Gargantuan tunes from the band that is the Queen of the 2000's Era. The first song. "Take a Bow," is eerily on target for the times we are living in. A very enjoyable album that, while completely overwrought and over the top, still hits.
This is another all-time favorite. Fantastic songs, impeccable instrumental work, especially Peart's drums. Has there ever been a better "side 1?" Slight drop-off in second half but they would never again match this one.
This is a weird hybrid of hard rock, glam, and "Rocky Horror" type hijinks...and much of it doesn't work. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard sometimes and the song "Gang Bang" is as ridiculous as the title would suggest. But on "Faith Healer" and the final song, it comes together into something satisfying. No interest in seeking out more from these guys but, as an influence on an album like "Bat Out of Hell," I can see the appeal.
Gorgeous and ruminative, this one really hit for me. The sonic textures are perfect for the words, and the words.... just beautiful
The voice! But also a great band and backup singers. Nice to hear more than just the big hits. Gospel, soul, and R& B cornerstone
Sludgy, raucous, and a lot of fun. Maybe a few too many "wowwwwws" by the lead singer though
While I feel that "Melon Collie" is too bloated and should be a single album, this one feels about right. Love the guitar/bass/drums interplay and it makes up for Corgan's voice and lyrics.
I think this album has been a tad overrated over the years. There are some undisputable great songs but the "edgy" stuff leaves me cold and, if I had to hear Nico sing the word "clown" one more time, I would have lowered it a star.
Gotta be honest, this bored the hell out of me. Just not my thing but I can understand its appeal to a certain generation of lounge lizard rat pack lovers
Wow, what a great album! Had only heard the singles. These guys are fantastic and this is the perfect summer funk album. Loved the covers of "Summer Breeze" and "Sunshine," and "Who's That Lady?" is perfection period.
Gargantuan tunes from the band that is the Queen of the 2000's Era. The first song. "Take a Bow," is eerily on target for the times we are living in. A very enjoyable album that, while completely overwrought and over the top, still hits.
Don't understand the hate (or at least ambivalence) about this band, they're perfectly fine garage punk. It's basically the same song over and over but it works. They're not exactly the White Stripes, just adequate and good for running to.
I've never been a big Dylan fan but there's no denying the greatness of this album. I really listened to the lyrics and it was a revelation. I especially love the surrealist poetry of "Bob Dylan's 115th Dream" and "Its Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" what took me so long?
Nope, just couldn't do it. Garbage
Incredibly fun album. I used to hate it because my freshman year college roommate played it (and rapped aling) constantly. Now I can fully appreciate it, from its Zeppelin samples to the 1-2 punch of "Fight for Your Right" to "No Sleep til Brooklyn." I was missing out on a great time.
Exactly what I thought it would be: teeny bopper music for year Y2K. Points for trying some different things with "Soda Pop" and "The Beat Goes On."
One of the best of their early period. It holds together well despite it being half soundtrack to the film and half their hits of that time. Never realized how many if the film's songs are Lennon's and he seemed to dominate the songwriting during that time.
Head-spinning experimental jazz with weird horn fills and Spanish guitar. Not a huge jazz fan but really liked this.
Excellent Afro-beat album by the undisputed master of it.
Not my thing but I can appreciate it....I guess. It's musical wallpaper to me.
Had never heard this album beyond the songs "Lust for Life" and "The Passenger." Fantastic band (Bowie's band for the "Low" album and tour) and Bowie's fingerprints are all over this album. Hard to believe that this and "The Idiot" which is also on this list came out 6 months apart. Talk about a productive year!
This was The Smiths peak and a great blend of witty wordplay (when Morrisey wasnt't being insufferable), great guitar work from Marr, and some fantastic songs. "Frankly Mr. Shankly" and "Vicar in a Tutu" are hilarious
"Groove is in the Heart" is a great song but the rest of the album is kinda boring. Like a watered down dance oriented B-52's
Everything to come was in full flower on this stellar debut album. Plant's wailing, Pages's guitar explosions, and the John's booming rhythm section. All of it coalesced into hard blues rock nirvana.
Despite the late 80's production and a few samey ballads at the end, this was better than I expected. A little too much of trying to be socially conscious and relevant but forgiven by a song like "Black Cat," her attempt to out-beat her brother's "Beat It."
Largely shapeless, formless songs that meander and don't make much sense without pharmaceuticals. The second half, especially, just drags. 2.5 rounded up.
