At times this was like listening to a Pink Floyd album missing the lead single. I’m left wondering how i haven’t listened to this band more. The more angular tracks sound like they could have been made today - a nice sweet spot between post punk and ambiant that reminds me of Swans or Black Country, New Road. Excellent

At times very beautiful , like on Mais Feliz. It’s a genre I struggle with to be honest.

Play was a final throw of the dice. Mobys label Elektra had abandoned him after his previous album Animal Rights sold abysmally (an ill advised politics based thrash metal album). Initially self recorded Play was supposed to be a swansong, a small indie album he was writing for himself. Instead it was one of the most successful albums of the 1990s. The songs were used in a LOT of adverts - over 100 in the US alone. Play Netted Moby $1 Million before a single album had even been sold. As a result the album received criticism in some quarters for commodifying black slave music (about half the tracks use this in sample). But given the background to this record I personally think it would be harsh not to give Moby a pass on this (I would doubt that was the intention). Moby has clear talent, and uses samples well alongside his compositions. There are a couple of songs that could have a bit more grit - but where he excels is in the universality of his sound. Half the album is not samples based - and whilst this does not always hit the heights of those other tracks (save Porcelain) the mix of ambiant electronic and dance friendly electro still holds up well. The final tracks are pretty reflective and interesting. You can hear his sadness in The Sky is Broken & My Weakness. Honey, Porcelain, Why Does my Heart Feel so Bad?, Natural Blues, The Sky is Broken 4/5

Early Beatles. 1963. Catchy call refrain. Blues riffs. An archetypal Beatles sound. 2 - 3 minute songs. Little minuets. At the risk of being arrested for sacrilege. The early stuff is boy band blues. Personal preference, I much prefer the later stuff once they let George Harrison loose. That said a few catchy as hell tunes: It won’t be long, Don’t Bother Me, Please Mr Postman (cover), Roll Over Beethoven (cover), You Really Got a Hold on Me (cover) and Money (That’s What I Want) (cover)

Catching up … (another positive one) Firehose - Fromohio Never heard of this band, or listened to Minutemen beyond singles Veering from post punk to Rock n Roll - track by track feels like a different band (replacements, Big Star, pixies, wipers, fugazi). It isn’t perfect, the skipping around (even within tracks) making it hard to latch on to. It also sounds like it was recorded in someone’s back garden (which is also part of the charm). The DIY ethos / lack of polish and production is ultimately what makes it sounds fresh. This makes me want to find time to dig into this scene. Bands I’ve heard of but never listened to properly like Mission of Burma and Husker Du. 7/10 (I’m rounding up to 4/5 , because i keep sticking it on , and I think it’s a grower)

If I’m being consistent this would be a 3/5 in line with Boston, Hotel California, Rush etc. I’ve always had a soft spot for Thin Lizzy though ever since I listened to them on mini disc. It’s also rare to hear a good live album 4/5

Lovely melodys. I like it when you stop thinking about scoring and it’s just the music. Not big on ballads like, Too Shy to Say, Creepin or It Ain’t No Use. When it’s good it’s very good though. Strong 3

I mean this is a masterpiece. Madness to compose the music to your own passing. I don’t care if it is pretentious. Genius is not too strong a word. Strong 4

There is no such thing as a perfect album. Oh wait, there is. Universal concepts. A true concept album

Blues music. Simple blues music. At times a bit too all American hero. Mid 3

There is something happening here. Every time it grabbed me, it immediately tried to run away again. I don’t doubt this hugely influenced a series of better albums. Ahead of its time, but I’m still gonna be mean and 2/5

Some really nice songs, with great orchestration. Humour is nice, bust as odd as it sounds, i wish he took it more seriously. When he just plays the songs, natural musicianship. Strong 3/5

[The following contains a pretentious review] For me this is Arcade Fires best album. Even better than Funeral. The Suburbs is a great title for this album … an uneasy sense of settling for comfort. A brooding need for something better. “When all of the houses they built in the 70s finally fall”. Modern man typifies the feeling - . “In line for a number you don’t understand, like a modern man.” The lack of absolute anger in this album seems deliberate. A take on the apathy that takes when dreams hit reality. Is a low 5 even a thing? Low 5. Excellent album

