drum machines, and synthesizers, it's hard to argue with the end result. Don't think too much about it, just enjoy the boogie, blues, and electric sex machines. Those sheepskin guitars will haunt me (in a good way) forever
Cyndi Lauper
2/5
Kick snare to knock your damn head off. Not really a music period that I enjoy, but two absolute classics carry this album.
Pet Shop Boys
1/5
I just don't get the value of this music. I, a man of unbelievably limited musical talent, feel like I could cobble an album similar to this in like 6 months. This is the aspartame of music.
The Lemonheads
2/5
It's not my cup of tea, but they seem talented.
Prince
4/5
As the title track states, this is a party. Damn, I wish I had been invited to party with Prince, but I guess I was -10 in 1982
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Just a classic Stones album, a party with dark/seedy undertones, a spine of good ole fashioned rock n roll with the draperies of other styles thrown in (gospel, country, etc.). It's the good local dive bar of music.
Calexico
2/5
Television
5/5
Punk - schmunk, Television is the best garage/indie/alternative rock band of all time and this is their best album, featuring more hooks than a coat rack and a lovely interweave of the two guitarists. mastapiece *mwah*
Beth Orton
2/5
In a genre that is not my cup of tea, it alternates between surprisingly enjoyable (to me) and irritating (the majority);
Jeff Buckley
2/5
Clearly a talented vocalist, but also kind of annoying and overdone; I initially wanted to rate it higher, but replaying some of the songs reinforced all the worst vibes (overemotional, whiny at times, dude clearly singing every line with his eyes closed)
U2
2/5
God Bono is fucking annoying and he's not that talented (not every note needs to held to orgasm moan threshold). I don't know what's more unbelievable: that these assholes thought it was so important to listen to their crap music that they forced it onto every iPod, or that they were at one point the most popular "rock'n'roll" band on earth (humanity is fucked). At least two members didn't give themselves dipshit nicknames, I hope no more of their albums are on this list, but I know I won't get so lucky.
Rant aside, this album has a couple of decent tracks, and the otherwise is ... completely unremarkable
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
I can't think of a more appropriate title for the album. Zach is a lyrical master and Morello rips.
Raekwon
3/5
I appreciate the cinematic style and the influence this album had on future albums, but from a listening perspective, it's a couple of bangers and then mostly not my cup of tea
The Cure
4/5
Love the creepy goth vibes, an authentically miserable album. Glad Robert Smith didn't use the Cure for depression.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
An album that alternates between party and real shit. But it's funky goodness all throughout.
David Bowie
4/5
What a death march. It is a somber album, but that sax keeps it Bowie-dacious. So very different from his early work, but I really like it.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Björk
1/5
These are terrible, inconsistent soundscapes with slam poetry vocals sprinkled in. I stopped listening and had to come back because it was such a frustrating and tedious experience. Hard pass.
The Style Council
2/5
A strange album, that goes from background elevator to poppy jazz. There are some decent tracks, but it mostly doesn't move me much.
Portishead
2/5
Weird witchy vibes. Not irritating but not something I want to listen to either
The White Stripes
4/5
Jack White's talent shines through a diverse set with plenty of crunch. I really enjoyed coming back to this album
John Martyn
3/5
A blend of groovy jazz, folk, blue, and rock. Neat
Jane Weaver
3/5
I enjoyed it in parts, but too often it faded to the background. It was nice working music though
Adele
2/5
There's more variety than I expected for a modern pop album and I think Adele is a talented vocalist at least (although she could cut her note-wavering by like 50%). But it's still a modern pop album (read=shit)
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Simple, complex, the music seems to flow rather than have composition, but there's not a single honk, hat tap, or key strike out of place
Talking Heads
4/5
I always thought the Talking Heads were kind of irritating, but I really liked this album. Positive & poppy, there's some other influences in here. The rhythm provides a reliably steady foundation, allowing everything else to dance around a bit.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
A couple of monster hits and the finest bayou muddy rock in between. mastapeece
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Out of left field, I enjoyed this modern opera. I don't know that many songs stood out in particular, but the flow through different genres was well done and I think I'll come to appreciate this album more when I come back to it
The Beach Boys
4/5
I understand why this is such a tremendous musical achievement, but it just didn't click all the way for me. RIP Brian Wilson
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I think Neil Young gives Bob Dylan real run for his money for best American musician/poet. His lyrics are less creative, but I think are truer to the American experience (especially since they are dumbed down) and he's definitely a more talented musician. damn
Led Zeppelin
5/5
God damn, this album is two plates heavy. Sure, plenty of blues and some soft tones mixed in, but god damn
Rush
3/5
It's good, but if this is peak Rush, I get why I don't listen to them very often
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I liked this album, but I think it's because it feels like a grunge album for people who don't like grunge.
