Off the cuff remark: an enjoyable listen but with some real duds. Sorry but the version of Bridge over troubled water is particularly poor. Standout track: title track is fabulous Revisit?: welll I just might, but won't lose sleep if I don't
Off the cuff remark: standard country rock. Left me a little cold. Stand-out track: Proud Mary, by quite some way. Revisit? Unlikely
Off the cuff remark: it's Dylan I know it's Dylan but while it's undoubtedly great songwriting it doesn't blow my socks off. Standout track: Tangled Up In Blue Revisit?: Already listened twice Great lyric:"You're an idiot babe, it's a wonder that you still know how to breathe" (Idiot Wind)
Off the cuff remark: hilarious Charlotte the Harlot? Good grief. Standout track: Iron Maiden Most ridiculous track: Phantom of the Opera Revisit? Unlikely.
Off the cuff remark: hard work, and not in a rewarding way. I kept thinking there was going to be a Disney song any minute. Give me Miles Davis, Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane... etc. Standout track?: nope Revisit? No.
Off the cuff remark: never quite got Neil Young. Same with Harvest. Some creaky rhymes in places don't help. Undoubtedly some nice riffs in there. Standout track: Old Man Revisit?: Yes, which says a lot. But expect it will be another attempt to fathom why he is so loved.
Off the cuff remark: If I knew much about this would it sound as dated as I think it does? Standout Track: "Evil That Men Do" something so much more, lyrically, than 'I'm better than you' which so many of the songs are...? Is that a riff stolen from "Revolution Will Not Be Televised" too? Revisit?: Evil That Men Do, for sure. The rest.... unlikely.
Off the cuff remark: not quite sure what to say with this one, it's very "nice". Short pop tunes, is it MOR? with some tracks that feel like they were staple on the radio when I was a kid, and yet I don't really know them. Accomplished, inoffensive but... Standout Track: ? Revisit? Maybe but maybe not Other thought: Surely one of the albums Josh Rouse had in mind when writing and recording 1972 ?
Off the cuff remark: Is "genius" a bit much? Big Band Standards? Seems a bit more sterile than the Billie Holiday I love, of a similar ilk. Standout Track: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Revisit?: I'd be happy to, and did listen to it twice, but not sure I'll be hunting it out.
Garbage.
Off the cuff remark: Lovely voice. Nice Pop tunes Already familiar with the album. A "classic"? No. But Decent pop. Standout Track: I Know There's A Word Revisit?: Already have.
Off the cuff remark: Help Hated it when it was released. Hasn't changed. Standout Track: Faith is kind of catchy I could grudgingly say but ... Revisit?: Not if you paid me
Off the cuff remark: Early beginnings of pop? Lovely. Don't think a track hits the 4 minute mark. Standout Track: Probably Oh Boy, while I think the Stones version of Not Fade Away is far superior I believe Buddy Holly wrote it. That's some thing special there. Revisit?: Yep
Off the cuff remark: just great. Joyous, in places, but love the somehow understated delivery in many songs Standout Track: Probably Blueberry Hill which is already very familiar to me. Revisit?: Yes.
Off the cuff remark: Never really "got" New Order. Generally not a fan of too much synthi sound perhaps? Tend to prefer the music over Bernard Sumners voice and iffy lyrics Standout Track: Sunrise Revisit?: Probably
Off the cuff remark: A fairly uplifting album, even in the Emavungwini (Down in the Dumps) perhaps the lyrics say otherwise, but vocals are a delight Standout Track: Umoya, on a first listen Revisit?: Yes. Look forward to it.
Off the cuff remark: I've never been a fan of overblown guitar solos but actually most of these aren't, to my surprise honestly. Obviously some mermorable, and truly great, guitar riffs. Standout Track: Purple Haze Revisit?: Would be happy to, but not going to rush back
Off the cuff remark: No doubt great skills in all that sampling, but it mostly just flows over me without registering Standout Track: What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt 4, though it doesn't exactly standout Revisit?: Welll. I wouldn't mind but don't think I will honestly make the effort.