Simple songs, with great song writing. Sunday album 4/5

I’m not quite sure why I haven’t listened to this band before. The vocals I immediately recognised from Purple Mountains (David Berman). And interestingly Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) is a member. I now want to hear their other albums. Glib, low fi 4/5

Eventually managed to find the correct version of this on Spotify (not the first one that comes up). Very beautiful and calming. Strong 3

Elements of funk, kraut rock, jazz and blues. Longer tracks, experimental. Bowie claimed not to remember any of the recordings due to his heavy drug use at the time. Not sure how I missed this one from the Bowie catalogue being pretty familiar (and a fan of) most his big albums. Strong 4/5

Scott Walker influenced chamber pop. Pleasant songs. The humour in the songs is good, occasionally odd. “If you were a horse, I’d clean the crap out of your stable”. If this didn’t make the list, nobody would have noticed. I do like a crooner mind. Low 3/5

Doo wop doo woo. It’s good, harsh to compare it to Pet Sounds. The Melodys are lovely. 3/5

This is the closest The Kinks come to sounding like The Beatles. I love the concept of the album - and it succeeds in painting a view of English Village life. The lyrics are not entirely serious, but thankfully it never veers towards novelty music (or being twee). Great songs and album - even if it occasionally sound like the idealised memories of a brexit enthusiast (as an unnecessary aside Ray Davies was against Brexit) 4/5

A long drawn out opening, followed by The One You Love. Great track, tight and inviting. A lot of the songs are pleasant - no more. It can sometimes feel like listening to Thom Yorke with a less talented group of musicians in support. So he can sing. I wish he dropped the classical songs completely. Little Sister is just annoying, as is Hometown Waltz. If I’m being honest I was glad when it ended. He wants two, he can have two. 2/5

I’m not a big fan of country music. How was that only 32 minutes. I felt like my brain was dissolving to mush. I get that this “was an important album” - but it’s only influenced music I’m not that into

Quite a lot of memories from home growing up. The whole album works well. 4/5

An excellent album. Incredibly varied and creative. There is just so much here to get hold of, I feel like I need to listen again. 4/5

I’m not a big country fan, but the songs are well written. Low 3/5

Passin me by and Otha Fish are classic tracks. At their best a great blend of boom bap rap and saxophone. Annoyingly on some tracks the lyrics lose focus or just slide into purile humour (4 better or Worse / Ya Mama / Oh Shit)

The second album release from Public Enemy. I am more familiar with their first. This is comfort territory for me. Boom Bap rap with solid DJ backing. The rapping is better than most similar efforts from the time (1988 to 1990!) Chuck D and Flavor Flav combining well Interesting music fact all the excerpts from Incident at 66.6 FM are real. It came from a phone in interview with Chuck D and the radio station.

Really unique art pop album. It’s very creative - I don’t normally delve into the more sensitive folk music. The vocal combos are extraordinary. The male lead sounds like Antony and the Johnsons. I’m bumping to a low 4 because it is a unique sound palette. I’m amazed how many ppl hate this as well! Haha. The guitar sound on no intention is a nice surprise - like desert blues. And that is what the album offers to the patient listener, lots of nice surprises. It’s good ok - just enjoy👌

What I forgot about this album is just how experimental it is. European Son is near 7 minutes of noise.Heroin starts structured and then falls apart. Even Run Run Run - a stable rock single - is punctured by the lyrics of drug related death “Seasick Sarah, had a golden nose … when she turned blue, all the angels screamed” Tracks - I’ll be your mirror , I’m Waiting For My Man and There She Goes Again all follow a more conventional pop rock style. The vocals of Nico also provide great contrast to Lou Reed. I can both see why this is a seminal release, and why it wasn’t huge in its own era. This is drug counter culture 101. Both a great album, and madly ahead of its time. Noise rock, pop rock and ambient experimentalism all on one record.