TV On The Radio
2/5
I like a couple of songs on here, but it just doesn't amount to much for me and blends in with a lot of alternative/pop that's out now (it's probably more of a 2.5)
Fats Domino
4/5
While the white nationalist nostalgia for the 50's is mostly terrifying, Fats Domino still bangs.
The Smiths
3/5
Usually not a pop rock fan, I really liked a few songs on this album, and the rest was fine, not irritating. I really liked the variety of instruments and seasoning of other styles. Solid
The Byrds
3/5
Strong 60's rock backbone with some of trippy, experimentation mixed in, this album goes by in a breeze, and really captures the desire for escape in the late 60s. No one will mistake this for Rubber Soul, but the Byrds (Version 1.0) ended on a strong note. 3.5
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
While I respect what Zappa accomplished and the lyrics are fun and message poignant, from a pure listening perspective, it's pretty rough. I like Zappa a lot, and a lot of his other parody, satirical songs have a lot of musical talent in them, but this feels more like a bunch of musicians fucking around in the studio and laughing at hippies, which while fair, doesn't make for a good audio experience.
Ray Charles
4/5
What a blindingly talented musician. He can inject such genuine emotion into his music; he knows when to blast with his vocals and horns and when to keep it soft and simple. Any one can see this is a fantastic album
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Get it on, the quintessential fuck song, puts the album at a 3 by itself (plus have a sequel that's message is "keep fuckin'", pure genius). But I really should say making love, because although the topic is base, Marvin's sultry, emotional voice caresses the topic and the musical composition is such vulvety perfection.
Arcade Fire
2/5
Doomy-gloomy but ultimately didn't leave much of a mark. Only on the third playthrough did it really start to leave an impression. The lead sounds like the Boss really straining for extra emotion. (probably a 2.5)
Al Green
4/5
It starts really strong, stalls out in the middle, and then finishes on a stronger note. Al Green's vocal style is unique, but also sometimes a little grating.
The Who
5/5
This was a staple of road trips with my family for some reason that I have no regrets about because the music is phenomenal (also all the fucked up stuff went over my head). And the story is incredible.
Stephen Stills
3/5
My view on this album mostly aligns with my musical taste, which I think tells me how to review it as a whole. Stills is a talented musician and makes great music, but he doesn't elevate the sum of its parts in a way that CSNY rarely fell short of.
Otis Redding
3/5
Otis is uber talented, but it's hard for me to rate an album full of covers too high, especially when I like the originals better
Michael Jackson
4/5
It is understandably overshadowed by the his subsequent album, this is when we really start to see MJ's signature style appear and there's a lot of range here too
Elvis Costello
2/5
I don't know what I disliked more, looking at the album cover or listening to the actual music. At least it was quick.
Ultimately, Costello tries to blend a bunch of different rock styles and wrap it in faux punk anger/angst which matches his fake blended image.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I love the phone skits. Some songs are a little long for my taste, but there are some jams in here. Probably a 3.5
The Specials
2/5
It's jaunty and upbeat, but I don't like ska. Surprised this came out all the way back in 79 though
Tears For Fears
4/5
The hits on this song are top-notch, but the in-between are much better and much more diverse stylistically than I expected for an 80's pop rock band. Happily surprised
Supertramp
3/5
Bill Callahan
3/5
Modern American classic, epitomizes the vibe of the American west. 3.5
Grateful Dead
2/5
You know what makes for good listening, going from a coherent song to just having all the musicians play over each other for 15 minutes. I am grateful their music careers are largely dead.
Thundercat
4/5
The true Ace of Bass. 4.5
Fiona Apple
2/5
I had per-conceived notions coming in that were largely correct, but there is more variety here than I expected. It was fine background music to me catching up on work
Steely Dan
5/5
I was blown away. The hits were obvious, but there's a lot of deeper cuts here that are jams too. After a 2nd listen, this bumped from a 4 --> 5, (maybe a 4.5 in the end)
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
I'm sure Dizzee's style gives voice to many people's experiences and emotions, but all I fucking hear are nails on a chalkboard laid over repeatedly punched-in-the-head stupid fucking blast beats. My mental image association with this album listening experience was watching the dollar store aftermarket parts of a 2001 Honda Civic R being shaken free from the body by the incessant booming of a sub worth more than the rest of the build put together.