Off the cuff remark: Hated self-indulgent, bombastic splurge of Floyd when I was, ahem, younger. Old dads hippy nonsense. As an old Dad it holds a little more interest and certainly recognise influence on other stuff I like much more, but... Standout Track: Wish Yo Were Here Revisit?: probably not.
Off the cuff remark: A lot if this is really grating. Histrionics of some of the vocals really irritate. Of course "Party Fears Two" was used for a TV or radio show, but I can't remember what. Standout Track: "It's Better This Way" brings to my mind Bauhaus. Revisit?: Highly doubtful
Off the cuff remark: Of the 20 albums listened to so far the first that I have genuine familiarity with. Not a classic but a great "indie" album, as I would've called it. Standout Track: "Keep the Car Running" a belter Revisit?: Yes. It's been a while but nice to be back.
Off the cuff remark: A wonderful slice of indie rock. Standout Track: The out-of-kilter-pop of "Summer Babe" is wonderful, the most un-Pavement like "Here" is a delightful ache of a song. Revisit?: Again and again.
Off the cuff remark: I really like Miles Davis, particularly "Kind of Blue" and "Conceptions", but at the same time I am often left feeling jazz is a bit 'superior' and there's large elements I just don't 'get'?? This is, perhaps, a tiny bit more noodly than I would normally like but right time, right place.... Standout Track: hmmm Shhh (Reprise), maybe? Revisit?: Engaging, will be revisting when the mood takes me
Off the cuff remark: A good slice of slightly off-kilter guitar pop, but nothing spectacular. Standout Track: Perhaps obviulsy "Take Me Out" Revisit?: I do own it but don't listen often
Off the cuff remark: A second Pavement album in a few days!! While it is a great album always felt it never quite lived up to the wonder of Slanted and Enchanted Standout Track(s): Perhaps obviously "Cut Your Hair" but "Gold Soundz" and "Range Life" deserve honorary mentions Revisit?: Absolutely. Well-crafted out-of-kilter-indie-rock what's not to bear repeat listening?
Off the cuff remark: A Bowie album I don't know and after listening through, I haven't been missing out. Standout Track: "Golden Years" a song I seem familiar with, was it a single? Revisit?: If someone else puts it on I'll listen again, but I won't be choosing to.
Off the cuff remark: A fabulous piece of pop. Gorgeous harmonies and plenty going on to catch your ear. Standout Track: "God Only Knows" very possibly a wee bit cheesey?? But I think it is wonderful. Revisit?: Have to confess it has been a while, but it's such a heartwarming gem, I will return. In fact I'm going to put it on again now.
Off the cuff remark: Radio-friendly 80s dross pop-soul!? Standout Track: "Smooth Operator" Purely becuase of familiarity, living proof that being catchy doesn't mean great. Revisit?: I hope not. Perhaps that's a bit harsh - it's gentle and unremarkable.
Off the cuff remark: Shoegazing before that was a thing? Standout Track: "Iceblink Luck" lovely dreampop. In my memory Pearly-Dewdrops Drops was on this album, probably my facourite Cocteau Twins song. That's my memory. "Heaven or Las Vegas" title track gets a special mention too. Revisit?: Definitely. Not a firm favourite but always enjoy it when the fancy takes me, as it did today, helpfully.
Unremittingly tedious. As soon as the vocals kick in I feel tense and bilious. I hope this never fouls my ears again. Can I give 0 stars?
Off the cuff remark: someting quite uplifting about this in quite a surprising way. Perhaps it's the (Hammond?) which also seems cheesey, but somehow that doesn't matter. Standout track: When I Grow Too Old To Dream Revisit?: in all honesty probably not, but I would be happy to.
Off the cuff remark: a dirty slice of rock'n'roll that must surely be an influence on the likes of the Hives and Birdland Standout track: Know Your Product Relisten?: I would be happy to but in all honesty I don't think I will look for it...