Not terrible...just aggressively boring. And so emo before there was such a term I guess. Then again, I could see myself in 1991 taking some spoken word poetry I had written, finding a few compatriots, and coming up with something like this.
Smooth, sultry, and goes down easy.
Hard to know what to make of this Lynchian fever dream of an album. But there's no denying the spell it casts. I don't even know what genre of music it is but I can hear the influence it had on artists like Ric Ocasek. If it had been longer my rating might have been lower but it gets in, gets out, and you're left wondering "what the fuck did I just listen to?" ( in a good way)
Great voice, nice country tunes, but too much of the same. I can see my father-in- law enjoying this at the local Saturday night dance.
This is primo 70's classic rock but pretty meandering and forgettable beyond "Highway Star," " Smoke on the Water," and "Space Truckin'" Felt like I should be listening on 8 track
A very fun album, entertaining all the way through. First I've really listened to Aluce Cooper, wondering what else I've missed. Interesting arrangements, not at all want I expected in a very good way.
Hooky, overproduced album brought back a lot of memories. More like a greatest hits album with some great bangers "Fooling," "Rock of Ages," "Photograph." Some duds as well.
Dark, brooding, and intense. it gets better as it goes on, but a bit repetitive in the early going.
Hadn't really listened to Fugazi before so this was a great introduction. Sounds like a nightmare soundtrack to our times. Great, angry, and righteous.
Some great songs, arrangements, and psychedelic folk fun but seriously dated and cringey on some songs. Love Grace Slick vocals on "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love"
My all time favorite Floyd album. Incredible headphone album with great instrumentation, meditations on grief and loss, and a farewell to Syd Barrett. "Oh by the way, which one's Pink?"
One of my favorites of the Brit punk bands, I'll take them over the Sex Pistols any day. Raw, hooky, and energetic...no need for coffee listening to this
Their first great record and an incredible mix of alt country rave-ups, psych rock (love "Misunderstood" and "Sunken Treasure"), and I had forgotten how great the slower, acoustic songs are. Jay Bennett's contributions to this album were essential.
This didn't do much for me, good, jagged, and snarling punk but pretty forgettable. I'll take Buzzcocks any day over this
Love the polyrhythmic, different time meters on this though it was mostly background music for me. When I hear it I think of old car commercials. Undeniably cool though
Ashamed to say I had never heard this album before. Beautiful arrangements and meditations, experiences of the sacred in all its forms, earthly ones especially. Gotgeous and raw
This album was one of those in heavy rotation in my older brother's vinyl collection so it seeped into me by osmosis: love "Ricki ""Any Major Dude," and the title track but a lot of songs don't stand out. Still, amazing studio work (as always) and songwriting. Love me some Dan.
Loved it despite its length and some repetitiveness of song structures and arrangements. Ray is the ultimate cool daddy of popular music
An all time classic and a quintessential 80's album. The production and sound are immaculate and I prefer the second half, especially the anti-war sentiments of "One World" and the haunting, gorgeous title track.
All killer, no filler on one of the best albums of the 80's. Takes on more meaning after reading the book "There Was Nothing You Could Do" by Stephen Hyden. This album has only gotten better over the years. Bruce at his populist best even as the title song was so misunderstood by the Reagan administration.
Interesting soundsscapes, ahead of its time sounds from this album. Not my thing though I could appreciate it and enjoyed it as background music and possibly as the missing soundtrack to a weird cult film.
This is another all-time favorite. Fantastic songs, impeccable instrumental work, especially Peart's drums. Has there ever been a better "side 1?" Slight drop-off in second half but they would never again match this one.
Great album from a great voice, love the title track, "Ballad of Lucy Jordan,"and that final kiss-off with lyrics that made me blush. Was that Keith Richard's playing on the last song?
Had never heard of her before but really enjoyed this album. Great first song and, overall, I enjoyed the more traditional sounding songs rather than the glossy, overproduced 70's disco-fied ones.
Love this album with it's witty lyrics and Cocker's takedown of posers and hedonists. One of my favorite Britpop albums. The video for "Common People " is great too.
I was surprised by this album and really enjoyed it. Loved the Stephen King references on the title track and "A Skeleton in the Closet" as well as the plea for justice for native Americans on "Indians." Made me want to get in a mosh pit and thrash around.
The perfect 70's album in every way containing all types of pop of the Era. Yes it's sickly sweet and cringey at times but these guys were great at what they did.