Black Sabbath
4/5
RIP to a king. You're classic heavy metal with some surprise changeups (Changes, Laguna Sunrise) that highlights their collective talent.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
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The Police
3/5
Message in a Bottle - no notes; raises the floor of this album, otherwise it's mediocre except for Copeland masterfully mashing the skins and cymbals
Metallica
3/5
A 3.5. This is chock full of classics (RIP Mariano Rivera), and decent range for a heavy metal album. Although it doesn't do a lot for me, this album oozes pure Metallica sound
Os Mutantes
2/5
I like this era, and experimental stuff, but all this spaghetti on my tympanic membrane is starting to stink.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-XXbYb5hx0
^this skit, except it's jazz and funk, but equally as tasty
Alice Cooper
3/5
Solid hard rock, would be otherwise indistinct if not for a little Cooper flair and some added horns and theatrical bits.
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
I mean, it's fun, but not really my cup of tequila. The pianist is quite good
Radiohead
3/5
This goes harder than I expected.
2/5
This is a tough grade, I was really torn between 2 and 3. The best Oasis hits are here (Wonderwall and Champagne Suprenova are underrated), but the filler is rough, just a lot of noise.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Joni steps a little out of her comfort zone and shows a real spark. Damn, she's a talented vocalist.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Cry on my shoulder is a bop
So is Real Man &
Love Letter
I think I might like Bonnie Raitt
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Vibes
Bob Dylan
4/5
My favorite Dylan album. Both of its time, but something that resonates throughout American history. I love the strong blues backbone but each track gives a different flavor.
The Doors
2/5
More of a 2.5, but I stand by that the Doors are the most overrated band of this era. Nothing on here is bad (and Riders on the Storm is awesome), but it doesn't stand out at all compared to contemporary bands.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
What strange ride, but it was fun (for the most part) and funky. I don't know how often I'll come back in whole, but it'll be fun when a song or two mixes in
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I was taken aback at how much I liked this album. There's a lot of variety here, but while the instruments and styles differ, the quality maintains. He may have left the band, but this album marks the genesis of a special solo career.
The Doors
3/5
As much as I shit on the Doors, this feels like a real album rather than just a distillation of generic late 60's hippy rock. There's actually variety in the types of music. It's a decent listen, probably a 3.5 (but I'll dock them .5 cause they're the damn Doors)
The Band
5/5
A dark horse for one of the great American music albums. Probably a 4.5, but who cares
The Kinks
3/5
This album is fine, and very British in its baroque-pop style. But as someone who really likes the Kinks, I get why this album sold poorly. Waterloo Sunset redeems what is a lot of meh
David Gray
1/5
At least Nick Drake was a talented sad boy musician. Probably a 1.5, but I penalize this album as it apparently paved the way for other trash like Ed Sheeran and James Blunt (at least "You're Beautiful" is objectively funny)
Aerosmith
4/5
the most distilled Aerosmith album. The first two tracks are killer, the rest of the album is more fine than good. But it lives up to its namesake probably a 3.75, but I'll give it a bump since lord knows they did plenty
Cream
4/5
If you could distill the transition of rock n roll from blues to the more psychedelic era to follow, you'd get this album. I don't think it's the CREAM of the crop, but it's damned good
The Go-Go's
3/5
Fun album filled to the brim with bops. Catchy punk vibes, with good emotional range
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Smooth, almost understated but technically impressive guitar in a mix of West African and more traditional blues influences. Good, easy listening
Radiohead
3/5
This is the more annoying electronic whiny stuff I have come to associate with Radiohead. There is some neat experimental stuff here (lullabies, shanties, etc.), but it's also depressing and grating at times. Credit I suppose for melding child-like fantasy and the political era, and also seeing the future rise of fascism, if unintentionally. I'll give it a 3, but it's really more of a 2.5
Amy Winehouse
4/5
This album stands in contrast to a lot of similar works in the genre in that it isn't one note, there's a lot of variety in tone and emotion here that compliment Amy Winehouse's incredible pipes. RIP RIP. Also, shout out to Mark Ronson, that man can produce music.
Sade
2/5
Sultry vocals tried to entice me, but ultimately, the smouldering tones failed to light a fire in me.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Starting off with a UFO skit using guitar feedback is pure genius; then you get to the actual songs. I can't be unbiased, Hendrix is my favorite guitarist of all time, so this was always going to be a 5.