This really makes me want to listen to her other albums. I had only heard Fetch The Bolt Cutters which I slightly prefer. Her voice is great, maybe a few too many ballads for my liking on this one. You can really hear the sadness in the songs though. Strong 3

She sings like she has eaten an ashtray. In a good way. Beautiful soul/rock songs. Not massively dissimilar to Tapestry (Carole King) - maybe less singles. Sunday music. This drops down from a comfortable 4 to a strong 3 in the end. The second half of the record is not as strong with tracks 7, 8 & 11 spoiling the flow a bit

A mix of blues and West African music. I love the way this album just washes over you. I like desert blues , so this is right up my alley. With a consistent style and no lyrics on most tracks. It doesn’t need to cover an hour. Still, very beautiful Low 4

The first 29 seconds is pure tinnitus. It stays difficult. I would like this more if the singing was not so awful. This album is like a deconstructed cheese cake. Good post punk songs wilfully pulled apart to create something smug. Sabotage! The problem is, they are actually doing something really interesting/good. If only they could hold back a little bit or focus on one consistent style. It is so far ahead of its time: think Sonic Youth, Swans, Black Midi. Their own bio describes: absurdist … self-destructing melodies, scattershot rhythms, and industrial-strength dissonance. Talent for sure, but they don’t want to make it easy to enjoy [self destructing being the operative term]. At 3:40 on Laughing - the lead singer makes a stupid sound like an ostrich and then giggles. Even in the context of this album it’s annoying. Real World is much the same. Street Waves and Chinese Radiation are just great tracks. Imagine it just held that for 35 minutes. The highs are there for sure. This may the only album to which I award a 3 star that I would happily/gladly never listen to again. If Pere Ubu lost the absurdist streak and actually sang the songs , this would be a great great band. Alas … Sentimental journey takes the absurdist style to absolute breaking point. Several minutes of smashing (sounds like) vases. An oboe playing on drone. The synths that evoke - to me - the sound of a dial up modem. The lyrics provided don’t match those sung. “At home, it’s a rug, it’s a window … it’s an [indiscernible noise]. This is not enjoyable. The. Humor Me let’s you off the hook with a good track to finish. A fascinating album nonetheless. Low 3/5

A beautiful set of songs, his voice is so smooth. The big band strings and recording style is now quite old fashioned

If he wants a one, he can have it. Annoying

The original rap collective - the careers they respectively went on to have is testament to the skill of the collaborators. If I could pick just one thing that I love about this album - it’s the production skills of RZA. One of the few albums of this era that also excels as a pure instrumental. Every element is great though. C.R.E.A.M might be my favourite hip hop track of all time

I wanted to give this a one, because I don’t like it. But I’m a sucker for a well constructed song. They have that on tap. 2 stars. This album was quite big at the time 😝

The combination of studio synths, soul and Curtis Mayfield is excellent. Occasionally you feel the limitations of following the storyline. Still, really enjoyable

Switched to the abridged version without the M.C. and glad I did. Jazz is not my favourite genre, but even I could appreciate elements of this.

Beatles influenced, psychedelic rock opera. Very creative from a band I hadn’t previously come across. Rock operas normally annoy me, but songs like Balloon Burning / Mr Evasion have a bit more edge to keep interest. Baron Saturday and a few others lose me a little bit with some of the lyrics. Low 3/5

Six Blade Knife and Sultans of Swing are great tunes. Little bit strong on the country vibes at times, but this is still a solid album. Hard not to like the licks of Mark Knopfler - great talent. 7/10 (high 3)

If The Beatles had just stuck with the Psychedelic Rock of Dear Prudence and While My Guitar Gently Weeps this would be a great album. Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da does not belong on any record. Neither does: Wild Honey Pie, Honey Pie, Bungalow Bill, Rocky Racoon or Savoy Truffle. Piggies is the worst one of all with lyrics so bad I can’t be bothered to type them up - awful awful novelty music. I cannot understand how these songs have ended up on the same album as Blackbird and Julia (a touching tribute to the death of Lennons mum). Naturally the song after Julia is a terrible blues standard song about having a Birthday Party. Why Don’t We Do it in the Road sounds like Muddy Waters Meets Butlins. There are a couple of experiment tracks: Helter Skelter and Revolution 9. But in amongst everything else these are just lost. I have no idea how hundreds of millions of people have been tricked into thinking this is the greatest band of all time.

Country style blues over some fairly dull songs

Considering the 10 year absence between this album and the previous release - the swagger of these tracks is surprisingly unbound. Valentines Day is a favourite. Hearing this album again, it is better than I remember. Is it as good as Black Star? Or indeed his best efforts from his heyday? Not quite, but it is still a strong return to form

Genre bending pop has become mainstream in the last 25 years, so this will not have quite the same impact to new listeners it had at the time.