Had to seek out the original version but I really enjoyed this. It could have been recorded recently as it is incredibly relevant. Mass consumerism, school to jail pipeline, racial identity...literate, powerful lyrics and great beats and soundscapes. Makes me want to listen to more of Michael Franti and his other work, both solo and with Spearhead.
This was a big one for me growing up and I consider it one of Zep's best. Some fillerbthere, especially towards the end (or side 4 as I think of it), but some of their best songs throughout, especially "The Rover," "Trampled Under Foot," and, of course, Chase Utley's walk up song "Kashmir." The last great album from the mighty Zep
Great, slinky, glam-rock from the master of the form. Some great songs of course--"Ger It On (Bang a Gong)," "Jeepster," " Mambo Moon"--and some more forgettable ones. Nothing too earth-shaking, just a fun, scuzzy record
Couldn't get through the while album but what I heard was fine for its genre and time. Generic and boring.
Had a very hard time getting through this. Other than "Stan" and a couple of others it's just tedious shock rap and some songs are unlistenabe. I know it's a persona but give it a rest.
Really good Brit-reggae debut album with lots of dub step production and socially conscious lyrics. A little same-y at times but some great insight into Thatcherite UK at that time. They would hit bigger later with "Red Red Wine" and "Rar in the Kitchen."
Great songs, great voice but not much more than background music for me. Do love "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Windmills of My Mind" though.
More listenable than many albums of the time with an all time great in "Mama Said Knock You Out." Still, I had a hard time getting through many of the songs and the Mack Daddy misogynistic lyrics ("Milky Cereal," really?)
A great blues rock album with some incredible songs and instrumental interplay from Clapton, McClintock, Allman, et al. What a band! I was especially impressed with McClintock's vocals. And "Layla," there are no words. One of the best songs of the 70's and all time.
One of the best all out rawwwk albums of all time. It really went against the hair band trends of the time and had more of a punk feel. Hard to get past some of the nastiness of songs like "Its So Easy" but, come on, "Welcome to the Jungle," "Paradise City," " Sweet Child of Mine"....a great band in their prime.
Inscrutable lyrics at times but he makes up for it with his delivery and the arrangements (love the backing vocals and occasional strings). "Famous Blue Raincoat" is the standout here but I know I would like this one more with repeated listening.
Great, rollicking set from one of the best of the genre. Muddy and his band probably blew away many of the acts at the Newport Folk festival.
Incredible guitarist, I really enjoyed this. Some great instrumentals and "The Needle of Death" is a powerful lament. I can see his influence on many others and it makes me want to seek out Pentangle, the group he formed with another guitarist. Very solid folk album.
Had never heard this album straight through before. Though it has a couple of great songs ("Breakdown," "American Girl") some of it is forgettable. I think the list should have included "Damn the Torpedoes" or "Full Moon Fever" or even "Wildflowers" instead. Still, a really solid debut album from these guys.
Not a big Electronica fan but I really enjoyed this. It was diverse, had some good beats and even a thrashy song ("Quality Seconds") I also enjoyed the songs with a female vocalist. Made me want to listen to more of them
This one rocks hard and Jack White is a virtuoso rock guitarist. There are some great songs on here and it's an incredibly fun listen. A little repetitiveness and emptiness in the lyrics brings it down a notch for me.
The creativity of song structures and blending of genres are what make this album so good. I'm all for surrealistic lyrics but the hollowness of them prevents me from giving it 5 stars. Just a fun, ridiculous album from its cover art to its end of the world party vibe.
Just too much for me and I couldn't get through it. Especially given Sean Comb's involvement and what happened to B.I.G. not long after this album. I'm not one who can objectively approach this album and speak of its merits. Grueling, torturous listen for me
A soft rock classic. Some great songs on here and it's an eclectic mix. I really appreciate his melodicism and goofy sense of humor on "Coconut."
This is, perhaps, my favorite album of all time. From the opening "Red Rain" to the real closer, "Excellent Birds," to me, it's just a perfect record. Some of that is nostalgia, of course, but it's the combination of instrumentation, emotional resonance, and incredible production...and some of the best songs of his career. Some might think of it as his "commercial" album and, yes, I've gotten pretty tired of "Sledgehammer" over the years, but this is the one for me. I don't understand why "In Your Eyes" was moved to the end of the album. For me, it will always be the start of side 2. Other than that, perfection.