Probably the most diverse Experience album in terms of style and story telling. There's existential ballads about space and life, Romeo & Juliet dramas, and songs about hot ladies. And Hendrix just tearing ass on guitar throughout; it's not just fingers-on-fire solos, he lays out these wonderful progressions of weird chords. What a King.
P.S. I don't care what MDDK says, this version of Little Wing is far superior to Stevie Ray Vaughan's (who is also a king)
Erykah Badu
2/5
It's a good background listen, but all the songs kind of blend together, except for kiss me on my neck, which was really annoying and I had to skip halfway through. The instrumentation is great, but it falters a bit in the back half of the album
The Young Gods
3/5
I don't know what's happening but it's fun. 2.5 stars
Sinead O'Connor
2/5
As someone who hates this type of music, I didn't hate it! Although she does some yodeling, the emotion she injects feels mostly genuine. And the backing instrumentals feel well-composed, not just background for her vocals.
Funkadelic
4/5
There is a lot of layer of instrumentation and vocals for each song, but they weave together well rather than as an overwhelming wall of sound. And got damn is there some incredible stanky funk guitar
Talking Heads
4/5
A tale of two halves, starts really strong, and then is all downhill after Once in a Lifetime. I enjoyed some of the spacier, experimental elements; this list is slowly converting me from hater to a light fan of the Talking Heads
Röyksopp
2/5
This is basically a softer Boards of Canada. It's nice to fall asleep to or mellow out with after tripping balls, but I don't know if it merits much air time beyond that.
The Crusaders
3/5
It's a pretty good example of a modern jazz album, but I don't know that it really stands out as an all timer
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
This is a Brit cosplaying as Bruce Springsteen, and like the British, it's kind of charming, but ultimately falls well short of the original. More of a 2.5 but I'm feeling harsh
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
A jumping party throughout, a good listen with a lot of cuica, which is awesome
Dolly Parton
3/5
Yeah, she's pretty good.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Come for the Cash, stay for the crowd work
N.W.A.
3/5
This is the gold standard of hardcore gangsta hip hop albums. The shit that had white moms calling their congressman in hysterics, terrified of their innocent teenage son joining the Crips. I don't know what's more impressive, the lyrical skill or the intensity. I'm pretty sure if Stephen Miller listened to 3 tracks on this album, his face would melt like the end of the Lost Ark, fucking nazi.
Minutemen
2/5
I wish the vocals matched the standard of the backing instrumentals. This is what if punk filtered through other genres. It's decent, I guess. 2.5
The Jack-ass theme randomly appearing was fun, also much different once you get past the initial riffs.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I really dislike the 80's commercial pop sound and therefore a lot of Peter Gabriel, but I gave it a chance and did enjoy the composition, even if the end result is .... unsatisfying. Ultimately, though, this is representative of an era of pop I struggle with so it's gonna get a low score (2.5)
The White Stripes
4/5
Impressive sound for a duo, has a retro feel and really was the revival of bluesy garage rock. Thumbs up
Cheap Trick
3/5
Definitely a turn the amps up to 11 kind of vibe. Cheap Trick is ultimately held back by their talent ceiling, but it's a fun live album
Justice
4/5
Listening to this, all I see is some mash-up of Jeff Bridges as the Dude and as Flynn from Tron breaking it down in a Tron-verse discotheque, and it fills with me an indomitable desire to rip some molly and tear it up with him (4.5 stars)
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
I guess for it's era this was groundbreaking, but to me it sounds like the recordings of a bunch of amateur high-schoolers rocking out in a garage, which I guess is the point? The grunge scene that would come to be inspired by this offers better, and I don't like grunge either
Yes
4/5
I don't know what it is about this band, but I can't say no. Even with their too long songs that could be reasonably broken-up, I still Yes to more music, especially this era of the band. This is probably their tightest album, although Fragile is also pretty great.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
ELO might has mastered the mash-up of orchestral strings and rock n roll; they also are the perfect musical companion to the 60's/70's retro space aesthetic. I think I always smile listening to them, regardless of the tone of the song (4.5)
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
This album makes me want to see Big Brother and the Holding Company live, not listen to the album again. It's solid late 60's pop/rock, but outside of general bombast, especially Joplin's vocals, doesn't stand out. Speaking of, I appreciate Janis' energy and unique voice, but you know what? Not for me.