Madly experimental, politically conscious. A Beach Boys that I didn’t know existed. Even the big risks work - I really like this. It’s all over the place, but it just has so so much heart - it’s incredible Strong 4 (one to buy)

I’m glad it’s over.

You’re My Best Friend and Bohemian Rhapsody are proper tracks. But so so so many novelty songs. Just stop. Stop. Stop right now. Please stop ✋ 🛑 . Soft 2/3

This makes me want to watch this film and listen to more Bollywood soundtracks. Strong 3

I let this one wash over me a bit. That’s the beauty, and sometimes rare for an indie album that doesn’t drag. It’s good xxx

I knew the singles, but surprised how much I enjoyed the album as a whole. Scuzzy guitars, dive bar aesthetic

Classic 80s REM

Genre defining punk. The second best clash album. Already more experimental than their peers - and the first full length UK punk LP. High 4 (9/10)

Bostons best known opening track is a real groover. Thankfully it doesn’t drop off. And what is most surprising is just how catchy the other songs are. Good fun Classic Rock. Why have one lead guitar, when you can have two playing the same solo in unison. Strong choruses throughout, clapping, drum solos.

Working class hymns, sensitive experimental folk backed by prog synths. The lyrics remind me of a different generation of London-er. It can be a touch one paced - although Little Red Riding Hood Hit the Road gives it a nice uplift (twice). Unfortunately Alifib and Alife both lack a bit of direction and the experimental poetry across both didn’t work for me. There is a lot good about this record, but at one point I did want to kill the watermole 5/10

Anthemic, varied. Some great singles and a refreshing level of experimentation. It doesn’t always gel together. Weak 3. I don’t feel harsh because they have better albums Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, Red Rain

Queen Latifah - All Hail the Queen Dance to Me is a banger of an opener. The roll call from De La Soul made me laugh (intentionally funny). Track 3 is early house, loads of fun and surprising. The DJ backing is great in general with great hooks and samples (eg Gil Scott on Evil that men Do) The rapping sounds more dated (exposed) on the slower tracks 6, 11 & 12. Love the saxophone on this album in general. The rapping is of its time, but style / flow matches contemporary’s (Big Daddy Kane, Eric B and Rakim, Salt N Pepa etc) 4/5

Strong album, very varied. Not as strong as some of their other albums

Did not click for me 2/5

Trying to imagine how this sounded back in 1969 is wild. The use of acoustic guitars is great on Babe I’m Going to Leave You. On heavier tracks like Dazed and Confused Zepplin bridge the gap between late 60s greats like Hendrix/Doors/The Who … and the Rock n Roll of the 70s. An absolute explosion of sound. 4/5

The singles are excellent. Drops off slightly for other tracks. Having the same album in both French and English is fine. But makes it a tad exhausting if you listen to both back to back. Would have preferred if they just picked 12 tracks and lived with it I enjoy her sound though. Solid 3/5

Whilst the opening track is not great (self aggrandising rant) and tracks 6 & 7 also have similar “old man shouts at cloud” vibes. Overall there are more hits than misses on this album, and the singles are great. As always great vocals. Strong 3

To anyone under the age of 30. It’s probably hard to understand how big these songs were on release. An era where every dance song had to have a drop. It can be a bit tiring though when the same song has 3 drops. As can the over use of the same vocal sample “what we doin when the fat boy slippin’” “ right about now, with the funk soul brutha”. This was absolutely giving the masses what they wanted at the time. Thankfully the samples (sampling) is strong, as is the source material. Praise You is probably the pick of the bunch. If follows the same formula as the rest, but the main sample is extended allowing the song to breath. You’re not from Brighton / Love Island and Acid 8000 follow a different pattern influenced by the rave era. Only the last of those is strong though. I expected to enjoy this more. 2/5

A true classic - memorable songs. Effortless

I’m not sure how this made the list. A weird combo of late 80s style pop tracks with acid house. When Shamen stop singing and just focus on instrumental songs it improves. Even then - just as you reach an ambient state the bubble bursts again as somebody whispers something daft. I would be more kind on this album and its importance to this era if there was some editorial control. Does it need 3 versions of move any mountain? I lost faith in this one by the end.

