My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
White Ladder David Gray	5	3.07	+1.93
Definitely Maybe Oasis	5	3.53	+1.47
Buena Vista Social Club Buena Vista Social Club	5	3.66	+1.34
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not Arctic Monkeys	5	3.73	+1.27
Tarkus Emerson, Lake & Palmer	4	2.79	+1.21
Dookie Green Day	5	3.8	+1.2
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail Buck Owens	4	2.81	+1.19
Kings Of The Wild Frontier Adam & The Ants	4	2.83	+1.17
The Sounds Of India Ravi Shankar	4	2.85	+1.15
Moby Grape Moby Grape	4	2.94	+1.06

Album	You	Global	Diff
Oedipus Schmoedipus Barry Adamson	1	2.79	-1.79
Highway 61 Revisited Bob Dylan	2	3.77	-1.77
Surfer Rosa Pixies	2	3.51	-1.51
Tidal Fiona Apple	2	3.45	-1.45
Odessey And Oracle The Zombies	2	3.42	-1.42
Aftermath The Rolling Stones	2	3.39	-1.39
Opus Dei Laibach	1	2.39	-1.39
Songs Of Leonard Cohen Leonard Cohen	2	3.38	-1.38
Seventeen Seconds The Cure	2	3.38	-1.38
xx The xx	2	3.37	-1.37

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Arctic Monkeys

5/5

Played this none stop when it first came out. Couldn’t believe how original and consistent it was across the whole album. Back then, defo 5/5. Listening start to finish now, still an absolute banger and of its time.

Kind Of Blue

Miles Davis

3/5

Pleasant and moseying. Clear talent all round and a real art and skill, but not grabbed in the same way as some music or wowed. Just a kind of ‘yeh, this is really nice and accomplished.’ Quite liked having 5 longer tracks to make up an album. Helpful to read the history too, to understand its place in time and relevance. I like the constant reemergence of the two notes “high-lowwww” in each song. Blue in Green moved me the most. (3.5)

The Slim Shady LP

Eminem

3/5

So original, so violent, so transparent. Remember first finding ‘my name is’ on late night rap show and was instantly taken by it. Similar feeling in how different, brutal and shocking it can be. Also clever lyrics and insight into hood/trailer life. Led me to look at his journey and understand more. Impressive. Maybe edging on repetitive. ‘My Fault’ stood out. (3.5)

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

3/5

I mean, my obvious bias a side, again, it was of it’s time and original, in many ways. Just feels a little repetitive, same kind of melodies and structures. Some good lyrics, songs and melodies, but kinda just felt like once I'd hear 1 song, I’d heard them all. Some clever plays on words and structure/chords, but ultimately, just ended up being minor variations on a theme, throughout.

The Specials

3/5

Amazing that this was a debut album, really. Such energy, rawness and love Terry Hall’s voice and cadence especially. A hoot to know it was produced by Costello. Again, very original and of its time. Did a huge amount for British ska. To be picky, got a little bored towards the middle/end - some weaker songs and similar vibe throughout (3.5)

Surfer Rosa

Pixies

2/5

Just couldn’t really get into it or even feel comfortable listening to it. Raw and original but just dissonant and not really enjoyable to listen to. And maybe that’s what they were going for, but not an enjoyable experience for me. Left me feeling tense and grasping for things to hold onto. But I liked the originality and quirkiness too. Can’t work out if it works better in songs like Gigantic and Where is my Mind, or if that’s just because they are more familiar? (2.5) +.5 for those two belters!

Fisherman's Blues

The Waterboys

2/5

Basically Irish Springsteen/Arcade Fire! Good energy and songwriting, but just not really my bag and songs quite long. Feels like a slog, somehow. Just with the pace and keeping up and amount of things going on in a song.

The Rise & Fall

Madness

4/5

Familiar, up beat, good energy, quirky. Enjoy the experimental elements and surprise in places. Kinda prog rock in places and like the change in tempo, Melodie’s and little ditties. It’s good and surprised at how much I liked it and the alt of it.

Penance Soiree

The Icarus Line

2/5

Mix is HORRIBLE. and to read in the bio that there were issues over the mix and THIS is what they chose?! Geez. I get it - grunge, messy, dissonant, but I think of something like ‘Deloused..’ and how important the mix is on that and this is what happens when that’s not there. Horrible and feel like I can’t hear or appreciate the songs properly because of it. And also just a bit repetitive. Messy nothingness. A lucky 2*

Back In Black

AC/DC

3/5

Clean, good energy, Brian Johnson’s voice is amazing and a great fit. Edging on parody sometimes with the titles and play on words, but of it’s time and true stadium rock energy. Enjoyed the stocatoed guitar and break downs/build ups. Interesting to know the background - 7th album! Singers death, black cover and second best selling album in history! (3.5)

Here Come The Warm Jets

Brian Eno

3/5

I mean, fair play. I enjoy experimentation and being surprised or caught off guard by music. However, I just can’t necessarily find my seat in this. Respect for doing it and the individuality of it, but I also want to be able to find my place in the music and enjoy it, which I didn’t get from this.

Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black

Public Enemy

4/5

Good energy - I like. Enjoy the continuous flow between songs. Great beats and flow. Felt energised and upbeat listening to it and some nice little break downs and use of samples. Yehhhh I like this and whilst songs are similar in some way, just great flow and continuation and vibes (1st half) 😎 political, cultural and a capturing of society at the time, and more importantly, being black. Enough to keep it fresh and varied throughout. Tune with Anthrax just shows their openness but also a bit comical. 1st 1/2 better than 2nd. Great start and run of tracks.

Third

Soft Machine

3/5

Okay, I can dig this. Nice Mars Volta vibes. Jazz / Prog and writing this as I’m just half way into the first track but excited to see where it goes but feel aligned and interested so far. Snarky Puppy vibes. ‘Facelift’ feels like a gradual welcoming and unfolding into a jazz crescendo, before coming back down to rest to move into ‘Slightly All The Time’ a slow moseying bass line that again, could easily be a snarky puppy song and ventures all over melody’s and tempos as the song develops. First album I’ve added to my general playlists. ‘Moon in June’ first introduction of vocals and probably enjoyed it more without. Loses half a star for this. Dreadful song and vocals. 2nd half of song better than first. ‘Out-Bloody-Rageous’ back to the enjoyable grooves and prog jazz. Great end, shame about third song. (3.5)

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

3/5

Only really know some solo tracks so was quite different to what I was expecting with the full band. Pleasantly surprised. Nice tempo, groove and fairly catchy. Really enjoyed ‘Round & Round’. ‘Down by the river’ 🥱 enjoyed second half of the album much less than the first. First three songs good. Next three meh and last one a bit of a better note to finish on. 4* for first 3. 3* for next 3 and 3.5 for last so (3/3.5)

Floodland

Sisters Of Mercy

3/5

Okay. Reverb drums, chorus guitar, gated snare, and dramatic, heartfelt vox! - we are in goth rock - Wouldn’t be my usual choice but could appreciate its quality in this genre and found some bits quite catchy. Particularly enjoyed “Eldritch served as the vocalist, performed all instruments, and programmed the band's drum machine…Morrison did not contribute to the album despite being a member of the Sisters of Mercy.” 😂 ‘The Corrosion’ is pretty epic! I almost like the album, which probably says a lot for its quality considering this isn’t really my bag. Got me grooving and moving, but in a kind of ironic, satirical way! Terrible last song to close the album. Dominion & Corrosion stood out. Does what it does well, but not for me.

Songs Of Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen

2/5

Yawwwwwwwn. The music really matches the album artwork. He looks like he just listened to this album. Felt similar to how I experienced Dylan - just pretty simplistic and variations on a theme. Mostly 2 chords with a dragging vocal line. Hadn’t heard the influence on Fionn Regan before, so that was interesting, but when I love music that raises my spirit through surprise and novelty and skill, this did the exact opposite. Like a long, boring conversation with someone you’re trying to get away from. Actually found myself getting angrier as the album went on. Drawlllllll. (2.5)

Cheap Thrills

Big Brother & The Holding Company

4/5

It’s so interesting for them to have added the crowd noise after and was mainly a studio album. Really great energy and vocals. Nice groove and rhythm. Sometimes, would actually prefer a less strained vocal eg ‘Summertime’. Enjoy the guitar runs and also changing tempo and energy. Great selection/order of songs and flow throughout. So much soul and heart. Raw, energetic and broad.

Let's Stay Together

Al Green

3/5

Pleasant, moseying, so much soul and groove, and leaves me much more chilled and in a groove than excited or surprised. Has its place and great production too. Not sure anything tops the opener but all songs consistently solid. Enjoyed the pick up of the last track (3.5) close to 4

Apocalypse Dudes

Turbonegro

2/5

Sure the opening is just ripped from Pinball Wizard?! Hard to assess the purposeful use of language with English not being their first language…but still…Reading that there is a satirical edge to them, which reassures a bit. Punk/glam/rock mash up, with fairly solid song structure and composition but just pretty basic, predictable and cheesy. Production so-so. Got good energy but just feels like it really falls short of great punk albums. Kind of like a bad fake version of high quality brand item. Variations on a theme and a comical theme. ‘Rendezvous with Anus’ 🙄 can’t really tell how much of it is meant to be satirical, but not sure punk spinal tap should be in the top 1001 albums! Probably just about gets 2.5?

Queens of the Stone Age

3/5

Such a unique sound, instantly knowing it is them, just from the first ten seconds of instrumental. Stoner Rock and album has more of a feel of a demo, than finished album, but fair for first release and remastered later. Kinda samey and a steady trot through the signature sound and similar tracks. Surprised ‘Songs for the Deaf’ isn’t in the list instead/as well. But a unique debut all the same and worthy for its originality. Some nice experimentation and off beats, but a bit, “okay, I get it” by the end

Bayou Country

Creedence Clearwater Revival

4/5

First thought is geez, these guys are Popular. Nearly 30m monthly listens, 55 years after this album and I’d never even heard of them before. Gritty vocals, great groove and soulful. Very pleasantly surprised and hard to not pull a gritty face and neck groove! Keep on Chooglin’! ‘Graveyard train’ a bit draggy and long, but brings another type of tune to the album. Short, punchy, efficient album that is consistent throughout and doesn’t overstay its welcome. And ‘Proud Mary’ did not know this is where it originated!

Penthouse And Pavement

Heaven 17

3/5

Enjoyed more than expected and grew on me as I got into the album and accepted it for what it was. 80s electro/synth pop with some nifty samples and experimentation. Bordering on parody at times and a kind of pet shop boys / Alan Partridge bass mash up. But good fun and energy. Would expect to really not like this but something is just getting under my skin, in a playful, fun way. Interesting history with BEF and Human League. There is something cheekily infectious about this album. (3.5)

Trafalgar

Bee Gees

2/5

Seriously boring downbeat pop. 4/4 throughout, drags, vocals are annoying, breathy and repetitive tremolo effect. Yawn. ‘Somebody stop the music’ indeed (although this brings a tiny bit of groove - and brass. And a kind of Beatles sound, like on ‘Trafalgar’.) try to bring some passion into the end of ‘Lion in Winter’ but just sounds awful. God this album is depressing, dragging and basic.

Ramones

3/5

Short, catchy, punchy songs. Classic sound and the epitome of punk. A lot of energy to them and quite like the frenetic pace and shorter songs. Edging on repetitive and a bit samey. Influence on so many bands and punk as a whole clear. Not sure I’d go towards it as a listen by choice, often, but appreciate it for what it is. At one point, didn’t even realise it had gone through three songs, and thought it was one, due to length and similar sounding throughout. Yeh, getting quite tired of the same drum beat and structure throughout now, some slight variety in the last few songs.

Hysteria

Def Leppard

3/5

First impressions are solid groove, more face pulling, head banging but also songs felt a bit long at times. Maybe especially after some shorter albums, but thought it was ready to end a few times. Good sound and production. Good, clean, classic rock anthems but also with enough variety in songs to keep it fresh enough. Vocals sound Axel Rosey at times. Did not know “pour some sugar on me” were the words, nor the artist! What a banger. Full face screw unlocked. Maybe slightly downhill from there. Close to 3.5 but might just miss out

Brown Sugar

D'Angelo

2/5

Was initially quite bored by this album. Just felt like standard R&B, set structure and backing track ion loop with soft, whiny, annoying, high vocals. However, came to appreciate the jazz and musical arrangements featured throughout. Tired of the voice, feel and subject, but some good use of instruments in places and more techy than usual modern R&B backing. Neo-soul? Just 2/5 for overall quality experience, but easy 3/5 for arrangement/jazz features so probably scrapes 2.5

Machine Gun Etiquette

The Damned

3/5

Much prefer to other punk albums I’ve heard on the list. More variety, cleaner and surprising elements than say something like the Ramones. Great opening track and probably my favourite in the album

Debut

Björk

4/5

Glad to see this pop up and ashamed to say I haven’t listened to it before. Hopeful about it and been meaning to do a bit of a deep dive into Bjork. Great start - really nice groove, interesting elements and got the head bobbing already. Yeh, this is 🔥. Love the originality, instrumental elements and layers to it all, with a great groove throughout. Nice variation too. On repeat all day, looking forward to next albums. Easy 4*

Surf's Up

The Beach Boys

3/5

Really wasn’t what I was expecting when I saw the beach boys pop up! Really enjoyed ‘Take a load off your feet’ just for lyrics, little quirky samples and general playfulness of it. Enjoyed the album a fair bit. Didn’t bowl me over or maybe even something I’d go back to often, but it was enjoyable and appreciated what they had done. Value the originality of the focus on environment and different angle of songs (eg ‘a day in the life of a tree’). 4 years after. Close to 4* but probably 3.5

Another Green World

Brian Eno

3/5

Was looking forward to another Eno album to see how it compares to ‘…Warm Jets.’ Found it more enjoyable and connectable. Although, felt like the tracks were quite brief, just starting up and then faded out. A kind of nothingness or at least never gets going or leads anywhere. ‘Meh’ is the most fitting summary. Kinda beginner soundscape, ambient, stock backing/slightly experimental music. Struggling to find the one track I like most because it’s all kind of nondescript nothing.