Bad Company
3/5
It's a very average hard rock album, which is a fat meatball over the plate for me, but wasn't a notable listening experience. 2.75
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Siouxsie's vocals, the guitarist and drummer combine to make one the best and least kitschy dark albums ever. There's only a couple of really stand-out bangers, but the tone and talent is present throughout. There's also some pretty sweet experimental guitar techniques/sounds
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This felt Fleetwood-lite with a little more funk. I'll be coming back to this album
Duke Ellington
4/5
When I imagine jazz in my head, it comes out sounding like Duke Ellington. It's structured but free-flowing, it's loud and soft, it's the ultimate mix. I don't know that this is my favorite jazz album, but it is an exceptional embodiment of that era of jazz
Can
2/5
This feels like a long-form, Grateful Dead version of psychedelic/garage rock with boring musicians. I don't think this band wanted anyone to hear their vocalist, which is a choice. I kind of dig the spacey, ominous sound, and I can see how it was influential in good ways and bad. Some of it is a rough listen outside of haunted houses and frat hazings. Ultimately, I don't think I'll come back and listen to this unless I want some really trippy experience when I'm stoned out of my god damned gourd
TLC
3/5
Malik of Tribe being featured on the first song really set the tone in a way I did not expect (my knowledge of their discography extends to ... Waterfalls). There was more diversity in music style than I expected, although the lyrics are fairly one-note
The Only Ones
2/5
This was a very boring, bordering at times annoying, punk album, a genre I will rarely enjoy. Some of the lead guitar was cool I guess, and I like Peter and the Pets. Next
Depeche Mode
2/5
The positives of this album are entirely buoyed by Enjoy the Silence and Policy of Truth. For the rest, I know I should grade them on a curve because this was as advanced as techno music could get at the time, the same way you grade old movie special effects when comparing to today's VFX. However, then I think about how well the Thing and LOTR trilogy hold up, and you know what, this just isn't that good. 2.5 (Also realizing I hate a lot of British pop outside the 60's-70's)
Michael Jackson
4/5
This is probably his 3rd best album and would be the greatest album of pretty much any other artist. The singles do more work than usual, but even the filler songs have their moments. The whiplash from "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" to "Dirty Diana" has permanently damaged my cervical vertebrae. The ultimate king of pop and example of separate the art and artist. Also, hats off to Quincy Jones, the produced for MJ's best albums. 4.5
Gram Parsons
2/5
I understand how the mournful, soulful country rock that Parsons makes so well can pull at the heart strings, my heart just ain't tuned that way (or I don't have one, either way)
Dire Straits
3/5
You ever been on the outside of an inside joke? I wanna get this, and I see that others enjoy it, but I only feel envy of others having a good time. Shane was right though, Knopfler is a helluva guitarist
The Who
4/5
It's the weird Who album I never knew I wanted. Bizarre but clear signs of things to come (Rael 1), I don't know how that any individual song stood out (except for "I Can See For Miles", that shit rocks), but the whole is a treat and the prank nature helps Keith Moon stand out. Fuckin' Brits
Beatles
4/5
Much of this album blends perfectly well with other pop albums of the era, but there's little bits that stick out, the opening chord and closing arpeggio of the title track, "And I Love Her", that hint there might be something more to this otherwise all too common looking quartet of British ruffians
The Black Keys
4/5
You ever go to an amazing steak restaurant and order fish? That's this album, a blues rock band trying out different stuff, and it's good, but it's not what you came for. Also, their darkest album. I'm glad I went back, there are some toe-tappers on here, but far from my favorite album by the keys.
Billie Holiday
4/5
Picture a trim late 50's-early 60's spinster looking out her midtown Manhattan apartment window at a dreary gray afternoon with a martini in hand. This is the musical distillation of that nostalgic reminiscing (complimentary)
Dennis Wilson
4/5
He may not be the same caliber of musician as his brother, but this was a damn good album
Sam Cooke
3/5
Sam Cooke knows how to party and make the ladies swoon.
The Cars
3/5
This has all the hits and is a solid new wave rock/pop album, but when it comes to the Cars, I'm more of a sitting in the wayback than a driver seat kind of fan
Green Day
2/5
Blasting drums, teenage angst (at least the vocals aren't annoying), and simple power chord progressions. Appealing to some, the album title is more an accurate label than a snarky joke to me.
Wilco
2/5
Julian Cope
2/5
This feels like an album for snobs who know better than you, explaining this is Cope's breakout album. But who the fuck is Cope and why should I care about his breakout if this is the result. It wasn't bad, just long, and felt like an artsy-fartsy grunge album. I guess 1001 albums leaves a lot of room for filler too ...