Just a great album

Solid uniform sound, everything you want in an indie album

Pretty solid album. I like that she wanted to bring back a sound of 70s soul - and Mark Ronson gives good life to it. It doesn’t compare to Aretha Franklin et al. But it doesn’t have to. And that isnt the mission. Well crafted songs and compelling lyrics. It doesn’t captivate me throughout , but some clear highs Low 4/5

They were called the Irish Ramones by some, and they sound like it. The lead vocals are great as well. If I’m being picky, by 1979 other punk bands were doing more in the space (and this is harsh because they were so young on release). I am giving this a strong 3. Because even though I consistently enjoyed throughout, there aren’t enough memorable tracks to keep you coming back.

Can I tell you a secret … I hate rock operas

Rock n Roll Star - good statement of intent song for a debut album Shaker Maker - not sure this aged as well. The Coca Cola advert music bit jars against an otherwise ok song Live Forever - this is well written. Noel Gallagher showing a bit of talent. Hard for me to enjoy with fresh ears given how many times I’ve heard this belted out karaoke style. Good single, madly over played Up in the Sky - is more interesting. Stone Roses influenced rock. Meaningless lyrics. Wish the whole album went with this sound Columbia - this is pretty forgettable, sounds like Heathen Chemistry. It’s not bad but it’s not good either Supersonic - again over played. But this is probably as strong as they get. The low sludge guitar works on this. Nonsense lyrics but not annoyingly. Chorus is good Bring on Down - kind of forgettable. Nice vibe to second half of the song. A couple minutes of rock no singing Cigarettes and Alcohol - best song on the album alongside Supersonic. Sure it’s a set format pop song. But it’s anthemic in a way that doesn’t grate for me Digsys Dinner - sounds like a demo take. Absolute garbage. Slide Away - Noel can write. Loses it a bit on the bridge. Refreshing to get an attempt at some reflective lyrics. Ends up getting shoe horned into a big chorus though “ Slide Awaayyyy” Married with Children - sounds like something Blur would write. Makes you realise why Liam doesn’t sing on the quiet songs Strong 3/5

Some of the tracks have good backing. The rapping lets it down. Not sure why they cover Louis Armstrong 2/5

What a signature sound. Ian Brown vocals over Johnny Marr style guitars. The bass and drums sound like veteran session musicians 20 years deep - not kids. A fully formed debut. They might have had a lot more content this good had they not signed an awful recording contract. A lot of bands have tried to sound like the Stone Roses since, and none of them have lived up to it. The album is already perfect and then I am the resurrection and Fools Gold kick in to finish. It sounds like a greatest hits. Unreal 5/5

Listened to this twice, the second playing clicked. Damn is still my favourite, but this is strong throughout and a real grower. Would recommend listening with the lyrics. The backing is just first class as well. 9/10 (round to 5/5)

I was just about giving this album the benefit of the doubt up until Grimble Gromble the Gnome. It’s a low score, but there will be several other Pink Floyd albums on this list to get a 5 ⭐ from me

Hauntingly beautiful tracks like The Big Ship and Everything Merges With the Night. Elsewhere machine noise experimental compositions like Over Fire Island. Somehow this still works as a coherent album and not an explosion of ideas. The vocal tracks are an unexpected treat. 5/5

Picks up around The Number of The Beast and Run to the Hills. The message on Run to The Hills - where the original settlers of the US are savage murderers and not heroes at all - is pretty punk. Overall though, this kind of hairspray metal is not for me. Fantastic musicians who are great live. But I am not the target audience for this. Hallowed be Thy Name at the end is a strong final song. 5/10 (2/3)

This album felt longer than 52 minutes. Slow country ballads. There was a bit of edge to it at points - but not enough. It’s all a bit one paced. Sounds like if Norah Jones discovered drugs

Soft 2/5. Occasional satire without interesting opinions. Schmultzy laid back style.

Hugely interesting experimental electronic indie

Excellent and varied album. I slightly prefer Highway 61 and Bringing it All Back Home - but we are getting picky now. Some great songs

The percussion is what keeps this going. The rest absolutely sounds like an album from 1957 - and big band jazz is usually not for me.

Probably his best solo album

Creative genre busting rap. No other act could make this album. The backing track is good enough to be an instrumental. The collective element always adds a little extra to their tracks. High 4