Off the cuff remark: easy to see their influence across a wide range of bands new and old. With the exception of Murder Mystery I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very familiar with Velvet Underground & Nico and most of these songs individually so great to listen to the whole album. Standout track: "Pale Blue Eyes" though several others come close. Revisit?: Yes. Lovely stuff.
Off the cuff remark: 2 Creedence albums in this "list" not convinced that's warranted. It's all fine and southern but doesn't move me greatly. Standout track: Bad Moon Rising, a great song, helped along by my introduction to it through the wonderful American Werewolf in London Revisit?: happily go back to Bad Moon but the rest I can take or leave.
Off the cuff remark: a strange beast of an album and I don't think I recognised any of the songs which I was very confused by. I can't decide if it sounds very of its time or ahead of its time. Standout track: Sound and Vision Revisit?: it would certainly stand up to repeat listens and it might need that to get a handle on it.
Off the cuff remark: I recognise some great storytelling in the songwriting and perhaps it's a right-time, right-place thing and recognise his obvious influence on other things I like, but as much as I try to listen to Gram Parsons that whole country thing gets on my nerves. I keep trying.. Standout track: struggle with this but perhs $1000 Dollar Wedding Revisit?: I daresay I will try to like Gram Parsons again, but...
Off the cuff remark: a decent album of driving indie rock, but is it "great"? Not really. I enjoyed it but it lacks a real spark for me. Standout track: struggle with this, and I think therein lies the problem. Revisit?: sort of thing I would be happy to listen to but I don't think it's ever going to stand out for me.
Off the cuff remark: I think I want to like this more than I do, perhaps it's jus taht the first song is, well, glorious, and everything else struggles to be quite as good afterwards. Although that doesn't mean it's not great! Standout track: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo Revisit?: Yep. In the collection and gets an occasional listen.
Off the cuff remark: I'm no Beatles aficionado but I see this as when they were still "just" a great pop band, littered with (great) covers before their songwriting mastery is to the fore, but hinted at. Standout track(s): the two hints come in It Won't Be Long and All My Loving, wonderful gems amongst the gold. Revisit?: Undoubtedly. Having said all that I assume there won't be only one Beatles album in amongst this collection of albums. A strange choice if that is the case...
Off the cuff remark: A very long time since I have listened to a whole Siouxsie album, a favourite when I was 17/18 and it has been a pleasure. Not much else that sounds like them. Standout track: Spellbound Revisit?: Yes, I think I will be looking through some other albums too..
Off the cuff remark: Another country artist I want to like, and she gets closer than most. Often quite funny as well as bitter in her tales here. Standout track: Early Morning Breeze stands out as a little different Revisits?: Unlikely to choose it, but if it's on it might be nice in the background, at the right time!
Off the cuff remark: The stunning and mesmerising long montage of napalm and Willard losing it in Apocalypse Now, with "The End" central to it was my introduction to the Doors. The scene and music has stuck with me as one. As such I am a bit of a "greatest hits" fan. This has some ans the other tracks don't impress me much. Standout track: aside from aforementioned; Break On Through and Light My Fire are great. Revisit?: Probably the 3 standaout tracks are great. The others do leave me a little cold. I'm not a subscriber to the Morrison cult.
Off the cuff remark: splendid blasts of American guitar pop-rock. Standout track: saving the best to last, American Girl Revisit?: Yes. Genre-bending life-changing classics? No, but driving (literally and figuratively) good time tunes that are worth revisiting they are.
Off the cuff remark: with Joni Mitchell I HAVE to be in the right mood, or I will be irritated by the "hippy warbling". Court and spark is not my favourite album either, Blue is far better. Standout track: People's Parties Revisit?: if I'm in the mood for it, though Blue is a more likely choice.
Off the cuff remark: it's all very nice with it's understated dramatics!? but it just passes by with nothing standing out. Standout track: perhaps "England" but that's clutching at straws a bit Revisit?: I will be listening to the National again - I have several of their albums. Just not very inspiring.
Off the cuff remark: I listened to this twice. Once in the car and once at home in sweltering heat. It made different kinds of sense both times. Not a genre I listen to much at all, but I definitely enjoyed it. Standout track: Brave & Strong Revisit?: I think I'm going to surprise myself by deliberately coming back for more.