OutKast
3/5
From a listening perspective, this is a 2.5 for me, but you can see the influence this had on a lot of later rappers I love (Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator) and there's quite an eclectic collection here, with a lot of fun interludes.
Janis Joplin
3/5
The difference in enjoyment between Buried Alive in the Blues and Mercedes Benz told me everything: I love the Janis Joplin backing band, I do not like Janis Joplin's vocals. Unique for sure, not for me.
The Who
3/5
A standard early 60's bop rock album with a little edge, a glimpse to the hard rock the Who would be more famous for. It's fine
Donovan
4/5
Sunshine Superman and Season of the Witch are the shining towers of this album, but the filler is mostly good too. As opposed to anything the Doors produced, I think this album really represents the peak flower-power music scene, with a rock spine and then folk, sitar, and medieval influences. Also fun fact: this would have beat the contemporary, similar, and much better Revolver and Pet Sounds to the shelves, but alas, business disputes
Funkadelic
3/5
This album puts strong foot forward and then stumbles; the opening 10 minute guitar solo may be the most emotional guitar ever recorded. There's a lot of good funkiness here, but also the first time I ever thought a song needed less cowbell.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
How could you not bump along to this album? The vocal transitions are on point. It's not my favorite listen, but it gets a star bump for its place in history and cultural importance
Eagles
5/5
Come for the bangers up front, stay for the vocal harmonies and ballads that reflect the tribulations of being an American. Probably a 4.5, but I'll give it the bump
Supergrass
4/5
Way more of a banger than I expected and had any right to be. The songs aren't just loud and simple, there is depth, variety, and fun throughout. Will definitely return to this, and I hate pop-punk
Arcade Fire
2/5
I think the inoffensive nature of Arcade Fire makes them offensive to me. There are some samples and hints of other instruments and ideas, but they take a backseat to quiet vocals and simple guitar. I tried listening to this album multiple times, and I honestly couldn't really tell one song from another.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Fatboy has an excellent sense of when to throw a hook in before a sample becomes too repetitive. Beats so big, you gonna be banging your head on the ceiling.
Spacemen 3
3/5
Started off pretty strong, spacey but there was some variety, and then it got too drawn out. Probably a 2.5, but I'll give it a bump since this wasn't on my radar at all.
MGMT
3/5
This might be the most horse drawing meme album ever. Starts strong with their dance-pop singles, then really peters out. Still a good, nostalgic listen
Bob Dylan
4/5
I tweak this .5 for Bob Dylan voice. His most emotional album, it also feels the most relatable.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Maybe the strongest contrast between the dark subject matter and music I've heard. Flows better than hot syrup. Marvin's voice is up there as an all time great.
Kings of Leon
2/5
This is a solid alt rock album that is a good representative of the 2000's era. But ultimately, this album doesn't stand out relative to any others, which is fitting as 2000's alt rock in general just kind of exists, is enjoyable, but won't be more than a footnote of "this happened" in the history of music. 2.5
Pink Floyd
5/5
I always wrote this album off for the songs being too long. I don't think you could fairly say I was too wrong. Banger
David Bowie
3/5
It's a fine album musically, but I think it gets a bump for what it represents: an aging rocker, trying to re-create his past music, but coming up a little short. It's a bleak album, and a little long, but there's some funhouse mirrorness to his earlier works.
Iron Maiden
3/5
I waffled for a bit, then 3 things: 1.) Number of the Beast solo 2.) Number of the Beast Screeachm 3.) seeing them live is the only way to listen. I really appreciated the guitar a lot more. Also, Run to the Hills is a bop.
Ray Price
2/5
This entertainment for some, just not me. There’s talent, I just never would put this on to enjoy.
Tracy Chapman
2/5
This is a 1.5, but didn’t have the heart to give it a 1. It’s the annoying protest singer that got a major record deal. And she would be a talented vocalist, but she wavers so much. Sounds like they recorded her singing while on an overpowered massage chair.
Germs
2/5
I have no idea what’s being said and it ‘s loud, but I kind of like it. Based on some of my other recent reviews, I guess I’m a cultureless slob, fuck yeah
David Bowie
2/5
Not my favorite Bowie, it’s a little faux in the soul department. I like the cover, and there is some good material here, but it doesn’t shine like his glam rock.
Pink Floyd
5/5
A person can only dream to possess the creativity necessary to imagine such an album, let alone the musical talent to execute the vision.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
It’s all background music, it just transitions between up-tempo work lo-fi to the “I know kung fu” scene in the Matrix, to video game grotto adventure. It’s fine.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
I guess it’s funky and Gin n Juice is a certified heater, but if this is Snoop’s best, I don’t understand how such a mediocre rapper got so popular. His syrupy relaxed cadence is attractive to some, but it’s too sweet and simple for my taste.