Maggot Brain

Funkadelic

4/5

Not familiar with the band or album before, but there is something about the front cover that feels familiar. Was so encapsulated by the first song. Really grabbed me and pulled me in to every note and the general reflexive flow. Immersed for the full 10 minutes and felt like a flash. Great sound, arrangement and energy throughout. Also pretty trippy too. Great album. Varied, engaging, accomplished.

Fromohio

fIREHOSE

2/5

Another new band and record for me. Found it quite tinny and jangley. Production felt messy and badly mixed without much skill or pleasure. Pretty simple, uninspiring and not too pleasurable to listen to at all. Kind of like a bad mix between raw punk, deep blue something and knock off Primus. I do value that they seemed to give themselves some creative freedom with surprises and unconventional elements throughout but mostly just sounds like some kids jamming or trying out instruments in a soundcheck. Nice to have some drum solos featured (although probably to just lengthen the shortness of the album!) Everything feels like it could have potential and is just done so poorly. Vocals painful at times. Turn that guitar down! Urgh. Relief when is got through the offensive listening experience.

I Against I

Bad Brains

3/5

Enjoyed the production and metal feel. Original, fierce and tight. However, the voice didn’t quite land for me and ultimately not songs, or an album that I loved. It grabbed me, I enjoyed the grit and metal elements, punchy drums, great snare, but just didn’t ultimately hit the spot as a whole. Think the vocals probably took a lot away for me but still a good album (3.5)

Blood, Sweat & Tears

3/5

Enjoy the jazz elements, but then full on pop when the vocals are present and sounds like two different bands. Can feel really cheesy and bland in the pop elements, but then the instruments can bring such variation and skill. Enjoy the uptick in tempo and groove for songs like ‘More and More’. More of a rock/big band edge, rather than pop. More of the jazz, more of the upbeat tempo, more of the technicality and less of the pop and smooth, slow meh stuff please. Did not know this was the ‘Spinning Wheel’ band! AMAZING jam at the end (Blues Pt.2) too. Some amazing features on this album, some yawn. (3.5)

Document

R.E.M.

3/5

What can I say. Very REM. nice sound, steady groove and structure. Didn’t particularly grab me, but good enough and Stripe a clear sound throughout. Some slight variations in some songs but general a 4/4, inoffensive trot throughout. Again unsure if the familiar songs are better or just recognisable. Pleasant enough (3.5)

Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd

4/5

LOVE IT. know that isn’t too surprising but first time I’ve actually properly listened to them. Maybe helped by just waking up, having the headphones in and going on a proper journey through all the soundscapes and many, MANY layers to each song. SUCH great production. Enjoyed ‘wish you were here’ the song, but actually my least favourite on the album, which was surprising. Great bookends in the intro and outro too. Great album in so many ways. Excited for the next PF albums on the list now.

Destroy Rock & Roll

Mylo

3/5

Feels familiar somehow. Kinda beach vibes, sunscreen type thing. Pretty chilled and mellow and feels a bit nostalgic. Seems to just be living off ‘Drop The Pressure’ and it’s a kinda good track but nothing amazing. Always thought it was Daft Punk! Is a daft punk vibe throughout, actually and quite a naughties nostalgia to it all. Nothing amazing, enjoyable enough (3.5)

Violator

Depeche Mode

3/5

Enjoy the electronic elements of it but just turned off by the voice. A little dramatic and dull and just takes away from the other elements that I value in the production and backing. Enjoyed ‘Enjoy the Silence’ but generally not too enjoyable as a whole package for me, although loved most of the backing

The Bones Of What You Believe

CHVRCHES

2/5

Urgh. Just grating pop vocals with a cringe fake American twang. Basic pop songs without much deviation or surprises. Fairly upbeat and might be okay to have a dance to, but musically, just doesn’t do much for me. First album I abandoned half way as I got the gist. Yawn. Now to go and listen to clown core and knower to heal myself. 2.5

We Are Family

Sister Sledge

4/5

Geeeez. How are the so many bangers on one album?! Nile Rogers is a genius and this album a huge testament to that. Very impressed. Less well known songs, didn’t hit as hard, but to have half the album and bona fide classics is some achievement and the others do bring a nice change of pace.

Pet Sounds

The Beach Boys

4/5

Wasn’t sure if it was a nod by the developer to get this today as Brian Wilson died yesterday. Hard to put my finger on what appeals but there is something flows so nicely throughout and great lyrics too. Felt resonant and connected to it.

Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

2/5

Drake kinda vibes mixed with kid cudi and Chris Brown (💩). Kinda meh, uninspiring and standard modern R&B. Just nothing really to it, kinda empty, samey and whiney but nice to be reminded of ‘Super Rich Kids’ but even that kinda flat. Not sure what I’m missing in the “critically acclaimed” and “visionary” but not getting that at all. Enjoyed ‘White’ but probably mainly down to John Mayer. Quite liked ‘Monks’ Again, can dig the backing, but voice just meh/detracting. (2.5)

Ctrl

SZA

3/5

Quite a good album to have the day after Frank Ocean, because it feels like this has a bit more of what that was missing. A bit more heart and quality, but still missing something for me. Does what it does well, R&B, neosoul, but doesn’t particularly excite me. Nice bits of variety but kinda familiar by the end and similar vibe and themes throughout.

Real Life

Magazine

4/5

Such a great sound, arrangement and structure. Was surprised by how much it drew me in. Feels accomplished, skillful and unique. Post-punk with a much more skillful side in the composition and arrangement, bringing a nice rock edge, but that still surprises. Ahead of its time and impressive. Surprised that the songs didn’t feel too long and actually appreciated the story and journey they went on, with familiar elements to bring you back. And wanting to go straight back and listen to the album again. Something quite infectious about it

Exile On Main Street

The Rolling Stones

3/5

GREAT energy and spirit. Feels like it brings their blues side more to the fore in this album. Very enjoyable but quite long as it’s a double album and probably got used to the 30-40min albums so far. But enough variety and energy to stay engaged. Close to 4, but maybe just misses out and 3.5

Winter In America

Gil Scott-Heron

3/5

Nice to hear Gil Scott-Herons vocals on jazz piano. Some nice Melodie’s and backing but not quite grabbed by it. Vocals can be a little wavy at times and not necessarily any stand out or wow songs, but pleasant enough. First album not on Spotify (link - https://archive.org/details/0316_gil_scott_heron_brian_jackson_winter_in_america_1974__mlib) ‘The Bottle’ maybe stand out track (can’t add to list)

The Infotainment Scan

The Fall

3/5

Can’t imagine how I might have reacted if it was my first time hearing them! Classic Fall sound. Sounded a bit cleaner and Smith a bit older(?) than other bits I’ve heard. Hadn’t heard ‘Lost in Music’ before and quite a new experience of the fall and identifiable song. Always enjoy the uniqueness of their sound but don’t know if it’s ever an album or songs I’d purposefully go towards. There is something infectious about the vox though. Like a half cut singer fronting a post punk/Brit pop band in a little pub. Quite another experience to just read through the lyrics as the song goes on. And can be quite long too. Enjoy the dance backing on ‘Past Gone Mad’ Probably gets 3.5 for the originality and Marky boy.

Live Through This

Hole

4/5

Only really familiar with ‘Celebrity Skin’ and so nice to get a fuller picture. Powerful start, good vocal range and classic grunge/nirvana sound. Nice groove, good production, solid, grungey sound. Punchy songs that are a quick in and out, but leave their mark. Rumours of Kurt ghostwriting and whether true or not, the influence seems very clear and present throughout. Just a solid album throughout without any filler and packs a punch. Nice package

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill

4/5

So nice to see this pop up. Nostalgic, but also such a solid album that I’m glad to come back to. Great songs, enjoy the integration of the classroom scene throughout. Nice variety and solid songwriting. Can’t beat ‘Doo Wop’ 🔥 ‘Nothing Even Matters’ by far the weakest and fitting with my review of D’Angelo’s album

Step In The Arena

Gang Starr

4/5

Classic hip-hop sound and from what I can read, a very pivotal album in the timeline of the hip-hop too. I do enjoy it and has a good groove and lyrics to it, but also something pretty similar and un-surprising as I go through the songs. Like one song is very solid, and then they are just similar throughout. However, lyrics are really something when I give that my full attention, rather than just listening as music. Yeh, okay, I’m getting this more as I get into it. Solid, clean, important.

Damaged

Black Flag

2/5

I mean, it is what it is. Forceful, punchy, quick, punk/hardcore. Not really my thing or anything particularly engaging about it. Imagine it’d be good to see live and let lose to, but as an album, can’t see me going towards it to listen through pleasure. We drink, we party, we fuck shit up 🤷🏻‍♂️ Gets pretty repetitive and get the message not long into the album and then much the same throughout. Pretty relentless, and not in a good way. Eye rolling and sighing when each next song starts and sounds like the last. I get it 🙄 (2.5)

On The Beach

Neil Young

3/5

A pretty poignant day, so unsure how much that is influencing it but ‘Walk Away’ felt like the perfect opener for the day and lyrics so resonate and fitting (23/6/25). Loved the soul, lyrics and heart in ‘On The Beach’ (song) and felt a solid collection of songs, with a nice flow throughout. Helpful to know about the ‘Ditch Trilogy’ and makes sense of a lot of the themes and lyrics. The decline, isolation and existential themes throughout, as well as some more upbeat tunes and reflections. However, feels like the mood and sentiment declines as the album progresses. And maybe capturing of the journey, and also interesting the order was reversed on other editions (3.5)

Ocean Rain

Echo And The Bunnymen

3/5

Was not what I had in mind for echo and the bunnymen. Always thought they were more punk than on their way to Madchester. A real sound of Morrisey meets Cure and had always thought that ‘The Killing Moon’ was The Smiths! 🤦🏻‍♂️ generally not a huge fan of the sound. A bit goth, new age whine. Saw another review say acceptable, but not exceptional and that pretty much sums it up.

Liege And Lief

Fairport Convention

3/5

Nice folk vibes. Lovely voice and Celtic narrative. Got a little tired of it quite quickly and maybe for a certain mood and setting, but likely not a go to for me too often. However, nice to get the surprise and sudden turn around in some songs like ‘Matty Groves’. Just a little repetitive if it’s not your thing and was looking forward to finishing it. It does what it does well, but it’s not for me.

A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse

Faces

3/5

Knew I recognised that voice! A lot less polished/pop version of him and more enjoyable as a result. Basically cool Rod Stewart with same catchy songs but with a bit more swag and less polished. I can dig it.

Be

Common

3/5

Nice flow!! Great opening track. Not heard him before but this is goooood. Feel like you can really hear Kanye’s production in it, but such a good flow and vibe. Tight, good production, writing. Less inclined to the more R&B songs and much prefer the harder, rap flow. ‘The Food - live’ 🔥 (3.5)

Get Behind Me Satan

The White Stripes

4/5

Such a unique sound, such a great opener. This is White Stripes 🤘🏻 Nice variety, great songs, experimental, unique and engaging. Feels there is something new in every song, whilst keeping the distinct White Stripes sound. Great video for ‘The Denial Twist’ I hadn’t seen before as well. Very enjoyable listen with a good amount variety. Looking forward to the next ones

In A Silent Way

Miles Davis

4/5

Feels a pretty boss move to have an album of two tracks. The length of songs really allows easing into it as a journey, the continuation, themes and a pleasurable listening experience, which feels vastly different to 12 4 minute tracks. Just feels a really seamless, organic journey through so many layers and phases. Reminds me a bit of psychedelic trip music and could see it being powerful with that too. Just all feels so easy, smooth and effortless (listener and players). Listened straight through again after finishing first time. Definitely a different type of album to usual, but I like that.