Again, a difficult one for me to review objectively, not understanding the context and background for this artist and music. I was bored by it and the lyrics, production, and rapping ability were fine. Granted, middle aged white guy here.
Just a couple of days after Brian Wilson's death, this is a very appropriate one to come up. Ironically, Wilson didn't write or sing on much of this album except for the last 3 songs which are the best on the album. This one is a strange, eclectic group of songs with some great psychedelia ("Feel Flows"), a political sensibility, and much goofiness. Though "Pet Sounds" is their masterpiece I really enjoyed this one.
First time listening to this all the way through and it's like a primer of funk pop goodness. He may have hit even higher later with "Innervisions" and "Songs in the Key of Life," but this is a fantastic album.
I hadn't really listened to Sky and the Family Stone much beyond "A Family Affair." I enjoyed the extended jams and sinewy grooves though, on some songs, it grew a bit tedious. Not as politically charged as I thought it would be. Still, I can see how this influenced so many others and the legacy of Sly, along with Brian Wilson, is huge
Gloomy, monotonous, and redeemed here and there by Jah Wobble's bass playing. Much preferred the instrumentals to anytime that Jihn Lydon opens his mouth.
Really enjoyed this. Loved the use of samples, the wittiness of the raps, and the overall positivity of it.
Rounding up from 3.5 stars. Good songs, late 90's production, and tight playing from Courtney Love and crew. Big Smashing Pumpkins influence with several songs written by Billy Corgan. Not having heard much of them beyond a few songs, I was surprised by this one.
Not an essential Bowie album but still pretty great. Arty, edgy songs like "The Stars Are Out Tonight" make for a satisfying late career album for him.
Tedious with some occasional interesting sounds and beats such as Spanish guitar on opening track, the song "Red Alert." If I was into going to clubs in 1999 I may have been into it.
Absolutely love "Girl from Ipenama" but, otherwise, this was pleasant background music for me. Felt like I was in a lounge with cigar smoke everywhere and fans circulating tropical air.
Not sure if it's his voice, the nonsensical lyrics, or if I just wasn't in the mood...but I actively disliked most of this album. The musical settings with strings and horns were appealing on some songs but, overall, it just didn't do anything for me. And come on, this is a concept album about Ricard Nixon? OK, whatever.
Not only one of the best debut albums ever but one of the best rock albums ever. So many great songs on here and Chrissy Hynde's vocals and songwriting are incredible. The band, too, is tight and rocks hard. "Learning to Crawl" should be on this list too.
Always good to hear a great big band and this is a fantastic album..though the cover art is a little distressing for these times.
Though I always think of this band as "fey" or "precious," they also are really enjoyable, literate, and melodic. I like the little slices of Scottish school age/young adult life and Stuart Murdich is a fine songwriter.
Some really good songs here--"Bittersweet Symphony," "The Drugs Don't Work," Lucky Man"--but also a lot of filler and just boring Oasis or Radiohead-lite. It does get better as it goes with the more interesting songs toward the end. How could there be both The Verve and The Verve Pipe?
Raucous,raw blues rock and different from their later power poppish stuff. One of the songs, "32-20," was tough to take with lyrics about blowing away his cheating woman. Otherwise, a pretty good time, especially the Elvis impersonation on "Evil Hearted Ada."
There's a huge nostalgia factor with me for this album. It was the one album that all my siblings had and played regularly and it was the soundtrack for so many childhood vacation trips. My mother heard the words to "Tenth Avenue Freezeout" as "The Devil in the Freezer" so that was a recurring joke. This album has achieved mythic status for me. And, hearing it again, it hasn't lost any of its grandeur through all these years. Roy Bittan's piano is such an essential element of it, it really is the backbone of the album. There's also a real sadness that comes through that I didn't hear when I was growing up. And to think that now we have 7 unreleased albums from him to listen to. Was there ever a better run for a artist than from "Born to Run" through "Born in the USA?"
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. It really works for what it is. Especially liked the guest star tracks with Ice T and Fred Durst. That "rap battle" between Durst and Davis is hilarious. Also really liked Davos' demonic "scatting" or whatever that is. Bombastic and ridiculous and it gets more tedious as it progresses.
Not quite to "Doolittle" level but a very good album.
Great live soul record. The energy of Cooke and his band is incredible. Almost seems like he was hopped up on something because he just never stops for a breath.