The Smiths
2/5
It’s not offensive, but like a foggy drizzle, I don’t particularly enjoy it either.
Oasis
2/5
I will definitely maybe not listen to this album again. Except Married with Children, that slaps a bit.
The Temptations
4/5
Funky and more controversial than some of their other work, but there are some soft, sultry tracks later on. Crunchy PB and oh so sweet jam.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What a way to kickoff a band. Good Times has so many licks, every tootsie pop in town is running scared. Then you think it’s slowing down with some sultry Spanish guitar, a little heat from Robert Plant, a trippy bridge, and then a full force finish. Damn it Led, I didn’t even make it to song 3 before You Shook Me. Track 3: Heavy, harmonica, honk, *chef’s kiss*. Then the low down scoundrel of Dazed and Confused (alright, alright, alright) before Bonham blasts your damn head off going into the solo. I kind of forgot about Your Time is Gonna Come, but it’s a Certified BangerTM. Then the smoothest transition into Black Mountain Slide, which I don’t know where it came from, but let’s get more of that, stat. Communication Breakdown also a Certified BangerTM, but also feels out of left field after the last few tracks. A little blues wind down, and then the grand finale. Despite its long run time, How Many More Times has so much going on, so many different parts, each as good as the last, tied together by that groovy bass riff, that you barely notice that 8.5 minutes have passed. In general, probably the greatest debut album of all time. P.S. I forgot about all the back and forth between Plant and Page’s guitar, what a great bit
Beatles
5/5
Maybe a 4.5, this album marks the transition from the pop Beatles to the mature Beatles. More exotic instrumentation, more creative lyrics, there are a couple of highlights (Norwegian Wood, Michelle, Nowhere Man, I’m Looking Through You) but this album is more high floor than ceiling.
Sabu
2/5
I am in no way qualified to review this rumba album. I liked the percussion throughout, but really only jammed out with a couple of the songs.
DJ Shadow
3/5
On first listen, it felt like background music at work, especially the second half. But I came around with a second listen. It’s probably a 2.5. There’s a melancholy to the album but there’s variety in the sampling and the drum lines are great.
Public Enemy
3/5
I don’t know what’s more forceful, the message or the presentation. A sample smorgasbord itself, I recognized so many future samples here.
Deee-Lite
3/5
For a genre characterized by repetitive samples and drum beats, this stands out in a good way. It's as fun as how we remember a heavily nostalgia-tinted 90's being
Neneh Cherry
2/5
I can pretend to appreciate what this album accomplishes, but this is a no for me dawg.
Shivkumar Sharma
2/5
It was neat. Love the interplay between the stringed instruments and the flute. still probably never going to listen to it again. 2.5
Randy Newman
3/5
What the fuck is this? I can't tell if it's satire or just glazing Southern life (good and bad). The composition is nice and Randy's the perfect voice for this. But my god
The Who
3/5
Definitely at it's best when Pete Townsend and Keith Moon take the lead. The crunch of Pete Townsend live makes a decent difference. Overall, not the strongest live concert though, maybe more of a statement on the Who's catalogue than the talent/stage presence.
Michael Jackson
5/5
MJ is the star, but the musical composition is incredible. There is every pitch in here, all energy levels, and there's not a single miss. This is the best pop album of all time, MJ is at his vocal best, there's a Van Halen solo, there's Vincent Price, there's Paul freaking McCartney. What are you doing, go listen to this album right now!
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Eric Clapton put the team on his back. This is fairly mid blues album, but god damn is he good.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
I don't know what's been a worse export, post 70's British pop or their food.
The Fall
2/5
I think to earn a high rating, your frontman has to sound like he gives a shit. It's not all dreck, but I don't expect to come back to this one much
Eminem
3/5
This man is angry. He's a talented lyricist, and I like the inclusion of sound effects. But it's a little abrasive, which is I guess is the point, and one note for me. I also believed Stan was real for a hot minute when I was a teenager, thanks Mike. Also, way more homophobia than I remember
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
A little bit of everything from CCR, take me to that swamp. Probably a 4.5
Elton John
3/5
I've always been pretty whelmed Elton John and this album did nothing to sway me. It's got some highs (the start and Rotten Peaches) and some lows, but I don't feel like I came to a new spot. 3.5
Moby Grape
4/5
This feels like an amalgamation of the Beatles and early psychedelic rock, and in no way is that an insult. Moby Grape gives a lovely and talented tour through the genre.