Natty Dread

Bob Marley & The Wailers

3/5

Glad to get my first Marley album of the challenge and two more to come. Maybe not the most popular album (seventh) but still the distinct groove and sound and obvious classic - No Woman No Cry (sounds fast compared to Fugees!) Nice, easy listen with good groove, even without knowing most the songs (3.5)

If I Should Fall From Grace With God

The Pogues

3/5

Really good spirit and feels like a proper ceilidh! Can imagine the people dancing, arm in arm, in good spirits and with smiles on their faces! A similar sound throughout. Does give a boost but a little samey too. Would be great for the right environment, but not sure I’d listen, just for musics sake. But for a jig or a party or a dance, sure! Was quite glad of the change in ‘Streets of Sorrow’ and a beautiful song in its own right. Oh and then back to the norm! 😂 Didn’t inspire too much, but enjoyable enough.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier

Adam & The Ants

4/5

Very surprised by how much I like this. Original, good rhythms and groove and a solid collection. Continually surprised throughout the album by the quality and how much i liked it. Probably close to a 4* but maybe just misses out and gets a very solid 3.5.

My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts

Brian Eno

3/5

Gearing up for ANOTHER ENO album in this list. But glad to see David Byrne is part of it. Getting a bit bored and repeatedly non-plussed by this guy. Nothing groundbreaking. String some samples together, great. A little more ambient, sample heavy, funky than others, that grabbed me slightly but still nothing to write home about. Suppose it was particularly unique for its time and introducing sampling in a new way.

Seventeen Seconds

The Cure

2/5

Never really been a huge fan of The Cure. Enjoy that there is a fair bit of instrumental on the album but nothing particularly grabbing or exciting me. Just a kind of steady meandering with that undeniable vocal sound. Atmospheric and spacey and can actually hear some Bloc Party vibes in this. Never really realised the influence on them before. Pretty bored by the end and ‘At Night’ felt like a fitting slog to begin to end things off and ‘Seventeen Seconds’ delivered the final blow. (2.5)

Different Class

Pulp

3/5

Never been a huge fan. Just watching the video of the opening track and seems to capture the kind of over dramatic narrative with quite mediocre songs as a backdrop. “I really love it when you tell me to stop, it’s turning me on” hmmm Just all feels a bit theatrical and dramatic and just a bit non-plussed about it. Obviously can’t beat classics like ‘Common People’ and ‘Disco 2000’ but otherwise not too impressed. Hadn’t heard ‘Live Bed Show’ before and enjoyed that. Do enjoy the focus on class and social commentary.

The Idiot

Iggy Pop

3/5

Very glad to see my first Iggy Pop album pop up. Interesting to read the place of drug addiction and Bowie in this album. And a mix between James Brown and Kraftwerk seems pretty spot on! Such a different sound to the little that I know of The Stooges. Can really hear Bowies influence, and some, even writing it off as an Iggy album at all, as a result. There is a kind of goth, futuristic vibe, which feels quite slow and dragging. Led to it feeling a bit ‘meh’ and not really grabbing or exciting me.

Head Hunters

Herbie Hancock

4/5

Did not know he was part of the Miles Davis quartet. Really nice crossover album, and real nice groove throughout. Really nice to hear the changing phases in the songs, to be engaged and drawn in throughout. ‘Watermelon Man’ felt familiar somehow and suuuuuuch a groove, when the beat drops. Felt like it could easily be a modern day track. Yeh, this is GROOVY and warm 🥰

I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail

Buck Owens

4/5

Yehhaaaaaa! Leg slapping, story telling goodness. Enjoy the cadence, rhythm, clean production and narrative, innocent nature of the songs. Surprised by how much I like it. Something infectious about the song structures, rhythm and length. Really great song writing and stories on short, sharp, accomplished country bursts

Reign In Blood

Slayer

3/5

This is Slayer. It’s intense, it’s fast, the lyrics are comical. Not sure it’s a pleasurable listen. Maybe nice for a bit of headbanging and energy, but as an album to listen to out of pleasure mmmm. Relentless, pretty one dimensional, if this is your bag, you’ll be like a pig in shit, but for me a bit too much and too samey. Yeh, pretty bored by the end. Songs pretty much the same and hard to differentiate. Well done, you can play fast, noodle and write risky, satanic lyrics.

Rip It Up

Orange Juice

2/5

Ahhh recognise ‘Rip It Up.’ Familiar, but still a bit shit! Slow, trudging songs with the worst of 80s heartthrob vocals. A nice surprise in the tempo and feel change for ‘A Million Pleading Faces’ and then back to the 🥱 Some nice little bits of experimentation and changes in style/instruments but nothing particularly impressive or engaging for me. Nice little reggae feel on ‘Breakfast Time’ but vocals ruin it again. Songs often dragged on and much longer than they needed to be (2.5)

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon & Garfunkel

4/5

I mean what can be said that hasn’t already about the opener?! Beautiful. Little drop off for the second track and then right back with ‘Cecilia.’ First time I’d noticed all the elements in it. Great song. Yeh, great album. Great energy and composition. Nice changes in tempo and feel between the songs, but all great songwriting and structure.

Nowhere

Ride

2/5

First I’d heard of them and curious to know what “shoegaze” sounds like 🤷🏻‍♂️ Pretty nice instrumentals but vocals are a little drawly, or at least take some getting used to. Found it pretty mediocre as a whole, just trudging, dragging, drawn out. 71 mins 😬 a little bit like budget Oceansize with pretty crap, melancholy vocals. Yawwwwwn. Pretty similar sound on each song. Nothing particularly caught me by surprise or felt different. Just like a conversation, that has some merit, but just nod along and then close it down. Trying to find a favourite track but literally all sounds the same (2.5)

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Stereolab

3/5

So grabbed by the first track and surprised myself. Just felt very engaged and lost in it and the length became insignificant. Heard the band name before, but not really purposely listened to anything, although recognise the sound and vocals. Really enjoyable listen. Feels a playful sound, with the electronic elements, vocals and tone. Art rock. Ready for a second listen and then decide rating. (3.5)

Low

David Bowie

3/5

Glad to have got ‘The Idiot’ before this and understand the story and where this fit in. Also interested to see how I find Eno’s contribution, when not the main artists. Some pretty whacky, experimental electronics but nicely brought together by Bowie. My first full Bowie album and interested to hear more, over the span of his career (and without ENO!) interesting to read his bio - so ridiculously varied and rich. Feel like the last few tracks lose Bowie and more of the Eno experimental, ambient, electronic music I’ve come to resent on this list. Yeh, last four tracks not needed and take away from Bowie’s style and offering. Love ‘Breaking Glass’ and first half seemingly better (and quite different) to first (3.5)

Hybrid Theory

Linkin Park

3/5

Firstly, fuck Emily Armstrong (let’s get this to the top!) As for the review - nostalgic and always nice to get a more modern album that has memories for me. Remember LP emerging out of the nu-metal scene but having something different with the DJ, two singers and guitarists ear guards (headphones?!) also enjoyed the collab with Jay-z. But this album specifically… …great opener and moves nicely into the classic ‘One Step Closer.’ Although of a time, still have a very original sound and instantly recognise Chester’s vocals. Production feels a little rough, already, but quality songs with force. I’m all for this style of music, but there were times it felt a little corny, basic, repetitive and cliche. Enjoyed the newness of the songs I hadn’t heard before but pretty much same structure and feel. Nearly 3 for the cheesiness/cliche but let’s go 3.5 for the mems and classics

Pacific Ocean Blue

Dennis Wilson

3/5

Okay, first album that’s two hours long, let’s see how we go… I have to say that I didn’t give this the full attention of the other albums as it’s 2 hours and was often on in the background. But I loved the variety of styles throughout, never good boring, had some great grooves and arrangement and will likely go back and give it a proper listen again (3.5)

Only By The Night

Kings of Leon

3/5

Surprised I’ve never really given Kings Of Leon more time. Like the staccato beats and general fulsome sound and vox. Yeh, this is pretty fierce. Think it would sound great live. Big sound, original and a lot of heart. Second half drops off a fair bit. First half 4/5 - Second half 3/5 = 3.5

Jazz Samba

Stan Getz

4/5

So this is bossa nova…Samba Jazz. Very pleasant and warm. Smooth and easy listening, but with a real skill and quality. Can certainly see me going to this by choice, rather than just background. Just so pleasant and warming. Pleasant feels such an empty word but it feels the perfect capturing of this album. Uber pleasant!

Odessey And Oracle

The Zombies

2/5

Firstly, such a crazy story about the Zombies (and fake Zombies!). Also feels pretty common that albums flopped and only got their critical acclaim later. As for the album, 60s psychedelia with a kind of cross of The Monkeys, Beach Boys, Nick Drake. Didn’t grab me particularly. Felt very of its time and nothing too exciting but nothing bad either. Baroque pop is a new one on me. Feels a very English band and album. ‘Butchers Tale’ a bit left field and that was the single they chose to release?! No wonder it flopped. Was glad to finish the album but ‘Time of the season’ such a great finish and track. Different feel to the rest. (2.5)

B-52's

The B-52's

3/5

Couldn’t find on Spotify (https://archive.org/details/the-b52s-debut-album) ‘Planet Claire’ vocals has an Ian Curtis sound to it. Songs/instruments nice arrangements - unique, a bit messy and punchy. Kitsch. Really enjoy the rawness and originality of this album. Crazy punk, surf, sillies. Could hear some talking heads in here too and unsurprised they worked together (unsuccessfully!) and generally, just their clear influence in so much that came after. Was okay for it to finish when it did, but I enjoyed my ride 😎 Great version of ‘Downtown’ to finish. (3.5)

Green River

Creedence Clearwater Revival

3/5

Glad to see these pop up again and not disappointed. The same energetic, 60s rock groove. Three albums, and quality albums, in one year, is damn impressive. Warm familiarity for ‘Bad Moon Rising.’ Each song just consistently with heart and soul. Prefer Bayou Country out the two. This is more of a steady, 4/4 trot. A square, rather than a hexagon! And nothing like ‘Broken Spoke Shuffle’ to make that point (3.5)

Oedipus Schmoedipus

Barry Adamson

1/5

Well, as a start, I feel deeply uncomfortable with Jarvis Cockers breathy vocals in the first track 🤮 Feels pretty non-descriptive and unaccomplished. Writing a soundtrack to an imaginary film because no-one will actually let you do it for real. Nothing too impressive or engaging. Not sure how often I’d listen to a film soundtrack in its own right anyway, but either way this is poor, disjointed and boring. This might be my first 1 star :-/ Yeh, this made me angry. A mismatch of genres, done very badly and with no purpose. Just a personally self-indulgent project that makes little sense. Pretty tragic.

Black Sabbath

4/5

RIP Ozzy. Enjoy this little quirk the site has to honour people passing. Didn’t know this was the invention of heavy metal. What a fucking opener. Never really listened to a sabbath album before. But this is a hell of an introduction, to their name and style. Super clean production. Totally engaging. Great production, great vocals, great song structure and composition. It would be easy to attribute self-indulgence, with songs like ‘Warning’ but they just keep it fresh and engaging. Bravo.

All Directions

The Temptations

3/5

Funk me this is good! Great couple of openers. But slowed down for the rest of the album and to be honest, preferred the funk and groove. Still a lot of heart and soul in the rest of the tracks but they do funk well and felt more engaged and impacted by that. But if a mix of an album because of that shift after the first 2 tracks. Maybe 3.5

To Pimp A Butterfly

Kendrick Lamar

4/5

“At first I did love you, but now I just wanna fuck” - the perfect intro to K’s honesty and rawness. Funky, eclectic start that feels the perfect intro to who this man is and what TBAP will deliver. “Late nights thinking of you, until I get my nut” This guy is just the GOAT. Nothing like him. The variety of styles, the lyrics, the playfulness. Genius. I feel like this is an education that makes me want to analyse every song, read every lyric and watch every video. And the variety is insane and still kills each song. This isn’t an album, this is theatre

Fuzzy Logic

Super Furry Animals

2/5

First SFA album I’ve listened to. Some pretty good beats and groove but feels a little basic and hard to get excited about. Maybe it’s unfair coming after a Kendrick album but just 4/4, standard song structure with nothing too engaging or accomplished. Just got increasingly annoyed at how benign it was and that they made a living from this. Hope there isn’t another on the list. Good riddance. (2.5)

Superunknown

Soundgarden

3/5

Glad to see some Soundgarden pop up. First full album of there’s I have listened too and 70 minutes. Okay, let’s go.. Fierce and hard hitting. This is Soundgarden and the unmistakeable lyrics of CC. Despite popularity of ‘Fell in Black Days’ felt a drop off to me and continued a bit into ‘Mailman’ but good to have variety. Back to the norm with ‘Superunknown’ before the big hitters of ‘Black Hole Sun” and ‘Spoonman’ (which weren’t as impacting as I’d hoped and more taken by the fierce, fast paced songs at the start of the album). Enjoyable album, but could maybe be half the length and more consistent. But still a solid release (3.5)

At Newport 1960

Muddy Waters

4/5

Maybe first time listening to Muddy, even though the name rang a bell. Lovely groove, heart and soul. Post-war American blues it is. Nice touch to have it live, but recorded so well and such clean performance too. Just solid, consistent blues throughout. ‘Goodbye Newport Blues’ an improv?! Think it would be better to end here rather than studio tracks of songs performed but okay enough.