Off the cuff remark: littered with gems, comedy and also ill-thought ideas. Perhaps that was the point. There really are some great moments but it feels like there is a serious lack of thought about quality? Standout track: I Don't Want to Get Over You. Marvellous Revisit?: individual tracks, definitely. The whole thing at once, no, never again.
Off the cuff remark: as a kid a cassette of "Legend" was a staple in the car. It wasn't until many years later that I listened to any 'proper' albums. As a staunch atheist it also always strikes me that there must be something special as I can't help but love Bob and the Wailers. Standout track: well... Exodus, Jamming, Turn Your Lights Down Low, Three Little Birds and One Love/People Get Ready all of side 2!! Revisit?: Undoubtedly.
Off the cuff remark: so many songs which seem simple and which manage to be captivating inspite of Nicos irritating pronounciations and are lodged firmly in brain. All the New York art stories aside (which I am aware of but don't really know) it is a great album Standout track: to pick just one? Sunday Morning, today, might be different tomorrow Revisit?: I do, and I will.
Off the cuff remark: every rock cliché in the book. Unfortunately not even funny. It gets a star for More Than A Feeling Revisit?: Hell no
Off the cuff remark: I've always quite liked Elvis Costello, but thought I knew a bit more of his songs than I probably do. Particularly as I am not familiar with a single one of these songs and don't know how that has happened. It's not amazing but much of it is great. Standout track: 20% Amnesia Revisit?: Yes.
Off the cuff remark: If Daft Punk were playing at my house I'd tell them to jog on and write a tune. LCD sound system would be much more welcome. Maybe I need more sweat, or drugs or not to be so old, or maybe all 3. This is just tedious. Standout track: Da Funk and Fresh. I listened to these all the way through Revisit?: I listened to most of the tracks on the first half, thought I would just skip through it all then thought I'll try again tomorrow, who knows it might make a difference...and it didn't really Revisit?: I hope not
Off the cuff remark: something about the folksiness of this that grates. I get their influence on many contemporaries, work with Dylan etc but just can't wrap my ears round this with any pleasure Standout track: Whipping Pines is a little different. King Harvest holds interest. Revisit?: unlikely
Off the cuff remark: The Kinks have some outstanding pop tunes. Yet at times on this album they sound like Monty Python as a serious pop band. That's a compliment. Standout track: Do You Remember Walter - equal parts funny and poignant. Revisit?: Yes.
Off the cuff remark: I so much want to like Springsteen more than I do. Love, what I know of, his attitude and politics and he has some genuinely great / classic songs but in all honesty a whole Springsteen album is something I enjoy but doesn't set me on fire. This is no exception. Standout track: Born to Run (obviously) but I also like Meeting Across the River Revisit?: I have most Springsteen albums and revisit each time wanting to like more than I do. Expect I will again.
Given recent news apologies if this seems a little irreverent but to me Sabbath have always been a spotty teenager in denim kind of band. I am sure they were forerunners etc.but I don't feel it has aged well. What first strikes me is how slow and long the songs are. There are Black Sabbath songs I quite like, but they aren't here. Revisit?: unlikely
Off the cuff remark: I just cannot get around the Stock, Aitken & Waterman-ish production and I hate it. Standout track: Like A Prayer, I suppose Revisit?: No!
Off the cuff remark: was misogyny ever cool? If you can ignore that there are moments of entertainment Standout track: Tricky and the genre bending Walk This Way Revisit: unlikely
Off the cuff remark: Dylan (again). No escaping Blowin in the wind is a wonderful song. Bit of a mixed bag otherwise Standout track: apart from the aforementioned I rather like Oxford Town Revisit?: Yes.
I don't care if you wrote the passable Steppin' Stone. You wrote Melody for an Unknown Girl. There is no redemption from that abortion of a song.
Off the cuff remark: I have always been bewildered by the love of Presley. There ARE some good possibly some great songs - none of them on here. But to me contemporaries like Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochrane, Fats Domino and Little Richard are better. There, said it. Standout track: It Feels So Right Revisit?: probably not. Though there is nothing to be offended by on this album.