I can appreciate the musical prowess of this album and this band at the height of its powers....but, damn, it bores me. Never been a jam band guy and this is probably the grandaddy of all jam band albums. I preferred the 4-5 minute songs over the 19-21 minute extended jams. But I'm probably in the minority on that.
A fun but slight album. I enjoyed his bass playing and the collaborations with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins and the other song with Kendrick Lamar. Often, though, a boring, "soft funk" album that irritated me when there are so many other more deserving ones that should br on this list.
Really good Electronica dance album with hooks, beats, and snarling British late 90's venom. Overstays it's welcome a bit but makes up for it with a great closing track.
This was perfect listening for a 4th of July car ride, just a stellar soul album with great horns and Rev Green preaching the gospel of love, baby, love. A remedy for what ailed me on this day I didn't feel all that celebratory about America's birthday
An immaculate debut album that introduces everything that is so great about the band. Great, catchy songs that bubble with infectious energy but also, in songs like "Pulled Up," an arty punkish spunk. Also incorporates xylophone, island drums, and fun arrangements. All that and "Psycho Killer." I frickin love this album!
Hadn't heard this whole album before, enjoyed it very much. Great riffage and playing, just as good if not better than "Elephant."
Strange to say but I hadn't heard this all the way through before. Excellent album but I put "All Things Must Pass" and the first "McCartney" above it. Love "Gimme Some Truth," "How Do You Sleep," and, of course, the title track. Sad to say that song has never been truer now.
Some great songs on this but it just goes on and on. It's way too long and gets tedious. I wish they had gone with more songs like "Breaking the Girl" and "Under the Bridge" instead of yet another song about Keidis' dick and what a sex machine he is.
Can't review this objectively, it's just background music to me. Very ho-hum, boring background music. Is this better than other electronic drum-bass music? No idea. Don't care
Wow, I had never really listened to these guys but I loved this album! I had to listen to it twice since I didn't care for it the first time, thinking that they are like a tamer Ween or a less intersting Dukes of Stratosphere. But, on second listen, I appreciated it much more. I love the eclecticism often within one song. He's got a great voice as well. Music discovery is one of the great things about this whole generator thing and I plan on listening to more of these guys.
It doesn't matter if you don't understand what is being sung--the emotions come through the music powerfully. Love these guys and this was one I hadn't heard before. Beautiful and stirring.
Had only heard the song "Solid Air" before and this album is a revelation. Liked it so much that I listened to the deluxe version with alternate takes. Great songs, distinctive voice, and one of the best of the British folk rock albums of its time.
A bit of a step up from The Marshall Mathers album but not much of one. There were a couple of songs which seemed to cut through the whole tiresome Slim Shady persona and had more honest emotion and real feeling....but then there were songs like "97 Bonnie and Clyde," yet another shock-rap song about killing his wife. Had to skip a lot of this.
An immaculate, concise, beautiful record that is elegant in its simplicity. So glad that this album exists.
"Shine on you crazy diamond." Just some LSD-drenched psychedelic nonsense from the former Pink Floyd front man and not all of it works. But, when it does, you get a song like "Octopus," a deranged classic. I thought I was hearing Robyn Hitchcock on some of these songs and Barrett wa a clear inspiration for his work.
First time listening to this one and, again....why did it take so long? Great, dark, grungy songs and stellar playing and singing. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't listen and what kept me from hearing an album like this when it came out. Oh well, glad to he hearing it now.
Being a huge XTC fan, I was greatly anticipating this album when it came out...and it exceeded all my expectations. The orchestration and sonic experimentation had only been hinted at before this and the songs are among the best in their catalog. To me, XTC took Beatles later period and other influences such as the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" and psychedelia and put it all together into a delicious sonic stew. God I love this album.
This one is very special for me. It is rooted in a time and place for me and, every time I hear it, I am right back there. And the album's themes--time, memory, and loss--reflect that sense of longing for a time and place. This period in the band's history was one of unbridled creativity and every album they released was a event. So, not biased at all here! But, with these songs, the orchestral arrangements from John Paul Jones, and the mood and atmosphere of all of it, they knocked it out of the park. Songs like "Drive," "Sweetness Follows," "Find the River, " and the incomparably gorgeous "Nightswimmimg" are some of their best. And that's not even mentioning the somewhat overplayed "Everybody Hurts" and "Man on the Moon." It's one of my top 5 desert island discs.