White Ladder

David Gray

5/5

Ah love to see this come up and such fond memories. Holds a special place. Always loved that it was self recorded and what a collection of stats in the wiki info 😮 (many of the reviews, on the other hand… 😂) Singing along from the first word. I love this album (and may be the minority on this list!) “It’s take a lot of love my friend, to keep you heart from freezing, to keep you spirit free” Just feel every song is absolutely solid but with a good amount of variety. Great album.

Le Tigre

3/5

Ahhhh The Deceptacon women! Okay, let’s see what else they’ve got… I don’t know what the name is for this style (femme kitch pop/rock?!) but they have it locked. Not sure it’s an album I’d go to regularly, but for this groove and feel, it’s a winner (3.5)

Dire Straits

3/5

Think I’d somehow always seen Dire Straits as in cheesy romantic pop category but not the case and how could I think that with Knoffly pops?! And that classic ‘Sultans of Swing’. I was doing something else whilst I was listening to this album and that kinda fit the vibe. Smooth, steady and chill. Very pleasant and accomplished but didn’t blow my socks off (3.5)

Out Of The Blue

Electric Light Orchestra

3/5

Have wanted to hear more of this band after hardly knowing much of their work. Pink Floyd meets Slade with a sprinkling of The Beatles and not sure what I think about that. 80 mins. Okay, let’s go. Pretty standard above vibe but like the switch of ‘Night In The City’, a welcome change and brings a bit more rizz. And ‘Starlight’ following in the same direction. More electronics and psychedelia. And of course the classic ‘Mr Blue Sky’ which pretty much sums up their sound. Kinda got the memo from early on and felt similar feel throughout, mostly. Similar to yesterday, it’s pretty good at what it does, but just doesn’t wow me. (3.5)

Rubber Soul

Beatles

3/5

I was wondering when I was finally going to get a Beatles album and here we are. 6th album, 14 songs and somehow just 35 minutes! Not sure if I was expecting too much, just because it’s the Beatles. Some great songs on there but felt a fairly consistently good album, with some minor dips. Although all very enjoyable and just quality songwriters. Probably just because I’m aware of stronger albums by them and every song being 10+. Enjoyed this and listened a few times (3.5)

Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room

Dwight Yoakam

2/5

Quintessentially country, but somehow feels like the cleaner, less rough version (in production and lyrics). Very middle of the road, depressingly steady and unchangeable drum beat and hardly any depth (in every sense of the word). Almost sounds like those cheap backing tracks you get at a pub karaoke. Could skip tracks and they would sound exactly the same at whatever point it was in the song. Boring, tinny, and terrible backing. Hard to choose a fav track and ironically ended up being the last one. Good riddance.

Led Zeppelin

4/5

Oooo I’m looking forward to this one. Pretty low key opener for a band like LZ…until the guitar solo comes! And ‘Babe I’m Gonna Leave You’ just so much heart and soul. We have arrived. And ‘You Shook Me’ for the blues substance. Each song just a complete journey. Drops of a bit for ‘Your Time Is Gonna Come’ and ‘Black Mountain Side’ but nice to mix it up. Some bangers on here and a great album as a whole. Welcome LZ!

Lady Soul

Aretha Franklin

4/5

TWELFTH studio album! Such a unique and powerful sounds with endless groove and soul. ‘Chain of Fools’ and ‘Natural Woman’ obvious stand outs but each song has great lyrics, feel and depth. ‘Since you’ve been gone’ too. And quite a novel thing for brackets first in titles. A wonderful album and look forward to more.

Take Me Apart

Kelela

3/5

Can hear the innovation and how this might have stood out in 2017. Got the standard RnB pop feel, but then really uses electronic nicely for a deeper and heavier feel. ‘Take Me Apart’ a clear example. It’s kinda R&B soundscape and a nice unique sound but pretty familiar half way through the album and nothing to keep me hooked. Fair play for the difference but lacking much substance beyond that.

Bongo Rock

Incredible Bongo Band

4/5

It gets so confusing with these altered track listing on apps. Have to check wiki to make sure. And yes, this album is actually 33 minutes and 8 tracks, rather than 80 mins and 19 tracks as the link takes you to. (Album finishes on ‘Bongo Rock’ btw) Ahhh THIS is where Apache comes from! Solid opener and great introduction to what this band is. Great energy and just asking for dancing or to be used as samples. Interesting history with the MGM exec on bongos and revolving door of musicians. Endless groove and great as an album to listen to with engagement or just have great background vibes. Me likey

Aftermath

The Rolling Stones

2/5

Glad to get more Rolling Stones. First impressions, pretty boring, and surprisingly so. Lyrics also pretty shitty. Surprisingly unimpressed by this. ‘Under my Thumb’ hitting the home run on the shittiness. Skipped ‘Going Home’ 11 mins 😬😬😬 Hard to separate from my view of Rolling Stones but if this was a new band, I’d say they haven’t got a future 😬

Devil Without A Cause

Kid Rock

3/5

I mean this is just fierce. So much force and energy from the go 🤟🏻 Probably bias as it accompanied my workout and fit very well. A little repetitive in beat, themes and groove but at least repetitively forceful. It kinda feels like the fun guy who bursts into the party with all the drugs and booze and some good chat. But then over time kinda get the picture and can begin to get a bit too much and trying. Still a guy to party with though. Probably. Oh Jesus. And then ‘Only God Knows Why’ with the auto tune. Tragic. (The acoustic guitar has come out at the end of the party). Good enough album. Pretty repetitive

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

3/5

Reminds me a bit of the Heaven 17 (Penthouse & Pavement) cover somehow. Not sure what to expect, even though I know the name. And the familiar tones of ‘Do It Again’ to start us off. Soft rock indeed. Pleasant, good groove and feel. From the reviews, I get the sense there is shame in liking these guys, but I dig it. Kinda becomes pretty middle of road and radio rock after a while. A solid start though. Quite a few classics I didn’t know was then eg ‘Reelin in the years’ Not sure it’s an album I’d go back to in a hurry but quintessentially pleasant with a few classics (3.5)

xx

The xx

2/5

The familiarity of the intro and liked it a lot. Bit of a dip down to the next track but seems most popular tracks are first 4. Kinda drab and feel like songs that are primed to drop the beat or get going, but they never really do. I’m all for moody electronica but just doesn’t feel very accomplished or skilful. Kinda like some moody college students got a free copy of Cubase. Lacking depth or variety or skill really. Pretty samey, uninspired and edging on parody at times. One of those albums that just makes me increasingly angry at its lacking.

Pink Flag

Wire

3/5

21 songs, 35 minutes! Okay, I guess this is punk - let’s go… Okay, but nothing too impactful. Kinda feels like a watered down buzzcocks. Songs short, sharp and kinda mid. Yeh, not too much else to write tbh, think that pretty much sums it all up!

The Suburbs

Arcade Fire

3/5

A few familiar and catchy hooks. Atmospheric, fairly enjoyable but nothing to write home about. Tried to listen to it twice but was doing other things and kinda just washed into the background, which maybe sums it up pretty well. Would probably listen again and enjoyable enough, just nothing earth shattering. (3.5)

The Man Machine

Kraftwerk

3/5

For some reason, like seeing 8 songs, 35 minutes. Tidy. Not too familiar with Kraftwerk songs although know the name well. Pretty much what I was expecting with ‘Robots’ a fitting intro to the band/album Feels pretty innovative and original for 70/80s. Felt a touch repetitive once you get the gist/sound but a welcome familiarity in ‘The Model’. Felt quintessentially German - efficient in what it does and delivers what it says. Nice enough. Nothing special. (3.5)

Pornography

The Cure

2/5

Can’t say I was thrilled to get another Cure album, but let’s see how we go… Urrggghhh. Just be quiet please and turn down your intensity and increase your joy. Struggling with this one and the SMACKING intensity just makes it more unbearable. I don’t know if it’s just my mood, but this is really grating on me. Unskilled, droney, basic and so lacking. Couldn’t wait for it to end.

American Pie

Don McLean

4/5

Obvious opening classic of American Pie. Something about classics like this that have an original form and length. Great songwriting and noticing the lovely piano in it more. And maybe this song sets up a false image of the vulnerable, heart felt songwriting like “Vincent”. The rest of the album feels quite different and soul filled, despite the beauty of the sing-along classic. Returns a bit for ‘Everybody loves me, baby’ but then back to the soulful acoustic style that I am now correctly relating to Don McLean. Ended up listening a few times and is actually a great album.

Deep Purple In Rock

Deep Purple

4/5

Another nice album structure. 7 tracks, 43 minutes. Done. And a hell of an opening to smack you in the face…. Fierce, fast paced and layered. A nice start. For some reason, not what I thought Deep Purple were about but very glad to be re-educated! Yeh, I can dig this! The organ solos, the stacattos, the soul, the ROCK 🤟🏻 Bit of a step down for ‘Child in Time’ and a few too many wails for me, but redeemed by the tom rolls, guitar solo and picking up of pace half way through and turns out to be a hell of a journey of a track! (Shame about the return of the wails!!) Production and sound are so spot on as well. Perfect distortion and mix. Great drummer. Unexpectedly great album and excited to listen again already. Have I become a deep purple fan?! EPIC and what an end to the album 🥵 (4.5)

In Rainbows

Radiohead

3/5

Love seeing a band I’m familiar with but not sure I’ve listened to this album too many times start to finish. The basement sets on YouTube are 🤌🏻 Great modern Radiohead sound, production amazing and even better listening in headphones. Lovely variety and skill throughout and plenty of standalone tracks too. First half feels much stronger than second, but still good songs throughout, all with a different feel. Average of 3.5 as a result.

Legalize It

Peter Tosh

3/5

Pleasant enough Raggae chill with a great opening track. Enjoyed ‘Ingziabeher’ but just pipped by opener. At a bit of a loss of what to add to that really and maybe sums up the okayness of the album 🤷🏻‍♂️

Aha Shake Heartbreak

Kings of Leon

3/5

Ah was pleasantly surprised by their last appearance on the list so ready to see how this goes… 13 songs 37 minutes! Classic KOL sound (mainly vox) and felt a bit rougher than previous album on the list. A familiar sound and feel but felt so much more empty and lacking compared to the other fuller songs and production. few good tracks but otherwise pretty meh.

Inspiration Information

Shuggie Otis

4/5

Smoooooth, deep groves and soulful. Nice use of instrumentals for large periods of songs before the sweet vox. Kinda Stevie Wonder with a bit of MJ and a sprinkling of Otis? New sound and artist to me and found it very easy to listen to and feel its reverberations. Reminds me a bit of Bruno Mars and Anderson.paak. Too smooooth! This is a Sunday album. Way ahead of its time. Ahhhh he did Strawberry Letter 23?! Nice mix of packaged songs and experimental jazz/psychedelic

Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs

Marty Robbins

3/5

Great storytelling, nice recording and production. Pleasant and novel listen. Clean sound and lovely change to have stories at the heart of the lyrics. Found it a little repetitive and similar throughout, but enjoyable enough. Very good at what it does but probably wouldn’t have a reason to come back to it (3.5)

Opus Dei

Laibach

1/5

Enjoyed the anthem feel of the opener and the super cheap synth to support it! Quite a build up to start with. Dramatic to say the least… …and how could I expect the cover of ‘One Love’ WTF?! I mean it’s a kinda fierce start to an album. Albeit with a comical and budget sound. And I totally get what other reviews say about the Cookie Monster sound 😂 And FIAT. What the hell. I can respect genres I don’t usually listen to but this is harder and harder to take seriously and give merit. Yeh, get this is getting close to unlistenable now. Maybe more manageable if it was parody. Gonna leave this at the half way point, which is rare, but I get the picture (1.5)

Scissor Sisters

3/5

Was not expecting this and never listened to it in its entirety. Let’s see… Reading through the track listing quite a lot of hits for one album. Hard to listen afresh and just have the familiarity of hearing it all over in the noughties. But generally, consistent feel good music. Nice to hear the old familiars but after that a kind of nice enough listen but nothing I’d probably go back to by choice (3.5)

Off The Wall

Michael Jackson

3/5

Have wondered why MJ hasn’t been cancelled like many other artists. I’m going to try and focus on the music, but is that really okay?! I mean classics, funk, disco, groove. Just the MJ sound but almost can’t listen without everything else coming in - how him and others so feels a bit icky or weird. Also recognise all the fills, break downs, staccato’s and punches a lot of bands use in live performances. First two songs classics, then kinda gently loses rating as it goes. Coming to a slow, gradual stop by the end. Musically alone, surprising 3.5

Madman Across The Water

Elton John

3/5

3rd album in one year?! Unique album artwork and a classic in the opener ‘Tony Dancer’ (it did this as an autocorrect and going to leave it 😂) Enjoyed the modern video for it too and found it quite moving. Got a little samey in the opening tracks and very Elton sound but really loved the title track and the newness that brought in. Generally great range of songs and the familiarity of ‘Indian Sunset’ that became Ghetto Gospel. Good energy, dramatic, theatrical. Good songwriting. (3.5)

Remain In Light

Talking Heads

4/5

Been waiting for a Talking Heads album above wanted to educate myself and quite unfamiliar. Love the original sound, whacky samples and electronica. Great energy and intensity and can hear the influence on Radiohead somehow. And the classic ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Surprised by how much I’ve struggled with Eno’s albums on this list, consistently, but produced this. Maybe a nice balance and more focus on TH style. Feels like on long trip (with various different emotional corners). Oh, and going to start reading the full wiki on each album. Feels such an important part of the creation and some amazing stories. Prefer first half to second half

Architecture And Morality

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

2/5

Hmmm Depeche Mood meets Morrisey. Feels a little cringey and self-important in first few tracks, but let’s see how we go… I like the arrangements, but struggle with the vocals and kinda over-dramatic feel to it all. Yeh, this is whiney, self-important drivel.