Van Morrison
5/5
Despite the sharp drop-off of the second half, the first 5 songs are so incredible. The perfect melding of rock, jazz, folk, all wrapped in Van's wonderful voice
Johnny Cash
4/5
There are a couple of slow songs, but a true country masterpiece, with several covers better than the original.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Great music with an interesting background and influence. Not only a toe-tapper, but a finger drummer too.
Adam & The Ants
4/5
They found the perfect balance of swagger, campiness, and talent. A new wave album that I actually like!
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I wish my life was half as good as the quality of this album. 4.5
Hole
2/5
I appreciate it the grungy/pop punk take on a California album, and it does a good job of melding glitz and glamour with seedy underbelly, but I just don't love grunge or pop punk. 2.5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Maybe I've matured a bit and left behind some of my contrarian ways, but as a historic Bruce hater, this was ... decent. There were some lows (mids?) but to steal term from my groupmate, there were also some solid toe-tappers
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Not my favorite Neil Young, but it feels very authentic and underproduced, in a good way. Solid, if a wee bit long in parts
The Temptations
3/5
The funkier jams are great, otherwise it's what you would expect from a Temptations album. The vocal talent is great, but all the songs start to feel the same 3.5
2/5
Audio experience: listening to talented musicians armed with their instruments being tossed down the stairs of the World Trade Center. I started clock watching ~ halfway through the album, continually adjusting the volume down to fight the oncoming migraine, a feat that not even the Bjork or Dizzee Rascal albums managed to accomplish. Exhausting.
The Young Rascals
4/5
It's a bopping album, but I fail to understand what makes it special relative to the myriad of groovy late 60s albums of the same era. Sure, there's a nice sample of different genres featuring fun instruments, but I don't think I could pick out any of these songs from a lineup. Whatever, a good time is a good time I guess
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5/5
Some of my favorite harmonies in rock. Maybe my favorite intimate (?) rock album. If someone shot your dog and whole family in front of you and then Suite: Judy Blue Eyes immediately came on the radio, I don't think you could be sad for that 7:24
Miles Davis
4/5
I am exhausted and hungover today, this album was one of the best cures I could have asked for.
The xx
2/5
There's so little here to even critique. It's not unpleasant, and they nail the ethereal, quiet vulnerable vibe quite well, but this is like a serious version of Cattelan's Comedian
Madness
3/5
They do some kooky style flair and instrument additions, but ultimately this is a Brit ska band, so how good could it be (2.5)
The The
2/5
Maybe those pseudo-intellectual socially conscious lyrics would have led to real change if the music didn't suck
Boston
4/5
This album rips from beginning to end, a true classic. Remarkable riffs, more hooks than a tackle box, and a howling Hammond. Should have kept their original name (Mother's Milk). But it still falls short of the absolute best (4.5).
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
I'm torn: as an audio experience, not great. But I do appreciate what Trent was going for and he executed his vision very well. At the same time, it feels very try hard, even if it is sincere. Like, it's hard to know what to make of "What if Hot Topic, but sincere?" The original is good, but the Hurt cover by Cash is a dark horse candidate for HOF of covers
Iggy Pop
3/5
A very average album is carried by 2-3 hits. I doubt I'll revisit this much outside of The Passenger, Tonight, and Lust for Life
The Incredible String Band
3/5
This is some hippy Wicker Man shit, and I am here for it. 3.5
Joe Ely
4/5
What a fun little album! I'm not much for country, but I was bouncing right along with this
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
The highs are high, the lows are drawn out and boring. Layla and Bell Bottom Blues are all timers, and there are pieces of other songs that highlight the talent, but there's too much dreck, it's not tight enough to contend with the best rock albums of all time. I also think Clapton is a wee bit overrated.
AC/DC
4/5
A lot of my love for AC/DC faded as I matured, but this album holds up. Sure, it can be a little one note, but I credit them with coming up with 1001 metaphors fer fuckin' and for distilling hard rock to its essence
Neil Young
3/5
It's an album about drugs, musicians on the road, and death, subjects never discussed in music. Stripped of that, it's a perfectly mediocre Neil Young album
Taylor Swift
2/5
Old man yells at cloud: "what happened to pop music??" But seriously: Taylor is a talented vocalist but the lyrics and backing tracks are garbage. Also, why is every chorus shouted at me, louder is not better