Had never heard this one beyond "Stupid Girl" and "Only Happy When It Rains." Really enjoyed it, from the production, to the guitar/band work, to Shirly Manson's snarling vocals. The whole psycho-sexual angle on many of the songs gets old but this is a damn good album which makes me want to delve more deeply into their other stuff.
Amazing and beautiful soundscapes with prog-rock giants like Robert Fripp on guitar and Phil Collins on drums. This album is a wonder and influenced so many other artists in the electronic, ambient, and rock universe. It's also got great melodies that stick in the mind and senses. It engages on all levels and is an easy 5 stars for me.
Listened in the car coming back from a road trip so not as close a listen as I would like, but this is truly the ultimate Americana album. Some great songs here that are almost hymn-like in their majesty. A stellar mix of rock, traditional, and gospel that few bands could have pulled off.
Morrissey without the Smiths is just OK. The vocals and clever wordplay are still there but Marr's guitar and the propulsive arrangements are sorely lacking. Still, there is some honesty and raw emotion here that elevates this and a great song in "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get."
RIP Ozzie. This was my first time listening to a Sabbath album front to back and it was a great one to start with. For all of the proggy epics like "Wheels of Confusion" and "Snowblind " there were some change-ups like "FX" and "Laguna Sunrise" making it much more diverse than I would have thought. When I was growing up, I saw them as too scary, almost taboo. Now, they seem tame rather than sinister or menacing. But this one rocks hard and Ozzie is in fine form.
An easy 5 stars. Bowie's first great album, a masterclass in songwriting, and an eclectic, hothouse vibe. This album has a mood and atmosphere that is just perfect. And it laid the seeds for everything that followed. My favorite songs are "Oh! You Pretty Things," "Life on Mars?", "Queen Bitch," and the haunting "Bewlay Brothers." That song used to scare the shit out of me and, lyrically, it's one of his best. And then there is "Changes." Just a perfect album.
This album is the definition of "a lot of noise signifying nothing." I enjoy and can appreciate Queen but this album is stuffed with overdubs, every second filled with over-produced airy-fairyness. Plus, I find it boring with very few of the hooks that would come with their later music. it's redeemed somewhat by songs like "Ogre Battle" and "Seven Seas of Rhye" but, overall, not an album that I would return to.
Potent album in all respects and, with the white middle-aged lenses, this is one of the best of the era. I especially liked "One Million Bottles," a pointed critique of black men drinking themselves to death, and the Anthrax collab "Bring the Noise." Wish I had listened closer to this album when I was a counselor at a school in Chicago and one of the teens in my room had it and played it all the time.
While I can appreciate the musicality and technical prowess of this....it reminded me of Spinal Tap without the humor. It's the kind of album that led to the reaction of punk music. I would have rather heard something from ELO if you want a merging of classical and rock. Just left me cold without any emotional connection to it.
This one is another of my all-time favorites so definitely biased and nostalgia-goggles fully on. It was the soundtrack to one of the best summers of my life when I was 17. They were the first concert I went to. So, yeah, this one is a biggie. Listening now, more objectively (?), its a fine example of 80's "big sound" production and though there are big hooks with "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Head Over Heels," and one of my favorite songs ever, "Shout," the quieter, sonic textures of "I Believe" and "Listen" struck me more now. I love this album in all its big-shouldered, big 80's glory
Whoa man, far out. I really enjoyed this acid-drenched dispatch from a Charles Manson cult circa 1971. Fantastic jamming, especially Lemmy on bass, some bizarre spoken word poetry, and a great mix of garage, psychedelic, free-form jazz, and deep space canoodiling. A lot of fun if a little too long.
No denying the sonic goodness and production on this album, it sounds amazing (though auto tune is used way too much). Despite how grating he can be and the misogyny ever present, the man's an amazing talent and the use of samples on "Bound 2," the occasional gospel choir, and good use of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver make for an interesting and adventurous listen all around.
Surely one of the best live albums ever, it's a great showcase for the band in their prime. Their versions of "Summertime Blues" and "Shakin All Over" are ferocious and they rip into their 60's songs with abandon. Would have liked to hear the version with all of "Tommy," but this version is plenty long enough.
Felt like I was raiding my father's record collection. But then I listened closer and there's a song about swinging. In any case, love the harmonies on this and the whole 60's vibe, and "Monday, Monday" and California Dreaming" are all-time classics.