London Calling

The Clash

5/5

Always good to see a classic pop up and ashamed to say I have never listened all the way through before… Such a classic opener and surprised to see over one hour, for a short, sharp punk band. Good groove, feel and variety. Nice detour to ‘Jimmy Jazz’, before the familiar ‘Hateful’. Keeps me engaged and great variety of rhythms and style - reggae, jazz, punk. Did Pulp rip off ‘Lost in the Supermarket’?! SO many good tracks on this album and keep getting hit by the variety, but keep the quality in each. Ridiculous. Are we getting close to a 5*?! How do I choose a favourite track from this?!

The Predator

Ice Cube

3/5

I mean this just instantly packs a punch. Political, forceful and fierce. Good to understand the connection to the riots and not good to see that things are just about the same 30+ years later 😡 “The wet T-shirt contest, Motherfucker! 🔫 “ A few tracks in and feel it’s a vibe. Good, solid beats, good, fierce lyrics, flow and samples but maybe got the idea? Would maybe listen again, but not blown away. Does its thing very well but not expanded in myself (3.5)

Axis: Bold As Love

Jimi Hendrix

4/5

Always related to Hendrix as a live performer and most of my experience of him so nice to approach an album to see how that comes across. Interesting to read about Hendrix’s dislike of the artwork, but put out regardless. Feels the classic Hendrix sound. That dirty distortion and unmistakeable voice and groove. The soul of ‘Wait Until Tomorrow’ that could just as easy be an Anderson.Paak song released today. Great balance of groove and steady songs, even with all that talent under the hood. Such great arrangements and tightness between the instruments in staccato and syncopation. I feel there is so much going on in this album that I want to listen through again, already.

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

A Tribe Called Quest

4/5

Such a smooth groove and glad to get a full Tribe album to listen to. Love the outro recording on the first track and into the second. Real sense of rawness and community. Enjoyed the little samples and nods to other songs and artists. Consistently chill and easy listening. And the classic ‘Can I Kick It?’ Such great verses in that. Usually like something a little more bombastic or moving but a very good steady album for groove, background or foreground.

You Want It Darker

Leonard Cohen

3/5

Prefer the modern sound of these tracks. Damn impressive to have this voice and ability at 87. A feel of Johnny Cash meets Tim Waites. Some great lyrics and poetry. Deep souls and feel in each song. If anything, a bit similar throughout. Quite a lot of religious imagery and a fitting march to end of life, topped off by the string reprise to finish. Listening through a second time now and lands even better and has an extra eerie-ness given how end of life this was (3.5)

Peggy Suicide

Julian Cope

2/5

First I’ve heard of Julian Cope and looking at the reviews, I’m not too hopeful. Let’s see… …all feels a bit cheesy and self-important. I can almost see him listening back to the recordings, basking in self-glory. Just nothing particularly grabbing or skillfull. Lacking substance or heart. Actually looking forward to this album finishing and there is still SO much to go. Urgh. And the length only strengthens my views above. Get. Over. Yourself. Yeh, not gonna give you the play stats, my man - 2* and your lucky. As someone else said Julian NOPE.

The Trinity Session

Cowboy Junkies

3/5

Some classics in here and great authentic folk story telling and arrangements. But unfortunately, just doesn’t grab me. It’s pleasant enough and skilful, but not too excited by it. Although, the more I listen can feel more of the soft soul and jazz elements, that feel more moving. And sometimes still creeps back into a kind of mellow okay-ness. Probably should value it more but up and down so let’s go (3.5)

Sticky Fingers

The Rolling Stones

4/5

Such a good opener and looking forward to immerse myself in a slightly more appealing stones album… …such great blues rock, groove and soul with killer guitar licks. Such a string of classics and great songwriting. Just a good album as a whole. Good variety, skill and a whole package. First half maybe better than second but a solid 4

Is This It

The Strokes

4/5

I can tend to group a British indie/naughties into an average blur. But I think the Strokes and this album has enough to separate it. Just unique enough, good groove, song structure. And that’s even before the classics which come at a nice mid point to give it a boost. Very well positioned and generally like the sharp ends to songs and general vibe they create. And after the run of hits; really enjoyed the quirkiness of ‘New City Cops’ and an unsurprising shame it was left out of US release (and album cover - stiffs!) Glad to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of this and not just another skinny jean pump out. Getting a touch close to a bit samey by the end so probably just the right formation and length.

The White Room

The KLF

3/5

Couldn’t find in streaming so here you go (https://archive.org/details/0703_the_klf_the_white_room_1991__mlib - click on FLAC for tracks) Great opener and felt instantly transported to a 90s English club with big baggy T-shirts with smiley faces on and non-stop dancing. Good samples, energy and vox. A little samey but still enjoyable and defo for a certain mood. (3.5)

Blonde On Blonde

Bob Dylan

3/5

I’ve always felt alone in my dislike of Dylan, but the reviews give me some hope! I’m not holding my breath on this one, but let’s see how we go… Great opener that I hadn’t heard for a long time. A welcome return. I prefer this more electric album to the earlier, slow, acoustic one I had on this list but my GOD I despise this man’s forced rhymes and over-earnestedness. Enjoyed more upbeat, electric feel. ‘I want you’ stands out but just all feels so similar and forced. Gets trying quite quickly and goes on and on and on. More variety than usual, at least, but I get it and him (unfortunately). Glad for it to finish after a fittingly drawn out last song. (3.5)

Among The Living

Anthrax

3/5

Interesting to read it was dedicated to a Cliff Burton. Also never listened to more than one or two songs from Anthrax so curious to see how it is and readying myself for some relentless thrash! Much cleaner and easy to listen to than I had expected. Think the production is clean but EQ terrible. Some catchy hooks but just wasn’t particularly grabbed or enthusiastic. Felt a little empty, tinny or lacking substance at times. I’m all for metal but felt a kinda of hollow, cheap version somehow. Became quite tedious and relentless quite quickly and just missing that X factor. I think I realised when it did feature in one song - there are no riffs or breakdowns. It’s just the relentless distorted power chords and I guess that’s thrash metal. But just feels a little unskilled and repetitive. Thought we were getting a mix up with “medley” but no, same old. So bored by the end. I get it

The Sounds Of India

Ravi Shankar

4/5

Ah, nice to see Ravi pop up. Not listened too much, but aware of him. And you know what, I could get used to all albums having an introduction like this!! It sounds so skilled and accomplished. Love the changes of rhythm and the all round flow of all the musicians involved. Feels improvised and organic, to a very high level. A different kind of album to enjoy and relate to. No top 40 tracks here and unsure how much I’d go back to it, but was a real pleasure and education. And an extra point for the ingenuity and intention x

GI

Germs

2/5

Okay, this is sharp, short and punchy. Risks just blending into one distorted mess but I guess this is punk rock! All songs 2 minutes with just enough structure to keep something of a distinctive melody. I guess this is the style but I really do wonder, if you’re a punk fan, how you separate and choose your favourite song?! Kinda get it and over it, easily, by 50% through. Maybe I’m missing something but it’s just okay and of a certain context. That’s not for me or how I appreciate albums. (2.5)

Brilliant Corners

Thelonious Monk

3/5

It’s probably my uncultured ear, but this was a more than pleasant jazz album. Can tell there is talent, great arrangement and thought but just not knocked off my feet and also hard to distinguish sometimes. Hadn’t realised it had looped back to the start of the album and that pretty much sums it up for me. My bad, but just my experience! (3.5)

Smash

The Offspring

3/5

Glad to see this pop up after hearing an old classic of theirs the other week. Also helps me realise the difference of production and evolution of recording quality when I compare to some of the older, messy punk albums on the list that get lost in a blur. Having said that, felt a bit samey throughout. Some nice breakdowns of variance. But generally, the same song 14x. And maybe it just needs to become familiar because great to hear ‘Self-esteem’

Born To Run

Bruce Springsteen

3/5

Not sure I’ve listened to a Springsteen album start to finish. It’s a big sound, accomplished, great voice and flow. A lot of energy and heart and great for live performances that he is so renowned for. Maybe not something I would go back to, too often, as choice. But can notice its quality and energy and happy enough with that. Go Bruce! (3.5)

Pearl

Janis Joplin

4/5

Enjoyed the Cheap Thrills album so excited to see how it is solo… Instant groove, soul and unmistakable vox. Never knew she was saying “Cry Baby” in THAT song! The inevitable force and soul throughout through. Such a valuable and unique approach which oozes humanity and soul. Refreshing, especially in modern times. Such talent, quirkiness and individuality. Go Janice!

Wonderful Rainbow

Lightning Bolt

2/5

Im all far dissonant, heavy, music but I think this album literally gave me a headache. I kept wanting to adjust the mix to hear the vocals more and it was quite the onslaught. Quite like the instruments and especially, drums, but all together just became quite messy and the distant vocals just putting me on tilt!!

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd

5/5

Very glad to see this pop up, especially after enjoy ‘Wish You Were Here’ so much and this being a classic I have never listened to fully. The classic tones of ‘Breathe’ to start us off. A great flow between tracks and just creates an endless journey through a great variety of aesthetics, tempos and tones. Somehow expected to be something like a 2 hours drawn out journey, but feels like it will be no filler and just relevant for what it wants to communicate and represent. Great atmos and landscape that feels so broad and explorative. Maybe very slight lull in ‘Great Gig..’ but back with avengence with ‘Money’ but then a bit of a dip after this too. Yeh, it’s a great all round package that takes you all over, whilst maintaining real quality and depth. Feels wrong to listen to it in single tracks and is a whole trip. A huge achievement of an album 👏🏻

Jack Takes the Floor

Ramblin' Jack Elliott

3/5

Similar to Ravi’s album, I quite like the talking and explaining at times. Nice story telling throughout and classic country/blues sound. Enjoyable to get the conversation and to hear Woody Guthrie too but can’t tell if it’s a piss take! A fun, human, simple album that represents its genre pretty clearly. (3.5)

All Things Must Pass

George Harrison

3/5

Goes without saying, a great songwriter and songs. ‘My Sweet Lord’ and ‘Isn’t It A Pity’ particularly stand out from CD 1 and just a pleasant, accomplished and varied enough listen. Now onto CD 2… Maybe I just prefer a shorter album. All the songs are quality but just a feeling of getting my fill after an hour. ‘Art of Dying’ stood out big time on CD2 - banger and ‘Hear Me Lord’’. And prefer version 1 of ‘Isn’t it a pity’ (3.5)

Our Aim Is To Satisfy

Red Snapper

3/5

Not expecting much from the reviews but can instantly hear the references to it being a heist soundtrack! 🎬 Red Snapper starring Guy Ritchie. Out Now 🎬 Actually enjoyed it more than I expected from the reviews. Although still not amazing - can get quite repetitive at times and a bit rough. Multiple times checked the track time thinking it had been 7 minutes or something, but actually 3. Not much exploration beyond the basic loop and “hook” of each song. Very much captures the feel and sound of the 2000s, but musically, just ok. Scrapes a 3

You Are The Quarry

Morrissey

3/5

Okay, I have some pre-conceptions before I listen to this. Never really liked him, or his music but will be the first time I’ve done a full album. Let’s see… Quite the opener about America and quite laughable lyrics. Actually quite like the clean vocals, clear lyrics and steady gait. ‘I have forgiven Jesus’ a title that captures his self-importance perfectly! The backing tracks can sound like cheap karaoke at times. Gets a little repetitive and feels like separate, self-righteous mediocre poems set to music. But I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would.

The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths

3/5

Wow, a morrisey album followed by the smiths! At least it gives me the full spectrum, I guess! I just struggle with Morissey. He is a little tamed by the better backing than his solo albums, but just doesn’t really do anything for me. Certainly more groove and melody than ‘Quarry’ but just never going to be my thing. Enjoy their classics and an okay enough album, that is of its time. But just a bit ‘meh’ about it. His wet and soppy vocals that I can just see him loving himself over. Urgh.

