Apr 23 2025
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
An interesting mix of standards one would be more likely to associate with Johnny Cash and interpretations of more modern songs.
The results are mixed. I personally don't think "Bridge Over Troubled Water" works at all. "Personal Jesus" is interesting but feels a bit gimmicky. "I Hung My Head" is very good, but his interpretation of "Hurt" is superlative. Especially poignant knowing this is his last album, the emotion and feeling in his voice touches me every time.
That one song for me is enough for the album to have earned it's place.
4
Apr 24 2025
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
I like Hendrix's music, but never loved it. Listening to this album I have to admire the production. It sounds fantastic and yet it still leaves me a bit cold.
File it under and acknowledged classic but not coming back soon.
3
Apr 25 2025
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Serious Glam rock. Good fun but not favourite and time has moved on.
No doubt this was innovative at the time, and still a good listen with some banging tunes. However the years haven't treated it that well.
In terms of the recording itself, it was ground-breaking as a live album, but again time has passed.
Good but not great.
3
Apr 29 2025
Hotel California
Eagles
I suppose a lot of people would list this on their top 100 albums let alone 1000. Peak Eagles, the album is commercial yet has some biting lyrics and uncomfortable themes.
The title track is of course so well known it became a meme before memes were a thing. Life in the Fast lane is a good rocky song. The last Resort comes across as a country song in places, but heavily orchestrated in others.
This is one of those albums where the styles can change quite radically from song to song. I like that.
4
Apr 30 2025
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
I remember in my teens thinking Jim Morrison was a profound and gifted poet/songwriter. I read the biography, listened to the music, and all was good.
This time around it leaves me a bit cold. Don't get me wrong, the musicianship is top notch and Morrison's brooding style suits the music well, especially on this albums more blues focused style. Now though I find the lyrics less compelling and the majority of the songs forgettable.
A good album, but in my opinion, not great. This one does not make my top 1000.
2
May 02 2025
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Good but unremarkable to me. I imagine you had to be there at the time.
2
May 05 2025
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
I enjoy this album but it's difficult to imagine how innovative it was at the time. Listening to the stereo mix it's hard to imagine it in mono as well. Ahead of it's time and mostly stands the test of time.
3
May 08 2025
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Lovely background music. Doesn't do as much for me as I imagine it should. Guess I don't get Jazz as much as I thought.
4
Sep 01 2025
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Kanye's last great album before his descent into insanity. Some outstanding tracks. Very raw in places.
4
Sep 03 2025
#1 Record
Big Star
Nice. I'd never heard of them and they seem the kind of thing I would have been listening to at the time. It almost feels like reminiscing, but without the associations of a song you know.
3
Sep 04 2025
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Not listening to this shit. I try to be openminded but this is a step too far. I begrudge the fractions of a cent he would earn from my streaming.
1
Sep 05 2025
Scott 4
Scott Walker
It's OK and might improve with a few more listens. It does feel a bit like he has the style but leaves me cold.
3
Sep 08 2025
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Absolute genius. The backstory on this makes it even more special. A performer at the absolute top of his game captured giving a once in a lifetime performance.
If you're coming to this cold you should google the story of the concert. It will help you understand.
5
Sep 12 2025
Guero
Beck
I've liked Beck for a while but never actually sat down and listened to this album start to finish.
It's really quite even with no real duds. Enjoyable and a few new songs added to frequent rotation.
5
Sep 15 2025
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
5
Sep 24 2025
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Interesting to have listened to back to back with III. You can really hear the change in the music from a more folky bluesy sort of sound to a much harder rock.
This style of rock was never my favourite, but I can appreciate the talent and influence of the band. Another album with not a bad track on it.
5
Sep 25 2025
Document
R.E.M.
I listened to R.E.M. pretty much from the beginning when their odd, often un-understandable lyrics and different sound were perfect for my late teenage angst. By the time Document came out I was well past that and they changed as well. The lyrics, while still often odd were intelligible and the meanings understandable without digging to deep.
For me this is about my favourite period for REM. Of course great music was still to come but for me this was when the changed from a band I listened to in order to seem a bit pretentious, to just plain good music.
4
Sep 29 2025
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I remember when this album came out though I never had it on vinyl. I suppose if punk was a reaction to heavy and art rock this was a reaction to punk. Clear clean sound, more traditional rifts. Not a bad track on the album. What's not to like?
4
Oct 02 2025
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Love this album. Loved Steely Dan. I remember when the Nightfly first came out. I thought IGY was OK but didn't pay much attention to the rest.
Now that my tastes have matured, this is one of my favourite albums and an absolute classic.
4
Oct 03 2025
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Again and absolute classic. Joni's voice soars and dips as she plays with words. It's poetry, but her singing elevates it to a different level.
There are some classic hits. Carey and This Flight Tonight and my favourite California. However the whole album is great.
Growing up in Canada I probably got exposed to this music more than most. Still love it.
5