Had never heard these guys before and enjoyed this album very much. Melodic post-punk that's like a cross between Green Day and Nada Surf with a pinch of Weezer thrown in. Liked the little touches like orchestral flourishes too. The song "Kung Fu" smacks of racism a bit but, otherwise, a very solid album.
This album is a big step up from "Bloodsugarsexmagic" just based on songs like "Scar Tissue," "Otherside," the title track, and "Road Trippin." There are a few others that are really good too but it definitely falls off in the second half. Definitely a more mature, interesting album and the best overall album I've heard from them (including their more recent stuff).
Yet another album that holds so much meaning for me so, again, very hard to be subjective. After "Joshua Tree" and "Rattle and Hum" I never expected this album. From the opening guitar alarm of "Zoo Station," the new sound and creative reinvention literally blew me away. I listened to this album non-stop in 1991 and it helped get me through a difficult year. Listening now, the Edge, with assistance from Eno and Lanois, took it to another level and th rhythm section of Mullins and Clayton Jr never sounded better. And, other than one of the worst lines in history-- " a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"-- Bono's lyrics and vocals shine as well. They took this creativity and pushed it even more with their next album, "Zooropa," but this album has only gained in its majesty and another one of my desert island discs.
Really enjoyed the 80's synth sounds and samples and the song "Destroy Rock & Roll" with the role call of musical acts....but a little goes a long way and it became boring quickly. Still, a fun, listenable album from an artist I had never heard of before.
It's "Sgt. Pepper's" so it's not going to be any lower than 5 stars. Though I could never replicate the feeling of my 9 year-old self listening to this over and over, singing along with it, letting it inhabit my subconscious, it is still a wonder. No album opened the possibilities of pop music more than this one. Each song is a finely wrought masterpiece culminating with the most creative, mind-expanding song of all: "A Day in the Life." Yet, the older I get, the more I see how this is far from their best album. It doesn't hold together as a concept album for one thing. There are way too many Paul songs on it for another (and not enough George). But it's still "Sgt Pepper's," for Christ's sake, and it will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Breezy, fun album of standards from ol' Blue Eyes that, while an enjoyable listen, started to sound like the same song over and over. Hey, when it works, it works.
This is another one of ny favorites and a desert island disc for me--been lots of these lately! Wore out the vinyl when it came out and it continues to be stellar in all respects (except maybe "Mother" but you have to take that for the joke it is). I always loved how side 1 is so different from side 2, with side 1 having the faster, more rocking songs and side 2 with the contemplative, slower ones. It now ends with "Murder by Numbers," a bonus track that got officially added somewhere along the way. Love that song too so it's (literally) all good. I don't think Sting's songwriting has ever been as good as this album. A close to perfect album (even with "Mother")
This is a weird hybrid of hard rock, glam, and "Rocky Horror" type hijinks...and much of it doesn't work. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard sometimes and the song "Gang Bang" is as ridiculous as the title would suggest. But on "Faith Healer" and the final song, it comes together into something satisfying. No interest in seeking out more from these guys but, as an influence on an album like "Bat Out of Hell," I can see the appeal.
Absolute banger of an album though it is probably too long and a little too much of the same dynamic. Still, that dynamic consistently works and produces some combustible playing and great songs. "One" is an all time great song and others like "Eye of the Beholder" and "Blackened" are fantastic as well. I like the classical guitar interludes of "To Live is to Die" as well. Docked a star because it is too much of a good thing.
My first time hearing this album and it was a revelation. My college roommate listened to their earlier albums and I remember thinking that I liked their sound but it was kind of formless and opaque. This album, though, has hooks and the songs are tighter, more focused. These are lovely arrangements and melodies that I liked so much I listened a second time. Elizabeth Fraser could sing the phone book and I would still listen. Truly unique and gorgeous.
Wow, other than the songs I knew and love--"Take It Easy," "Witchy Wiman," and "Peaceful, Easy Feeling," this album was a real slog. The songs are so country rock generic and easily blended into musical wallpaper. This is probably the ultimate greatest hits band and the deeper cuts just don't amount to anything. Still, those 3 songs are classics and this was a band who knew what they were and did it very well. The harmonies alone warrant 3 stars.
This was my first time really listening to MBV, hadn't listened much at all to their earlier album. It's kind of monotonous and dirge-like. But there are a few songs that come to life like "only tomorrow" and "new you" that made me pay more attention. Still, I could not understand a single word being sung and the repetitiveness and droning made it pretty unremarkable. Guess I need to listen to the first album.