All Mod Cons

The Jam

3/5

Good to get this after Morrisey and the smiths to see which camp I would firmly be in during this era. Much prefer the Jams sound and energy. Enjoyed ‘English Rose’ a lot and the change in vibe. Great song. Enjoyed the album as a whole. Not blown away or think I’ll go back to it. But enjoyable enough and important representation of this emerging sound and genre (3.5)

Virgin Suicides

Air

2/5

Hmmmm, I’m just not sure a soundtrack works in the same way on this list. Sure, it’s good arrangement and background music, but feels a totally different experience to listen to it as an album. Feels like it’s missing something, and I guess that’s the picture that accompanies it. Any soundtrack albums I’ve got so far have landed a bit flat, but this maybe better than the others. And as a soundtrack, nothing particularly outstanding or interesting. So again, seems a strange selection for this list. (2.5)

I See A Darkness

Bonnie "Prince" Billy

3/5

First time of hearing this guy. Feels a pretty raw and emotive album, but when that gets going and is in full on whining, it’s doesn’t really work (see track 2) Stripped back, raw and shaky, I can see this fitting a certain mood and vibe, but I’m not really there as I listen to it. Just kinda feels depressing and rough but trying to listen with an open mind. I’ll give it 2 listens. Just feel like I’m missing something or maybe not in the right place, but it just ain’t connecting. Sorry Billy Boy

Buena Vista Social Club

5/5

Ah remember this album (and the documentary) from being a kid. Curious to see how it lands with my adult ear! Instantly transported back with ‘Chan Chan’ such a great sound and enjoyable listen. Can’t help but move my body to it. So wholesome and joyful and warming. Was just getting ready for a change up and 4th track came at just the right time. A wonderful change in timbre and feel that adds a wonderful variety of flow throughout this great album. After the strong start, and being ready for a comedown, now ready for it to pick up again and begins perfectly with ‘Candela.’ We are in synch! It is such a pleasant and beautifully constructed album. Maybe could have done with a little touch more of opening 2 tracks energy or a few less tracks, but, let’s not get carried away. ¡Estupendo!

Lam Toro

Baaba Maal

3/5

Okay, something a little different and in some way, a nice change and gives a broader spectrum. Although do find it harder to connect with. Maybe it’s my uncultured ear, but just not doing it for me. Also weird than none of this album is in top 20 songs on streaming services for him so maybe they will come later in the list. Not sure what more to say. Pleasant enough and nice to get a change but just doesn’t connect for me.

Rock Bottom

Robert Wyatt

2/5

Well that’s a hell of a description, even if short - Soft Machine 🙌🏻 Pink Floyd 🙌🏻 and recorded after being made paraplegic 😱 so intrigued for this. I remember the ONLY thing I didn’t like about the Soft Machine album was the singing. And it is much more present on this and just don’t like it. The accent, the strain, the wetness :-/ Love the backing. The vox just kill it for me. Like spinal tap or something. Felt comical at times and just didn’t really do it for me but kudos for flying the prog rock flag. (2.5)

Who's Next

The Who

3/5

Might be the first who album I’ve got. Intrigued and excited from reading some of the reviews, and also glad to have the opportunity of a full album of theirs. Felt like it took a while to get the bangers again, after a great opener but maybe the strongest finish to an album known!! Wasn’t as blown away as expected or as others are. And they ripped off Limp Bizkit man! Smh (3.5)

Bright Flight

Silver Jews

3/5

First I’ve heard of these. Has a kind of Bright Eyes meets Tom Waites feel, with a sprinkling of humour on top. It’s a pleasant mosey. Nice sound and easy to digest. ‘Let’s not and say we did’ is a nice fun change up, at a good time. But generally okay with the overall style and approach. It feels full, fun and substantial. Special shout out to “you’re the only Ten-I-See” close to giving it 4* but maybe more closely (3.5)

Tarkus

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

4/5

So from my very limited knowledge of these guys, this is not what I was expecting. I thought there were an acoustic trio and I’m getting some funky jazz electronic prog rock. Very pleasantly surprised! Oh yes. This is good. What an opener! 20 mins 😂 and I’m all for the right of self-indulgence (as long as I like it, of course) and just when you think it’s finished it’s comes back from the dead! Not too sure about ‘The Only Way’ but otherwise pretty consistently bonkers and I’m all for it. Also enjoy the norm core ending too. Just to fuck with ya! Good album

Homework

Daft Punk

2/5

Hmmm thought I already had this on the list, somehow but maybe listened to it after seeing their documentary 🤔 73 minutes?! That’s brave. Let’s see… It just felt kinda basic. Just repetitive loops with layering. Quite like the inbetween tracks and introduction of environment and atmos. But just not so impressed with the songwriting at all. Pretty uninspiring and unskilled. I also want to acknowledge it’s importance as an album, of its time and important for EDM but 1997 doesn’t limit its possibility to THIS, right? Wrote the above when I thought I was on the last few tracks and realised there were actually still 6 left and now I’m just getting annoyed at the cheek of it and the maddening empty repetition.

Graceland

Paul Simon

4/5

Cultural appropriation 🤷🏻‍♂️ As music, as introducing the world to more performers and respecting styles and genres, it’s great. Lovely clean sound, unique and wholesome. ‘call me al’ feels the epitome of this albums sound and writing. The clear hit that captures it all in its best form. Beautiful, important album 🙏🏻

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns

Joni Mitchell

3/5

Probably my first full length Joni album listen (sorry) and realise it’s a bit of a mid-point to enter her style. But curious to see how it lands… The message is important. Great songwriting and lyrics and just not so grabbed by it. Some really lovely jazz refrains. Pleasant enough but just left a bit meh from it Don’t interrupt the sorrow ✊🏻

Black Metal

Venom

2/5

Maybe a perfect representation of rating albums on influence, culture or just my personal experience? It’s repetitive, it’s rough, it’s tedious but seems extremely important in the evolution of (thrash) metal. So I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♂️ It’s very rare that I do this, but I think I’ve got the picture after 3 tracks and probably going to leave it there (don’t worry, I still got the message - you love satan). Tara

Heaven Or Las Vegas

Cocteau Twins

2/5

Know the name, never listened before - let’s see… Kinda meh-ball for me. A bit wet, don’t love the box and instruments feel a bit rough and basic. Not a great mix either. Yeh, don’t like the effects on the vox, the gated drums and instruments in general. Again, terrible mix. And didn’t get the reviews about not being able to tell the language they are singing in or words, but now I get it. Yep, ready for this to finish (2.5)

Oar

Alexander 'Skip' Spence

2/5

First I’ve heard of this artists and a nice folk/rocky blend on first listen… Bit of a John Martyn feel and sound. Interesting to read the backstory and where the songs came from. It’s pretty rough and sloppy at times. I guess it’s a congruent capturing of a guy who just had a psychotic break! I’m pretty sure the guitar is out of tune a couple of times too! A pretty depressing, descent, but lacking the quality of someone like cohen. Yeh, like a bad mix of a few famous folk artists at this time. Just a very melancholy listen, not done particularly well… Urgh. Good riddance

Safe As Milk

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

3/5

Well, very familiar with the name but never actually given them a listen… A kind of Rolling Stones vibe, with a bit more grit. Actually, getting more of the left field and variety than that as I listen on. Enjoy the quirkiness and originality. Variety and groove. Can sound like a different band between songs. Enjoyed it, but likely wouldn’t go back to it (3.5)

Murmur

R.E.M.

3/5

Okay, was pleasantly surprised by their first album on this list, having not known old REM. Let’s see… I don’t particularly dislike them, but I just find them a bit wet and twangy and a bit over earnest 🤷🏻‍♂️ it just never grabs or surprises me. Yeh, really pretty sick of this by the end. Twangy guitar, whiney vocals. Urgh.

Songs From The Big Chair

Tears For Fears

3/5

My initial response to the band is cheesy, reverby, gated pop from the eighties, which doesn’t do much for me, but let’s see… Maybe not quite as bad as I thought. For sure, lots of cheese and reverb but some bangers on here too. A bit more variety and force than I thought but probably not going to go towards it to listen by choice after today. Maybe just edges 3.5

Untitled (Black Is)

SAULT

4/5

WELL, the reviews have certainly got me curious to listen to this… 🤺 Really like the variety, the depth, the mixture of ways of communicating and presenting the messages. It’s a really nice, and profound, mix. ‘Wildfires’ feels very familiar. And interesting to see it’s a double album and quite the catalogue since too. This feels like it ultimately captures the essence of the BLM movement. Seeing the common retort of “all lives matter” in some reviews, this album shows why extra focus and representation of minority groups is needed to reset this balance. And this does it perfectly ✊🏾 Whether this is viewed through its deeper meaning, or just musically. It is a great album and I’m excited to explore the rest of their work.

Illinois

Sufjan Stevens

4/5

Ahhh fond memories of listening to this a lot when it came out. The John Wayne Gacy song always stood out. Let’s see how it all hits 20 years later!! Don’t know how much is nostalgia or just the album itself but such depth, lovely arrangements and concept that feels substantial in quality and skill. And what a haunting and amazing song JWG is. Yeh, there is a lot of great songs on here. And a great album as a whole too. Easy 4*, but does it get a bit more. Hmmmmm

The Village Green Preservation Society

The Kinks

4/5

Okay, a little tipsy and in good spirits as I listen to this but it’s a class grove. Great songs and feel. There is something really playful and original about the kinks that I hadn’t realised before. Only ever known their big tracks, but there is so much depth and skill in so many of these songs. As well as really original and memorable hooks. All served up with great songwriting and layers. And I re-listened in the morning after 4 hours sleep, just to make sure. And it still bangs! Very pleasant surprise and introduction into a new band I’m going to enjoy exploring ❤️

Highway 61 Revisited

Bob Dylan

2/5

Why does my lovely holiday have to get Bob Dylan to ruin it, AGAIN?! Okay, let’s see if he’s magically transformed into someone who doesn’t just write the same song 1000 times and rhyme every last word… …”diplomat….siamese cat” Jesus Christ Bob. Okay, I know I’m primed and bias, but surely I can’t be the only person that thinks this guy is criminally overrated and just does kindergarten rhymes?! I just don’t enjoy this man. His music is quite good and some good arrangements but once you’ve heard one, you’ve heard them all. And can guess the next word of every line, which doesn’t strike me as creativity. Reached my limit at 3 albums. God knows for the next ones on here…I’m actually mad after this one…charlatan.

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

Derek & The Dominos

3/5

Always feel a bit funny about Clapton, as he basically stole Harrison’s wife and now I’m reading plenty of other slants in the reviews too. Let’s see… It’s pleasant enough. Im not sure how you get an “attitude” over in music but there is just a sense of self-importance and indulgence 🤷🏻‍♂️ Nice groove and enjoy ‘Keep On Rolling’ and ‘Anyday’. Looking like it’s heading towards a 3 at this point. Apparently this was a project to become “just another guy in the band” again. Not the impression I’m getting from his place in the album! Yeh, was ready for this to finish. Get the picture and a pretty similar one throughout.

There's No Place Like America Today

Curtis Mayfield

3/5

Well, 50 years on and what a fitting title! This album is wah wah, is funk, is tenderness. If I slip into a Flight of the Concords perspective, it can get a bit funny, the falsetto. But it’s got so much heart and groove. High pitched voice became a bit much throughout and felt tense listening at times. But overall good message, feel and groove. Probably won’t listen again

Blue

Joni Mitchell

4/5

Glad for an earlier Joni album to continue my education… LOVE her cadence so much. It’s like another instrument and just keeps it so surprising and varied. And then the lyrics ❤️ There is something so genius and unique that is hard to define. But Joni is Joni and is 🤌🏻 maybe ‘River’ demonstrates all these elements best, especially the fantastic use of the Christmas theme, with an individual touch. Cant wait to listen to the whole thing again, as soon as it’s finished.