Off thecuff remark: never heard of them at all, which seems a surprise and they sound like a combination of so many other bands, so I suspect there will be a "forerunners to../ big influence on.." thing going on which I don't know about but largely they sound like nice american 60s pop, but pretty forgettable Standout track: none really Revisits?: can't think why I would already forgotten them
Off the cuff remark: I have always loved the Cure, suspect I always will. There is no other band like them. This seems a strange album choice for this 1001, while none of their albums are exactly a party a minute this is particularly downbeat. Of its time and yet not dated. Standout track: avoiding the obvious wonderful A Forest, Play for Today is a particularly favourite. Revisit?: Yes. Often
Off the cuff remark: it's that Springsteen thing again. I like it but just can't get wildly excited about it. Standout track: title track is a goodie Revisit?: probably
Off the cuff remark: eeugh, make it stop I assume he was 16 when he wrote the lyrics? It takes more, in my book, than a good riff to make a good song, even more so to make a great album. Standout song: just one and just for the riff Revisit?: No. Never again
Off the cuff remark: never got this at the time, still don't. Is it about being as offensive as possible? Is it about self-aggrandisement? Quite like the "sound" but otherwise it's just a bit dull. Revisit?: unlikely
Off the cuff remark: clearly expensive big production but pretty uninspiring. Have to confess I had no idea who this was til I looked it up. All the more disappointing for that. No standout tracks and I don't plan on listening to this again
Off the cuff remark: I first came to Nick Drake after hearing 90s indie-punk band I loved, Drive, cover the Road. Not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. I still like him although Five Leaves Left is my favourite album, this is still pretty sublime. Standout track: still has to be The Road Revisit?: yes
Off the cuff remark: an enjoyable listen but with some real duds. Sorry but the version of Bridge over troubled water is particularly poor. Standout track: title track is fabulous Revisit?: welll I just might, but won't lose sleep if I don't
Off the cuff remark: is it me or are Wings & Macca often sneered at? Well, regardless I think this is a fine pop album. Standout track: suppose it has to be Band On The Run ? Revisit?: I do, infrequently and will again at some point
Off the cuff remark: Blue is still my favourite Joni album. This was better than I anticipated mind. It's got less warbling (a good thing) and although it feels a little directionless that and the production gave a mellow feel I quite liked, or maybe it's the heat? Standout track: well there isn't really one, some rather lengthy tracks that merge a little Revisit?: hmm, perhaps, but it doesn't have A Case of You does it...
Off the cuff remark: nothing subtle here, sometimes that is just what's needed. An enjoyable blast of 80s US punk. Standout track: Wasted and World Up My Ass Revisit?: quite possibly when those cobwebs need blowing away.
Off the cuff remark: I thought I would be more familair with this than I am but having listened through I am not overly surprised. I liked it less than I wanted to. Singer-songwriter that just doesn't capture my attention. Standout track: Love and Affection, but even this I felt I knew less than I thought I did and it was okay rather than special. Revisit?: wouldn't think so.
Off the cuff remark: at times this album does feel quite sublime, even Imagine still sounds gorgeous. Though it isn't perfect. Standout track: ignoring the title track as that's too easy I really like the opener, How? Revisit?: I astounded myself in the feeling when I listened that I don't think I have ever listened to the whole album before though familiar with most of the songs. I will be listening again.
Off the cuff remark: unremittingly dull rawk. Vocals are especially grating. Standout track: couldn't bear to listen to any all the way through. Revisit?: no, no, no, no
Off the cuff remark: I saw some of the Mothers of Invention, sadly after Zappa died and they were interesting. I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would with the exception of the last track which tested my resolve. At times it's remarkably silly, but tight and fun. Standout track: possibly You Didn't Try to Call Me. Further listens might change this? Revisit?: I think I may have to
As a younger man I referred to this macho posturing as Pantliner. I shall continue to refer to this macho posturing as Pantliner.