Not as bad as expected and I actually enjoyed quite a bit of this. I like her attempts at some variation of the sounds and there are some pretty good songs on here such as "Fighter" and "Beautiful." Still, way too long and I didn't care for the musical "interludes" (must have been an early 00's pop thing). No denying her voice and I like that many of the songs are about female empowerment
Probably my favorite Neil Young album and that's really saying something. From front to back, this is a stellar example of every style of his and I love how it goes from stark acoustic songs to full-on raucous live guitar onslaught. Lyrically, these songs explore the danger of celebrity ("Hey Hey, My My") and the perils of colonialism ("Pocahontas") and violence ("Powderfinger"). And I love how he goes fully punk on "Sedan Delivery." Just a great album
Really good power-pop, grungy album by Bob Mould and company. Never listened to this when it came out, good to be hearing it now. Was never a big Husker Du fan or a big fan of his solo stuff, but this band hits hard and appeals to my 90's alt rock soft spot. Really enjoyed this.
Liked how these songs added layers and built....but many of them didn't go anywhere and overstayed their welcome. "Aisha" is a great song and a great guest vocalist in Iggy Pop. Appreciated the way they play with genre and shape shift from song to song. Good background music for a Tarantino film
Though not up to the level of "The Queen is Dead," this is a very good album. It starts out great with "The Headmaster Ritual" and Johnny Marr and company are in great form throughout. I will say that Morrissey is pretty insufferable on this one and the song "Meat is Murder" is not a convincing argument for vegetarianism and, in the words of the critic Robert Christgau, "begs for a belt in the chops." But, otherwise, a very good Smiths album.
Garage proto-punk and some truly deranged singing make for a great introduction to this band. Love the manic organ playing and the Vietnam war protest lyrics of "Complication." This was truly ahead of its time and sounded great through car speakers. One of the best discoveries of the 1001 albums project.
I am certainly not a fan of the 2000's pop era....but this is such a finely crafted album with great vocals, of course, and also some really good songs. It starts out in great soul-rock fashion with "Rolling in the Deep" and "Rumor Has It." There are some forgettable, samey songs after that but the arrangements and orchestrations really elevate songs like "Set Fire to the Rain." And, come on, "Someone Like You" is a great song, even if it was played ad nauseum and you couldn't escape it in 2011. The passion and conviction in her voice really sells it. Just an all around solid pop album that was a pleasure to listen to again.
Great album of traditional South African folk songs and dances. She has a powerful voice and loved songs like "The Click Song" and I now feel that every wedding reception should include it. The only song I hated was the duet "One More Dance" and it wasn't her fault, it was the duet partner laughing through the whole song. It was distracting and incredibly annoying. Overall, this was a really enjoyable and culturally rich experience.
This was the first of her jazz-inflected albums and the arrangements are more intricate. While I prefer "Blue" and her other more straight acoustic stuff, this album has some great songs--"Help Me," "Free Man in Paris," "Raised on Roberry," "Just Like a Train"-- that it's almost a greatest hits album. Lyrically, it's as great as ever. Didn't know about the whole blackface thing and her saying she feels like she has a "black soul." While probably misguided, It doesn't take away from my appreciation of this album and her body of work.
There's no better 1-2 punch than "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine of Your Love" to start this album. Some of the ones that follow are less memorable but the blues psychedelia of "SWLABR" and "Tales of Brave Ulysses" are lyrically head spinning and a lot of fun. I also liked the weird Ginger Baker songs,especially "Mother's Lament," which offer a nice break from the Bruce and Clapton songs. They were an all time great rock trio with each member bringing a crucial element.
I like Traffic but prefer the jazz excursions of "Freedom Rider" and "Low Spark of High Heel Boys" and the traditional acoustic songs of "John Barleycorn Must Die" over this album. There's too much hippy-dippy filler and it goes on way too long (I guess I listened to the UK bonus track version). Still, there's great playing and singing here and they were an interesting band tha5 couldn't be labeled.
Not quite 5 stars for me since I think "The Suburbs" is their masterpiece. But this comes very close. These songs have so much relevance and resonance right now, especially "Neon Bible" and "Windowsill" with its talk of the fires at the door, the oceans rising, and him not wanting to live in the US anymore. Great, dramatic builds to these songs and the use of the pipe organ and that it was recorded in a church is a great touch that so fits the mood of it. I've convinced myself to give it another star.