L'Eau Rouge

The Young Gods

3/5

I mean, can you get a more French opening to an album?! It’s quite the opener, too, and intrigued to see where this album goes! Just an album I wouldn’t find if it weren’t for this list and I’m enjoying my head getting twisted a bit with this! It’s pretty cool. Enjoy the use of classical instruments alongside the industrial feel. Voice a bit deep at times for me, makes it a little closer to comical (cookie monster) but still very enjoyable. The switch up between track 4 and 5 pretty much capture the ends of the scale of this band! I actually got a bit tired of the sound about midway through the album. Maybe the novelty wore off. Got to respect the originality and uniqueness of this though. A valuable experience! (3.5)

Catch A Fire

Bob Marley & The Wailers

3/5

Second Marley album on the list and I’m here for it. Let’s go… It’s a deeply pleasant, easy vibe. Does it excite me? Not really. But it settles me and makes me feel satisfied and have a nice bob (pun actually not intended). The Peter Tosh songs feel a little clashing at times. Just a clear difference, but still enjoyable. Can’t beat ‘Stir It Up’. But as I say, a pleasant listen, that’s very enjoyable but I’m not wowed like other music. (3.5)

Live At The Regal

B.B. King

4/5

Wow, quite something to have a live album with so much acclaim! Very interested to listen to this… Such heart and vibrancy. The live crowd just adds to that and such a strong and heartfelt voice too. Beautiful combination. Also love the interaction with the crowd. The spirit and fun in it all. Great energy and the whole thing just has a beautiful communal flow to it all ❤️ great vibes

With The Beatles

Beatles

3/5

Interesting there are 8 covers on here and that was more common for bands around this time. Sure The Stones were similar in their earlier albums. Also, why’s Ringo down there? Here we go… I mean, the Beatles are the Beatles but not as wowed as other songs or albums and looking forward to the later ones. Stand out songs ‘All My Loving’ and ‘Postman’. Enjoyable enough but probably won’t seek it out again anytime soon (3.5)

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Ray Charles

3/5

Think it might be my first Ray Charles album on here. 2cds, 75 mins, let’s go… Musically it’s very pleasing to listen to. Nice arrangements and a whole lot of soul and heart. More of a background, almost Christmas, feel to it and sending me a bit sleepy! Didn’t listen to it all (3.5)

Abbey Road

Beatles

4/5

Second Beatles album in three days and after their second one last time, glad to get a later album. Interesting to read it’s place in their disbanding and what a classic… First thoughts, two tracks in, what a fucking masterpiece! Little drop off for Maxwells hammer and Oh Darling, but I’ll let it slide. Maybe I least like Paul’s songwriting.. One thing that surprised me about this album (first time listening all the way through - I know!) is the variety through all the songs. Maybe due to fall outs and different directions, but so at odds with 45 minutes of the same Beatles sound all the way through on other albums. Like ‘I Want You’ - amazing madness. And the ending!!! And then straight into the light and love of ‘Here Comes The Sun’. WTF. Love it. Going to just fall short of 5 stars but bloody epic. Listened to it multiple times and will come back to it again (4.5)

Young Americans

David Bowie

3/5

Second Bowie album on the list and think this is the latter. Seems quite a detour and a very different feel to the multicoloured, glam, experimentalist. Great groove and feel from the off. Bit of a drop off for ‘Win’ and then back to it for ‘Fascination’. A hoot Luther Vandross was an unknown backing singer on this. Interesting take on ‘Across The Universe’ - not sure I’m keen. Actually, worse than that. It’s offensive to Johnny boy. Urgh. Ermmm, I don’t think I like this album, even though it’s saved at the last by ‘Fame’. Good opener, mixed from there

Music in Exile

Songhoy Blues

4/5

Well, as many others have said, this is exactly what this list is about. An album I would have never otherwise found and very enjoyable. I wonder if these things are more valued when they take on a Western slant, as opposed to to representing a particular culture completely (as with some other low rating albums on the list). Really great musicianship and structure. Very talented and really well arranged too. A nice mix of the traditional Mali vocals and parts, alongside the traditional blues. Very glad to have been able to hear this and love its quality and originality.

Van Halen

4/5

It’s quite the opening three tracks - WE ARE VAN HALEN, killer guitar solo, then a cheeky cover of a classic. That’s one way to start a debut album! I feel like I’m getting a mullet perm just listening to this… … and then ‘Ain’t talking about love’ 😮‍💨 stop it Eddy! Yeh, this is 🔥 Drops off in the second half though. Nice breakdown for ‘Little Dreamer’ and ‘Ice Cream Man’ which helps balance things a bit. First half so solid, second half less so. So probably just squeezes a 4

Rumours

Fleetwood Mac

4/5

Never listened to a full album and played ‘The Chain’ so much I got sick of it. Let’s see what the full picture looks like (slightly unnerved by the crazy amount of 5 stars and it being number 1 rated on this list)… …god there are a lot of bangers on here! Some I didn’t even know were FM. Although, I am realising my scoring is pretty picky and 5* is a very rare occurrence (maybe 1%) and rests on whether I’d go back, by choice, to listen to this album specifically. Feel like it drops off after ‘The Chain’ and looks like it’s heading for 4* overall…

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg

Jerry Lee Lewis

3/5

TWENTY TWO MINUTES?!? Wow, talk about setting the bar! Enjoyed the live albums on here so far, let’s see… Okay, reviews are enlightening me, once again. Didn’t know anything about this guy, personally, and it’s not looking good. MARRIED HIS TEENAGE COUSIN?! So many wrongs in a few words. Exiled for that and then because the music was good enough won his way back?! WTF. Definitely influenced by who he seems and LOVES referencing himself in songs. All the songs are classics but feel a bit sick listening to him. As songs and performance and a capturing of rock n roll. Amazing. But just can’t shift that feeling so have a middle of the road 3 because I don’t know what to do!

Idlewild

Everything But The Girl

2/5

Ahhh got a bit confused there - was about to pontificate on my relationship with Idlewild - not so keen and surprised they were on the list. But now I see! Also not too familiar with EBTG, so let’s see… Ah, didn’t know ‘I don’t wanna talk about it’ was them! Good start, if a bit sickly. Pretty cheesy, not helped by the electronic drum machine. Kinda social club, Tuesday night act. Full of cheese and heart. Strained faces and hand movements. Kinda ready for it to finish after 3/4 tracks. Get the gist, not too impressed and just feels a bit overly earnest and corny. Nothing surprising or engaging. All songs sound the same and can guess the rest of a song after 5 seconds. Yawn and puke. (2.5)

Elvis Presley

3/5

Yehhhh, glad to get this. Think it might be the earliest album on the list and never actually listened to a full Elvis album start to finish… It felt a bit empty and lacking in many ways. Got the groove and rhythm but just felt pretty flat, lacking any body, and not sure that’s just production capability of the time? 12 tacks and 28 minutes is quite something too! Maybe I’m missing some context here. Was expecting a lot more and just feels meh. And ZERO of these songs written by Elvis!

Station To Station

David Bowie

3/5

Okay, getting a run of Bowie and quite glad to hear the evolution and also get a better sense of his catalogue. Been surprisingly underwhelmed so far… …I enjoy the different periods and personas through his work. 6 tracks and 40 minutes feels a bit of a flex! Enjoying this more than the previous albums so far. Didn’t give it undivided attention but enjoyed it, without being wowed. (3.5)

Low-Life

New Order

3/5

Valued watching the Joy Division documentary and film. Such a significant life and story of Ian and curious to hear how they are without him… Obviously, very familiar instrumental sound and structure. And not only a clearly different vocal, but really lacking in general. Feels it’s missing a fair few notes. Luckily, still good songwriting and backing. Yeh, vocals painful. Like a bad pub band singer. Really gets in the way of the album. Some nice use of electronics. Would probably be 3.5, but vocals take away too much.

Wild Wood

Paul Weller

3/5

First Weller solo album I’ve heard… …Initial thoughts are pretty middle of the road, soft rock. Obviously, Wild Wood stands out but struggling to find much else to write about or capture. And maybe that sums up the kind of album it is. Basic, middle of the road and nothing to get excited about :-/ and 16 tracks!

Frank

Amy Winehouse

3/5

Oh yes, been wanting to listen to this for a while. Didn’t even know it was on the list. Let’s go! On first listen, her talent is clear but I also think you can see that her voice and delivery wasn’t quite honed yet (completely understandable!). It’s good, it’s Amy, but it’s not back to black. But she is bloody 19!! Real Macy Gray and Lauren Hill vibes, of course, with all the old female crooners too. Some great lyrics and play on words too. A lovely modern slant on this age old themes (and sound) Maybe harsh now knowing what she’s capable of and judging against that. Enjoyable, good songwriting and structure. Slightly polished diamond! (3.5)

Gentlemen

The Afghan Whigs

3/5

Ah been wanting to listen to these properly for a while. Let’s have it:.. Yeh, nice groove and backing so far. Not as put off by the vocals as many people are. But if a soundgarden/audioslave feel. Pleasantly surprised by this and think I’ll be exploring the catalogue a bit more. Nearly 4 but probably closer to 3.5

Second Toughest In The Infants

Underworld

3/5

Always funny listening to techno in the middle of the day for this project. Takes some of the edge of, but happy to imagine this in some darkly lit underground club. More layered than I expected though and a great flow throughout. Probably lose something to listening with full attention for 80 minutes, but would likely come back to it again. Im rushing through this a bit, but its good value. Maybe more suited to different context but it still slaps. Prefer tracks without vox. Almost 4, but last two tracks kill it (3.5)

3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...

Arrested Development

4/5

Yeh, this is a vibe and I like. Old school and smooth. Can’t help but bob along and feel the uplift. “Can’t get revolution with women” And of course ‘People Everyday’ oh and ‘Mr Wendal’. Bangers!! Great album, trails off a bit at the end but a great listen.

Let's Get It On

Marvin Gaye

3/5

Quite a feat for every member of this project, who got this album, now being pregnant. Fair play. Silk Sonic much?! Not only ‘Lets get it on’ but also ‘keep gettin’ it on’! 😂 it’s a smooth, seductive and groovy little album. Great soul and groin aching feel. I enjoy it, but not blown away. It’s a certain vibe, for a certain context or mood and does that very well. But will I go back in an indescript moment for music? Probably not. Had my fill by the end (that’s what she said) - 3.5

The Köln Concert

Keith Jarrett

4/5

It’s really beautiful and I feel like there are so many ways to listen to this - background, half-engaged, fully-engaged and can hear something different everytime. Just love the skill, the phases, the feel, the pleasure and would always have something new. And would never have come across this otherwise. One track in and already ready for more (and to listen to the first track again, already) And the structure and phases of each track are fantastic. Really build a journey and get sucked into it and it’s magic. Lots of lovely turns and hooks. Love hearing his little chirps every so often. Enjoyed the third track the least. Felt a little more disjointed, endless and dissonant, feeling a touch more tense listening to it. And fourth track also maybe a touch inferior. Got the gold in 1 & 2

Kenza

Khaled

3/5

Okay, not my usual go to, so let’s see how I relate to this and how broad my spectrum really is! Didn’t give it the same attention I usually would. Quite poppy and similar throughout. Good groove and feel, but nothing mind blowing for me. For those not finding this on Spotify, it feels a good time to sing the praises of QOBUZ. A muso’s paradise - made for music lovers, by music lovers. Leave Spotify and its investment in AI weapons and find your home! Most these albums are within their Ideal Discography AND they have great recommendations and playlists. Okay, back to the album…got a bit bored by C’est La Nuit, but this was followed by Imagine and not quite sure how to sum that up. It’s….different? I can see it closing Arabic X factor as the credits roll… nice use of duet though. Maybe I’m not cultured enough to particularly value this. It’s good but it’s nothing special and something I would have never otherwise heard. So fair play. Personal bio pretty interesting too.

Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin

5/5

Just a banger after banger. Great start to an album. Third track dragged a bit but not a bad recovery to have stairway to heaven in your back pocket!! I hope there is just one person in this project that has not heard that song before. What a beaut! And just a great album overall. Great flow, variety and feel. Does it get the illusion 5*?!

Dookie

Green Day

5/5

Ah niiiiiice!! Very glad to see this pop up and such a crucial album in my musical awakening - first live gig, started playing guitar, friendships formed and I became…..A Mosher 😱 Okay get the headphones in for this one. Full attention for my trip down memory lane. 15 tracks and 38 minutes 🔥 it’s FUCKING quality. Great production and every track just absolute firecrackers. Great song structure that keeps it fresh and so well formed. There is so much in every song and so layered. Great lyrics, energy and force. And just seemlesley flow into one another without losing an ounce of quality. I’m in love again. And I remember waiting a lifetime to load and watch the video to basket case on repeat on QuickTime Player. Probably costing my parents about £10000 in internet bills. Ahhhh the pixels… I think it’s rare for bass to be used to such great effect too. Really stands out in so many tracks. And obviously drums too 😮‍💨. And who can forget the amazing hidden track and just the general thrill of finding them on albums. What a masterpiece. Easy 5*

Orbital 2

Orbital

2/5

Just off the back of Underworld and always odd getting dance albums in the day and listening in this way. Glad to have Underworld as a comparison. Felt much more layered, accomplished and with depth. This feels a little empty and lacking in many ways. Tinny, no crescendo, basic, lacking middle. Transitions even basic. I lol’d at a review that said this was ahead of its time. Are you kidding?! It sounds ancient already and is basic for even then. I see why drugs are sometimes needed in this world. And even then I think I’d be left wanting. So boring and repetitive, without any punch. Where is your bass?! Glad for it to end. With the worst bookends of songs to an album ever. (2.5)

Woodface

Crowded House

3/5

Know the band, not the music so much, so let’s see what we’ve got… Really pretty basic and the lyrics are beyond cringe at times. Can’t tell if they are meant to be comical or this is their attempt at clever and meaningful 🤷🏻‍♂️ Middle of the road defined. Can hear a bit of Sheryl Crow, bit of Manic Street Preachers and a sprinkling of REM (oh and Simply Red). Very meh, and at worst, cheesy. Happy to start a song, leave the room and expect the exact same thing 3 minutes later. Enjoy Weather With You, just because of nostalgia, but more than happy to finish this early. Amazed at the amount of 5 stars on this.

Ellington at Newport

Duke Ellington

4/5

TWO HOURS TEN?! Okay, I’ll have to see how I get on with finishing this and if it gets full attention… Hmmm seems to be two versions of this album. Original release - one hour and “complete” - two hours, with emcee etc. Went with the original and a highly pleasurable and skilled listen. Hard to dislike and easy to get drawn in and impressed by many elements of it. Nice switches of tempo and style. All done to a great standard. Enjoyed a lot and then moved onto to the “complete.” Different feel and more variety from the off. In between tracks bit annoying and wish it could be an album without that. Still quality all the same and probably one I’d come back to

Crime Of The Century

Supertramp

3/5

Again, heard the band but not familiar with the album… …nice alt sound after a few predictable albums. Nice atmosphere and phases. Can sound a touch empty. Missing a bit of depth and bass, but nice progressions. A kind of watered down Jethro Tull? And nothing quite as English as “you’re bloody well right” Alternative enough but still lacking something that wows or is particularly inspiring. Had high hopes, but kinda didn’t deliver or go anywhere, really. Feels like “nice idea, shame about the finish.” But still prefer it to predictable structure and lack of originality.

Killing Joke

3/5

Ha! beginning notes reminded me of clown core/knower. Was hopeful of some punk, but then the voice sounded surprisingly reverby eighties pop… Kinda like the feel, roughness and it being alternative but never quites get going or grabs me. Saw a description say they are “slow” and I get that, even though it’s an uncommon descriptor of bands/overall feel. Found it kinda boring and draggy. Fav track probably The Wait but rest kinda meh. Probably overlooking how ahead of its time and relevant it was, but 🤷🏻‍♂️

Live!

Fela Kuti

4/5

Enjoy fewer tracks and longer runtime. Can get more into it and excited to see what this delivers, probably wouldn’t come across it otherwise… Great groove to get it started and set the precedent for the album 🕺🥁 yeh, really good feel to this. Love the live element and talking between tracks. SUCH good energy and skill. Would love to be there dancing to this 😮‍💨 Really great album and pretty sure I’ll listen through again straight after. How a live album should be and afrobeat down to a tea. Yes!

Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)

Loretta Lynn

3/5

Well, album 200 for me on this challenge and I’m happy with the title. Let’s see how it lands… 28 mins and 12 tracks. Feels clean, simple and the storytelling that feels so synonymous with this time and style. Pleasant enough as a sound, but kinda samey and slow moving. Obviously of it’s time and genre but not getting me going - meh

Abraxas

Santana

4/5

Definitely had an image of Santana coming into this, which was just ‘Smooth’ but as I start listening to the album, can really appreciate more of the nuance, layers and skill in these songs. Yeh, really digging this. Much more prog rock / world music than pop charts. Glad to get a better sense of him as an artist. Enjoy the occasional use of vocals as an instrument, rather than constant presence.

I Should Coco

Supergrass

3/5

I think I’d always had Supergrass as inferior in the British music scene, but actually impressed by the opener and made me take notice. And of course, the classic ‘Alright’ great energy and vibrancy throughout. Grabs you and takes you through the streets and experience of youth. Can hear the historic influences, but also feels like it’s sets up for bands like QOTSA and a lot of what came afterwords in indie/rock. Couple of quick, sharp track in the middle. Better than expected and a new view of Supergrass (3.5)

At Mister Kelly's

Sarah Vaughan

4/5

So pleasant and soothing. Love the live feel, the improv, the sound and enjoyment from the crowd and such a deep and rush recording and performance. One of those albums that can happily be fitting background music, but can also be enjoyed with full attention and appreciation. Also still sounds so modern and clean. Great performance and recording.

Shleep

Robert Wyatt

2/5

Loved the Soft Machine album on here, totally unknown to me and right up my street. Although struggled with the cockney singing that took away from the album and Rock Bottom felt like it kept the worst bit (vox) and lost the quality of the whole band. Similar on this, but also maybe not up to the same quality of backing either. I’m all for experimentation and out of the ordinary but this just doesn’t do it for me and the voice just really grates on me and makes it feel basic. Also, clearly just don’t like much of anything Brian Eno is involved in. Yeh, not really enjoying this. Instruments okay at times, voice really not for me and arrangement just not grabbing me. And actually started annoying me by the end of it

Highway to Hell

AC/DC

3/5

Really loved Brian Johnson’s voice on the first AC/DC album i got on the list, so curious to see how the OG lands… …Well, that is how you start an album. And your last one at that! 😮‍💨 and just the classic AC/DC, 80s rock sound. Fierce, sharp and full of heart and groove. Think I still prefer BiB (should have given it a 4* btw) but still a great sound and record. Get the gist after a while, but still lands well (3.5)

Tidal

Fiona Apple

2/5

Ahhh very mildly aware of Fiona and glad to hear the debut and get a better sense of her music… If anyone on here reads the album description on Qobuz - what is that guys problem?! 😂 I don’t know why this isn’t really hitting. Just feels like something missing and a bit lacking somehow, but at the same time has variety, unexpected elements and originality. Maybe just not my bag. And going for very close, clear and personal vox recording but doesn’t have the voice to hold it. It’s okay, and different enough, just pretty unforgettable. Someone mentioned a female Jeff Buckley, and I’d agree, but a VERY budget version with much worse composition. Got quite annoyed with it by the end. (2.5)

Talk Talk Talk

The Psychedelic Furs

3/5

Okay, slightly different than what I expected. When I saw new wave, I was ready for more synths, overly reverbed vocals and pop cliches. But maybe this is more of the post-punk sound, with more punk than many that fall into this category. Very catchy opening track and came to actually quite like the dissonant, wince inducing hook. Ah ok, maybe I spoke too soon and got the new wave element before long 😕 usual reaction of just a bit urgh and unappealing. Although these have a few more rough edges than most, which I like. Maybe I’m getting more casual as I get through the list but got the gist, it’s okay, won’t finish it all. 3 stars

Vento De Maio

Elis Regina

3/5

Interesting to read this is a posthumous release, which is the first and maybe only one on the list? Changes the goalposts a little for me. And for those who can’t find this on Spotify, I will once again use this an ad to say stop giving Spotify money to fund AI weapons and move over to QOBUZ, as it’s far superior anyway. Okay, rant over, time for the album… Nice to hear some Portuguese singing and an album I probably wouldn’t have otherwise found. Gives it a lovely fresh and quirky feel with it being so different to my usual. Pleasant, good recording, especially for its time and skillful. Not sure It’d be top of the list for a listen, but can certainly see it fitting in in some settings and just generally brings a nice vibe with it. And a nice bit of variety across the record too. It’s an enjoyable listen all round. (3.5)

Fleet Foxes

3/5

Ah nice. Always a bit novel to see the modern end of the list and never really given these a concerted listen across an album… It feels such an original sound, and especially at its release. But there is also something of it being a little repetitive or variations on a theme. Pretty good songwriting and great atmosphere and depth, but the songs can sound pretty similar and ultimately using the same sound and approach. Was pretty done by the end and got the gist (3.5)

Sunday At The Village Vanguard

Bill Evans Trio

4/5

“The album is routinely ranked as one of the best live jazz recordings of all time.” Well the bar is set - let’s go Billy boy! A really lovely heart and soul to this. Effortlessly pleasant and smooth. Enjoyed the slight uptick in ‘Solar’ but once again could be lovely background or devoured with full attention. Really lovely interplay, tightness and communication from the three of them and just so much talent. Half of which probably goes over my head!

Moby Grape

4/5

Really nice 60’s rock groove to this. Gritty, with heart and soul. A sprinkling of country and blues creating a really nice mix. Distinctly 60s but also a bit of a unique sound. Five vocalists is impressive and nice instruments and arrangements creating a lovely journey. Pleasantly surprised by this and a band I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise 👊🏻 sounds a hell of a history and drama filled career too! Could have been so much bigger

Nick Of Time

Bonnie Raitt

3/5

Okay, instant judgement from the front cover and imagining 80’s power ballad / country vibes and the reviews only confirm my suspicions. I’m not expecting much… “while she only has two original songs here” - not great to read, but I guess it’s the mould for early Beatles, Stones etc so I’ll let it pass. A kind of Shania Twain feel, but not particularly grabbing me. The image kinda captures the sound perfectly. Unfortunately, lacking the depth of her hair. Think I’ve got the gist after 4 songs 😕

Moondance

Van Morrison

3/5

Didn’t know he was Irish! And actually never listened to a full album of his. Let’s see… I had never connected the song of ‘Moondance’ with VM! Knew its sound but didn’t know its name or its his 😱 Getting a much better idea of him from this and maybe had a slightly inaccurate picture (basically brown eyed girl). Good album, good groove, good songwriter, good heart but maybe got the gist half way through (3.5)

Basket of Light

Pentangle

3/5

Ye olde celt vibes. I wish I could appreciate it, but really, I just find it a little comical, or at least missing the spot. Just not for me, really, but a nice, and unexpected, inclusion of sitar. Bert Jansch!!! How did I forget he was in these. Love ‘Angie’ and nice to hear his familiar tones. Prefer his vocals on songs and almost like the choral songs but still kind of just “okay” It’s pleasant enough and not offensive. Unique and skilled, just not grabbing me so much. Nice little uptick for ‘Sally Go Round The Roses’ but maybe the peak of something otherwise meh. Female vocal grating on me by the end

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Aretha Franklin

5/5

It’s hard to know how she captures SO much heart and soul and in the only way she can. It’s so clearly there but hard to pinpoint or define. Such depth and feeling in every word. Phenomenal voice and amazing backing. Hard to put it into words, really but this is on another level. Now I get it. And interestingly seem fine with so many of these being covers when I’ve criticised that on other albums.

Back At The Chicken Shack

Jimmy Smith

4/5

5 songs, 45 minutes - fair play. Let’s see how it flows… Really nice opening and can get why someone said “I’ll save this for dinner parties with my intelligent friends” 😂maybe expected vocals too but might be getting him up with someone else… A very pleasant album with a lot of depth and skill. Would like to come back to listen again

Pink Moon

Nick Drake

4/5

Fairly familiar but maybe only listened to ‘Five Leaves Left’ start to finish. Classic Nick Drake sound and maybe a little more stripped back and able to connect than FLL. Pretty quick songs but quite like that. Easy to listen to. Ah and recognise ‘Horn’ from something. A film? Nice little interlude. Enjoyed more than I thought and a really well rounded and written album. Will definitely come back to it

Meat Is Murder

The Smiths

3/5

I’m coming with a very bias and closed perspective - I don’t particularly like Morrisey or the smiths and have not been shown otherwise so far on this challenge. This looks like another confirmation to me. Same sound, some gait, same yawn. Nothing particularly bad about them but just really don’t do it for me. Grabs me a little more as the album goes on but just can’t escape the sound and content of his vocals, which is my main sticking point. Songs sounded pretty much the same but wasn’t giving it too much attention. Morrisey and the Smiths just not going to do it for me, I’m afraid although will say, some clever lyrics at times.

good kid, m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar

4/5

Only realised this guys genius over the last few years so more than happy to have another deep dive into his catalogue. Didn’t know it was a concept album. It’s one of those albums that has a great vibe to just be on in the background or in the car or you can pour over every line and still have more to find. Maybe less accessible than some of more recent singles/albums. It feels more conscious rap than pop charts and maybe has got that combo perfect now. And some of this clearly over my head too and doesn’t grab me as much as other tracks. Instantly listened a second time and felt more familiar and engaged. Doesn’t hit the same as recent albums but as I say, I think a fair bit probably over my head. He is genius, undoubtedly.

Transformer

Lou Reed

4/5

Really grew on me as I listened through. Obviously some absolute classics on here. Great songwriting and quirkiness throughout. Took a little while to settle to his voice but will be listening through a second time now I have found my feet with him. Yeh, growing on me the more I listen and appreciate all the quirks and originality.

Ambient 1/Music For Airports

Brian Eno

3/5

Really not enjoyed Eno’s stuff on this list so far so let’s see how this one goes… Maybe can get a bit more on board with his "ambient music", a term which he coined to describe music "as ignorable as it is interesting" and capable of "induc[ing] calm and a space to think" Much more palatable but maybe just safer than the marmite of other albums. But feels pretty unskilled, if inoffensive. Yeh, pretty bored of it by track 3 and nothing new or grabbing. Guess I just don’t really like this guy.

Golden Hour

Kacey Musgraves

3/5

Not holding much hope for this from the description and reviews, but let’s see… I will copy another reviewers pasted lyrics to capture the quality - “Texas is hot, I can be cold, grandma cried when I pierced my nose” 🙄 Very basic and inoffensive. Cringe lyrics and contrived feels and depth. I don’t say this about many albums but this one I really can’t see why it’s here. Plenty of people that do this style and feel much better. Lyrics really are embarrassing. Like year 6 poetry class. I’ll give it my 3* which means it does its genre okay, not my thing and not offensively bad. Done after track 4

Bug

Dinosaur Jr.

3/5

Reminds me a bit of early Ash. But a bit more whiney and not really too taken by it as a result. Urgh, yeh, done with this after the third track. Whine whine whine.

Beauty And The Beat

The Go-Go's

3/5

Not generally a fan of new-wave, let’s see if this hits any different. Not initially impacted or blown away. Feels kinda standard 4/4 pop. Getting a run of pretty inoffensive, mid, albums and this is maybe another. Maybe missing the significance of its time and impact but just kinda meh. ‘Lust to Love’ maybe slightly more engaging. Didn’t even recognise ‘We Got the Beat’ which I was expecting might be a nice surprise. All pretty much the same song and fairly average. Pretty clear, mid 3*

Definitely Maybe

Oasis

5/5

Just an absolute classic and not really sure what else to say tbh. Easy 5*

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Perfectionist